Israel Condemns UK, Canada, and Australia for Recognizing Palestinian State

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sharply criticized Britain, Canada, and Australia's recent decisions to officially recognize a Palestinian state. Addressing the matter on Sunday, Netanyahu linked the recognition to recent violent events, stating, \"I have a clear message to those leaders who recognize a Palestinian state after the terrible massacre of October 7. You are giving a huge reward to terrorism.\" He firmly reiterated his opposition, asserting, \"It will not happen, there will not be a Palestinian state west of the Jordan River.\" Netanyahu further indicated he would respond to this development following his return from the United States, saying, \"Wait for it.\" In contrast, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the recognition, viewing it as a crucial and necessary advancement toward peace. His office released a statement highlighting that the acknowledgment aligns with \"international legitimacy\" and supports efforts for a fair and enduring resolution. Earlier in the day, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in a video statement that the United Kingdom formally recognizes the State of Palestine, advocating a renewed commitment to a two-state solution. Similarly, a joint announcement from Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong affirmed Australia\'s recognition of the Palestinian people\'s legitimate and longstanding aspirations for statehood. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also issued a statement confirming Canada\'s position in support of Palestinian state recognition, joining the other two nations in this diplomatic shift.

Former President Duterte Faces Murder Charges at ICC Over Drug War Killings

Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima affirmed on September 23 that the murder charges against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte stem directly from his own policies and actions. These charges, filed by the Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) at the International Criminal Court (ICC), accuse Duterte of crimes against humanity relating to murder during his controversial anti-drug campaign. Duterte, who has been detained at The Hague since March 2025, is currently undergoing trial before the ICC. De Lima declared, "His detention and indictment for the drug war killings are the direct consequence of his own actions. As we have said again and again, he has no one to blame but himself. His co-conspirators will follow him to the Hague soon enough." Characterizing the filing of charges as a significant step towards justice, De Lima highlighted that it marks accountability for the atrocities committed both in Davao City by the so-called "Duterte Death Squad" and across the Philippines during the nationwide crackdown. She noted that the pursuit of justice began with the OTP’s preliminary examination launched in 2018, a warning Duterte largely ignored. "The wheels of justice started to grind as early as the OTP’s declaration of a preliminary examination of the drug war killings in 2018. As early as then we already warned Duterte to stop the killings or he will inevitably face justice before the ICC, no matter how far off in the future." "That future we warned him about is now the present we are witnessing. Duterte did not lack warnings and advice from the Philippine human rights community about his future accountability. He ignored all these warnings at his own peril," she added. Rodrigo Duterte served as president of the Philippines from 2016 until 2022, during which his administration's violent anti-narcotics campaign drew international condemnation for alleged widespread human rights violations.

Cavite Lawmaker Files Ethics Complaint Against House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno

Cavite Representative Francis Barzaga has submitted a formal ethics complaint against House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, alleging that Puno made unwarranted accusations about Barzaga's mental health without providing any medical documentation or credible evidence.\n\nIn a detailed six-page petition filed with the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Barzaga asserted that Puno engaged in conduct violating the 1987 Constitution along with the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.\n\nThe complaint emerged following Puno’s public statement that the National Unity Party (NUP) would initiate an ethics case against Barzaga. Barzaga argued that Puno’s attempt to leverage the Ethics Committee against him constitutes an infringement on his constitutional right to freely voice opinions on public matters.\n\n\"By exploiting the committee as a tool to silence dissent, the respondent effectively shielded himself from legitimate scrutiny and sought to evade responsibility,\" the complaint stated.\n\nBarzaga also criticized Puno for unnecessarily bringing up aspects of his private life, referencing cosplay photographs and social media content from before he assumed office in July 2025. According to Barzaga, these actions amount to harassment and violate his privacy.\n\nThis development highlights ongoing tensions within the House, with Barzaga defending his right to critical expression while challenging what he describes as an abuse of institutional mechanisms by a senior official.

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Former DPWH Engineer Withdraws Claims Linking Senators to Flood Control Scam

During a Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on irregularities in flood control projects, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Assistant District Engineer Brice Hernandez retracted previous allegations implicating six senators in a multi-billion-peso corruption scandal. Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III expressed apprehension regarding the seemingly selective nature of the accusations, noting that only senators were repeatedly accused. He remarked, \"Only senators are being targeted. Why is that? I have to clarify because your lawyer mentioned you would name six senators. What is that about?\" Responding to Sotto's inquiry, Hernandez denied the involvement of senators, stating that the data recovered from his computer actually contained names of members of the House of Representatives. He explained, \"Your honor, what was mentioned probably referred to the contents of my computer. Actually, it’s congressmen who are listed there, not senators.\" Senate President Sotto further sought confirmation, stating, \"So that’s fake news? There were reports that you named senators. It’s actually congressmen in your computer?\" Hernandez affirmed this, saying, \"Yes. The names in my computer are congressmen.\" This clarification came amid scrutiny of alleged irregularities involving flood control projects, ensuring that the investigation maintains focus on accurate information regarding the involved parties.

Senator Dela Rosa Advocates Death Penalty for Corrupt Officials but Opts for Prison If Convicted

During the Senate Blue Ribbon hearing on Thursday, 25 September, Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa strongly endorsed the death penalty as a deterrent against corruption among government officials. In a candid exchange, he addressed former Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, asking, \"If a law imposing the death penalty for corrupt politicians and government officials were enacted, would you fear involvement in corruption?\" Bernardo responded, \"I think many would be scared. But I don\'t believe corruption will be completely eradicated, although definitely reduced.\" Later in the hearing, Senator Ping Lacson revisited the topic by posing a hypothetical question to Dela Rosa. \"Senator Bato, if given the choice between life imprisonment at Muntinlupa or the death penalty, which would you select? Given the harsh conditions in Muntinlupa, I\'d probably opt for the death penalty,\" Lacson remarked. With a lighthearted smile, Dela Rosa replied, \"I\'d choose Muntinlupa. I think I\'d enjoy it there.\" This exchange highlighted Dela Rosa\'s commitment to stringent penalties for corruption while hinting at his personal tolerance for imprisonment, emphasizing the seriousness with which the Senate continues to tackle corruption issues within government ranks.

Marikina Mayor Maan Teodoro Denies Sexual Assault Claims Against Husband, Labels Them Politically Motivated

Marikina Mayor Maan Teodoro has categorically denied the sexual assault and lascivious conduct accusations made by two former security personnel against her husband, Marikina Representative Marcelino Teodoro. She described the allegations as outright fabrications intended to damage his reputation for political reasons. "I know my husband’s heart, character, and integrity, and I stand firmly by his side because I know the truth," Mayor Maan stated. She emphasized that the claims are not only false but also deeply painful for their family and the community of Marikina. Mayor Teodoro highlighted her husband’s consistent record of serving the public with humility, honesty, and compassion. She also spoke of him as a devoted spouse, caring father, and genuine servant of the people. “The truth will ultimately prevail; no falsehood can triumph over it. We place our faith in God, the people, and justice,” she added. She suggested that the accusations stem from individuals unable to move on, using attacks to create discord within the city. “We remain resilient against those who seek to undermine and destabilize our beloved community,” she affirmed. In closing, Mayor Teodoro expressed gratitude to Marikina’s residents for their continued trust and support, which she says bolsters her family’s resolve during this challenging period.

House Speaker Urges Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co to Return Amid Ethics Investigation

Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III emphasized on Friday that the cancellation of Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co's travel clearance should not be viewed as prejudgment. Rather, it serves as an essential measure allowing Co to respond to allegations in the appropriate setting. In a formal letter, Dy reminded Co of the deadline to return to the Philippines by Monday, September 29, warning that failure to comply would be interpreted as refusal to submit to House procedures. This could trigger disciplinary and legal actions. "As we stated in our communication dated September 18, 2025, failure to adhere to this directive will be construed as a refusal to subject yourself to the lawful processes of the House and will result in the initiation of appropriate disciplinary and legal actions," said Dy. The Speaker assured Co that upon his return, the House would coordinate with relevant authorities to ensure the safety of both him and his family. "Allow me to emphasize that the revocation of your travel clearance should not be construed as prejudgment, but as a necessary opportunity to answer the allegations against you directly and in the proper forum," the letter read. Co is currently facing complaints, including one under review by the House ethics committee. Returning to the country would provide him the chance to respond comprehensively to these complaints and elaborate on the defenses he previously outlined. The former chair of the House appropriations committee has been implicated in irregularities related to the government’s flood control program and budget insertion issues. "We reiterate that the only proper way to address these matters is not through correspondence from abroad, but by returning, appearing at the proper forum, and answering the charges directly," Dy stated. Dy’s office acknowledged receiving Co’s response letter on Thursday night, which has been forwarded to the House committee on ethics and privileges for further evaluation.

More Witnesses Expected to Testify in Cash Delivery Allegations Involving Legislators

In an exclusive interview on Bilyonaryo News Channel’s "On Point," former Anakalusugan party-list Representative Mike Defensor disclosed that more individuals are anticipated to provide testimony related to accusations of cash-filled luggage deliveries to Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy Co and Leyte Representative Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Defensor recounted conversations with former Marine Sergeant Orly Guteza, who allegedly made regular phone calls during discussions about the alleged money deliveries. Defensor quoted Guteza as saying, \"susuportahan nyo ko Marines tayo\" (support me, we are Marines), indicating ongoing coordination. He further explained that, referencing a Senate hearing where Guteza mentioned approximately 90 individuals—comprising former Marines and police officers—there is a possibility that many from this group, particularly those serving as Co's security detail, may come forward to disclose what they have witnessed. Defensor emphasized, \"These individuals are also concerned for the country. After hearing what Guteza shared, I believe others from that group will reveal what they know and what they have observed.\" The allegations stem from Guteza's claims that he repeatedly delivered luggage containing cash to the residences of both Co and Romualdez. Both lawmakers have categorically denied these accusations.

Visayan Bloc Unites Nearly 40 Lawmakers to Boost Regional Development

Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez announced on Saturday that close to 40 of the 50 congressional members from the Visayas region are now part of the Visayan bloc. Benitez, who leads the group, organized a meeting on September 26 with lawmakers from the region, including newcomers to the House of Representatives. During the gathering, he shared the origins, mission, and strategic objectives of the bloc, emphasizing its focus on securing greater allocations and resources for Visayas. Attendees from Negros Occidental included Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez of the 3rd district, Rep. Mercedes Alvarez of the 6th district, and Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Manuel Frederick Ko, as shown in a photo Benitez shared on social media. The Visayan bloc traces its roots to the formation of the Visayas Caucus by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez just one month before he resigned as House Speaker. The caucus aimed to unite House members from across Visayas for a more cohesive and influential regional presence in national legislation. Romualdez served as convenor, with regional chairs named for Western Visayas (Rep. Janet Garin), Central Visayas (Rep. Lolypop Ouano-Dizon), Eastern Visayas (Rep. Yedda Romualdez), and the Negros Island Region (Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer). In a statement posted on Facebook, Benitez said that the Visayan Bloc was established "to strengthen regional collaboration toward meaningful reforms and progress for the region." He reaffirmed the group’s dedication to fostering lasting development for the people of Visayas through unified legislative efforts.