Mixed Fuel Price Adjustments Expected Next Week
METRO MANILA, Philippines — Motorists may see mixed adjustments in fuel prices next week as global oil market developments continue to influence local pump rates, industry sources said Friday. According to initial projections, gasoline prices may decrease by P0.10 to P0.30 per liter, while diesel prices are expected to rise by P0.40 to P0.60 per liter. These estimates are based on the four-day trading average of the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), which serves as the regional benchmark for petroleum products. The anticipated price changes are attributed to several global factors, including: Potential sanctions on Russia, A trade agreement between the United States and Japan, and Rising fuel demand following a significant drop in U.S. crude oil and gasoline inventories. Earlier this week, local oil firms raised gasoline prices by P0.40 per liter and diesel by P1.10 per liter, continuing a trend of fluctuating fuel costs tied to international market activity.
Remulla Draws Flak Over Casual Tone in Class Suspension Posts; Celebrities, Netizens React
MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla came under fire on Tuesday for using informal and colloquial language in announcing class suspensions via the official social media account of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The post, written in a humorous tone, included phrases such as “Mga abangers, sarap ng bogchi ko. Sa kabusugan ay nakaidlip nang sandali. Oh, eto na inaabangan ninyo,” which many online users and public figures called inappropriate, especially amid the ongoing flooding caused by the southwest monsoon. Several netizens criticized the statement for lacking empathy toward those affected by the calamity, with actor Jake Ejercito commenting, “There is a time and place for trying to be funny. This isn’t one of them.” Actress Jessy Mendiola also questioned the post’s tone, asking, “Is this supposed to be funny?” Vice President Sara Duterte weighed in, reminding public officials to uphold professionalism when issuing announcements through official government channels. “The person has the freedom of expression, the institution does not,” Duterte said in an interview from The Hague, where she is attending an international event. “If it came from the DILG official account… they have to be professional.” Despite the backlash, Remulla defended his approach, saying that using casual language has always been his way of connecting with the public, especially in his home province of Cavite. “They understood me in Cavite. I hope they understand me, too,” he said in a dzMM radio interview. “If I have to apologize for hurting their sensibilities, then I do offer it. But I will not change who I am.” In a separate interview with GMA’s Unang Balita, Remulla explained that his intention was to lighten the mood of official government communication, not to diminish the seriousness of the situation. “I didn’t curse, belittle, or insult anyone. A little humor never hurt anyone,” he wrote in another Facebook post. “What I’m doing is simply making reminders lighter so it’s not always negative vibes that people hear.” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed support for Remulla, saying what matters most is that critical information reaches the public. “As long as he gets the message across, that’s what it’s for,” Marcos said during a press briefing in Washington, D.C. “People criticize me for the way I speak, criticize him for the way he speaks. But that’s just the way he speaks.” Teachers’ Groups Reject Makeup Classes Amid Flood Disruptions In response to the recent class suspensions due to floods, the Department of Education (DepEd) is considering holding makeup classes to compensate for lost learning time. However, teacher organizations were quick to oppose the proposal. Vladimer Quetua, chairperson of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), argued that the current academic calendar already includes contingency days for emergencies. “The school calendar includes buffer days precisely for situations like these,” Quetua said. “Makeup classes are unnecessary at this point.” Instead, Quetua urged the government to prioritize post-disaster recovery efforts and address the psychological and economic impacts on students and families. The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC) also rejected the proposal, especially if it involves Saturday sessions. “DepEd advocates for work-life balance and banned weekend homework,” said TDC chairperson Benjo Basas. “It’s contradictory to now require weekend makeup classes.” Both groups emphasized the need for long-term solutions to climate-related disruptions in education, rather than short-term academic fixes. “We need to address root causes like flooding and climate vulnerability,” Quetua stressed, “not just patchwork adjustments every time disaster strikes.”
Torre Accepts Baste Duterte’s Fistfight Challenge, Proposes Charity Bout at Araneta
MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has accepted Sebastian “Baste” Duterte’s challenge to a fistfight, suggesting that the match be held as a charity boxing event at the Araneta Coliseum this Sunday. “It’s okay with me if he really is serious,” Torre told reporters. “This could be a good time for a charity boxing match. Many Filipinos are in need of help due to storms and floods.” Torre, who assumed leadership of the PNP amid various challenges, added that the bout could raise funds for communities recently devastated by weather disturbances and flooding across Luzon. He also floated the idea of inviting boxing legend Manny Pacquiao to serve as the referee. The challenge originated from a recent episode of Baste Duterte’s podcast “Basta Dabawenyo,” where the Davao City acting mayor taunted Torre: “You’re only brave because you are in power. If we have a fistfight, I can take you on, if that’s all there is to it,” Duterte said. The exchange is the latest development in a brewing rift between Torre and the Duterte family, rooted in the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte earlier this year. Torre, then head of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, enforced the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant upon Duterte’s return from Hong Kong in March. Rodrigo Duterte is currently facing charges before the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity committed during his administration’s war on drugs. There has been no official response yet from Baste Duterte regarding Torre’s counter-proposal of a charity boxing match.
Fresh Missile Exchanges Between Iran and Israel Escalate Conflict; Nuclear Talks Called Off
TEHRAN — Tensions between Iran and Israel escalated dramatically over the weekend as Iran launched another barrage of missiles at Israeli territory on Saturday, leaving several civilians injured, while Israel responded with renewed airstrikes targeting Tehran. The back-and-forth strikes mark a serious intensification in the conflict, with both sides issuing strong warnings. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to strike “every target of the ayatollah regime,” while Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that continued attacks would prompt “a more severe and powerful response.” The worsening conflict has already disrupted diplomatic efforts. A planned round of nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran, scheduled for Sunday, was abruptly canceled. Iranian officials stated that it would be impossible to negotiate “while under attack from Israel.” Civilian and Military Sites Hit Saturday’s missile salvos caused injuries in Israel, with emergency responders reporting that an Iranian missile struck a home in the Haifa region, wounding 14 people, including one critically. Meanwhile, Israeli forces claimed to have hit “military targets in Tehran” in a counteroffensive. Iranian state media outlet Tasnim reported that one of Israel’s strikes hit the defense ministry’s compound in Tehran, damaging a building, although the ministry has not issued a public statement. Iran also confirmed that two oil depots were struck—one in Shahran and another in southern Tehran. An AFP journalist on the ground witnessed the Shahran facility engulfed in flames. Mounting Casualties and Political Fallout According to Iran’s envoy to the United Nations, Friday’s initial wave of Israeli strikes killed 78 people and wounded 320, including military leaders and nuclear scientists. Israel reported three fatalities and 76 injuries from Iran’s overnight missile and drone attack on Friday. Despite mounting casualties, Netanyahu maintained a defiant tone in a video message: “We will hit every site, every target of the ayatollah regime,”“In the coming days, we will escalate,” he added, asserting that the Israeli offensive had already inflicted a “real blow” to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. He also claimed Israel had the “clear support” of US President Donald Trump, who on Saturday spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying they both agreed the Iran-Israel conflict “should end.” Iran: US Cannot Mediate While Supporting Attacks Iranian President Pezeshkian condemned the United States for backing Israel’s actions while still engaging in nuclear talks with Tehran. A statement from his office read: “The continuation of the Zionist aggression will be met with a more severe and powerful response from the Iranian armed forces.” Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, also the lead nuclear negotiator, criticized Israel’s actions as destabilizing and said they were undermining diplomatic negotiations: “These strikes are pushing the region into a dangerous cycle of violence,” he said. The Gulf nation of Oman, which has served as a mediator, confirmed the cancellation of Sunday’s nuclear dialogue in light of the unfolding violence. Though Iran has repeatedly denied Western accusations that it is developing nuclear weapons, the growing military exchanges have only deepened international concerns over a broader regional conflict.
Escudero: House Must Abide by Senate Impeachment Court’s Orders
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero on Thursday stressed the importance of adhering to the authority of the Senate impeachment court, following Speaker Martin Romualdez’s concerns regarding the Senate’s return of the impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte to the House of Representatives. In response to Romualdez’s remarks, Escudero made it clear that both the House prosecutors and Vice President Duterte are expected to comply with the directives of the impeachment court. “That is the decision of the impeachment court. As prosecutors, they should respect and follow that. The same goes for Vice President Sara; she should respect and follow the summons issued by the impeachment court,” Escudero told reporters. He reiterated that the impeachment court operates independently, and the House cannot override its authority. “The House is in no place to defy the orders of the impeachment court. This is not a bicam where we need to agree. This is the order of the impeachment court directed to the prosecutor, who is only a party to the case. The party and the Court are not equal,” Escudero said. On June 10, the Senate convened as an impeachment court earlier than scheduled to tackle a motion filed by Senator Ronald dela Rosa, which sought to dismiss the complaint against Duterte. However, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano proposed an amendment, resulting in a different course of action. Instead of dismissal, Cayetano’s motion called for the return of the articles of impeachment to the House of Representatives under specific conditions: A certification from the House confirming that the impeachment complaint does not violate the one-year rule stated in Article XI, Section 3, Paragraph 5 of the Constitution, which prohibits multiple impeachment attempts against the same official within a year; A formal communication from the House declaring its readiness to proceed with the impeachment complaint. The Senate’s decision has sparked debate, with the House expressing apprehension about the move. But for Escudero, the Senate’s role as an impeachment court demands respect and obedience — from both lawmakers and those facing trial.
House OKs Bill Extending Barangay, SK Terms to Six Years; Polls Moved to 2029
MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has passed on third and final reading a bill that would extend the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from three to six years and postpone the December 2025 elections to May 2029. In a session held Monday, 153 lawmakers voted in favor of House Bill No. 11287, with four opposing and one abstaining. One of the dissenters, Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel, raised concerns about the measure’s constitutionality and warned that it may encourage political entrenchment, potentially undermining public interest. “The six-year term for barangay and SK officials is excessive and may hinder democratic accountability,” Manuel cautioned. The proposed law seeks to amend Section 43 (c) of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991), stating that barangay and SK officials will serve six-year terms, beginning June 30, 2029, following the synchronized elections scheduled for the second Monday of May 2029. Additionally, the bill sets term limits: Barangay officials may not serve more than two consecutive terms in the same position. Voluntary resignation will not count as an interruption in service. SK officials will be limited to one term only. A transitory provision allows those elected on October 30, 2023, to stay in office until the new elections. However, only first-term barangay officials from 2023 may seek reelection. SK officials elected in 2023 will be barred from running again for any SK post. While Rep. Manuel acknowledged that an extended term could help current SK leaders carry out long-term plans, he maintained that six years is too long a mandate for both barangay and youth leaders.
ICC Unanimously Rejects Duterte’s Request to Disqualify Judges in Jurisdiction Dispute
THE HAGUE — The International Criminal Court (ICC) has unanimously denied former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s petition to disqualify two judges from hearing his jurisdictional challenge in the case related to alleged crimes against humanity during his administration’s anti-drug campaign. The plenary of ICC judges convened on June 9 to deliberate on Duterte’s request to remove Judge Reine Adélaïde Sophie Alapini-Gansou and Judge María del Socorro Flores Liera from participating in the proceedings. “The plenary of judges, acting unanimously, decided to reject the application,” the court said in a decision signed by Judge Tomoko Akane. The tribunal indicated that a comprehensive explanation of the ruling will be issued in due course. In his application, Duterte sought the disqualification of the two judges from ruling on his Defence Challenge with Respect to Jurisdiction, which contests the ICC’s authority to investigate him. Meanwhile, the Office of the Public Counsel for Victims, which represents victims before the ICC, urged the court to dismiss Duterte’s jurisdictional challenge, signaling confidence in the court’s mandate to proceed. The former president is being investigated in connection with numerous alleged extrajudicial killings linked to his administration’s controversial drug war, which has drawn global criticism from human rights organizations.
Senate Set to Open Impeachment Trial for VP Duterte on June 11
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has formally constituted itself as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, with proceedings scheduled to officially begin on June 11. Senate President Francis Escudero assumed his role as presiding officer on Monday, marking the official formation of the impeachment court, although it has not yet convened. “Once you convene it, you’ve already struck the gavel. Constituted means it has been formally created. It’s considered constituted because there’s already a presiding officer, even if the members haven’t formally assumed their roles yet,” Escudero said. “It’s like us now — the Senate is already constituted, but we haven’t convened yet. That will happen later this afternoon,” he added. The remaining 22 senators who will serve as trial judges are expected to take their oaths Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. Escudero brushed off concerns over the sequence of events, saying it was a non-issue. “There’s no technicality. If you’re asking whether someone will bring this to the Supreme Court to question it on a technicality that could possibly stop the impeachment, I don’t think so.” He noted that the court’s convening on Wednesday would be mostly ceremonial, with the House of Representatives’ prosecutors presenting the Articles of Impeachment against Duterte. The House had initially planned to trigger the Senate’s convening by submitting the charges directly. However, the Senate opted instead to refer the articles to the committee on rules. Once fully convened, the impeachment court will manage the pre-trial process, issue summons, and finalize the trial calendar. The impeachment trial stems from allegations endorsed by over 200 House lawmakers, including: Misuse of confidential funds in Duterte’s office and during her term as Education Secretary; Alleged threats against President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and House Speaker Martin Romualdez; And supposed non-disclosure of assets in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). The House transmitted the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate on February 5, with the trial now moving forward after several months of procedural delays.
Vitaly Zdorovetskiy to Serve Jail Time in PH, No Deportation — Remulla
MANILA, Philippines — Russian national and controversial vlogger Vitaly Zdorovetskiy will serve his sentence in the Philippines following his arrest in April for multiple counts of harassment, according to Interior Secretary Benhur “Jonvic” Remulla. In a statement released Sunday, June 1, Remulla confirmed that deportation is not an option as both Russia and the United States declined to receive Zdorovetskiy. Although he holds a U.S. green card, the U.S. government refused to repatriate him. “Ang problema kasi namin, ang Russia, hindi siya tinatanggap, ang US naman, green card holder siya, hindi rin siya tinatanggap, so hindi namin alam kung saan siya papauwiin eh,” Remulla said. (Our problem is, Russia won’t accept him and the U.S. won’t either, so we don’t know where to send him.) Zdorovetskiy is currently facing trial for three counts of unjust vexation, with penalties ranging from three months to a year in prison. Remulla stressed that the Philippines will ensure the sentence is carried out. “We will service his sentence, sinigurado ko po ‘yun,” he added. (We will carry out his sentence, I made sure of that.) The charges stem from a string of disruptive incidents, including the harassment of a security guard and an elderly woman at Bonifacio Global City, theft of a restaurant electric fan and a tricycle, and reckless behavior such as jumping onto a moving jeepney. Zdorovetskiy was apprehended on April 3 at a hotel in Pasay City. His arrest followed a Bureau of Immigration order declaring him an “undesirable alien.” Despite a letter from the vlogger appealing for leniency due to mental health reasons, authorities have decided to proceed with prosecution. Videos of his disruptive behavior drew public outrage and calls for tighter regulations on foreign vloggers in the country.
Cagayan de Oro Mayor Klarex Uy kinuwestiyon sa P330M cash advance
Nahaharap sa “hot water” si Cagayan de Oro Mayor Klarex Uy matapos itong ireklamo ng nagwawaldas ng pondo ng lokal na pamahalaan na aabot sa P330 million sa pamamagitan ng mga ginawang cash advances. Sa isang pressconference sa Cagayan de Oro City ibinunyag ni Teddy Sabuga-a, 9 na taong nagsilbi bilang dating City Administrator ng Cagayan de Oro na ang “massive cash advances” na ginawa ni Uy ay sa pagitan ng 2022 hanggang unang buwan ng taong 2025. “If you review the matrix of cash advances by date, you”ll notice a pattern– significant amounts were drawn in September 2023, conspicuosly timed around the barangay elections”pahayag ni Sabuga-a kung saan isang matrix ng mga cash advances ang ipinakita nito sa isinagawang pressconference. Sinabi ni Sabuga-a na nakakabahala ang serye ng cash advance sa loob ng City Hall dahil nagpapakita ito ng maling paggamit ng pondo ng LGU, mahinang pamamalakad at paglabag sa procurement laws. “The records show repeated high-value transactions concentrated among a small group of personnel, with some individuals receiving over 20 separate cash advances. One person alone was given P71.7 million. Batay sa offcial documents na inilabas ni Sabuga-a, ang bulto na nakatanggap ng disbursements na P25 million hanggang P71 million ay tinukoy na sina Cyril Ranile,Jade Adeser, Xsyclyn Faith Lumbatan, Jasmin Maagad, Rhapsody Gaabucayaan,Mark Kenneth Jalapadan, Remy Labiano at Sheila Lumbatan. “This is highly irregular. The cash advcance systems is meant for urgent, specific needs– notfor repeatred multi-million peso disbursements concentrated among a few individuals” giit pa ni Sabuga-a. Ilan pa sa nadiskubre ay ilang indibidwal ang nakatanggap ng cash advances ng 20 beses, mayroon tseke na P20 Million at P26 million cash advances na isang araw lamang wininthdraw at ang pondo kung saan sinasabing pinaglaananan ng disbursement ay pawang kuwestiyunable. Alinsunud sa COA Circular No 97002 at Republic Act 9184(Procurement Law) ay ipinagbabawal ang palagiang paggamit ng cash advances at kailangan ang agaran nitong pagliquidate. Umapela naman ang ilang opisyal ng LGU at ilang watchdog groups sa Commission on Audit(COA) na rebyuhin ang liquidation reports gayundin ang pagsusulong ng jasong administratibo at kriminal laban sa alkalde. “Every peso entrusted to public officials must be accounted for. The people of Cagayan de Oro deserve full transparenct and accountability” dagdag pa ni Sabuga-a. Inihahanda na ang reklamo laban kay Uy sa Office of the Ombudsman.