Context Dispatch

Quezon Memorial Shrine lit up in Australia’s green and gold last Friday to celebrate Philippines–Australia Friendship Day and 80 years of formal diplomatic relations. A groundbreaking was also held for a new historical marker from the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, recognizing Australia’s wartime support for President Manuel L. Quezon and his government.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared May 27, Wednesday, as a national holiday this year in observance of Eid’l Adha, one of two great Islam feasts.

The Supreme Court, by a vote of 9-5, with one abstention, denied Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s plea for a temporary restraining order (TRO). Senator dela Rosa earlier sought to block the Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces, and other agencies from arresting him under any International Criminal Court warrant, Interpol red notice, or foreign judicial action without a Philippine court order. The ruling addresses only interim relief; main case issues remain pending, with full opinions to be released May 25.

Senators on Monday took their oath as judges to begin the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, pledging “to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws of the Philippines.” Duterte, impeached last week by the House, faces charges including constitutional violations, graft, unexplained wealth, and allegedly plotting to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. A Senate summons requires her to respond within 10 calendar days and later appear for the trial. Conviction will need 16 senators’ votes.

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Friday ordered the six-month preventive suspension of Senate Sergeant-at-Arms Mao Aplasca as investigators from the people’s watchdog examine Wednesday night’s shooting inside the Senate. Remulla said the suspension was necessary to prevent possible interference in the probe. Aplasca, the Senate’s chief security officer and custodian of its CCTV footage, reportedly fired the first warning shot that triggered the incident. The Ombudsman’s investigation will focus on the chain of events, handling of security protocols, and preservation of evidence tied to the shooting. Remulla, a former justice secretary, stressed that accountability and an impartial inquiry are essential while authorities determine responsibility