AGP Executive Report

Duterte Impeachment: The Senate court accepted prosecutors’ withdrawal of three charges, leaving allegations of unexplained wealth and failure to disclose assets, and adjourned until Nov. 9. Senator-judges questioned whether Sara Duterte’s defense can answer allegations already aired; her camp accused the NBI chief of political bias. 2027 Budget: Senate finance chair JV Ejercito says lawmakers will independently review the House’s ₱7.2-trillion spending bill, flagging cuts to foreign-aid and disaster funds as Super El Niño looms. National Security: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said investigators have not ruled out spying at a suspected illegal POGO hub near military and police headquarters; 76 people were arrested in a raid. El Niño Response: Marcos ordered tighter food, water and energy security measures. More than 451,000 people are already affected, the disaster council says. Foreign Policy: The Palace confirmed Trump will attend November’s ASEAN summit in Manila. Teodoro also vowed to reject China’s claims over Batanes.

Sara Duterte Impeachment: The Senate court accepted prosecutors’ withdrawal of three charges, leaving alleged unexplained wealth and asset nondisclosure as the sole basis for trial. It also lifted restrictions on public discussion of the dropped claims; Duterte’s camp says the proceedings wasted public money, while the defense has called the move unfair. Duterte ICC Case: Prosecutors plan to call five witnesses before the holiday break as they prepare for the former president’s Nov. 30 trial; judges are still addressing a dispute over the volume of evidence. Public Works Probe: The NBI referred graft complaints to the Justice Department against public works officials and a contractor over P7 billion in flood-control projects in a district represented by Paolo Duterte. DICT Shake-up: Marcos named former SSS chief Robert Montes de Claro as information and communications technology secretary. De Claro says he will review the department’s projects, budgets and procurements amid investigations into alleged ghost Wi-Fi projects. Local Accountability: Quezon City disbanded Task Force Disiplina after an enforcer was accused of killing three teenagers, and ordered checks and tests for members seeking reassignment. Press Freedom: Marcos said media and government are not adversaries despite disagreements, days after an Albay broadcaster was shot dead; police are reviewing footage to identify the gunmen.

Sara Duterte Impeachment: The Senate court allowed prosecutors to drop three of four articles after 38 days of evidence, leaving unexplained wealth as the sole charge. It also lifted restrictions on public discussion of the withdrawn allegations. Duterte says she will not resign and still plans to run for president in 2028. Duterte Investigations: The NBI is probing properties linked to the Duterte family over alleged asset-declaration discrepancies; Sara says the inquiry is meant to derail her presidential bid. ICC Trial: Judges set Nov. 30 as the start of Rodrigo Duterte’s trial, with prosecutors planning to call five witnesses before the Christmas recess. 2027 Budget: The House passed a ₱7.2-trillion spending bill, drawing calls for Senate scrutiny over alleged opaque insertions and spending priorities. Government Changes: Marcos named SSS chief Robert Joseph Montes de Claro as DICT secretary, replacing Henry Aguda. Local Governance: Quezon City dissolved its Task Force Disiplina after an alleged member was arrested in the killing of three teenagers.

Sara Duterte Impeachment: The Senate court is weighing safeguards for confidential financial records before the prosecution files its evidence. Proceedings will pause until Nov. 9, when the defense is set to begin; prosecutors are dropping the bribery charge. A prosecution analyst said Duterte’s unexplained wealth could reach P1.5 billion, an upper estimate she disputes. NBI Probe: The bureau is examining businessman Jaime Cruz’s links to companies associated with Duterte and her brothers, as well as alleged Chinese funding of a firm linked to her husband. 2027 Budget: The House passed its P7.2-trillion spending bill, but watchdogs criticized the process as opaque. Education advocates also warned that cuts to classroom-building and computerization funds could deepen shortages. Anti-Graft Cases: The Ombudsman says 39 flood-control cases have been filed. Separately, the Sandiganbayan ordered Sen. Jinggoy Estrada suspended for 90 days over an alleged P573-million infrastructure scheme. ASEAN Diplomacy: The Philippines says regional foreign ministers will discuss transboundary haze at meetings next month.

Senate Accountability: The Sandiganbayan ordered Sen. Jinggoy Estrada suspended for 90 days over a plunder case involving alleged irregularities in P573 million in public works projects. Duterte Impeachment: Prosecutors are pausing their case to file evidence and say they will not call Vice President Sara Duterte to testify. On Day 38, their financial analyst defended his findings but acknowledged his review relied on available records and excluded documents submitted directly by Duterte and her husband. The defense disputes his conclusions; hearings are set to resume in November. 2027 Budget: The House passed the P7.2-trillion spending bill, now headed to the Senate, amid criticism that lawmakers’ amendments could fuel political patronage. National Security: President Marcos said China-linked funding for Duterte’s husband’s firm would pose a high-level security threat if confirmed. Bangsamoro Peace Process: A civic group urged Marcos to meet MILF chair Murad Ebrahim before the Bangsamoro Parliament opens Oct. 30, saying talks could help advance the long-running peace deal.

Duterte Impeachment: The defense is set to challenge testimony alleging Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband had ₱817.87 million in unexplained wealth. Manases Carpio says flagged purchases were paid for with personal funds; Sen. Robin Padilla says he and allies may skip the trial over what they call constitutional distortions. China-Linked Funds: President Marcos says allegations involving Chinese money and a company linked to Carpio would pose a national security threat if proven. He says the claims are under investigation and calls Duterte’s accusation of a smear campaign “fake news.” 2027 Budget: A House review found 6,212 new infrastructure projects worth about ₱180 billion added to the proposed budget, prompting an opposition lawmaker to warn that public works funds could reward political allies. Government Changes: Marcos named Lino Cayetano to lead the Presidential Communications Office, replacing Dave Gomez, and confirmed accepting DICT chief Henry Aguda’s resignation. ICC Case: A Truth Commission warns US sanctions on the International Criminal Court could harm drug-war victims seeking justice ahead of Rodrigo Duterte’s scheduled trial.

West Philippine Sea: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned of a “new phase of escalation” after Chinese personnel reportedly blocked the medical evacuation of a sick Filipino sailor from Ayungin Shoal. The Philippine Coast Guard also challenged a Chinese research vessel near Hubo Reef over alleged unauthorized operations. Duterte Impeachment: Prosecutors say they will wrap up their case next week, citing testimony that Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband allegedly had P817.8 million in unexplained wealth. Manila Rep. Joel Chua urged her lawyers to seek dismissal if they believe the evidence is weak, while Sen. Robin Padilla warned some senators may stop attending the trial. National Security: Marcos said alleged Chinese money linked to Duterte-affiliated businesses would pose a threat “at the highest level” if proven, and said the claims are under investigation. Government Shake-up: Marcos accepted DICT chief Henry Aguda’s resignation and named Lino Cayetano to replace Dave Gomez as communications chief. Public Spending: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto ordered agencies to speed up spending and procurement for preparations against a forecast “super” El Niño. Accountability: The NBI filed graft complaints against CHR Chair Richard Palpal-latoc and three others over alleged travel allowance claims for a donor-funded seminar.

Cabinet Shake-up: Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla says President Marcos has accepted DICT Secretary Henry Aguda’s resignation, following criticism of the department’s Discord ban; Malacañang had yet to confirm publicly. Sara Duterte Impeachment: Prosecutors have dropped a bribery charge but continue pursuing allegations of unexplained wealth. Prosecution spokesperson Ace Barbers called that charge the strongest, while the claims remain contested. Duterte ICC Case: The court says former President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to stand trial and has allowed seven additional alleged drug-war incidents in the case. Energy and El Niño: Marcos is weighing nuclear power as a way to lower electricity costs, while Executive Secretary Ralph Recto has ordered agencies to speed up spending and procurement for El Niño preparations. South China Sea: The Philippines condemned the return of a Chinese militia vessel near Kota Island, as concerns grow over Chinese activity in disputed waters. Workers: More than 1.56 million Calabarzon minimum-wage earners are set to receive increases of up to P45 a day from Oct. 26.

Sara Duterte Impeachment: The prosecution’s adviser called the unexplained-wealth allegation its strongest charge, citing financial records, while a lawmaker pressed for an explanation of P319 million in China-linked remittances to a company associated with Duterte’s husband. The records do not establish who sent the money or why. Prosecutors have dropped the bribery charge. Duterte at the ICC: Judges ruled former President Rodrigo Duterte is physically and mentally fit to stand trial over alleged crimes against humanity. South China Sea: Manila condemned a Chinese militia vessel and 22 sampans near Kota Island; the Coast Guard described the presence as a coordinated operation. El Niño Preparations: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto urged agencies to speed spending and procurement for drought response, while fishers’ groups called for fuel subsidies and aid as heat threatens catches and workers’ health.

Duterte Impeachment: A prosecution financial analyst told the Senate that Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband had P817.87 million in alleged unexplained wealth from 2022 to 2025, including more than P207 million in undeclared cash. The BIR confirmed it has issued an audit authority to Cale88, a company linked to her husband; senators also questioned how it reported over P150 million in revenue with just two employees. Prosecutors dropped the bribery article and are now pursuing the financial allegations. Senate Scrutiny: The chamber removed the impeachment-trial livestream over data-privacy concerns, while Duterte’s defense disputed how confidential financial records reached the prosecution witness. ICC Case: Judges ruled former President Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial, a major step in the case over alleged crimes against humanity. South China Sea: The Philippines reported a near-doubling of Chinese vessels in a disputed area, while a separate report said a Chinese blockade delayed a Navy medic’s evacuation. Marcos’ Singapore Trip: The Palace confirmed President Marcos will attend the Singapore Grand Prix, with officials citing opportunities to attract investment.

Sara Duterte Cases: The vice president’s grave-threats arraignment was postponed again as the court weighs her pending Supreme Court petition. In her impeachment trial, a prosecution analyst alleged P817.87 million in unexplained wealth from 2022 to 2025; Duterte’s defense challenged the handling of financial records. Prosecutors dropped the bribery article, leaving three charges. Duterte at the ICC: Judges found former president Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial, with proceedings set to begin Nov. 30. Security and Foreign Policy: The military reported a near-doubling of Chinese vessels in a disputed South China Sea area, while the Senate ratified the visiting forces agreement with France. 2027 Budget: A watchdog warned that House deliberations risk becoming “politics-centered,” sharpening scrutiny of next year’s spending plan.

Sara Duterte Cases: A Quezon City court postponed the vice president’s grave-threats arraignment for a second time as it considers a pending Supreme Court petition. At her impeachment trial, BIR records showing millions in cash and investments not listed in her asset declarations have drawn scrutiny; prosecutors are preparing a financial analyst’s testimony. Duterte ICC Trial: International Criminal Court judges ruled former President Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial, scheduled to begin Nov. 30. Senate Shift: Mark Villar joined the majority bloc and took the Senate public works chairmanship; leaders denied the move was tied to the impeachment vote count. Defense Ties: The Senate ratified the Philippines-France visiting forces agreement, the country’s first such pact with a European nation. Investment Push: In Singapore, President Marcos promoted the Philippines’ role in semiconductor research and design through the US-led Pax Silica initiative and pitched reforms to attract investors.

Sara Duterte Impeachment: BIR testimony put the vice president and her husband’s cash in hand and banks at ₱13.8 million in 2025, which prosecutors say was not declared in her asset statements. Prosecutors also cited millions in insurance and investments; the trial briefly paused over a dispute about witness order before resuming. Senate Politics: Mark Villar has joined the majority bloc and reclaimed the public works chairmanship. Majority Leader Migz Zubiri said the move does not dictate how senators vote on Duterte’s trial. Government Accountability: The Commission on Audit’s disallowance of ₱73 million in OVP confidential expenses is final, requiring repayment. Marcos Administration: President Marcos’ net satisfaction rating fell to “poor,” at -11 in the latest SWS survey. Foreign Policy: The Philippines says Chinese presence in disputed waters has nearly doubled; meanwhile, the Senate approved the country’s first visiting forces agreement with a European nation, France.

Public Accountability: COA says P9.22 billion in MMDA assets—mostly flood-control pumps and floodgates—remain uninsured, despite earlier warnings. Budget Scrutiny: The House passed the P7.2-trillion 2027 budget bill on second reading and approved P116 billion in amendments. Critics say the changes lack transparency and direct much of the money to programs and projects flagged as risks. Duterte Impeachment: COA has made final its disallowance of P73.287 million in OVP confidential funds, ordering Sara Duterte and two officials to return the money. At trial, bank records showed joint Duterte family deposits and the prosecution is pressing claims of undeclared wealth; a BIR official is set to testify on the couple’s tax records. Leviste Warrant: The NBI says Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste remains at large and is considered a fugitive after an arrest warrant tied to his solar company.

Sara Duterte Impeachment: Senate testimony examined bank records tied to a joint time deposit with her father and manager’s checks, including one paid to businessman Samuel Uy. COA also made final its disallowance of P73.287 million in OVP confidential funds. 2027 Budget: The House passed the P7.2-trillion spending bill on second reading after approving P116 billion in amendments. Opposition lawmakers and a budget watchdog raised transparency concerns, with the group flagging most of the changes. Marcos in Singapore: The president began a working visit for investor meetings and talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong; critics questioned his possible attendance at the F1 race as inflation and energy costs rise. Leviste Warrant: The NBI says Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste remains at large over an alleged Public Service Act violation, while the DILG plans to seek an Interpol Red Notice.

Impeachment Trial Watch: Day 35 of VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment moved deeper into alleged unexplained wealth as bank representatives were set to testify on Duterte and husband Manases Carpio’s accounts, with prosecutors citing AMLC-linked transaction records and pushing back on claims that the data is “not conclusive.” China Funds Row: Senator-judge Risa Hontiveros pressed the court on whether Chinese state-linked firms sent P319.32M to Duterte-linked Cale88 Foods, while the AMLC maintained its records show reported transactions, not proof of illegal wealth. Cash-Delivery Fallout: Duterte said NBI tried to “forcibly” bring former Davao info officer Jeffrey Tupas to Manila, and she renewed calls to make public his lie detector video; meanwhile, NBI said it validated two “cash house” residences tied to Lord Allan Velasco. Flood Control: MMDA and Manila Mayor Isko Moreno signed an MOA for three rainwater impounding facilities to curb flooding at key sites. El Niño Costs: DOE warned of higher power rates and possible outages as El Niño strains supply-demand, with 106 areas under calamity. Public Safety & Rights: Karapatan criticized UST for suspending four student activists over a PAF exhibit protest, calling it repression of peaceful assembly. Security Update: Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and AFP top brass rushed to Basilan after a convoy ambush to map security measures. Agriculture: Bohol reported P173.69M in El Niño-linked crop losses and is preparing cloud seeding.