Summary
Highlights
The second day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial saw intense debate over a video the prosecution claims shows her threatening President Bongbong Marcos, Lisa Araneta, and Martin Romualdez. The defense argued that the full two-hour video should be shown for proper context, rather than just the two-minute portion presented by the prosecution. After a brief suspension, the impeachment court decided to play the video. Additional video segments were shown, including Duterte's statements about 'cutting his head' in reference to the President and threatening to exhume the remains of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and throw them into the West Philippine Sea. The first witness, NBI senior agent John Mark Kalilong, who authenticated the video, is set to undergo cross-examination.
Vice President Sara Duterte, though not attending the impeachment trial sessions, made a surprise appearance at the Senate to meet with her defense team. She declared herself 'blooded but unbowed' in a brief statement, refusing further questions from the media. Her team clarified that her presence was for a lunch meeting with them and that the impeachment court's rules do not compel a respondent to attend. The prosecution, however, challenged her statement and urged her to appear in court.
Vice President Sara Duterte visited Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who remains confined at the PNP General Hospital after being arrested on plunder charges. Marcoleta's blood pressure is unstable, and he is experiencing chest and neck pain, delaying his appearance at the Sandiganbayan. Meanwhile, his co-accused, businessman Aristotel Viray, was arrested and is now detained at the BJMP Quezon City Male Dormitory. Viray is implicated in the alleged undeclared PHP75 million campaign contribution to Marcoleta.
A seven-year-old boy, Joven Asunson, drowned in Dario River, Quezon City, after slipping from a broken riprap while retrieving his kite string. Search and rescue operations by the Philippine Coast Guard and other agencies were conducted. The boy's body was found hours later in San Juan River. Residents identified the broken riprap as an unrepaired section damaged by a typhoon last year, despite calls for its repair to local authorities.
Even before Super Typhoon Inday officially enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility, localized thunderstorms have caused flooding and strong winds in parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Rota Island and Guam have already experienced the typhoon's strong winds and heavy rains. Filipino authorities are on high alert, emphasizing evacuation and prepositioning of relief goods for affected areas, particularly Extreme Northern Luzon and Eastern Luzon, as well as Western Luzon, Visayas, and Metro Manila.
The country's inflation rate slowed to 6.4% in June, down from 6.8% in May. This deceleration is mainly attributed to slower increases in transportation costs due to the easing of tensions in the Middle East. Food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation also slowed to 5.2%. However, electricity prices saw a significant 12% increase, the highest in nearly three years, impacting small businesses and households.
Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala made history by becoming the first Filipino to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam Singles event at Wimbledon. Despite her run ending in a loss to Jasmine Paolini, Eala received a standing ovation from the Wimbledon Center Court crowd and immense support from fans in the Philippines. Her performance and sportsmanship were widely praised, with many believing she has a bright future in tennis.
GM Pictures announced 'Amir' as its entry for the 2026 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). This film will star Dennis Trillo, Glizity Castro, Will Ashley, and child star Argus Aspiras, directed by Zig Dulay and with a screenplay by National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee and Ange Atienza. The MMFF also confirmed three other entries and set a ticket price cap of PHP299 to encourage viewership and support for Filipino films.
Tensions flared again at the impeachment trial as the defense questioned the NBI witness's testimony, accusing the prosecution of using a 'script.' Senator Judge Pia Cayetano admonished Senator Judge Risa Hontiveros for questioning the impeachable nature of the evidence presented. Meanwhile, a group of lawyers allied with Vice President Sara Duterte filed an urgent manifestation with the Supreme Court, seeking a temporary restraining order to halt the impeachment trial. They questioned the validity of the rules under which Senator Chiz Escudero was appointed presiding officer, citing irregularities in the Senate's amendment process.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) raided three motels in San Pedro, Laguna, uncovering a prostitution ring. Several women, including minors, were rescued, and alleged pimps and motel staff were arrested. In a surprising discovery, one rescued woman's family, including her children, was found in a nearby room within the same motel, highlighting the complexities of such illicit operations.
The defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte denied claims that Lead Council Attorney Sheila Season walked out of the impeachment trial. A spokesperson clarified that Season had merely gone to the restroom. The defense also noted that the prosecution's desire for VP Duterte to be a key witness, even as a hostile one, goes against constitutional rights against self-incrimination. They also commented that while attorneys questioned the legitimacy of Senator Escudero as presiding officer, the initial two days of the trial under his leadership have been orderly.