Context Dispatch

Leyte congressman Ferdinand Martin Romualdez vowed he will not be a scapegoat in the flood control controversy, opening his records and challenging critics to “follow the evidence.” Ending weeks of silence, the former House Speaker released his affidavit and documents, insisting he has nothing to hide and has fully cooperated. He dismissed corruption claims as “absurd,” stressing budgets are collectively crafted while project execution lies with the executive, urging investigators to pursue accountability across the entire chain, not convenient targets.

Japan’s Ambassador ENDO Kazuya visited Davao City for a series of engagements aimed at strengthening Japan–Philippines relations, as both countries commemorate the 70th anniversary of their diplomatic friendship this year.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government is taking all legal steps to secure the return of former Ako-Bicol partylist congressman Zaldy Co, who was apprehended in Prague last week and remains under Czech custody. Marcos said he has directed the Departments of Justice and Foreign Affairs to coordinate with Czech authorities and deploy a high-level team to oversee proceedings, stressing that extradition follows strict legal processes. “We will bring Zaldy Co home and we will do so in accordance with the law,” he said, adding the former lawmaker will answer to the Filipino people.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced the apprehension of former AKO-Bicol Party-list Congressman Rizaldy “Zaldy” Co by Czech authorities for traveling without proper documents. Marcos said the former lawmaker wanted for his alleged role in the flood-control controversy is currently detained in Prague. he said the Philippine government is closely coordinating with Czech officials to ensure all legal procedures are followed and to facilitate his return to Manila “at the soonest possible time.” Authorities said they will keep the public informed as developments unfold.

An independent think tank is urging the government to reconsider plans for joint gas exploration with China in the West Philippine Sea.