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APRIL 17 - 23, 2026
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Zaldy Co arrested in Prague; Philippine authorities DATELINE USA move to secure return in flood control probe House rejects war FROM THE AJPRESS NEWS TEAM ACROSS AMERICA
powers measure on Iran, highlighting limits of congressional authority WASHINGTON — The United States House of Representatives narrowly rejected a Democratic-backed resolution seeking to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to continue military operations against Iran, underscoring ongoing divisions in Congress over war powers. The measure failed by a 213–214 vote, largely along party lines, one day after a similar proposal was blocked in the United States Senate. The resolution was introduced under the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which outlines Congress’ role in authorizing sustained military engagements. The proposal, led by Gregory Meeks, sought to require congressional approval for continued involvement in hostilities. Lawmakers supporting the measure argued that the Constitution grants Congress the authority to declare war and emphasized the need for legislative oversight. Opposition came primarily from Repubu PAGE 3
by AJPress MANILA — Former lawmaker Zaldy Co, identified by authorities as a key respondent in an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities in government flood control projects, has been arrested in Prague, according to official statements. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that Co was taken into custody by Czech authorities after re-
portedly entering the country without proper documentation. Philippine officials said coordination is underway with their Czech counterparts to determine the legal process for his return. The Philippines does not have a standing extradition treaty with the Czech Republic, which may require alternative legal channels, including cooperation through international policing mechanisms such as Interpol, officials said. Custody abroad places focus on jurisdiction and
Bataan nuclear plant revival gains renewed attention as oil volatility sharpens energy debate by AJPress
House Republicans push for unity on budget bill central to Trump agenda Reconciliation strategy becomes primary legislative path WASHINGTON — House Republicans are intensifying efforts to unify behind a sweeping budget reconciliation package, positioning it as the most viable legislative vehicle to advance the domestic policy priorities of President Donald Trump. The strategy centers on reconciliation, a congressional process that allows certain tax-and-spending legislation to pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing the 60-vote threshold typically required to overcome a filibuster. GOP leaders have indicated that combining key priorities into a single bill improves the chances of passage under narrow margins. Speaker Mike Johnson has urged lawmakers to coalesce around the framework, emphasizing that party unity is essential to advancing the measure. u PAGE 3
CASH ASSISTANCE. Tricycle drivers gather at the Dasmariñas City Arena in Cavite on Wednesday (April 15, 2026) for the rollout of the PHP5,000 fuel subsidy. Simultaneous payout activities were held across multiple sites in coordination with local government units to support public utility vehicle drivers amid continued oil price hikes. PNA photo by Avito Dalan
MANILA — Proposals to revive the long-idled Bataan Nuclear Power Plant have resurfaced in policy discussions, as lawmakers and energy officials cite rising global oil prices and supply uncertainties in pushing for a broader energy mix. The renewed attention comes as the Philippines continues to rely heavily on imported fossil fuels for electricity generation, leaving it exposed to fluctuations in global energy markets. Officials from the Department of Energy have maintained that diversifying energy sources remains a national priority, with nuclear power identified as a potential long-term component. The Bataan facility, completed in the 1980s but never commissioned, has an estimated capacity of about 620 megawatts. Advocates argue that rehabilitating the plant could provide a stable source of baseload power, which operates continuously and supports grid reliability. Some policymakers have pointed to the plant as an existing asset that, if deemed technically u PAGE 2
Senate ethics panel clears procedural hurdle, set to begin review of complaints Committee chaired by Sen. JV Ejercito says internal rules are ready for publication, allowing the panel to proceed with screening of pending cases after months of delay tied to Senate procedure by AJPress MANILA — The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges is preparing to begin formal review of pending complaints after complet-
ing a key procedural requirement: finalizing and signing its internal rules for publication. Committee chair Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito said the panel can start performing its Vice President Sara Duterte functions once the rules are published, in acu PAGE 2
supply cushions or infrastructure. “If we look at it, our brothers in ASEAN are better off because of their own indigenous supply,” Dalusong said, partly in Filipino. Indonesia: Oil-producing Indonesia has stronger buffers due to its domestic oil and gas resources, but it is not insulated. It still imports 37% of its liquid natural gas and petroleum gas from Gulf countries. While it is better positioned than the Philippines with oil and gas reserves, such import dependence and growing subsidy costs mean Jakarta is still struggling due to significant fiscal pressure during oil price spikes. u PAGE 2
File photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta | INQUIRER
Sara Duterte says COA denied her States change custody Laws due process; auditors reject claim
How Philippines compares with ASEAN neighbors during oil shocks to keep children of detained MANILA — The Philippines faces global oil shocks such as due to the recent conflict between US-Israel and Iran with fewer buffers than many of its Southeast Asian peers. “Medyo dehado po tayo,” said Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities energy transition adviser Alberto Dalusong III in an interview Monday, April 6, on ANC’s “Headstart.” (We’re in a bit of a disadvantage.) The Philippines imports nearly all of its crude, has limited refining capacity, and depends heavily on fuel flows tied to the Middle East. That combination makes it a clearer “price taker” compared with neighbors that have stronger
return mechanisms Officials said Co remains under the custody of Czech authorities as Philippine agencies evaluate legal pathways for repatriation. In the absence of a bilateral extradition agreement, options may include deportation proceedings or other forms of judicial cooperation, subject to Czech law. Authorities emphasized that any transfer will follow due process in both jurisdictions. u PAGE 2
Immigrants out of foster care by Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez KFF Health News
AS immigration authorities carry out what President Donald Trump has promised will be the largest mass deportation operation in U.S. history, several states are passing laws to keep children out of foster care when their detained parents have no family or friends available to take temporary custody of them. The federal government doesn’t track how many children have entered foster care because
of immigration enforcement actions, leaving it unclear how often it happens. In Oregon, as of February two children had been placed in foster care after being separated from their parents in immigration detention cases, according to Jake Sunderland, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Human Services. “Before fall 2025, this simply had never happened before,” Sunderland said. As of mid-February, nearly 70,000 people were being held u PAGE 3
by Kenneth Christiane Basilio Inquirer.net
MANILA — Vice President Sara Duterte claimed she was denied due process in the Commission on Audit’s (COA) disallowance of the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) P73.28 million confidential fund spending in 2022, a contention state auditors rejected as “bereft of merit.” Duterte filed the appeal with OVP Chief Accountant Julieta Villadelrey and special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, who were also held liable under the notice of disallowance, according to a 22page COA decision dated April 10, 2026, that upheld the ruling. They argued their right to due process was “violated” when auditors issued a notice of disal-
lowance in 2024 without first releasing an audit observation memorandum (AOM). But state auditors rejected this claim. “Their right to due process was never violated,” COA said, explaining that an AOM is not a prerequisite before issuing a notice of disallowance on questionable transactions. “The petitioner’s right to due process was not violated when the amount of P3.5 million was disallowed in audit despite not previously raised in the AOMs,” it added. A notice of disallowance is issued when a government transaction is deemed “illegal, irregular, unnecessary, excessive, extravagant, or unconscionable,” based on COA’s charter. n