Context Dispatch
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.
President Marcos set to address nation on Duterte’s arrest
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is set to address the nation tonight on the arrest earlier Tuesday of former President Rodrigo Duterte by Interpol agents, who served a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity committed by the former Philippine leader during his administration’s deadly anti-drug campaign between 2016 and 2019. The Philippines withdrew membership from the ICC in 2019. Ex-President Duterte and several of his aides have been transferred to a chartered plane that will fly them to The Hague, where the ICC is headquartered.
Ex-President Duterte arrested; now in PNP custody
The Presidential Communications Office on Tuesday said former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested and placed in detention by Interpol agents upon his arrival in Manila following a trip to Hong Kong. The Manila unit of the Interpol received the warrant from the International Criminal Court at dawn. The warrant was served by the ICC Prosecutor General and was issued for crimes against humanity. Duterte is now 79 years old.
