Context Dispatch

In a prominent demonstration of deepening maritime ties, Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya was honored during a farewell ceremony hosted by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday. The event highlighted Japan’s crucial role in strengthening regional maritime security and celebrated the expanding strategic partnership between Tokyo and Manila.

Defense lawyers in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial called for greater decorum Wednesday, objecting to a social media post by private prosecutor Atty. Amando Virgil Ligutan that noted even law students know that misleading questions cannot be asked.

The Marcos administration is seeking P10.773 billion for confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) in 2027, preserving billions for sensitive government operations even as the proposed allocation falls 8.8 percent below this year’s level.

Outgoing Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya paid a farewell call on Department of National Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. at Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo on Tuesday, marking a period of strengthened friendship and diplomatic progress between the two nations.

Commission on Audit auditor Xylene Mae del Campo testified on the 14th day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial that samples of thousands of acknowledgment receipts for varying amounts from the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education’s confidential funds carried similar dates but were signed by different recipients and in different locations across the country. Del Campo also said DepEd disbursements were not made by an authorized officer. She said COA issued an audit observations memorandum and a notice of disallowance covering the questioned transactions, although the findings remain under appeal. Her testimony put fresh scrutiny on the paper trail behind the confidential funds.