Try
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.
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.”
Request from a Duterte loyalist: “Hi Alvin! Is it possible for you to paraphrase the statement of Atty. Kaufman so ordinary people, like me, can understand it better? You may show him the simpler/paraphrased form before you post it for us. Thanks in advance! More power to you and to the Defence Team of FPRRD!”
Even though BBM is in possession of all the instruments of national power such as the coercive capability of the state, its massive intelligence apparatus, its extensive legal capabilities, its investigative and police powers, its ability to influence the other branches of government, among many others, without the accompanying strategic vision and political will, all these assets will be wasted. The result of which will see the pro-China camp increase its influence in the country until it ultimately recaptures state power.
The ICC document said the handlers reported to a combination of police and co-perpetrators, in particular, Dela Rosa, Danao and Sonny Buenaventura, a police officer and Duterte’s driver and bodyguard, and Go, who, in turn, reported to Duterte, whose approval was required for DDS members to conduct killings in Davao City.
IDPC report: The most notorious example is the national anti-drug campaign in the Philippines, which began in June 2016 at the explicit instructions of then President Rodrigo Duterte, immediately upon his taking office. Four years later, the OHCHR (Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights) set the conservative estimate for the number of killings at 8,663, whilst noting that some estimates were three times higher. The use of lethal force has continued to be a hallmark of drug policing in the Philippines beyond the Duterte administration.
Let us eat BBM rice, live in a BBM housing unit, buy medicine at a Botika at Bakuna para sa Mamamayan outlet, and get a BBM haircut. While it is unlikely that Bongbong has explicitly ordered his underlings (and their underlings) to come up with (P)BBM programs, he certainly is not discouraging them from naming things after him
Llamas used the term,Tsinador, to describe certain political leaders and influencers whom he accused of prioritizing Chinese interests over Philippine sovereignty, specifically regarding the West Philippine Sea.
Calling the charges “baseless” does not make them disappear. Declaring them “political” does not answer them… Until the vice president confronts the allegations directly and fully, the issue will not fade into politics. It will remain a matter of responsibility left unresolved.
The year ahead promises to be defining for the future trajectory of ASEAN. Expectations are high, and many want to see the bloc be more decisive on key issues of regional stability and prosperity. Marcos Jr., like his Malaysian predecessor, will face a decision whether to remain a passive observer on potentially thorny issues within member countries, or strike out and give ASEAN a more pronounced role in both regional and global affairs.
