Context Dispatch
Former House Speaker de Venecia dies at 89
San Miguel Corp. mourns the passing of Director Jose C. De Venecia, Jr. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. A distinguished Filipino politician and journalist, de Venecia served as Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1992 to 1998 and 2001 to 2008, the first Filipino to hold the speakership five times. He represented the 4th district of Pangasinan for six terms and ran for president in 1998, finishing second. A stalwart of Lakas–CMD, he championed legislative reform and public service throughout his career. De Venecia joined San Miguel’s board in 2017, contributing decades of leadership and vision.
PH, US pact pushes shift from raw ore exports to minerals processing
The Philippine government has signed an agreement with the United States aimed at developing the country’s critical minerals and rare earths sector, a move seen as key to transforming the Philippines into a regional minerals processing hub.
House trashes impeachment raps vs President Marcos
The House of Representatives’ justice committee on Wednesday, February 4, junked two impeachment complaints against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., saying the petitions failed to sufficiently establish impeachable offenses. The dismissal effectively grants Marcos a one-year immunity from impeachment, as the Constitution allows only one proceeding against an official per year. The complaints, separately endorsed by Pusong Pinoy Rep. Jett Nisay and the Makabayan bloc, faulted the President for flood control failures and budgetary problems. The Makabayan-backed petition went further, alleging systemic corruption through a “BBM parametric formula,” abuse of unprogrammed funds, and Marcos’ alleged direct role in kickbacks.
BIR audits to resume after securing private sector support
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is set to resume tax audits under a new, tighter framework after securing broad support from the private sector for its proposed reforms.
BIR rolls out audit reform drive
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on January 23 launched a sweeping reform agenda that puts audit reform and accountability at the center of tax administration, as the agency prepares to resume tax audits under stricter rules, clearer safeguards, and stronger oversight.
