Summary
Highlights
Tropical Depression Josi, located 1,070 km east of Southeastern Luzon, has weakened with winds of 45 km/h. It is not expected to make landfall or intensify the Habagat (southwest monsoon). However, the Habagat will still bring rain to Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and La Union. Metro Manila and other areas can expect fair weather with possible thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening. A new low-pressure area has formed in the West Philippines Sea but is unlikely to become a typhoon or affect the weather. The Habagat, intensified by Typhoon Inday, has caused 23 deaths, 8 injuries, and 16 disappearances, affecting over 8,000 families and causing millions in infrastructure damage, particularly in Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Visayas, and Mindanao.
Mayon Volcano erupted several times last night, spewing lava, ash, smoke, and rocks. PHIVOLCS reported minor Strombolian activity, characterized by intermittent and gentle to moderate ejections of gas and lava. Alert Level 3 remains, and entry into the 6 km permanent danger zone is prohibited.
NBI Director Attorney Melvin Matibag is scheduled to appear before the Senate Impeachment Court on July 20 to testify earlier due to a prior engagement. Office of the Vice President Chief of Staff Attorney Zuleka Lopez is also expected to appear. Attorney Jeremy Lotok, former NBI cybercrime division chief, testified about Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged threats against President Bongbong Marcos, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Lotok stated that the threats were serious and real, citing Duterte's furious demeanor and repeated cursing in a November 2024 online media briefing. The NBI previously filed a complaint for grave threats and inciting sedition, asserting sufficient prima facie evidence. However, Lotok also stated that there was no validated information of Duterte contracting a hitman. Senator Judge Imee Marcos raised questions about typographical errors in the impeachment documents.
A senior citizen crossing a pedestrian lane in Infanta, Quezon, was hit by a van. The driver and the victim reached an agreement for medical expenses. In Solano, Nueva Vizcaya, a barangay tanod and his mother and child died from electrocution after the tanod touched a live wire while hanging clothes. In Dagupan, Pangasinan, a barangay tanod was suspended for three months for assaulting two minors involved in theft. In Mandaluyong, residents complained that rice distributed under a government program was underweight. The supplier blamed their driver and helper and offered replacements, but the LGU blacklisted the supplier due to the incident.
Fuel prices increased today, with diesel up by Php4.60 per liter and gasoline by Php1. Drivers are calling for long-term solutions. Alex Eala, a Pinay tennis star, received a presidential citation from President Marcos. The Makati Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant for Attorney Levy Baligod for cyber libel, related to his claims of delivering money to Agricultural Secretary Francisco Chu Laurel Jr.'s house. Cashless payments are now available on LRT Line 2, with plans to implement it on LRT Line 1. First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos led a rice distribution program in Malabon, providing 3,000 beneficiaries with 10 kg of rice each.
Palace Press Officer Yus Claire Castro addressed concerns about the impartiality of the NBI's investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte, stating that the NBI's mandate is clear. Regarding the flood control scandal, Castro advised those with evidence to file complaints with the Ombudsman or DOJ instead of relying on Senate investigations. She also denied that former DBM Secretary Amen Pangandaman's appointment as CEO of a Government Islamic Bank was influenced by her alleged involvement in the scandal, noting that no pending cases are against her. Castro clarified that former Health Secretary Ted Herbosa's resignation was due to health reasons, not complaints against him, and affirmed Dr. Jose Puhalte Jr.'s capacity as the new health secretary. She also outlined the priorities of new Cabinet Secretary Benhar Abalos, focusing on addressing public complaints. When asked about US Secretary of State Mark Rubio's statement on pressuring countries to withdraw from the ICC, Castro stated that the Philippines respects the US's views and adheres to its own laws.
On day 5 of the impeachment trial, Attorney Jeremy Lotok continued his testimony, and Attorney Zuleka Lopez is expected to testify. The impeachment court received memoranda from both the respondent and the house panel of prosecutors regarding tax and bank records. Senator Rodante Marcoleta, arrested last week for plunder, was transferred to the Philippine General Hospital for an independent medical examination due to his various ailments, including pneumonia and degenerative disc disease.
Airline fuel surcharges have decreased to Level 8, effective July 16-31, potentially lowering airfare. The water level at Angat Reservoir has slightly increased to 156.34 meters but remains below the critical level of 160 meters. The first bone marrow transplant unit in the country was opened at the Philippine General Hospital in Manila, a collaboration between PGH and the I Want to Share Foundation, to provide effective treatment for children with leukemia and other blood diseases.
Cast members of Kapuso Afternoon Prime series "My Favorite Song" and "Born to Shine" had a surprise collaboration. The cast of the upcoming Kapuso Medical Drama "Code Green" shared bonding moments off-camera. A hilarious 'pamamanhikan' (formal meeting of families before marriage) in Alaminos, Laguna, where the couple presented their request as a thesis defense, went viral online.
Five members of the 'Gapos Gang' were arrested after robbing a house in Marikina, making off with over 3 million pesos in cash, jewelry, and other valuables. The suspects pretended to be police officers and NBI agents, using a fake search warrant. They tied up eight victims and forced one to send money via an online wallet. Police responded during the robbery, leading to a chase and the arrest of five members, though three, including the mastermind, escaped with the stolen goods.