Context Dispatch

Lawmakers have uncovered additional red flags regarding the confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education for 2022 and 2023. The House Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation revealed extravagant spending patterns, including rental payments for safe houses that exceeded costs for overnight stays in top-tier hotels or monthly rentals in high-end condominiums. Additionally, expenditures related to youth leaders' summits organized by the Philippine Army in collaboration with the Department of Education were flagged for scrutiny.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said Malacañang backs the Philippine National Police's plan to revisit high-profile killings related to former President Duterte’s war on drugs. Bersamin, a former Supreme Court Chief Justice during Duterte’s presidency, said the police's initiative aligns with the Marcos administration's commitment to justice and the rule of law, marking a significant step toward addressing extrajudicial killings.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a unilateral ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza, despite pressure from the United States. Netanyahu said a ceasefire would leave Israel vulnerable to threats from the militant group Hezbollah, which has threatened to expand its attacks. The US has intensified its criticism of recent bombings in Beirut and is advocating for increased humanitarian aid to Palestine.

The House Committee on Appropriations has confirmed its decision to cut the 2025 budget for the Office of the Vice President to P733 million, which is significantly lower than the P2.1 billion requested by Vice President Sara Duterte. AKO Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co, the committee chairman, said that the P1.3 billion reduction will be redirected to the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to file charges against Chinese nationals allegedly involved in illegal mining operations in Camarines Norte. DENR Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said that local officials appeared to have issued mining permits for small-scale operations in Paracale. The DENR is investigating violations, including the presence of foreign workers and operations conducted outside mining claims.