Context Dispatch

Japan Ambassador to the Philippines, Endo Kazuya, on Friday attended a symposium on maritime security titled “Safeguarding the Maritime Domain for the Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” The event was co-hosted by the Japan Institute of International Affairs and the Stratbase Institute for Strategic and International Studies in Makati City.

Japan signed two grassroots development grants worth USD 318,098 (about P18.3 million) to improve waste management in Bohol and support indigenous fisheries livelihoods in Palawan.

The International Criminal Court in The Hague on Monday opened confirmation of charges proceedings against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, a crucial step that will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to send the case to full trial. Prosecutors, defense lawyers, and legal representatives of the victims are set to present their evidence and arguments before ICC judges, who have up to 60 days to decide if the case will move forward. The 80-year-old Duterte was arrested in March last year and has remained in detention while awaiting the court’s ruling on whether he will stand trial. Outside the ICC chamber, protesters from the families of the victims and those who support Duterte gathered to voice the opinions.

The intelligence division of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) has implemented a minor reshuffle following corruption allegations involving one of its officers.

Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday declared she will run for president in 2028, ending months of speculation about her political future.