Unbiased AI-powered news
A Duterte-allied bloc replaced Senate President Tito Sotto with Alan Peter Cayetano on May 11. The chamber has since faced lockdowns, a shooting incident, privilege speeches, and a minority walkout over proposed rule changes.
manilatimes.netThe vote followed the appearance of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who had been in hiding for six months to avoid an International Criminal Court arrest warrant. Dela Rosa sought Senate protective custody after slipping on Senate stairs while trying to evade National Bureau of Investigation agents.
The ICC publicly released the warrant the same day. Five senators filed a resolution on May 12 stating the Senate lacks authority to shield members from lawful arrest.
May 13 Senate incident On May 13, a shouting exchange occurred between Senators Robin Padilla and Francis Pangilinan during debate over dela Rosa’s case. m. and later appeared live on Facebook claiming an imminent arrest threat. The Supreme Court declined to issue a temporary restraining order.
, Philippine Marines and Senate security personnel in bulletproof vests entered the building. Gunshots were heard near the Government Service Insurance System building minutes later. m. ” Senator Imee Marcos posted a similar video. m. to secure remaining senators.
Subsequent developments On May 14, Cayetano confirmed dela Rosa had left the premises with assistance from Padilla. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated in a video that his administration issued no orders for the shooting or dela Rosa’s arrest. The National Bureau of Investigation said its agents were present only to secure the GSIS building at its request.
On May 20, Senator Pia Cayetano delivered an emotional speech claiming minority senators did not check on colleagues after the shooting. Senator Erwin Tulfo later disputed the claim, stating minority senators used a group chat to inquire about colleagues.
On May 25, Senator Imee Marcos presented a video during a privilege speech alleging the minority bloc was advancing charter change to cancel 2028 elections and raise the presidential age limit. Several senators denied the claims, and Senator Migz Zubiri moved to strike the presentation from the record.
” The minority statement condemned the rushed rule change and said several members still wished to speak.
foxnews.comIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told a Jerusalem policy summit that two named operations destroyed Iran's nuclear infrastructure and killed 20 scientists. He also described strikes on missile and regime targets plus new security zones in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon.
foxnews.comA federal judge barred the Kennedy Center from shutting for two years of renovations and required removal of President Trump's name from the building. The board will vote in mid-July on three renovation options.
theepochtimes.comChicago police recorded seven deaths and 38 injuries from multiple shootings that began Friday evening and continued through Sunday. Officials reported at least two dozen separate incidents since 5 p.m. Friday.