Context Dispatch

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.

The Department of Budget and Management will submit the proposed P7.2-trillion 2027 National Expenditure Program to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, marking an increase from this year’s P6.793-trillion national budget. Palace spokesperson Atty. Claire Castro said the NEP, which the DBM formally turned over to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday, prioritizes education, health, livelihood, security, and stronger communities under the theme “people-centered growth for an inclusive and resilient future.” Castro said the spending plan seeks to improve public services while creating more jobs and economic opportunities for Filipinos. The proposal now moves to Congress for scrutiny and approval.