Context Dispatch
SC orders Bersamin, other officials to respond to Duterte habeas corpus plea
The Supreme Court on Thursday consolidated the petitions of filed by three children of former President Rodrigo Duterte seeking the return of their father to the Philippines from The Hague, where is held in custody by the International Criminal Court Court pending trial on crimes against humanity related to his bloody war on drugs. The high tribunal gave Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and three other officials a “non-extendible period of 24 hours from receipt of notice why the peremptory writ of habeas corpus should not issue.” A write of habeas corpus—Latin for “that you have the body”—is a court order that requires an imprisoned person to be brought before the tribunal to determine if his detention is lawful.
Deepfakes likely to proliferate as May elections draw near—CICC
As the May 2025 midterm elections approach, the proliferation of deepfakes and cyberattacks is expected to escalate, posing a significant threat to democratic processes and national security.
Ombudsman denies labeling DA, NFA as most corrupt agencies
Ombudsman Samuel Martires has clarified that he did not label the Department of Agriculture (DA) or its attached agency, the National Food Authority (NFA), as the most corrupt government entities. Martires said that his earlier remarks had been taken out of context.
BOC seizes P1.2 B in vape, counterfeit goods in Malabon warehouse
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Wednesday seized P1.2 billion worth of illicit goods, including counterfeit shoes, bags, cosmetics, and disposable vape brands, from a warehouse in Malabon. The items were found in Barangay Tanong, Malabon, following an investigation prompted by a Letter of Authority issued by BOC Commissioner Bien Rubio.
SC Denies Duterte Camp’s Request for TRO Against ICC Arrest
The Supreme Court on Wednesday denied the petition of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Senator Ronald Dela Rosa to immediately halt their arrest following warrants issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for crimes against humanity related to Duterte’s controversial war on drugs. “After a virtual deliberation on the 94-page petition, the Court found that the petitioners failed to establish a clear and unmistakable right for the immediate issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)," the Court said in a statement. The Court also directed Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and other respondents to comment on the TRO request within 10 days. Duterte was arrested Tuesday and has been flown to The Hague in the Netherlands, where the ICC is based.
