The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan on Monday issued arrest warrants against Senator Rodante Marcoleta, former Congressman Mike Defensor, and two others just days after the Ombudsman filed plunder complaint over P75 million in unreported campaign contributions. Plunder is a non-bailable crime, which could rob Marcoleta of participation in the impeachment trial of his ally, Vice President Sara Duterte, which starts late Monday. The Ombudsman had also charged the four of alleged violation of Presidential Decree No. 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts. The court also issued a Hold Departure Order against the four.
The early effects of El Niño are beginning to bite, with fishery losses in the Magat Dam area swelling to an estimated P100 million as receding water levels trigger fish kills in Ifugao and Isabela.