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Feb 23, 2026

The Duterte drama at The Hague: Too weak to stand, but strong enough to snub

Is Duterte too frail to remember, or simply too defiant to face the music? Even his own prosecutor has described him as an “unreliable historian” of his health. He adjusts the story as needed. The “sickly” act is a shield , one that spares him the gaze of mothers and children who lost loved ones in the drug war, some of whom have traveled to The Hague seeking justice. By remaining in his cell, he preserves the tough-guy image for supporters back home.

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The Duterte drama at The Hague: Too weak to stand, but strong enough to snub
Feb 21, 2026

Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court Information Sheet

Suspected of the crimes against humanity of murder and attempted murder, allegedly committed in the Republic of the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019. Surrendered to the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 12 March 2025. Confirmation of charges hearing to open on 23 February 2026

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Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court Information Sheet
Feb 20, 2026

Carpio’s contradictions

In styling himself an international law expert, retired Justice Antonio Carpio has only managed to tie himself up in contradictions. His recent attempt to defend his ponencia in Magallona v Ermita (2011) only tightens the knot he now struggles to untangle. The landmark case had sought to declare Republic Act No. 9522 (2009) or the Archipelagic Baselines Law unconstitutional.

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Carpio’s contradictions
Feb 20, 2026

BirdTalk 2026: PH needs not only good governance but also good economics

Ibon’s Rosario Guzman: The nation’s structure is collapsing because of political instability and a fragile economy due to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s ‘blunders.’ The first was adopting an anti-corruption stance in announcing the anomalous flood control projects while remaining silent on the pork barrel issue.

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BirdTalk 2026: PH needs not only good governance but also good economics
Feb 19, 2026

269 dead in 2025 in Marcos ‘bloodless’ drug war

As the Marcos administration continues to flaunt their relative achievements in a “bloodless” drug war—multiple arrests, tons of confiscated illegal drugs—repeatedly left out of these narratives are the still unmitigated violence that is increasingly perpetrated by criminal elements said to be outside the reach of state forces. And again, state agents continue to kill. The “bloodless” drug war continues, and more so, and as before, spills over to innocent civilians. Their increasing death count cannot simply be dismissed as insignificant casualties.

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269 dead in 2025 in Marcos ‘bloodless’ drug war
Feb 19, 2026

Confirmation hearings to proceed even without Duterte in court, ICC experts say

Update Feb. 20, 2026: ICC Pre-Trial Chamber 1 allows Duterte to skip confirmation hearings next week.“The Chamber, while acknowledging the objections of the Prosecution and the CLRV, considers that, in the present circumstances of the case, it is appropriate to proceed with the hearing on the confirmation of charges in the absence of Mr Duterte.”

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Confirmation hearings to proceed even without Duterte in court, ICC experts say
Feb 18, 2026

Why Unprogrammed Appropriations undermine checks and balances

Unprogrammed Appropriations is defended in the name of efficiency. But efficiency without accountability is not reform—it is risk.UA weakens the separation of powers It tempts the Executive to complete Congress’ work. It encourages the invention of fiscal triggers. And it facilitates opacity and pork.

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Why Unprogrammed Appropriations undermine checks and balances
Feb 17, 2026

Exhumation of 2 more EJK victims: A process towards healing

The exhumation, part of the process of healing for the relatives of the victims of extra-judicial killings during the war on drugs waged by the government of former president Rodrigo Duterte, was doubly significant at it transpired a week before the confirmation of hearings of Duterte and his co-perpetrators at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands on Feb. 23.

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Exhumation of 2 more EJK victims: A process towards healing
Feb 16, 2026

From lawmakers to law-evaders: A Senate in crisis

A fractured Senate is a weak Senate. If leaders are busy managing internal conflict, the chamber cannot effectively serve as a check on the Marcos administration or as a counterweight to the Dutertes. Instead of focusing on laws and oversight, senators are distracted by survival

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From lawmakers to law-evaders: A Senate in crisis