Context Dispatch

While a 6 percent economic growth rate is commendable, it is insufficient to reduce the Philippine poverty rate to single digits by 2028, according to economist Bernardo Villegas, known as the “Prophet of Boom.” He asserts that an 8 percent annual GDP growth is necessary to lower the poverty rate to 9 percent within the next four years. The poverty rate has decreased to 15.5 percent in 2023, down from 18.1 percent in 2021.

Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa may not lead the Senate's investigation into alleged extrajudicial killings during President Rodrigo Duterte's “war on drugs.” Senate President Francis Escudero and Senator Risa Hontiveros, who is currently investigating illegal POGOs, indicated that the Senate might convene as a committee of the whole to facilitate testimony from witnesses and survivors. Recent testimonies in the House probe have implicated Senators dela Rosa and Bong Go in these extrajudicial killings.

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.