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DOJ: Arrest ‘fugitive’ Bato
DILG: 225k police to track senator; Palace: ICC warrant enforceable By Rolando Ng III, Pot Chavez, Charles Dantes and Vince Lopez
T
HE Department of Justice on Thursday ordered law enforcement agencies to hunt down and arrest Senator Bato dela Rosa, who was described as a “fugitive” wanted by the International Criminal Court over his role in former President Rodrigo Duterte’s deadly drug crackdown.
“I would like to confirm that the Philippine law enforcement agencies, which would include the PNP and the National Bureau of Investigation, are now tasked to effect the arrest of Senator Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa,” Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said with the
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida
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VOL. XL • NO. 97 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026
Senate minority VP Sara impeachment trial to start July 6; Solons want Bato present not giving up, says Erwin By Joel Zurbano, Maricel Cruz and Ram Superable
THE Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is set to begin on July 6, with senator-judges expected to physically attend the proceedings as House prosecutors intensify prepara-
By Joel E. Zurbano A POTENTIAL leadership change is going on at the Senate, Senator Erwin Tulfo revealed on Thursday. “It is ongoing. Look at the number, 12-11. It appears tempting. The majority has 12, we are 11 in the minority. If one in the majority crosses party lines, game over,” Tulfo told reporters. Tulfo’s observations came on the heels of the Senate leadership changes last Monday, where Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was elected Senate President, replacing Senator Vicente Sotto III with a vote of 13-9-2. The present majority bloc comprises Senators Ronaldo “Bato” Dela Rosa, Loren Legarda, Pia Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Christopher Lawrence Go, Rodante Marcoleta, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Joel Villanueva, along with siblings Camille and Mark Villar. The minority bloc consists of Erwin Tulfo and his brother Raffy, along with Senators Sherwin Gatchalian, Lito Lapid, Panfilo Lacson, Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, Risa Hontiveros, Francis Pangilinan, and Vicente Sotto III. It has expanded to include Senators Joseph Victor Ejercito, and Juan Miguel Zubiri. Next page
ICC: RODY UNDER CELL MONITORING NEWS / A3
tions for the case. Senator Erwin Tulfo said Thursday that Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano called a caucus Wednesday night where he revealed the date and senators discussed the schedule for the impeachment proceedings. “The schedule was given yester-
day. Senate President Cayetano called a caucus of all members, and the impeachment trial will begin on July 6,” Tulfo said in Filipino during an interview on Unang Balita. Tulfo said the Senate would hold regular sessions on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by impeachment pro-
ceedings from 2 p.m. onward. Hearings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays are scheduled from 3 p.m. until evening, while Thursdays will be reserved for regular sessions. He said the trial is expected to run three days a week, with Fridays generally designated as break days, although Senate Next page
‘Four senators sent messages of concern’ By Joel E. Zurbano
MASSIVE. The imposing Upper Wawa Dam and Pumping Station in Montalban, Rizal is opened to media for a firsthand look at one of the private sector’s key infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening water supply resilience for Metro Manila and Rizal Province. The facility plays a vital role in water security, supply diversification, and the long-term sustainability of water resources for surrounding communities. Edd Castro
AT LEAST four senators from the minority bloc took the time to check on their colleagues during the shooting incident at the Senate building on May 13, according to Senator Erwin Tulfo. Tulfo made this remark in response to Senator Pia Cayetano’s accusations that none of her colleagues in the minority reached out to them during the chaos. According to Tulfo, both majority and minority senators utilize a WhatsApp group chat to communicate with one another. He mentioned that among the senators who sent messages through the chat group following the Senate shooting incident were Senators Francis Pangilinan, Bam Aquino, Sherwin Next page
Ombudsman orders Sen. Chiz to reply to flood control charges By Rex Espiritu THE Office of the Ombudsman has ordered Senator Francis Escudero to answer allegations linking him to the flood control mess, Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Thursday. “Senator Chiz Escudero’s case is al-
ready at the preliminary investigation stage. There was an order to submit a counter-affidavit, which was received by Escudero’s office,” Clavano said in a radio interview. “I believe our panel is just waiting for his counter-affidavit so the case can move forward,” Clavano added.
During the same interview, Clavano said the investigation into the alleged links of former Speaker and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez to the flood control mess is also under preliminary investigation. “The one that has reached preliminary investigation involving Congress-
man Romualdez is the money laundering case,” Clavano said. Romualdez and Escudero previously denied involvement in anomalous flood control projects. Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier said his office is building criminal cases against Next page
Face us in court, not on social media—Atienza By Maricel V. Cruz and Rolando Ng III THE camp of former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Thursday urged personalities linked to Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN)
headed by Franco Mabanta to answer the charges against them in court instead of ventilating their opinions on social media. Speaking to reporters after the hearing, lawyer Elaine A. Atienza stressed Next page
ARRAIGNMENT. Elaine Atienza, lawyer
of former Speaker Martin Romualdez, at right, and accused Franco Mabanta, founder and CEO of Peanut Gallery Media Network, at left, appear at the arraignment yesterday at a Pasig Regional Trial Court.
SM MOA CELEBRATES ‘BELGIAN DAYS’ IN PH. The iconic SM Mall of Asia Globe lights up to launch the first-ever ‘Belgian Days’, in celebration of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgium and the Philippines this year. Belgian Ambassador Vladislava Iordanova (center) led the lighting together with (from left) Deputy Head of Mission and Consul of Belgium to the Philippines Fabio Pompetti; SM Prime Holdings Chairman of the Executive Committee Hans Sy; European Union Ambassador Massimo Santoro; and Department of Foreign Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary Susana Maria Mendiola. Belgium’s beloved cultural icons, The Smurfs, also joined the festivities.