In a landmark move, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has cleared 15 victims of the Philippine drug war to join the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte. Now detained in The Hague, Duterte faces trial for crimes against humanity linked to his brutal campaign against illegal drugs.
The ICC Registry received 25 applications for victim participation. Fifteen were accepted as directly connected to the alleged crimes—classified as Group A. These 15 applications represent 29 individuals who proved their identity, showed clear harm, and demonstrated a direct link to events from November 2011 to March 2019, when over 6,000 lives were lost.
This decision is a crucial step ahead of the confirmation of charges hearing set for September 23. While 10 other applications didn’t meet the criteria, the process highlights the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims.
New Law Lets Foreign Investors Lease Land for 99 Years
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed a game-changing law allowing foreign investors to lease private lands in the Philippines for up to 99 years.
This amendment aims to boost confidence among investors, giving them a more stable and secure environment. The leased land must be used only for the approved investment, and contracts are now harder to cancel or alter, adding a new layer of predictability.
For businesses and the economy, this is a big win. It promises more investments, more jobs, and stronger growth for the country.
Palace Hits Back at Contractor Couple Over Film Heritage Building
Malacañang fired back at contractor couple Cezarah “Sarah” and Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya, after they denied involvement in the second phase of the Philippine Film Heritage Building project.
The Palace insists their company, Great Pacific Builders, is tied to Phase 2, with contracts signed in January 2025 worth nearly 108 million pesos. The dispute shines a spotlight on accountability in government projects.
Habagat Rains Cause Flooding Across Metro Manila
Heavy rains from the southwest monsoon—or habagat—triggered flooding in several Metro Manila areas Saturday.
From Mandaluyong’s EDSA-Shaw tunnel to floodwaters in Parañaque’s Dr. A. Santos Avenue, many streets became tough to navigate. Though most remained passable, drivers were urged to stay cautious.
This rainy season reminder is clear: be alert, stay safe, and watch updates on road conditions.
Filipino Tennis Star Alex Eala Advances to WTA Final
Proud moment for Philippine sports fans! Tennis ace Alex Eala beat American Kayla Day in straight sets, 6-2, 6-3, at the Guadalajara Open semifinal.
Eala’s breakthrough marks only her second final appearance in a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) tour event. A bright future lies ahead for this rising star.
No Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis at Makati Pole Vault Challenge
Unfortunately, Filipino fans won’t see world pole vault champion Armand ‘Mondo’ Duplantis at the upcoming Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge in Makati this September.
The Olympic gold medalist and record breaker is not on the participant list, disappointing many who had hoped to catch his record-breaking feats live.
Taguig RTC Orders Release of FNI Chairman Joseph Sy
A major legal win for Joseph Sy, Chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. The Taguig Regional Trial Court declared his detention by the Bureau of Immigration illegal and ordered his immediate release.
The court affirmed Sy’s Filipino citizenship—a crucial factor, as deportation powers only apply to foreigners. This decision brings relief to Sy and his supporters amid his recent legal battles.
Opinion Highlights
Today’s front-page columnist, Marlen Ronquillo, tackles a provocative topic: the country’s obsession with “billionaire worship.”
Meanwhile, the editorial calls for urgent reform of the party-list system, labeling it “broken” and in need of repair to better serve the Filipino people.
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