Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has been appointed the new Senate president, taking over from Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri. The change in leadership occurred without objection when Senator Alan Peter Cayetano nominated Escudero during Monday’s Senate session.
Former PDEA Agent Detained for Contempt
The Senate has ordered the detention of Jonathan Morales, a former agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), citing him for contempt. Morales was accused of “continuously lying” during his testimony before the chamber.
Illegal Activities by Chinese Fishermen in Scarborough Shoal Revealed
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) disclosed on Monday the illegal activities of Chinese fishermen at Scarborough (Panatag) Shoal during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. Commodore Jay Tarriela, PCG spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, indicated that these fishermen, suspected to be members of the Chinese maritime militia, have been involved in poaching and harvesting giant clams since 2016.
Duterte Should Be Invited to Probe on Ayungin Shoal Agreement
Rep. France Castro of the ACT Teachers party-list suggested on Monday that former President Rodrigo Duterte should be invited to a congressional probe. The investigation aims to clarify a “gentleman’s agreement” purportedly established to maintain the status quo over Ayungin Shoal, which current government officials are reportedly unaware of.
Mayor Alice Guo’s Napolcom Deputization Revoked
Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. announced on Monday that he has directed the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to revoke the deputization of Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo. Under Napolcom Memorandum Circular No. 99-010, governors and mayors are automatically deputized as Napolcom representatives in their areas, granting them authority over police units.
