AGP Executive Report

ICC Duterte Trial: The ICC Trial Chamber III allowed former President Rodrigo Duterte to skip the first status conference on May 27, but ordered his defense to submit a signed waiver by May 25 and warned the case will still move toward trial preparations. PBA Semifinals: TNT’s Bol Bol is out for the rest of the Commissioner’s Cup after a partial Achilles tear in Game 2 vs Meralco, forcing the Tropang 5G to choose between Darius Days and Marquese Chriss as locals step up for Game 3. Impeachment Watch: In the VP Sara Duterte impeachment proceedings, prosecutors say they’re readying for trial proper and are watching whether the Senate’s afternoon schedule will be enough for weekly hearings. Public Health: DOH reports 4,633 new HIV cases in Q1 2026, with NCR leading, while Central Visayas health officials urge parents to catch up on declining childhood immunization rates. Weather: Pagasa says an LPA won’t likely become a cyclone but will bring rains to parts of Mindanao and Visayas, with Luzon staying hot and humid.

ICC Dragnet: PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. urged Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa to surrender, even as authorities keep moving to enforce the ICC arrest warrant tied to the Duterte drug war. House Agenda: House Speaker Bojie Dy said 38 bills cleared on second reading are up for third and final approval before Congress adjourns June 6, including measures aimed at governance, energy, public safety, and local development. Senior Citizens Push: Agimat Rep. Bryan Revilla urged lawmakers to fast-track bills that would lower the optional retirement age for government workers to 56 and expand discounts and VAT exemptions for seniors’ medicines, vitamins, and milk. Heat & Weather: PAGASA warned of dangerous heat indices in Metro Manila and dozens of provinces, while an LPA and easterlies keep rain showers possible. Health Access: Naga City reported HPV vaccination rates slipping amid supply gaps and misinformation. Sports/Pop Culture: BTS confirmed Philippine stadium dates for the 2027 “ARIRANG” tour, with ticket sales set to begin in June.

Impeachment Clock Starts: House prosecutors say they’re in “bar exam” mode as preparations for VP Sara Duterte’s trial ramp up, with lead prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro insisting senator-judges must be physically present and vote in person. ICC Dragnet: DOJ says law enforcement can now enforce the ICC arrest warrant for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, while allies and critics trade calls for surrender and due process. Press Freedom vs. Extortion Case: Romualdez camp rejects claims that the NBI case vs Peanut Gallery Media Network founder Franco Mabanta is an attack on press freedom, stressing courts and process. Public Safety: A fire hit a BPI building in Quezon City’s Kamias area, while MPD arrested a patrolman accused of drawing a gun at a vendor and a parking attendant. Culture & Community: DOT opens Intramuros heritage sites for free for OFWs and families, and the Church of Jesus Christ pledges $25M to UNICEF with a Bezos match.

ICC Standoff: The Philippine Supreme Court has cleared the way for enforcement of the ICC arrest warrant against former drug war chief Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, denying his bid to stop the warrant—while the PNP says it’s still waiting for DOJ instructions on whether to act. Diplomatic Pushback: The DFA also expects little to no UN action on a Japanese NGO’s plea for Duterte’s provisional release, calling the claims baseless. Senate Fallout: The wider political chaos continues as Senate committee reorganization leaves many posts vacant after the May 11 leadership shake-up. Public Safety: The PAF mourns two pilots killed in a Benguet trainer crash, and Phivolcs reported a grass fire on Taal’s slopes that responders contained. Weather Watch: Pagasa forecasts hot, humid conditions with possible thunderstorms in many areas. Business/Tech: Society Pass shares plunged after Nasdaq delisting notice tied to its Chapter 11 filing.

Senate Security Shock: CIDG has recommended charges against suspended Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca and two others over last week’s Senate shooting, after CCTV presentations that Interior and PNP chiefs say show no “spliced” footage and no attack on the Senate. Anti-Dynasty Push: The House approved on second reading the Anti-Political Dynasty Act, barring second-degree relatives from holding office in the same locality, though critics say it still leaves loopholes. Budget Crackdown: Newly sworn Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon vowed “zero tolerance” for budget abuse, pledging tighter oversight after last year’s flood-control scandal. Health Access: President Marcos urged LGUs to help people learn about healthcare programs like Zero Balance Billing. Sports: Rain or Shine survived Barangay Ginebra in Game 1 of the PBA semis, setting up a finals-style grind. Culture & HIV Awareness: Cebu’s “Hook Up The Musical” returns June 13, tackling HIV and taboo topics with an all-Cebuano cast.

Heat Advisory: PAGASA warns dangerous heat index conditions on Wednesday, with Sangley Point in Cavite City forecast at 43°C, Cuenca, Batangas at 46°C, and Taytay, Rizal already hitting 44.84°C—heat cramps and exhaustion are likely, with heat stroke possible during prolonged exposure. Impeachment Watch: The Office of the Vice President confirmed it received the Senate impeachment court’s summons for VP Sara Duterte, giving her 10 days to respond before trial proceeds. Senate Security Fallout: The CIDG recommended charges against suspended Senate OSAA chief Mao Aplasca and two others over the May 13 Senate shooting, citing violations tied to rules on use of force. Aviation Incident: Two PAF personnel were injured after a crash into Mt. Sto Tomas in Tuba, Benguet; authorities are still investigating the cause. Sports & Culture: The NBA Eastern Conference Finals tip off today with Knicks vs Cavaliers, while Filipino VR film “Yellowfin” made waves at Cannes’ Immersive Competition.

Senate Shooting Fallout: The Ombudsman has asked the Senate for a list of media personnel inside the chamber during the May 13 shooting, as investigators push to map who was where during the chaos. Impeachment Trial Watch: House prosecutors say they’re ready to press ahead in the Duterte impeachment even if the vice president skips, while lawmakers warn the Senate could face public backlash if it blocks key evidence. Rule of Law at the Top: The Office of the Solicitor General urged the Supreme Court to toss a petition demanding President Marcos undergo drug and medical tests, citing presidential immunity. Maritime Tensions: The National Maritime Council condemned Chinese maritime surveillance research vessels operating in Luzon waters, calling the activity illegal. Economy Under Pressure: The World Bank warned weak growth could hit household incomes and lift food prices amid an oil shock and inflation surge. Currency Stress: Foreign banks flagged the peso as Asia’s weakest link as geopolitical tensions with the US-Iran war keep markets jittery.

Impeachment Court Push: House prosecutor Joel Chua says the Senate impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte will proceed even if she skips the hearings, with a plea of not guilty entered if no response is filed. Senate Fallout: NBI chief Melvin Matibag hit back at calls to suspend him, arguing “command responsibility” should start with Senate leadership. Legal Win for Rights Groups: A Cebu court dismissed a terrorism financing case vs CERNET officials, citing a lack of statutory publication at the time of alleged acts. Tech & Fraud Shift: Banks are set to phase out SMS OTPs for high-risk transactions starting June 30, pushing stronger in-app checks as scams get more convincing. EV Momentum: V-Green signed MOUs to expand EV charging and battery swapping in Bataan and Cavite. Markets & Money: Philippine banks posted record Q1 profits of P104.82B, while the peso stayed under pressure amid Middle East-driven volatility.

Impeachment Court Tension: The Senate opened impeachment proceedings for Vice President Sara Duterte as police put Metro Manila and key regions on heightened alert for protests, while House prosecutors formally named a 11-person panel with Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro as lead and vowed to stay near the Senate if hearings start. ICC Standoff Fallout: The Supreme Court fight over Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s ICC arrest bid intensified as his camp argued any arrest needs a local judicial warrant, amid claims of his “escape” and renewed calls for accountability. Politics vs Process: Lawmakers and church groups urged the Senate to proceed without being derailed by leadership turmoil, with critics warning delays would hurt public trust. Local Governance & Economy: Tax relief for micro businesses is being pushed to help small operators cope with economic uncertainty, while Central Visayas reported foreign investment approvals up 35.3% in Q1. Culture & Sports: P-pop group KAIA drew fresh buzz with a “Takedown” cover, and Alex Eala crashed out early at Strasbourg after a three-set loss.

Impeachment on the clock: The Senate is set to convene Monday, May 18, as an impeachment court for VP Sara Duterte, but senators are still bracing for possible leadership shakeups after fresh rumors of another ouster plot—while the House prosecution team says it will stay near the Senate and move only once proceedings officially start. Senate chaos fallout: The PNP vowed to go after social media posts “inciting violence” after last week’s Senate gunfire, as the Ombudsman served preventive suspension and a CCTV subpoena on the acting sergeant-at-arms. Power and prices: Luzon saw brownouts and a “yellow” alert in the Visayas, with DOE also flagging a diesel hike of up to ₱2.82/liter on May 19. Global watch: Netflix is expanding its AI-driven ad push to more countries, including the Philippines, as it targets 250M monthly viewers. Health and safety: Pagasa warned of dangerous heat indices up to 45°C in parts of the country.

Senate Impeachment Push: With the chamber still reeling from last week’s gunfire chaos and the ICC standoff involving Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, lawmakers are set to convene as an impeachment court Monday to start the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, as church leaders and bishops urge no more delays. PNP Due Process: PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. vowed investigations will follow constitutional rights, using CCTV and witness accounts while cracking down on any improper help in the Bato escape. ICC Pressure: The Solicitor General is pushing the Supreme Court to reject efforts to block the ICC arrest warrant, while the SEC says it’s still waiting on Interpol’s red notice for Mica Tan. Economy & Costs: PAGCOR reported Q1 gaming revenues down 15.9% amid weaker spending and the Middle East war, while Globe wants the building code updated to treat connectivity as a required utility. Sports & Culture: Gilas prepares for Bryce Cotton-led Australia in FIBA qualifiers; Alex Eala opens Strasbourg play; and Filipino karatekas closed strong at Karate One-Youth League.

ICC Showdown: The Philippines asked the Supreme Court to let it arrest ICC drug-war suspect Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, arguing he’s effectively a fugitive after slipping out of the Senate; Solicitor-General Darlene Berberabe says he should not get court relief until he submits. Senate Aftermath: PNP chief Gen. Jose Nartatez Jr. urged the public to stop speculating and said investigators are pursuing a “fact-based” probe into last week’s Senate gunfire. Impeachment Pressure: Akbayan’s Perci Cendaña pushed the Senate to convene as an impeachment court after a “chaotic week,” warning delays could help both Bato and VP Sara. Energy Strain: A study warns tourism provinces like Siquijor are losing up to ₱60,000 daily from power crises. Heat Advisory: PAGASA flagged dangerous heat indices in parts of Calabarzon, with some areas feeling like 45°C. Sports & Culture: Alex Eala got a late main-draw break in Strasbourg; Shopwise Bike Fest in Imus drew a record 3,200 cyclists.

Impeachment Countdown: The Senate is set to convene as an impeachment court on Monday, with senators ordered to show up in robes as the trial of VP Sara Duterte moves from House action to Senate proceedings. Senate Chaos Fallout: Ombudsman Jesus Remulla says the Senate refused to receive the suspension order and subpoena tied to last Wednesday’s shooting, while the Senate leadership insists the chamber’s shake-up was about “new direction,” not blocking accountability. Public Pressure, Still Thin: Duterte allies have struggled to mobilize large crowds, with analysts pointing to weak turnout compared with past mass uprisings. Education Support: DepEd says more than a million teachers and staff nationwide started receiving their mid-year bonus ahead of SY 2026–2027. Energy Worries: Biz groups warn of brownout risks as power alerts and heat strain grids. Sports: TNT upsets NLEX to reach the PBA semis, while Meralco survives overtime vs Magnolia.

Senate Shooting Fallout: Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla says the Senate refused to accept a subpoena for CCTV from the May 13 gunfire, while he also ordered a six-month preventive suspension for acting Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca after the standoff. ICC Dragnet: Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida says the Philippines will “definitely” comply with the ICC request to arrest Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, whose whereabouts remain unclear after he slipped out amid the chaos. PMA Graduation Message: President Marcos told the PMA Class of 2026 to stay loyal to the Constitution, not politics, and warned against silence in the face of wrongdoing. Local Push: Cebu is pivoting to MICE and ESL tourism as fuel costs squeeze travel demand, while Cebu Pacific topped PH carriers for April punctuality. Sports & Culture: Karate One Youth League Manila spotlights homegrown talent; UST ends UAAP Season 88 with a record double crown; and Hidilyn Diaz backs weightlifting’s integration into education.

Senate Impeachment Pressure: Catholic bishops urged the Senate to start VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial without delay, warning against any move that looks like evasion as the chamber reels from last week’s gunfire and leadership shake-up. ICC Fugitive Standoff Fallout: The NBI released footage of the May 13 Senate shooting, with Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa still at the center of the crisis and officials trading blame over who fired first and whether “warning shots” were justified. Security vs Politics: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro downplayed destabilization fears, saying active-duty ranks remain professional, while the Ombudsman ordered a six-month preventive suspension for Senate sergeant-at-arms Mao Aplasca. Heat and Power Strain: PAGASA flagged 44 areas under “danger” heat index levels, as Cotabato residents brace for a long scheduled power interruption. Regional Moves: ADB offered up to $1.75B to help the Philippines cushion the Middle East crisis, and Japan is reportedly considering exporting surface-to-ship missiles after Balikatan drills. Sports Spotlight: Ginebra crushed Phoenix to reach the PBA semis, while Rain or Shine also advanced after beating San Miguel.

Senate Shootout Fallout: Sen. Panfilo Lacson called the Senate’s plan to convene as an impeachment court “a good first step” after Wednesday’s gunfire, as investigators work to recover CCTV footage and officials trade blame over who fired first. Manhunt Update: NBI chief Melvin Matibag said Sen. Robinhood Padilla is a “key personality” in tracking where ICC-wanted Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa went after slipping out early Thursday. Accountability Fight: Acting OSAA chief Ma. O Aplasca admitted he fired the first warning shot, while the majority bloc backs him—pushing for CCTV release to clarify what happened. Heat & Safety: PAGASA warned dangerous heat index levels in parts of Cavite, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon, even as weather stays mostly fair. Public Services: DBM said qualified government workers will start receiving mid-year bonuses today. Sports: PBA Commissioner’s Cup leaders emerged—Bol Bol leads Best Import race and Robert Bolick paces Best Player—while the golf tour tees off next week at ICTSI Caliraya.