The House prosecution has dropped Vice President Sara Duterte's chief of staff, Zuleika Lopez, and security official Belinda Bello as witnesses in the impeachment trial. Prosecutor Lorna Kapunan said Tuesday their testimony under Article IV had become unnecessary, redundant or merely corroborative following evidence presented by two National Bureau of Investigation officials. Lopez was expected to authenticate a video of Duterte's Nov. 23, 2024 online press conference, but Kapunan said the defense had already acknowledged the event and used the same recording. Bello's testimony would have merely corroborated a detention-facility transfer order involving Lopez, Kapunan said. Senator-judges welcomed the move that helps in shortening the trial period.

The Department of Agriculture has lifted a temporary ban on imports of foot and mouth disease-susceptible animals and their products from Hungary, following approval through Department Circular No. 34 signed on July 8.

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it is working to better address public worries over electricity costs and concerns about inaccurate monthly bills, amid widespread complaints from consumers.