Senator Hontiveros revealed that Chinese state-owned enterprises transferred approximately 319 million pesos to Cale88 Foods, a company linked to Vice President Duterte's husband, during an impeachment court proceeding, though authorities noted the funds went to the company rather than individuals directly.
The Philippine Senate is trying Vice President Sara Duterte on impeachment charges involving fund misuse and threats against President Marcos Jr., potentially barring her 2028 presidential run and escalating the Marcos-Duterte dynasty conflict with geopolitical implications.
Over 14,000 members of Iglesia ni Cristo blocked Manila's main highway, paralyzing traffic and intensifying political tensions as they protested a plunder case against Senator Marcoleta amid Vice President Duterte's pending impeachment trial.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial begins Monday before the Senate, where 24 members will judge fund misuse allegations in a politically charged case expected to end in acquittal, further destabilizing an economically fragile nation.
Trump visits China for summit with Xi Jinping while Philippine lawmakers vote on Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment; major Asian tech and automotive firms report earnings amid AI competition and economic slowdown concerns.
Fitch downgraded the Philippines' outlook to negative, citing energy shocks and disrupted investment threatening growth below the government's 5-6% target, amid Middle East tensions raising fuel costs and inflation concerns.
The US is expanding military cooperation with the Philippines through four new joint facilities and upgraded bases, costing $144 million, to counter China's illegal South China Sea expansion and obstruction of $4 trillion annual trade, though concerns include local corruption and political instability.
Russia launched a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine, killing at least 18 people and exposing critical gaps in air defenses amid ongoing conflict requiring NATO support.
Philippine President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae upgraded bilateral ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership on May 28, marking 70 years of relations and expanding defense, maritime, and economic cooperation through military agreements and infrastructure initiatives.
Sara Duterte trial, Takaichi-Lee summit, Samsung unionists go on strike
ASEAN Secretary-General Dr. Kao Kim Hourn briefed the 31st APSC Council meeting in Cebu on sectoral bodies' work and ASEAN 2045 strategic plan implementation, chaired by Philippines' Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
Vietnamese President To Lam visits China to meet Xi Jinping as communist allies strengthen ties, while India monitors inflation amid Iran war's impact on energy prices and trade.
Indonesia risks emerging market status despite a $27.8 billion financial center plan, while ASEAN nations navigate economic challenges, governance tensions including Philippine impeachment proceedings, and regional volatility amid Middle East conflicts and natural disasters.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial begins over corruption charges, potentially affecting her 2028 presidential ambitions, while India's Modi visits Indonesia for critical minerals talks and NATO convenes in Turkey with Indo-Pacific partners.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos urged boycotting senators to return to work, warning that critical legislation faces delays as pro-Duterte lawmakers suspended Senate sessions ahead of Vice-President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, amid corruption arrests and ICC warrants.
The Philippine peso hit a record low of 61.64 against the dollar Thursday, driven by a strong US dollar and domestic political turmoil, including Senate gunshots and impeachment proceedings against the Vice President, raising uncertainty premiums.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos will visit Japan May 26-29, 2026, marking the countries' 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations normalization, Malacañang announced.