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Senate urged to proceed with Duterte impeachment trial despite SC orders

VICE PRESIDENT SARA DUTERTE — PHILIPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

A CONGRESSMAN on Monday asked the Senate to proceed with Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s impeachment trial despite recent actions by the Supreme Court (SC) on lawsuits challenging the complaint.

“There’s no reason for the Senate to wait for the Supreme Court’s decision since no temporary restraining order has been issued,” Manila Rep. Joel R. Chua told a news briefing in Filipino. “For now, the trial should proceed unless the Supreme Court orders it to stop.”

On July 8, the Supreme Court consolidated two petitions filed by Ms. Duterte’s allies seeking to block the impeachment trial. The tribunal ordered both the House of Representatives and Senate to comment on the lawsuit.

Mr. Chua said the House would comply with the directive. “We’ll be able to comply with the requirements requested by the Supreme Court in the House.”

The House impeached Ms. Duterte in February, citing allegations of budget irregularities, unexplained wealth and conspiracy to assassinate President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., his wife, and Speaker Martin Romualdez. The Vice-President has denied the allegations.

After her impeachment, Ms. Duterte’s supporters filed two separate petitions before the Supreme Court to stop the Senate trial. The plaintiffs argued that the Vice-President’s right to due process had been violated during the impeachment proceedings in the House.

In her formal response submitted to the Senate in June, Ms. Duterte said the impeachment complaint lacked legal merit. She also invoked the constitutional provision that prohibits Congress from initiating more than one impeachment proceeding against the same official within a single calendar year.

However, Party-list Rep. Terry L. Ridon said the constitutional safeguard cited by Ms. Duterte does not apply to her case. “The facts are clear. There was never a referral to the House committee on Justice,” he told the same briefing.

Mr. Ridon said the first three impeachment complaints filed against Ms. Duterte in December by civil society groups, activists and religious leaders were never formally referred to the committee, which would have triggered the one-year bar.

On Feb. 5, a fourth impeachment complaint — endorsed by more than 215 lawmakers — was filed and sent directly to the Senate without going through a committee hearing.

“Ultimately, this case should be dismissed because the one-year ban only applies to the impeachment complaint that proceeded to direct plenary action,” Mr. Ridon said.

Mr. Chua added that a definitive ruling from the Supreme Court on the constitutional ban could help prevent further delays. “It would be helpful for the Supreme Court to rule on the Duterte camp’s one-year bar plea so it could not be used to stall Ms. Duterte’s impeachment trial,” he added.

The impeachment trial is expected to begin later this month under the 20th Congress. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

ERC chief Dimalanta files ‘irrevocable resignation’

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

ENERGY REGULATORY Commission (ERC) Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Monalisa C. Dimalanta has submitted her “irrevocable resignation,” Malacañang confirmed on Monday.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told BusinessWorld via Viber that Ms. Dimalanta submitted an “irrevocable resignation.” She did not share the reasons cited by Ms. Dimalanta.

Industry stakeholders were taken aback by the resignation of Ms. Dimalanta, cutting short her seven-year term.
Ms. Dimalanta was appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in 2022. In August 2024, the Ombudsman ordered her preventive suspension following a complaint accusing her of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of public service.

The President reinstated her after two months, citing the need to stabilize the country’s power sector.

“I’m so surprised when we heard the news. I’ve known Chairman Dimalanta, I consider her a good friend. She has definitely pursued her mandate as a regulator. I hope the best for her future endeavors,” Cynthia P. Alabanza, spokesperson of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP), said in a press briefing on Monday.

Asked on the impact of her resignation on NGCP’s rate reset applications, Ms. Alabanza believes that the government will ensure continued operations of the ERC.

“Even though there will be vacancies, I am sure that the government and administration will ensure that the crucial work is given to them and to ensure the continuous development of the energy industry as well as the balance, the interests will go on unhampered,” she said.

Prior to her appointment, Ms. Dimalanta, a practicing lawyer of more than 20 years, sat as the chairperson of the National Renewable Energy Board and laid the groundwork for the country’s updated 20-year National Renewable Energy Plan and the foundation for the Green Energy Auction Program, among others.

She also served as the legal counsel and compliance officer of Aboitiz Power Corp.

The Philippine Rural Electric Cooperatives Association (PHILRECA) expressed “profound regret” over the resignation of Ms. Dimalanta, saying it is “a great loss.”

“We value the harmonious working relationship we have established with Madam Chair and her office. Her departure is a great loss, particularly given the momentum we had built in our partnership,” PHILRECA Executive Director and General Manager Janeene Depay-Colingan said in a Viber message. “There are numerous crucial matters concerning our member ECs that we have already referred to her office and are due for discussion.”

Ms. Depay-Colingan said that the group is ready to work with the new chief who will be appointed.

“We look forward to establishing a new and equally productive relationship with the incoming Chair,” she said. “It is our hope that the next leader of the ERC will be an individual who is not only well-versed in the complexities of the energy sector but also has a genuine and unwavering advocacy for the member-consumer-owners of our electric cooperatives.”

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, former vice-chairperson of the Senate energy committee, said that Ms. Dimalanta’s resignation is “a significant loss” to the government.

“Her unwavering commitment to integrity has been instrumental in steering the commission, and her dedication to consumer welfare and regulatory transparency set a high bar,” he said in a statement.

“I am hopeful that [Ms. Dimalanta’s] replacement will possess the same dedication to fair and effective governance in the energy sector, ensuring the welfare of consumers and the stability and development of the entire sector,” he added in Filipino.

Some industry stakeholders were concerned that Ms. Dimalanta’s resignation, coinciding with the retirement of two commissioners, would paralyze the ERC’s regulatory role.

“A regulator like ERC operating without a quorum is effectively paralyzed and unable to carry out its statutory duties. We all know the critical importance that ERC plays in setting electricity rates, enforcing industry standards and safeguarding consumer interests,” Jose M. Layug, Jr., president of the Developers of Renewable Energy for AdvanceMent, Inc., said via Viber.

In a statement, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) expressed the same concern that this could delay the release of key decisions that need to be addressed in the power sector.

“This move effectively deprives the Commission of a quorum to perform its regulatory role. The leadership vacuum will also delay key decisions regarding power tariffs, consumer protection and energy policies that will unfairly weigh on industrial and domestic consumers,” the group said.

PCCI Chairman George T. Barcelon said that the group collaborated with Ms. Dimalanta in addressing gaps in the energy sector.

“We are surprised too by her sudden resignation. Our past collaborations were always open and objective in addressing gaps in our power sectors’ policies and regulations,” Mr. Barcelon said via Viber.

Meanwhile, energy advocacy group People for Power Coalition (P4P) expressed gratitude for Ms. Dimalanta’s service and recognized the reforms she pushed.

“We recognize that despite difficult circumstances, she has managed to put reforms forward that served consumer interests. We wish her the best of luck in future endeavors,” P4P Convenor Gerry C. Arances said in a statement.

Mr. Arances said, however, that electricity rates “continued to rise on her watch.”

“Understanding that the ERC is a commission, we enjoin the two other commissioners, Commissioners Floresinda Baldo-Digal and Marko Romeo Fuentes, to follow the lead of Chairperson Dimalanta and submit their own courtesy resignations, thus giving President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos a free hand to reorganize the commission and start from a clean slate if the administration accepts Chair Dimalanta’s submission,” he said. — with Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Warning on China rockets issued

PHOTO FROM GOOGLE MAP

THE National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Monday warned the public of potential debris from Beijing’s Long March 7 rocket, which are expected to land within the Philippines’ maritime territory.

In a statement, the NDRRMC said that China is scheduled to launch its Long March 7 rocket on July 15-17 by 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. as its Wenchang Space Launch Site in Wenchang, Hainan province.

Rocket debris are projected to fall 88 nautical miles away from Cabra Island in Occidental Mindoro, 51 nautical miles away from Reed Bank near Spratly Islands, 118 nautical miles away from Busuanga, Palawan, and 33 nautical miles away from Scarborough Shoal.

“The public is advised to immediately inform local authorities of any suspected debris sighted at sea or land,” the agency said.

The Philippine Space Agency had also warned against retrieving or coming the rocket debris to minimize risk from remnants of toxic substances such as rocket fuel.

Personal protective equipment is needed when coming in contact with the rocket materials.

The NDRRMC also advised relevant government agencies to temporarily restrict fisherfolk in the area and issue a notice to seafarers along the projected drop zone. — Adrian H. Halili

Newly appointed DoE chief takes oath

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and newly appointed Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin talk following her oath-taking in Malacañan Palace on Monday. — PCO

THE NEWLY appointed secretary of the Department of Energy (DoE), Sharon S. Garin, took her oath before President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., on Monday.

“Secretary Sharon Garin’s experience in lawmaking and shaping energy policy will help us achieve our goal of providing every Filipino family with more reliable, affordable, and clean energy under the Bagong Pilipinas initiative,” Mr. Marcos wrote in a Facebook post in Filipino.

Ms. Garin has been serving as officer-in-charge (OIC) of the DoE since May 2025, having officially replaced Raphael M. Lotilla, who was appointed secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Before taking on the role of OIC, Ms. Garin served as DoE undersecretary beginning in 2022, and lawmaker, representing the AAMBIS-Owa Partylist, from 2010 to 2022.

She served as deputy speaker from 2016 to 2019 and chaired the House Committee on Economic Affairs from 2019 to 2020, returning to lead the panel again from 2021 to 2022. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PHL bares 2026 ASEAN agenda

DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS FACEBOOK PAGE

THE PHILIPPINES will be pushing for peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change issues as the country heads the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit next year, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

“We have three basic cross cutting issues that will be the priorities for the 2026 chairmanship. It will be peace and security, maritime cooperation, and climate change,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa P. Lazaro told a news briefing.

Ms. Lazaro added that the Philippines is still in the process of discussing other details for its hosting of the summit next year.

“We are still in the process of discussions because Malaysia has not finished its chairmanship. We are of the view that we should build on what Malaysia has done and build building blocks to strengthen ASEAN cooperation,” she said.

Manila is set to take over the regional bloc’s chairmanship in 2026, a year earlier than expected after Myanmar skipped its turn.

During the summit, the regional bloc is expected to come up with the draft of a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, as Beijing continues to assert its dominance in the region.

Ms. Lazaro said that the Philippines will continue to enforce the 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea, which invalidate Beijing’s expansive claim in the area for being illegal. — Adrian H. Halili

DND clarifies Teodoro’s citizenship

DEFENSE SECRETARY GILBERTO C. TEODORO, JR. — DND

DEFENSE SECRETARY Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. has renounced his Maltese citizenship prior to his appointment, a Department of Defense (DND) spokesman said on Monday, after a Philippine newspaper reported that the Defense chief previously held a Malta passport

In a statement, Defense department spokesman Arsenio R. Andolong said Philippine authorities were already aware that Mr. Teodoro held a Maltese passport as early as 2021 and noted that it was also disclosed to the Commission on Appointments during his confirmation hearings.

“The alleged existing Maltese passport of Secretary Gilberto Teodoro was surrendered and renounced prior to the filing of his certificate of candidacy in 2021 for the 2022 elections,” Mr. Andolong said. “Its existence was disclosed to the Bureau of Immigration and Comelec prior to the 2022 elections.”

The Manila Times reported on Monday that Mr. Teodoro was issued a Maltese passport in 2016.

A 2017 report by the Malta Government Gazette listed the Defense chief as among individuals naturalized and registered as Maltese citizens.

Mr. Teodoro said the motive behind spreading the rumor is “clear and known.” He did not elaborate. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

CVF may set up regional office in PHL

A water buffalo is seen on cracked soil in a dried-up rice field in Baliuag town, Bulacan province, north of Manila, Philippines in this file photo dated April 23, 2018. — REUTERS

THE Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) is looking to put up a regional office in the country, a move that is seen benefiting the Philippines and its climate vulnerable neighbors.

“We would very much like the Philippines to have a regional office and host us… It’s a process we hope to get it done as quickly as possible,” CVF Secretary General Mohamed Nasheed told a news briefing.

CVF is an international alliance of countries highly vulnerable to a warming planet, which also created the Vulnerable 20 (V20), consisting of Finance Ministers from its member states. It is currently headquartered in Accra, Ghana.

Senator Lorna Regina “Loren” B. Legarda said that hosting a CVF desk in the country will help the Philippines and member states in the Asia-Pacific region deal with climate related issues.

Last year, the Philippines was chosen to host the board of the Loss and Damage fund that seeks to help vulnerable countries deal with losses and damage caused by climate change.

Mr. Nasheed said that the CVF and the Philippine government must first sign a host country agreement and the approval of the CVF’s Global Parliamentary Group to set up a regional office.

“It would benefit the Philippines, and it would benefit the region. Philippines has so much experience on dealing with (climate vulnerability issues), and they’ve been very active in the CVF,” he told reporters on the sidelines.

The Philippines lies along the typhoon belt in the Pacific and experiences about 20 storms each year. It also lies in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, a belt of volcanoes around the Pacific Ocean where most of the world’s earthquakes strike. — Adrian H. Halili

Health groups push for Konektadong Pinoy bill signing

REUTERS

ABOUT FIFTY-THREE Philippine medical and healthcare Philippine medical and healthcare associations are urging President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to sign the Konektadong Pinoy bill into law, citing the need for connectivity to advance healthcare system in the country.

“Without connectivity, many rural health units cannot view or submit electronic records and conduct other critical tasks. This represents a barrier to healthcare access for many communities in the countryside,” Philippine Medical Association President Hector Santos said in a media release on Monday.

The group said the digital divide has resulted in a drop in telemedicine in the country, which is largely caused by poor connectivity.

To recall, Philippine telecommunications companies urged President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. to veto the Konektadong Pinoy bill, objecting to cybersecurity risks and the removal of Congressional oversight called for by the legislation.

Last month, Malacañang said that Mr. Marcos will be reviewing the bill, which is a priority measure for the administration.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has said that it is confident that the bill will be signed into law.

The Senate and House of Representatives ratified on June 9 the bicameral conference committee report of Konektadong Pinoy.

The current version of the measure contained provisions that pose a threat to the industry, according to telecommunications companies, citing the two-year grace period given to data transmission companies to ensure their systems are secure. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

MNLF, LGU resolving deadly Maguindanao del Norte clan war

COTABATO CITY — The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the police and military are working to disengage two enemy groups locked in a showdown for a week now in Barangay Bagoinged in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.

Barangay Bagoinged is also known as the MNLF’s largest enclave in Central Mindanao, which is covered by its Sept. 2, 1996 final truce with the national government that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a bloc of more than 60 Muslim countries, brokered.

More than 400 Moro families in Bagoinged have fled to neutral grounds after the group led by its barangay chairman, Moner S. Kamsa, and the clan of Muslimin W. Angkanan, who was killed in an ambush last month near the town center of Datu Odin Sinsuat, figured in a series of gunfights last week.

Talks and text messages are spreading around stating that the clashes had exacted fatalities on both sides but are being kept by their leaders from authorities and the media.

Relatives of Mr. Angkanan have pointed to Mr. Kamsa’s group as responsible for his fatal ambush last June, which left two of his companions, both related to him by blood, wounded.

Bangsamoro Labor and Employment Minister Muslimin G. Sema, chairman of the MNLF’s central Committee, and Datu Odin Sinsuat’s newly elected mayor, Abdulmain P. Abas, sent emissaries on Sunday, to reposition the two groups away from each other.

“We are doing our best to prevent escalation of hostilities between the two groups,” Mr. Sema told reporters on Monday.

The commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID), Major Gen. Donald M. Gumiran, and Brig. Gen. Jaysen C. De Guzman, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO-BAR), had separately said that they are supporting the efforts of the MNLF and the mayor of Datu Odin Sinsuat in resolving the “rido,” clan war in local vernaculars, between the two groups.

Traditional Moro elders and Muslim religious leaders Datu Odin Sinsuat, which is near Cotabato City, the capital of BARMM, told reporters on Monday that they will help the MNLF, the 6th ID and the PRO-BAR settle the conflict. — John Felix M. Unson

Sinner dethrones Alcaraz to capture first Wimbledon title

JANNIK SINNER — REUTERS/PATRICK HAMILTON/SIPA USA

LONDON — Jannik Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in a high-octane final to capture his maiden Wimbledon trophy and fourth Grand Slam crown on Sunday, avenging his loss to the Spaniard in last month’s epic French Open final.

The hard-fought win over the two-times defending champion on the famous lawns of London ensured that Sinner became the first Italian to secure a Wimbledon singles title.

“I would like to start with Carlos. An amazing tournament, but mostly thank you for the player you are,” Sinner said.

“It’s so difficult to play against you, but we have an amazing relationship off the court and on the court… keep going, keep pushing.”

The 23-year-old Sinner drew first blood in the first Wimbledon men’s final contested by a pair born in the 2000s, breaking for a 3-2 lead, but Alcaraz clawed back before hitting a spectacular return at full stretch to wrap up the opening set and he celebrated by cupping his ear and soaking up the cheers.

Sinner gained a break in the opening game of next set and he let out a rare yell of “let’s go” after winning a point en route to holding in a tight game before surging ahead 3-1 after a brief interruption when a champagne cork flew from the stands and landed on Centre Court.

The top seed shrugged off the distraction and hit a running crosscourt winner to take the second set, before tightening his grip on the contest by unleashing a superb volley at the net to break for 5-4 and then holding in the next game to seal the third set with minimum fuss.

With shadows drifting across the main showcourt that had basked in bright sunshine, Sinner wheeled away to a 3-1 lead in the fourth set as Alcaraz began to display the smallest signs of dejection, and the monk-like world number one held firm from there to complete a famous victory.

“It’s amazing to be in this position,” added Sinner.

“We were talking actually before the match; we would never have thought to be in this position. Back in the days when I was young, this was only a dream, because it was so far away from where I’m from. So I’m just living my dream, it’s amazing.”

“I’d like to thank my team and everyone who came here for this special day. It means so much. You give me so much emotion on and off the court and we try to keep pushing and trying to become a better tennis player, but mostly a better person.”

There was to be no Roland Garros-like resurrection for Alcaraz, who fought back from three match-points down in the Paris finale just 35 days ago, as the Spaniard’s bid to claim three successive All England Club titles was extinguished.

“I’m just really happy and really proud about everything I’m doing,” the 22-year-old Alcaraz said.

“At the beginning of the season, I struggled a little bit on the court, but then suddenly I started to bring joy on the court again and that excitement I have every time I step on the court.

“It’s a great journey so far, which I’m really proud of.”

Sinner’s victory snapped a run of five successive losses to Alcaraz and left the rivalry 8-5 in the Spaniard’s favor.

“Every time we play each other, I think our level is really high. We don’t see a level like this,” Alcaraz said.

“I don’t see any player playing against each other, having the level that we’re playing when we face each other.”

“This rivalry, it’s becoming better and better… we’re playing in the finals of Grand Slams, finals of Masters and the best tournaments in the world. It’s going to get better.” — Reuters

Nxled Chameleons gun for record start against winless Galeries Tower

NXLED CHAMELEONS — FACEBOOK.COM/NXLEDCHAMELEONS

Games on Tuesday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
4 p.m. – Nxled vs Galeries Tower
6:30 p.m. – Akari vs Capital1

ARE the Nxled Chameleons for real?

The fledgling franchise will try to prove it is as it shoots to sustain its record start against Galeries Tower on Tuesday in the Premier Volleyball League on Tour at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

The Chameleons, who haven’t finished better than eighth place in their first four conferences in the pros, have been turning heads as of late after slaying league titans Petro Gazz and Choco Mucho in Batangas City late last month.

Another win over the Highrisers (0-2) in their 4 p.m. duel would catapult the Chameleons straight to the top of Pool A alongside the PLDT High Speed Hitters (3-0).

A big part of Nxled’s sensational rise was super rookie Lyann de Guzman, who had averaged 22.5 points in her first two outings in the league.

Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti has also been drawing strong performances from Chiara Permentilla, Jovelyn Fernandez, EJ Clariño and Krich Macaslang.

In a Pool B showdown, Akari (1-3) clashes with Capital1 (0-4) at 6:30 p.m. — Joey Villar

Gravelton PH gears up for its 4th season this October

GET ready to shift gears and embrace the grit as Gravelton PH returns with Gravelton Clark 2025, hitting the trails harder and tougher than ever.

Now on its fourth adrenaline-charged year, the country’s premier gravel race is back to push cyclists and adventure seekers to their limits on the rugged routes of Central Luzon.

The action kicks off and concludes at Filinvest Mimosa Plus Leisure City in Clark, Pampanga, this Oct. 18–19.

This year’s two-day Gravelton PH weekend is set to be bigger and bolder, offering participants not just a festive atmosphere but the most action-packed and grittiest race of a lifetime.

Day 1 (Oct. 18) revs up with an expanded Gravelton Clark 2025 Expo Day featuring more partner brands, booths and activations powering the pre-race vibe.

The adrenaline truly kicks in on Day 2 (Oct. 19) for the Gravelton Clark 2025 Race Day.

Riders will hit the trail and take on Gravelton’s roughest course for the most pulse-pounding and breathtaking gravel race ever.

Registration for Gravelton Clark 2025 opens on July 15, and official registration links will be available on Gravelton PH’s social media pages. Interested participants are encouraged to lock in their slots early.

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