Philippine senator detained, vice president files impeachment response, UN Security Council bid fails

Senator Jinggoy Estrada was taken into police custody on June 1 after the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court ordered his arrest in plunder and graft cases tied to a flood control corruption scandal. Estrada surrendered to Philippine National Police agents, completed booking at Camp Crame, appeared at the Sandiganbayan for the return of the warrant, and was transferred to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas.

Senate leadership change On June 3, Senator Chiz Escudero joined the minority bloc to reach a quorum after two days of boycott by the majority. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian was elected Senate president pro tempore and acting Senate president. Alan Peter Cayetano stated that the leadership change did not affect his hold on the Senate presidency, while the new majority cited an approved motion declaring all elected seats vacant.

Vice president submits impeachment answer On June 1, Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team delivered her formal answer to the articles of impeachment to Senate Secretary Jose Luis Montales, arguing that the articles contain constitutional, procedural, and substantive defects.

Philippines loses UN Security Council bid On June 4, the Philippines received 49 votes in the election for a non-permanent United Nations Security Council seat, while Kyrgyzstan received 142 votes after four rounds of balloting. Kyrgyzstan will serve a two-year term beginning January 1, 2027. This marks the first time the Philippines has lost a bid for the council.