Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the figure marks a steady increase from the estimated 68 million regular voters recorded during the 2025 national and local elections.

“More or less, in the 2025 elections, we had 68 million regular voters,” Garcia said in an interview. “Now, we have more or less 71 million regular voters.”

Garcia added that the number of registered Sangguniang Kabataan voters has reached about 25 million ahead of the polls.

Approximately 5.6 million people registered to vote during the latest registration period, which ran from 20 October 2025, through 18 May 2026. Voter registration is expected to resume in February 2027 following the conclusion of the elections.

Garcia clarified the voting process for younger citizens participating in the synchronized polls, noting that registered youth voters must be between 15 and 30 years old.

Voters aged 15 to 17 will receive only one ballot to vote for youth council candidates. Voters aged 18 to 30 will receive two ballots — one for the youth council and another for the barangay, or village, elections.

In a statement, the SC described Feliciano as a trailblazer in several fields of law, particularly in gender, children, and marriage law, whose work in family protection and child welfare will continue to inspire future generations.

Feliciano served as chairperson emeritus of the legal writing, research, and methodology department of the Philippine Judicial Academy.

She also worked as a consultant to the Supreme Court Committee on Family Courts and Juvenile Concerns, and served as executive director of the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Office.

The court said her expertise and leadership significantly shaped continuing education for lawyers and contributed to the development of a more responsive and inclusive justice system.

Beyond the judiciary, Feliciano served as a commissioner of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women, where she advanced advocacies for women and vulnerable sectors.

A respected academic and legal scholar, Feliciano earned her bachelor’s degree in library sciences and a bachelor of laws degree from the University of the Philippines (UP) in 1957 and 1973, respectively.

She later obtained a master’s degree in law librarianship from the University of Washington in 1965 and a master of laws degree from Harvard University in 1980.

Feliciano worked as a professorial lecturer and later as a regular faculty member at the UP College of Law, where she also served as the law librarian. Throughout her career, she sat on several Supreme Court committees.

“The SC expresses its deepest gratitude for her invaluable contributions to the development of rules, policies, and reforms that strengthened the justice system and advanced the cause of vulnerable sectors,” the court said.       

The clearing initiative is part of Meralco’s anti-urban blight campaign and its operations against dangling wires and unauthorized attachments.

The cleanup coincides with the nationwide observance of Electrical Safety Month in May, which aims to prevent fires and electrocutions caused by compromised electrical infrastructure.

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto stressed that the local government’s collaboration with the utility provider is a sustained, daily effort rather than a one-time event.

“This is not just for today,” Sotto said. “Others might think this is only happening today in Barangay Kalawaan. But in truth, we do this every day with Meralco.”

Meantime, Joe Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications, highlighted the necessity of local government cooperation given the massive scale of the cleanup.

“This is a huge help in carrying out our anti-urban blight campaign, because Meralco cannot do this on its own without the support of the local government,” Zaldarriaga said.A

The organizations held a turnover ceremony for the donations at the Solaire Resort Entertainment City in Parañaque.

The Victoriano Luna General Hospital and the PNP Health Service, both located in Quezon City, received 15 beds each to support their inpatient healthcare services.

Foundation officials said the donation is part of their ongoing commitment to supporting frontline healthcare institutions. The organization has partnered with the military and national police forces on various humanitarian and disaster relief efforts over the years. 

To recall, the Senate had placed Dela Rosa under its protection following attempts by law enforcers to serve an arrest warrant linked to an International Criminal Court investigation.

Dela Rosa is a former chief of the Philippine National Police.

NBI director Melvin Matibag recently disclosed that Padilla previously acknowledged accompanying Dela Rosa when he left the Senate compound 13 May and dropping him off at another location.

Matibag said authorities are seeking a clearer account of the events that transpired after the exit.

He stressed that as a public official, Padilla is expected to voluntarily assist investigators rather than wait for formal legal action to compel his cooperation, adding that the Department of Justice and other agencies are examining potential legal accountability.

Padilla previously stated that Dela Rosa got off in Makati City and that he did not know where the senator went afterward.

Matibag, however, indicated that investigators believe unresolved questions remain.

The NBI chief also questioned the Senate’s implementation of “protective custody,” noting that senators had assured authorities they would take responsibility for Dela Rosa after an initial attempt to serve the warrant 11 May.

Matibag said protective custody should ensure that an individual remains available to authorities and does not evade lawful processes. He recalled that senators had allegedly promised him that Dela Rosa would not flee.

To illustrate accountability under protective custody, Matibag compared the situation to a department store assuming responsibility for a customer’s belongings left in its care.

Matibag warned that allowing a legislative institution to block the enforcement of an arrest warrant while the subject escapes could create a dangerous precedent, giving the impression that the Senate could become a refuge for fugitives.

He also stressed the broader importance of adherence to the rule of law, saying authorities must strengthen public respect for law and order amid competing narratives online.

The award honors individuals advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Balana was cited for her work supporting Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peace, justice and strong institutions.

In announcing the award, the Icons of Change organization highlighted Balana’s four-decade journalism career and her efforts to strengthen accountability and public discourse through reporting, communications and media mentorship.

“Through her decades of fearless reporting, ethical governance communication, and mentorship of future journalists, Cynthia D. Balana has illuminated marginalized voices, strengthened institutional accountability, and advanced informed public discourse — playing a vital role in reinforcing democratic values and transparent governance,” the organization said.

The group also cited Balana’s “outstanding 40-year career marked by uncompromising integrity, investigative excellence, and transformative public service.”

Balana spent 32 years as a news and investigative reporter for the Philippine Daily Inquirer before joining the DAILY TRIBUNE as associate editor. She continues to write the weekly opinion column “Open Minded.”

She also served in government communications positions, including chief editor of the Presidential News Desk at the Presidential Communications Office and division chief and supervising editor at the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

As a communications consultant, she advised agencies such as the Bureau of Customs and the Department of the Interior and Local Government on transparency initiatives, public messaging and crisis communications.

A graduate of Ateneo de Manila University with a master’s degree in journalism, Balana has participated in several international journalism and communications programs, including the United States State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program and fellowships in Italy, Hawaii and Japan.

Her previous honors include Catholic Mass Media Awards for investigative reporting, DSWD Gawad Ulat Awards for balanced reporting, and recognition as a finalist in the Mitsubishi Awards for Journalism in Asia and the Jaime V. Ongpin Awards for Excellence in Journalism.

The awarding ceremony is scheduled for 5 December 2026.

At a press briefing in Camp Crame on Tuesday, FEO legal officer Lt. Col. Domer Tadeo said the office initiated a motu proprio investigation before receiving a similar request from the National Bureau of Investigation.

According to Tadeo, the review began last week and was based on provisions of Republic Act 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

“The FEO board recommends cancellation. The ground is under Section 4(g) of RA 10591 — there is a pending criminal case where the imposable penalty is more than two years,” Tadeo said.

He said the recommendation will be forwarded to FEO chief Brig. Gen. Jojo Manalad for approval.

“Once the FEO chief makes the recommendation this week, a notification will be sent to Sen. Dela Rosa. If he wishes, he may file the necessary motion for reconsideration. He also has the option to surrender the firearms,” Tadeo said.

The FEO declined to disclose the number of firearms registered to Dela Rosa, citing privacy considerations. Still, some reports say Dela Rosa’s firearms number over 100.

“It is our position that such information is personal and protected by the Data Privacy Act,” Tadeo said.

A revocation of the gun licenses and registrations will result in the confiscation of the firearms by the PNP.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said any action involving firearm licenses is being carried out in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

“The revocation of firearms privileges is a legal and procedural necessity, not a political act,” Nartatez said in a statement. “We will fulfill our mandate with discipline, transparency and full respect for human rights.”

Meanwhile, newly appointed PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co confirmed that the PNP has received a subpoena from the Department of Justice seeking records related to firearms involved in the 13 May shooting incident at the Senate.

Co said the subpoena covers records of Senate-owned firearms and ownership information on a firearm seen in video footage of the incident.

“The PNP respects the ongoing investigation of the Department of Justice and assures its full cooperation with all lawful processes,” he said.

Allen Torrecampo, a former aide to SYMS Construction owner Sally Santos, told the Sandiganbayan Third Division that Santos regularly purchased grocery boxes from a market in Meycauayan, Bulacan before delivering money allegedly intended for DPWH-related projects.

Torrecampo said she often accompanied Santos when the latter withdrew cash from a Land Bank branch located near the DPWH district office. According to her testimony, a bank teller identified as Lilibeth Lim counted and prepared the cash before it was released.

Asked by Associate Justice Karl Miranda why the transactions were made in cash rather than through checks, Torrecampo said she had heard that Hernandez preferred cash payments.

She testified that after withdrawing the money, they would proceed directly to the DPWH office, where Monica Ocampo-Santos, the niece of Sally Santos, would meet them.

When asked whether Hernandez signed any receipt or acknowledgment showing he received the cash, Torrecampo said no such document was executed.

Torrecampo’s testimony echoed earlier statements made before the court by both Sally Santos and Monica Ocampo-Santos, who previously testified on the alleged cash deliveries.

During cross-examination, Torrecampo acknowledged that she appeared as a witness after being asked by Santos to testify.

She said she had worked for Santos before the establishment of SYMS Construction, helping sell food products in 2020. In 2022, she formally joined the company as a personal assistant.

In a 20-page concurring opinion supporting the Supreme Court’s denial of Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s request for a temporary restraining order and status quo ante order, Associate Justice Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa said developments in international law make it unreasonable to interpret the Constitution’s warrant requirement as applying only to warrants issued by Philippine judges.

“That may be true from a purely domestic standpoint, but considering the developments in international law, it is unreasonable to interpret the requirement of a warrant in a very limited sense of being required to be issued by a Philippine court or judge,” Caguioa wrote.

The Supreme Court, sitting en banc, voted 9-5-1 during a special session on 20 May to deny Dela Rosa’s plea for interim relief against a possible arrest arising from the ICC’s investigation into alleged crimes against humanity linked to the Duterte administration’s anti-drug campaign.

Caguioa rejected Dela Rosa’s argument that ICC warrants are not enforceable in the Philippines without an independent determination of probable cause by a local judge.

“It stands to reason, therefore, that probable cause determination is done by ICC judges alone, not Philippine judges,” he wrote.

He also cited Article 59(4) of the Rome Statute, saying it supports the view that a separate Philippine warrant is unnecessary for the implementation of an ICC arrest order.

In a statement, the agency said 59 vessels carrying 1,834 Filipino crew members crossed the strategic waterway between April and May, as of 25 May. 

The ships included oil tankers, cargo vessels, container ships and other commercial vessels operating in the region.

The DMW said it is also tracking 17 additional vessels expected to pass through the strait, carrying nearly 300 Filipino seafarers.

The agency said it is coordinating with shipping companies, licensed manning agencies and relevant government agencies to ensure real-time monitoring, continuous communication and immediate response should the situation require it.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s busiest maritime routes and a critical passage for global oil shipments. Concerns over maritime security have intensified following renewed hostilities in parts of the Middle East.

Speaking on the DAILY TRIBUNE digital program Usapang OFW, Salanga said Saudi authorities completed their forensic examination of Regencia’s remains after he was found dead in his residence in Riyadh.

According to Salanga, the external medical examination showed early signs of decomposition and discoloration but found no visible wounds, injuries or indications of trauma.

Despite those findings, Salanga said the family retains the option of requesting a more extensive autopsy if they seek further clarification on the cause of death.

He said such a request may be made before the remains are repatriated from Saudi Arabia or after they arrive in the Philippines.

Salanga added that the return of Regencia’s remains could be delayed until 31 May or 1 June because of the Eid al-Adha holiday in Saudi Arabia.

He said they are processing the worker’s end-of-service benefits and unpaid salaries while preparations for the repatriation continue.

Salanga said all benefits due to Regencia, who had worked in Saudi Arabia for more than 11 years, would be released to his family after the completion of the required procedures.

Regencia was discovered in his Riyadh residence after co-workers became concerned when he failed to report for work for two consecutive days.

His remains are currently being kept at a morgue in Riyadh while his family awaits his return to the Philippines.

The defeat ended Eala’s bid for a breakthrough victory in the main draw of the year’s second Grand Slam tournament. 

Despite the loss, the 20-year-old Filipina earned a spot in the main draw and will take home prize money of 87,000 euros.

Jovic, ranked No. 17 in the world, advanced to the second round, where she will face fellow American Emma Navarro.

The opening set was closely contested after Jovic raced to a 5-1 lead. Eala mounted a late comeback, taking advantage of several service errors by her opponent and winning three straight games to narrow the gap to 5-4.

Jovic regained control in the next game, breaking Eala’s serve to seal the set.

Eala started strongly in the second set, breaking serve to move ahead 1-0. 

Jovic quickly responded with a break of her own before taking command of the match, winning five of the next six games to complete the straight-set victory.

The loss continues a difficult run on clay for Eala. After showing promise at the Italian Open, she exited the Strasbourg Open last week with a three-set defeat to Ukrainian qualifier Oleksandra Oliynykova.

“Integration does not mean assimilation. It does not mean forgetting your roots and abandoning who you are. Our greatest asset is our unique identity,” President Marcos said when he spoke before members of the Filipino community in Tokyo as kick-off to his four-day State Visit to Japan on Tuesday night with overseas Filipino workers here.

Marcos Jr. then assured the government’s continued commitment to protecting their welfare, underscoring the importance of the Filipino community in strengthening Philippine-Japan relations.

Marcos also expressed gratitude for the contributions and sacrifices of overseas Filipinos working across various sectors in Japan, including factories, offices, schools, hospitals, hotels, restaurants, and construction sites.

“Bago pa man kami makipagpulong sa mga pinuno ng Japan, minarapat naming unahin ang pakikipagkita sa inyo, sapagkat kayo ang dahilan kung bakit mahalaga ang relasyon ng Pilipinas at Japan. Kayo ang nagbibigay ng buhay sa ugnayang ito,” the President said in his remarks at the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo.

There are an estimated 350,000 Filipinos living and working in Japan.

President Marcos emphasized that the administration continues to work tirelessly to safeguard the rights, welfare, and safety of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“Napakahalaga po para sa amin na maipabatid sa inyo na ang inyong pamahalaan ay walang tigil at walang sawang nagsisikap upang mapangalagaan ang inyong mga karapatan, kapakanan, at kaligtasan habang kayo ay naghahanapbuhay sa ibayong dagat,” President Marcos added.

The President described young Filipinos in Japan as the “torch bearers” for the next 70 years of Philippine-Japan relations and expressed confidence that they will continue to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

President Marcos likewise paid tribute to older members of the Filipino community who paved the way for younger generations to thrive in Japan.

Meanwhile, the President also shared the impact of the recent conflict in the Middle East on the Philippines, which triggered higher oil prices and rising costs of basic commodities.

President Marcos noted that the government responded by declaring a State of National Energy Emergency and implementing the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program to stabilize fuel supply, prevent hoarding, and provide assistance to affected sectors.

The President emphasized that the energy crisis underscored the importance of international cooperation, saying no country can address such challenges alone.

Despite global economic challenges, President Marcos said the Philippines and Japan continue to work closely together to ease the burden on their people and strengthen economic resilience.

The Chief Executive said his visit, undertaken upon the invitation of the Japanese government, aims to further deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as labor protection, trade and commerce, defense and regional security, and people-to-people exchanges.

Sentiment weakened after US officials confirmed “self-defense” strikes against Iran-backed targets, reviving fears that negotiations between Washington and Tehran could stall. The latest developments tempered the optimism created by Monday’s reports of progress in US-Iran talks. Investors interpreted the mixed signals as evidence that geopolitical risks remain elevated despite ongoing negotiations.

Equity trading remained subdued, with net value turnover at P4.29 billion, while foreign investors were aggressive net sellers, recording outflows of P820.16 million. Mining stocks led sectoral gains, rising 1.42 percent on firmer commodity prices, while services declined 2.72 percent. SM Investments Corp. gained 1.63 percent to P622.00, while Century Pacific Food fell 4.32 percent to P27.70.

The latest US strikes also pushed the peso lower to P61.56 per US dollar, weakening by nearly 10 centavos from Monday’s close as risk aversion returned to global foreign exchange markets.

Rate hike jitters persist

Local uncertainties weighed down the mood, particularly fears that inflation could climb beyond 8 percent, fueling speculation about an unusually large 50-basis-point rate hike by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. 

These concerns reduced the appeal of equities and prompted a shift toward a risk-off posture. The Philippine market ended with 77 gainers, 117 decliners, and 53 unchanged, with a total turnover of P4.28 billion, net of extraordinary block sales.

The currency opened weaker at P61.45, traded within a P61.405–P61.65 range, and settled near session lows. The Bankers Association of the Philippines weighted average climbed to P61.582 from P61.437 previously. At the same time, the FX settlement rate weakened to P61.561 from P61.426, indicating stronger demand for dollars as a safe-haven asset throughout the session.

Maj. Gen. Wilson Asueta, chief of the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG), said cybercop operatives executed a warrant to search and examine computer data 20 May.

The raid resulted in the arrest of the suspects, including a 55-year-old foreigner identified by the alias “Boss.”

Reports said that the operation was launched after several victims reported being deceived into investing money through online advertisements. They were later contacted by individuals posing as trading assistants and investment advisers.

Asueta said the syndicate used an organized network of marketing personnel, telesales agents, and retention agents to persuade victims to invest in Xtrade, an online trading platform.

The workers used scripted communications on messaging apps and social media platforms to lure targets.

Asueta added that the the group also used fake advertisements featuring doctored photos of celebrities to promote the scheme.

According to the Securities and Exchange Commission, neither the Xtrade trading platform nor its operator, KLSJ Call Center Services, is registered with the government. Neither entity has the authority to solicit investments or handle securities.

“These are employees, but they actively participated in the scheme, which is why they were included in the arrest,” Asueta said, citing that the operation lacked any legal corporate personality in the Philippines.

An investigation revealed that the suspects used fake identities, manipulated victims into continually depositing money, and tightly controlled withdrawal requests to create the illusion of legitimate trading activities.

The suspects face a gray list of criminal charges, including computer-related fraud, misuse of devices, and aiding and abetting cybercrime under the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

They are also accused of violating the Securities Regulation Code, the Financial Products and Services Consumer Protection Act, the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act, and the Revised Penal Code for using fictitious names.

Following the raid, investigators discovered that the foreign suspect also had an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court.

The warrant cites 70 counts of tax evasion and 70 counts of failing to file tax returns under the National Internal Revenue Code, with a total recommended bail set at P8.4 million.

First of all, I would like to congratulate you for passing the recent Bar examinations. It must be a great feat to be a lawyer and at the same time, an actor. In relation to my query, I have a friend who took the same exam as you did and she hurdled it. The problem is: Someone filed a criminal case of estafa against her and it is currently in the trial stage. Shouldn’t she be allowed to take the oath and sign the rolls of attorney so that she could practice her new profession? Thank you for your time and more success.

Myrrh

Dear Myrrh,

Thank you for your kind words. Congratulations as well to your friend and my batchmate in the Bar examinations.

I am sorry to hear about the predicament she is in at the moment. In response to your question, the answer is “yes”; she may be allowed to take the oath and sign the rolls of attorney, despite the fact that she has been charged criminally.

In the recent jurisprudence of in re: Marivic Antonio Taloma (B.M. No. 4530), the Supreme Court decided in her favor, stating that “it is true that, as quoted above, Rule 138 of the Rules of Court requires all applicants for admission to the Bar to produce before the Court evidence that no charges against them, involving moral turpitude, have been filed or are pending in any court in the Philippines.

This requirement, however — like all acts of any branch of the government — has to be read and understood   consistently with Constitution in order to remain valid… Section 2, Rule 138 of the Rules of Court, therefore, has to be construed consistently with the Constitution, and in particular with the constitutional right to be presumed innocent. This right to be presumed innocent does not just apply to an accused person’s status in the criminal case where his or her innocence is assailed.

Rather, the right requires that the State treat all accused persons as innocent in all of their dealings with the government, despite the filing of a criminal case against, as long as there is no conviction by final judgment.” Applying the same to your friend, she may be allowed to take her oath and sign the rolls of attorneys and become a full-pledged lawyer.

Atty. Nico Antonio

The meeting in New Delhi came 10 days after President Donald Trump’s state visit to China, where he spoke warmly of US-China cooperation as a potential “G2” arrangement, unsettling allies wary of Beijing’s growing influence.

Rubio met Quad foreign ministers in Washington within hours of taking office last year, and the group convened again there in July 2025. But a leaders’ summit expected in India last year never materialized after Trump declined to commit to the trip, despite former President Joe Biden’s pledge that the meetings were “here to stay.”

Speaking alongside his counterparts in New Delhi, Rubio said the Quad had become “even more relevant and more important because of recent events around the world.”

“Our goal collectively over the last year has been to turn this from a forum in which we meet and talk about problems, to one where we actually do something about it,” Rubio said, adding cooperation was advancing “pretty aggressively.”

Rubio said the four nations should deepen cooperation on critical minerals, an area where Washington is seeking to counter China’s dominance in resources vital to advanced technology. He also cited work on freedom of navigation, humanitarian response and energy security.

“Each of these four nations represented here today bring unique capabilities, that collectively we can bring to bear on some of the most significant problems facing the world,” Rubio said.

Still, divisions surfaced over Iran and broader security priorities.

Washington has increasingly invoked freedom of navigation as it seeks support against Iran following the US-Israeli war launched 28 February, which triggered tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and drove up oil prices.

India’s foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, stressed that discussions would focus on “the Indo-Pacific, which is the specific limit of the Quad.”

India also has resisted pressure to cut ties with Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, diverging from the other Quad nations.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong pointed to Asia’s “deteriorating strategic environment and acute economic stress” as a key concern for the group.

Japan’s Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi, meeting separately with Indian officials on Monday, warned of an “increasingly severe” global security environment.

“The world is faced with the most significant structural change in the post-World War II era, driven by a shift in the balance of power and the intensification of conflict and confrontation,” Motegi said.

Official trade data showed Taiwan exported more than 181,000 drones in the first four months of 2026, nearly 20 times higher than the same period last year. Most shipments went to the Czech Republic and Poland, with analysts saying many are ultimately destined for Ukraine.

Taiwan is positioning itself as a producer of “non-red” drones and components free of Chinese materials, seeking to tap growing demand from governments wary of relying on Beijing-linked supply chains.

The island’s drone makers say overseas sales are critical as domestic demand remains limited and defence spending plans have stalled in Taiwan’s opposition-controlled parliament.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said Lo’s economic expertise would help steer the country through a worsening debt crisis. Senegal’s debt has climbed to 132 percent of GDP, while talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) remain stalled.

“Senegal is a safe and viable country and intends to remain so,” Lo said after his appointment, calling the country’s finances difficult but manageable.

Faye dismissed Sonko and dissolved the government Friday after months of tensions between the two former allies, who swept to power in 2024 on promises of reform and anti-corruption measures.

The split has exposed divisions over how to handle Senegal’s economic troubles. Faye favors renewed engagement with the IMF, while Sonko has pushed a more nationalist approach.

Speaking at an Energy Forum on Tuesday led by the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines, ERC chairperson Francis Saturnino C. Juan admitted the power crisis was poorly managed, with rotating brownouts imposed six times between 13 and 18 May while spot market prices repeatedly hit the P32,000-per-megawatt-hour cap.

“I will not stand here and tell you we performed well in managing that crisis. We are facing a flexibility shortage in the hours after the sun goes down,” Juan said.

ERC data showed the outages were concentrated in the late afternoon and evening, when solar generation dropped off, but household demand remained high.

He said all six manual load-dropping incidents were caused by generation deficiencies, not by transmission failures or fuel shortages.

Not enough reserves

“We did not have enough reserves on the right side of the dispatch curve,” he said.

Juan said the ERC would revisit reserve requirements, accelerate procurement of battery storage and fast-ramping capacity, and review the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market’s secondary price cap after the P32,000 ceiling was reached during every Red Alert hour monitored by the regulator.

“A price cap is meant to be a circuit breaker, not a destination,” Juan said.

The ERC is also looking at expanding demand-response programs and time-of-use pricing to reduce pressure on the grid during critical evening hours.

“This is the cheapest megawatt on the grid, and we have underused it for too long,” Juan said.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed total domestic trade volume fell 35.3 percent to 10.17 million tons from 15.72 million tons in the same period last year.

Road transport remained the country’s dominant mode for moving goods, accounting for 50.6 percent of total domestic trade volume, followed closely by water transport at 49.3 percent. At the same time, air cargo represented only a marginal share.

Cargo transported by road reached 5.15 million tons, down 20.1 percent year-on-year, while commodities moved by water plunged 45.9 percent to 5.02 million tons. Air cargo volume also declined 19.9 percent to 4.57 thousand tons.

Mineral products emerged as the largest commodity group traded domestically, accounting for 3.07 million tons or 30.2 percent of total trade volume during the quarter.

Prepared food products and vegetable products followed, contributing 24.6 percent and 23.6 percent, respectively.

You have a good income. A nice home. A decent car. Good food. Family trips. Private school. Little luxuries. From the outside, life looks comfortable.

But inside, you feel pressure. 

Pressure to maintain. Pressure to upgrade. Pressure to keep up. Pressure to keep paying for the lifestyle you built.

Friend, a comfortable life should give you peace, not anxiety.

I have met people who earn well but still feel trapped. Not because they lack income, but because their lifestyle has become too heavy.

Here are five signs your lifestyle may already be owning you:

1. Your income is high, but cash flow is tight. You earn well, but every peso already has a destination: mortgage, car payments, tuition, insurance, helpers, subscriptions, dining out, vacations and credit card bills.

There is income, but no breathing room. A high salary is not the same as financial peace.

2. You keep upgrading, but feel less secure. A bigger house. A newer car. The latest gadgets. Nicer vacations.

There is nothing wrong with upgrading when you can truly afford it. But every upgrade comes with added costs: maintenance, insurance, dues, and expectations. Not every upgrade is progress. Sometimes, it is just more expensive pressure.

3. You feel pressure to maintain an image.

The right subdivision. The right school. The right car. The right restaurants. The right travel photos.

But remember: people may admire your lifestyle, but they will not pay your bills. Never trade financial peace for public approval.

4. Your lifestyle grew faster than your savings. As income grows, expenses often grow, too.

But if your lifestyle keeps expanding while your savings, emergency fund, and long-term goals remain small, that is not financial growth. That is lifestyle inflation.

Real wealth is not measured by what you buy. It is measured by the freedom and security your money gives you.

5. You can no longer say no. Can you delay an upgrade? Skip an expensive trip? Choose a simpler restaurant? Say no to another installment?

If every downgrade feels painful, your lifestyle may no longer be a choice. It may already be controlling you.

Friend, enjoying your hard work is not wrong. You should celebrate your blessings. But comfort should never become a cage.

A beautiful life should feel light, not heavy. It should give you options, not obligations.

So today, ask yourself: Am I enjoying my lifestyle, or am I working just to maintain it?

True success is not living expensively. True success is living with peace, margin, and freedom.

Moneywise Tip: Before upgrading anything, ask: Will this improve my life, or will it only increase the financial pressure on me?

Authorities had evacuated about 50,000 people in Garden Grove, southeast of Los Angeles, after a leak and crack were discovered in a tank containing 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate, a flammable chemical used in plastics manufacturing.

Garden Grove Police Chief Amir El-Farra said about 16,000 residents remained under evacuation orders after officials reviewed updated data with hazardous materials experts.

“For those that remain impacted, I know this may be frustrating,” El-Farra said. “Please understand that we are doing this for your safety.”

Orange County fire officials said there was “currently no active leak,” while continuous air monitoring showed no chemicals escaping from the tank.

Incident Commander Craig Covey said pressure inside the tank had been released and temperatures had fallen significantly.

“The crack is there. We have verified that it’s there, and the tank has released its pressure,” Covey said.

“That is incredibly positive news as we turn the corner on this incident,” he added.

Federal regulators, including the Environmental Protection Agency, had warned the worst-case scenario could involve multiple explosions if nearby tanks ignited.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the “most likely scenario” was a limited release that authorities could contain and neutralize.

The tank is owned by aerospace manufacturer GKN Aerospace. Disneyland, located about five miles away, remained open during the incident.

The EPA says methyl methacrylate can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system, particularly after prolonged exposure.

Through a board seat in a faded but reviving telecommunications outfit and connections within a certain capital group known for distressed-asset bets, this figure has become linked to two assets near the pulsing core of the modern economy: one legacy telecom survivor and one prominent digital-media platform.

The telecom in question has been suspended from trading since the early 2000s, remains under corporate rehabilitation, and still carries a fragile balance sheet: minimal cash, towering current liabilities, and a massive accumulated deficit. 

Yet it recently posted a modest net income and scraped back into positive equity territory, as if the old fixed-line carcass has started to stir again.

The businessman isn’t just a passive director. He’s a hands-on operator who built his name turning around or partnering in resource and industrial assets, often alongside foreign and strategic allies. 

His holding company spans renewables, agro-industries, and resorts, and he has a reputation for ambitious infrastructure bets that require deep pockets and clever alliances, exactly what this telecom’s fiber expansion dreams will require. 

The company talks of massive additions to its network in terms of tens of thousands of fiber kilometers, targeted rollouts across key regions, and eventually reaching a huge chunk of the population. 

The price tag totals several billion pesos. Whether this becomes a serious challenger to the telecom giants or remains a high-stakes option on the country’s digital future is the question Nosy Tarsee is asking. 

This player is no longer content to stay only in the hard-asset world he mastered. The invisible arteries of data and information are calling. 

The company said Tuesday that the rating signals confidence in its ability to sustain stable cash flows despite market volatility, high fuel prices and geopolitical risks, while reinforcing investor support for the group’s diversification strategy.

JCR is one of Japan’s leading credit rating agencies and is widely tracked by investors and financial institutions assessing corporate creditworthiness.

“This rating reflects the strength of our diversified portfolio, the resilience of our operating businesses, and the discipline of our long-term approach to growth,” Aboitiz Group president and CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz said.

“As we continue to scale our businesses, we remain focused on creating sustainable long-term value while maintaining financial prudence and operational discipline,” he added.

Strong business base

JCR said AEV has a “strong and stable business base and cash flow generation,” backed by disciplined capital allocation and a growing mix of earnings sources outside its traditional power operations.

The agency noted that non-power businesses accounted for 42 percent of AEV’s beneficial earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization  in 2025, signaling the conglomerate’s deliberate shift toward a broader, less power-dependent earnings base.

While AboitizPower remains the group’s main profit engine, JCR cited the growing contributions of Union Bank of the Philippines, Aboitiz InfraCapital and Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines as key to broadening the company’s exposure to infrastructure and consumer-driven sectors.

Congress has launched an inquiry into the deal amid growing public outrage over its impact on passengers, overseas Filipino workers, airlines, airport staff and small businesses.

Speakers during the protest outside the legislature building sounded the alarm on soaring airport charges and passenger fees, while raising sharp questions about transparency, accountability and constitutional compliance.

The airport handles more than 50 million passengers a year, and its privatization has turned a public gateway into a billionaire’s playground, an industry group said.

“The privatization of NAIA was sold to Filipinos as the ‘golden ticket’ to modernization. But months into the deal, the public is now asking: modernization for whom? Certainly not for the ordinary traveler, worker, OFW, or small entrepreneur,” it added.

A spokesperson for the group indicated, “Instead of relief and efficiency, what Filipinos got were soaring fees, additional charges, shuttered businesses, mass lay-offs, and even collapsing airport ceilings. “It feels like just a new packaging for the same old problems.”

“Except this time, the public is paying even more. Far more,” the head of the group said.

The industry group is calling for a full review, and if necessary, the revocation of the agreement between the Department of Transportation and the San Miguel Corp.led New NAIA Infra Corp. 

The contractor immediately dumped the burden of modernization onto ordinary Filipinos through higher airport fees and travel costs at a time when the peso is weak and prices of basic goods continue to rise, the group alleged.

Skyrocketing rental rates forced many businesses inside the airport to close or drastically scale down, resulting in job losses, the group said.

Transparency failure

“More alarming is the apparent failure to uphold transparency and accountability from day one. Until now, the DoTr and NNIC have yet to appoint the required Independent Consultant — a direct violation of the agreement itself. In plain terms: “boxing had started but there is no referee,” it added.

Organizers provided updates during the House hearing on three petitions pending before the Supreme Court that seek to declare the contract unconstitutional and void. Legal counsels involved in the filings presented key arguments focusing heavily on the legality of the concession agreement and the public-interest impact of turning over the primary 

The initial phase of the project in Maasim town will focus on metal sheet manufacturing and is expected to generate more than 4,000 direct jobs, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Roque said the company remains committed to further expanding its investments in the country despite years of delays caused by the pandemic.

“They’re very bullish in the Philippines… and they’re so big in China,” Roque told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Monday, 25 May.

10-M tons output targeted

The facility forms part of Panhua’s larger three-phase steel complex, which is expected to eventually produce up to 10 million tons of steel products annually for both domestic and export markets.

The project traces its roots to a 2018 memorandum of understanding signed among Panhua Group, the DTI, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and the PHIVIDEC Industrial Authority.

The steel complex occupies part of the Kamanga Agro-Industrial Ecozone Development Corp. site in Barangay Kamanga, Maasim, Sarangani.

Once fully completed, the broader development could create as many as 25,000 jobs, according to Panhua chairman Li Xinhua.

The DTI said the company’s entry could help strengthen local manufacturing capacity and reduce dependence on imported steel products.

Roque added that the government continues to engage Chinese firms interested in expanding operations in the Philippines, particularly in electric vehicles, renewable energy and food manufacturing.

During a recent visit to China, the DTI held discussions with companies including NWOW Technology, Shanghai Launch, and Goodwe regarding potential investments in the country.

“We’re talking to them about what they would need so they can move their business here to the Philippines,” Roque said.

Ethics begs the question of whether the “ends justify the means,” or shouldn’t the “means justify the ends” in all instances? Or simply put, should you do whatever it takes to accomplish your goal, regardless of whether it’s morally right or wrong?  Do we kill all drug offenders to ensure a safe community? Or do we instead rehabilitate drug offenders?

For this week, I give way to a Gen-Zer, a 17-year-old student of an exclusive all-girls school in Alabang who shares her views on the ethical perspective of this issue. 

The ends of ethics: Does it ever justify the means?

By Adreanne Serrano

In Avengers: Infinity War, the villain Thanos states that he must wipe out half of all life in the universe to end wars, food shortages, overpopulation, and other contemporary issues for the greater good. While this is a fictional scenario, it questions our own morality and how we approach our goals to achieve them. This mentality can be summed up in ethics’ most popular dilemma: Do the ends justify the means? Or is it vice versa? 

Exploring this thought experiment involves taking a closer look at various types of philosophy and their applications in our decision-making. 

“The ends justify the means” can be simplified to mean that the end or the goal morally outweighs the means, that any method is acceptable so long as the goal is achieved. 

The argument here is that more people will benefit in the end with this decision, even if it costs others their lives. Politically, this justifies a leader’s need for absolute power and authority in the present to secure the future and well-being of the greater number of people by pushing boundaries. 

One prime example of this is dictatorships. The goal of the martial law declaration of Marcos Sr. was to ensure a state that would be dependent on its leader, regardless of how it stripped citizens of their standard trial procedures, freedom of the press, and unrestricted movement.    

This ethical mindset becomes a political strategy that gets the end done quickly with little consideration for whatever unconstitutional consequences it may have. Think of the current situation in the Senate. If the goal is to delay the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, then a coup and a sudden change in leadership suddenly seems like fair play.            

These actions tread on the mindset of prioritizing the end goal, even if it means the termination of individual lives. In this way, it promotes moral ambiguity by blurring the distinction between right and wrong when pursuing what you want. All that matters is the goal itself, one’s capacity to chase that power, and what they will do to maintain that power. 

Conversely, we have “the means justify the ends.” This is defined by philosopher Kant as “a person is an end in itself, and should not be used as a means to an end.” Every person has an intrinsic value rooted in their autonomy to act virtuously before pursuing a goal. 

Therefore, if we have the power to choose our goals, we can also choose to value others in our means rather than simply using them as sacrificial pawns for the “greater good.” It emphasizes that there is always another way to achieve our goals that respects human dignity as something to be cherished and upheld, beyond self-interest or future happiness. 

It is a basic human right that an accused defendant must be tried reasonably with evidence to prove his innocence before imposing a punishment on him. 

This situation values the human person by not presuming him guilty and chooses the morally sound means of an evidence-based trial rather than harming the defendant to promote justice. Through this philosophy, rather than assuming the perspective of someone with authority over others, we are challenged to view others as equals and achieve our goals through collaboration, not coercion.

Across political, social, and intellectual landscapes, ethics continues to expand our knowledge of our individual principles and their behavioral standings. The question “Do the ends justify the means?” allows us to think critically about current philosophical stances and their applications in real-world scenarios. Prioritizing the ends over the means emphasizes personal power through morally ambiguous means, whereas justifying the means over the ends upholds human autonomy and dignity as considerations for the morality of one’s actions and their contemporary impacts. 

Practicality in decision-making should also be considered by accounting for the situational context and circumstances in determining the most virtuous actions toward a goal.

Especially for our leaders, we must continue to question the motivation behind their actions and call for public servants to use their authority to improve, not impede, the rights of citizens. 

The ability to create, pursue and act on any dilemma lies with the individual. From small choices to life-or-death scenarios, it is within our own jurisdiction to guide ourselves and our moral principles toward the best possible outcome. By uncovering the ends of ethics, it means for us to remain open-minded, introspective, and reflective to the possibilities around us.

Until next week… OBF!

Called “INabel: Living Threads,” the exhibit was launched by Governor Cecilia Araneta-Marcos and highlighted inabel weaving as part of Ilokano culture and identity among Filipinos overseas.

The exhibition featured handwoven textiles produced by Ilokano weavers and showcased traditional weaving techniques alongside modern applications of the craft.

Organizers said the exhibit aimed to reconnect younger generations of Filipinos in the United States with their cultural roots through inabel, a centuries-old weaving tradition from Northern Luzon.

The activity was mounted in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute, which has been supporting textile research and local weaving industries in the country.

Aside from traditional fabrics, the exhibition also presented works by local artisans and creatives involved in preserving and promoting indigenous weaving practices through contemporary designs and sustainable production.

The event formed part of cultural activities commemorating the history of sakadas, or Filipino migrant workers, who traveled to Hawaii in the early 1900s to work in sugar plantations.

In an interview, Ejercito said the repeated disputes among senators — many of which had spilled onto social media — have contributed to a decline in the public’s view of the chamber.

“I agree that this is one of the lowest moments of the Senate,” he said. “The public’s regard for the Senate has declined because of what has been happening.”

He noted that for decades, the Senate had been a respected institution expected to “stand for what is right,” but recent developments have disappointed many Filipinos.

“As a member of the Senate, I am saddened by what is happening because with the constant bickering, it feels like we are watching a teleserye,” Ejercito said.

He said the political infighting has overshadowed pressing national concerns such as the oil crisis, El Niño, and economic and social concerns affecting ordinary Filipinos.

“There are many problems facing the country that we should be addressing,” he said, stressing that the Senate should focus more on issues directly affecting the people rather than internal disputes.

Ejercito said the chamber must first show that it stands “on the side of what is right” to rebuild the public’s confidence.

Asked if a leadership change could ease tensions, he said the senators may need to make sacrifices to restore order and stability.

 “I think we all agree in the Senate that there has to be order because this situation cannot continue,” he said.

Ejercito recalled his abstention from the last Senate leadership vote despite being offered the position of majority leader by new Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano, saying that he did so out of “delicadeza” and loyalty to the leadership of former Senate President Tito Sotto.

“That was the reason I abstained,” he said. “Everyone has to make sacrifices so there can be order because the image of the Senate right now is not good,” he said.

The proposal sparked immediate objections from minority lawmakers, who questioned both its timing and necessity amid ongoing tensions between the majority and minority blocs over a series of procedural and political disputes.

Senator Kiko Pangilinan questioned whether the amendment was being pushed to accommodate Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who has reportedly gone into hiding following the issuance of an arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court.

“We are not able to ask questions as to why we are amending the rules,” Pangilinan said.

During the heated exchange, Senator Risa Hontiveros argued that the motion had already been referred to the Committee on Rules and could not be immediately reverted to the plenary, stressing that proper procedure had not yet been completed.

Senator Marcoleta, however, insisted that the amendment was not a new motion and cited Section 136, Paragraph 2 of the Senate rules, arguing that it takes precedence over general provisions.

“This is very simple, Madam President,” Marcoleta said. “Section 136 paragraph 2 is a special provision. It takes precedence over a general provision.”

As debate escalated, Senate President Loren Legarda intervened and suspended the session amid growing exchanges between lawmakers.

Senator Erwin Tulfo raised a point of order, while Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri and others sought to clarify the procedural route of the motion.

Senator Robin Padilla and other majority allies moved to proceed with deliberations, but minority senators objected, questioning what they described as an attempt to rush the measure.

Tulfo also questioned the scope of the “justifiable reasons” allowing remote participation, asking whether it falls under force majeure or national emergency provisions.

He further raised concerns over the timing of the proposal amid reports involving possible legal actions against some senators, a remark that drew objections from majority lawmakers, who warned against imputing improper motives.

As tensions peaked, minority senators walked out of the session in protest, leaving the Minority Leader to represent their bloc as deliberations continued.

Jinggoy, Joel face plunder

In a separate development, the Office of the Ombudsman said it is preparing to file plunder charges before the Sandiganbayan against two members of the majority -- Senators Jinggoy Estrada and Joel Villanueva -- over their alleged involvement in a multibillion-peso flood control corruption scandal.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the cases are among the agency’s “most ripe” for filing, adding that he would sign the information against Estrada within the day, with filing targeted as early as Thursday.

He said portions of the Department of Justice (DOJ) resolution needed correction, prompting the Ombudsman to conduct its own review instead of fully adopting the DOJ findings.

Estrada, meanwhile, denied the allegations, saying Senate records show he had no involvement in alleged budget insertions or kickbacks linked to flood control projects. He also cited findings from the Legislative Budget Research and Monitoring Office (LBRMO) to support his claim.

“Well, if this is the price that I have to pay for standing on my principles, on what I believe in, so be it,” Estrada said.

According to the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office, the arrests stemmed from a quick police response to reports of fake money being used in barangay stores in Brgy. Oaig Daya on the night of 25 May.

Police said personnel from the Candon City Police Station responded around 10 p.m. after the barangay chairman reported that several individuals were allegedly using counterfeit bills in the area.

Investigation showed that at around 8:30 p.m., a 46-year-old unemployed woman from Maharlika Village, Taguig City allegedly transacted at the store of a 51-year-old businesswoman by cashing in P2,000 through GCash. The victim later discovered that the P1,000 bill handed to her appeared fake, while the ten P100 bills were genuine.

In a separate incident, police said a 42-year-old vendor, also from Taguig City, allegedly used another counterfeit P1,000 bill to buy an item and cash in P300 through GCash at the store of a 37-year-old businesswoman.

The two other suspects were identified as a 28-year-old married woman employed as a sorter and a 40-year-old unemployed man, both residents of Taguig City.

Authorities recovered various denominations of cash from the suspects, including the alleged counterfeit P1,000 bill.

Police Colonel Agosto M. Asuncion, provincial director of the ISPPO, reminded residents to remain vigilant amid recent swindling incidents in the province. He also assured the public that police operations and visibility patrols would continue to be intensified as part of efforts to combat criminality under the PNP’s Enhanced A.L.E.R.T.O. Framework.

Aside from Marcoleta, former representative Michael Defensor and businessmen Joseph Espiritu and Aristotle Viray were named respondents in the case involving alleged contributions made to the senator totaling P75 million.

During the hearing also held on Tuesday, Ombudsman investigators tagged all four respondents as “flight risks,” citing their financial capacity to leave the country.

Investigators pointed to Marcoleta’s alleged failure to disclose the supposed “gifts” in his 2025 Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN), which they said indicated a pattern to evade accountability.

Apart from plunder, investigators recommended the filing of three counts of indirect bribery against the senator, pointing out the contributions stemmed from his position in government.

The case pursued by the Ombudsman involves the same issue previously investigated by the Commission on Elections, which earlier ruled that Marcoleta did not commit an election offense.

During the hearing before the anti-graft court’s Seventh Division, it was revealed that the complaint stemmed from a filing made by Kontra Daya convenor Danilo Arao on 24 November 2025.

‘Nothing but a silencing mechanism’

For his part, Marcoleta dismissed the “trumped-up charges,” saying they were intended merely to silence critics of the administration who had openly voiced opposition to the government.

He specifically linked the case to his criticism of government agencies over their alleged failure to go after those involved in the multibillion-peso flood control corruption controversy.

“If the intention of these cases is to silence me, let me say this at the very beginning — it has failed. I will not be silenced. I will answer this complaint in the proper forum, calmly, firmly, and with evidence,” Marcoleta said in a privilege speech in the Senate on Monday, 25 May.

“Let us not pretend that this came in a vacuum. The pattern is too visible to ignore. First, remove the inconvenient voices from the inquiry. Then weaken those who refuse to conform. Then frighten others into silence and submission before the decisive constitutional battles begin,” he noted.

Marcoleta pointed out that senators will play a crucial role as senator-judges in the upcoming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing that their voices are important to ensure the process will proceed in accordance with the Constitution.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said the DoJ special panel of prosecutors has sent a formal letter to Bondoc after the lawyer claimed in a television interview that he knew how the ICC warrant could be served through Dela Rosa’s legal team.

“This is an opportunity for attorney Bondoc to cooperate with legal processes and assist law enforcement authorities in the proper service of the ICC warrant,” Vida said.

He stressed that being a lawyer does not exempt anyone from accountability under obstruction of justice laws.

“Being a lawyer does not excuse him. Being an officer of the court and a citizen of the republic does not exempt anyone from liability if they are concealing offenders, misleading authorities, or delaying legal processes,” Vida said.

He added that Presidential Decree 1829, or the obstruction of justice law, carries stiff penalties, including perpetual disqualification from public office.

The DoJ has expanded its investigation into the possible concealment of Dela Rosa, who is wanted by the ICC as a co-perpetrator of former President Rodrigo Duterte in the war on drugs.

As part of the probe, prosecutors have subpoenaed the Office of the Senate Secretary’s records on its security operations, including the oath of office taken by Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca, its firearms inventory, issuance logs, and entry and exit records.

“We requested those documents,” Vida said, noting that access logs could help track the movements in the Senate premises.

The DoJ also issued subpoenas to the Commission on Audit and the Philippine National Police Firearms and Explosives Office for records on firearms registered to the Senate, including for a weapon seen in a viral video that Vida identified as a “Scorpion.”

Bondoc had suggested in a TV interview that the authorities could serve the ICC warrant through Dela Rosa’s lawyers, who would then relay it to the senator.

Meanwhile, Vida reiterated that the ICC warrant for Dela Rosa is valid and enforceable in the Philippines following the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice.

“The ICC is leading the process for the Interpol Red Notice. The arrest warrant remains in effect and authorities are working on its enforcement,” he said.

Asked about a cash reward for information on Dela Rosa’s whereabouts, Vida said the DoJ is not considering it.

“We believe various pieces of information have reached law enforcement agents who are helping in the operation,” he said.

He also appealed to the senator: “Please, as a fellow Filipino, Senator Bato dela Rosa, heed the rule of law. If there is an arrest warrant, it must be served and followed.” 

Vida said their information indicated that Dela Rosa was in the Philippines.

Police Col. Peter Madria of the Davao City Police Office said they were continuing to search for Dela Rosa but stressed that there was still no order to arrest him.

“For now, there is no arrest order. We are only monitoring. If an order is issued, we will implement it,” Madria said.