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The National Bureau of Investigation has identified "persons of interest" who could lead investigators to the individual Vice President Sara Duterte allegedly spoke with about killing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife and former speaker Martin Romualdez, NBI Director Melvin Matibag told the impeachment court on Tuesday.

Matibag refused to name them publicly, saying disclosure could compromise the investigation, endanger informants and expose intelligence reports. "We are pursuing leads and have, in fact, identified persons of interest who could point to or help identify the individual the vice president spoke with — or one of these persons of interest might actually be the very person the vice president talked with," he said.

Matibag also warned that Duterte's assassination threats have had a "kinetic force" impact, with her supporters repeating and spreading the declarations she made in a November 2024 online news conference. The NBI's Cybercrime Division has monitored social media comments and videos containing references to shooting the president, Catherine S. Valente reports for The Manila Times.

NBI Director Melvin Matibag testified on day nine of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial that her public statement about contracting someone to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. constitutes a "consummated" betrayal of public trust. "The betrayal of public trust was already consummated when she publicly admitted that she contracted a killer, a mamamatay-tao or assassin to kill the president," Matibag said, arguing that such conduct violates her oath to execute the law and do justice.

In a viral video from a virtual press conference, Duterte said she had instructed someone to also kill First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and former Speaker Martin Romualdez if she died, saying: "'Pag pinatay ako, patayin mo si BBM, si Liza Araneta, at si Martin Romualdez." Duterte has maintained the statements were not threats but rather expressions of concern for her own security. Lead impeachment prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro objected when Duterte's defense team sought to strike Matibag's testimony from the record, GMA News reports.

Party-list Rep. Jose Manuel I. Diokno supports the ratification of the International Labor Organization’s (ILO) Convention No. 193, which aims to provide legal protections for gig economy workers in the Philippines. According to Diokno, the convention would complement existing legislation and strengthen labor rights for platform workers such as those engaged in ride-hailing, food delivery, and courier services.

"Digital platforms have become an increasingly important source of livelihood for Filipinos engaged in ride-hailing, food delivery, courier services, virtual assistance, and other forms of online-mediated work," said Diokno in a statement, BusinessWorld reports.

The Philippine government is tightening security and traffic measures ahead of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), set for July 27. Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto ordered more than 21,000 personnel to be deployed across Metro Manila. 'Let us ensure that the SONA proceeds peacefully and smoothly for everyone,' he said in a statement. The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Presidential Security Command, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine Coast Guard, and transportation agencies are also involved in preparations. Protest groups plan demonstrations near the venue, with authorities enforcing a no-fly zone and no-drone zone over designated areas, BusinessWorld reports.

Filipinos' distrust of China has risen to 64% in July from 55% in March, according to an OCTA Research survey. The AFP rejected Beijing's claim that it authorized the medical evacuation of a Philippine Navy serviceman from Second Thomas Shoal. 'The Philippines does not ask for, nor does it require, the permission of any foreign nation to conduct operations within its own exclusive economic zone,' said the AFP in a statement, BusinessWorld reports.

Vice President Sara Duterte has left the country for an official and personal trip that includes stops in Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. The Office of the Vice President (OVP) stated that no government funds will be used during her travel. Despite her absence, OVP assured that its operations remain uninterrupted, with disaster response mechanisms in place. The trip comes amid ongoing impeachment proceedings against Duterte, SunStar reports.

The Philippine Navy seized P234.4 million worth of Indonesian-made cigarettes during an anti-smuggling operation off Lutangan Island in Zamboanga Sibugay on July 19, authorities said. Rear Admiral Constancio Arturo M. Reyes, Jr., Western Mindanao Naval Command chief, reported the vessel transporting the contraband was also seized and local officials provided intelligence leading to the operation, BusinessWorld reports.

A man linked to the Shariff Aguak ambush in 2026 and the Mamasapano massacre in 2015 was arrested on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano. According to the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office (MDSPPO), the suspect is a former Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) bomber and senior adviser of the Penenekelan criminal gang. MDSPPO Director Col. Michael John Mangahis said, 'Criminals must be brought to justice at all cost. No one is above the law. Peace and order is non negotiable, and the rule of law is absolute — protecting the oppressed and holding accountable those who sow violence.' GMA News reports.

The defense panel on Wednesday questioned the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over its differing responses to threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, asking why a special task force was created for one but not the other.

This development highlights the ongoing scrutiny of law enforcement agencies' handling of security threats against high-profile officials, Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco reports for BusinessMirror.

The defense panel of Vice President Sara Duterte argued Wednesday that her recent controversial remarks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez may have been taken out of context. The statement suggests a need for reevaluation of the comments to ensure proper understanding, Claudeth Mocon-Ciriaco reports for BusinessMirror.

Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio has topped a 2028 Pulse Asia poll, with 49% of respondents indicating they would vote for her in the presidential election if held during the survey period. The nationwide survey, conducted from June 28 to July 3 and July 6, also showed Senator Christopher 'Bong' T. Go as the preferred vice-presidential candidate, receiving 27% support. The poll covered political developments including the start of Ms. Duterte’s impeachment trial and the election of Senator Sherwin Gatchalian as Senate president, BusinessWorld reports.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is probing Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio's security group for potential leads in its investigation into her alleged threats against President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., according to NBI Director Melvin A. Matibag. During the Senate impeachment trial, Mr. Matibag confirmed that the VP’s security detail is part of the ongoing probe, though he declined to identify specific persons of interest due to the sensitivity of the investigation. He stated, 'We have included that in our investigation.' The NBI continues to coordinate with Malacañang for the President's security while the investigation proceeds, BusinessWorld reports.

Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team appears to be relying on the prosecution's own exhibits and witness list, a prosecution spokesperson told House of Representatives.

"Unless they have a surprise, it is almost predictable what their defense is," the spokesperson said during a press briefing.

The spokesperson added that the defense panel seems to be banking on an assumption that it does not need to present evidence, but asserted that the prosecution's case remains solid after calling three witnesses.

Private prosecutor Lorna Patajo-Kapunan accused Vice President Sara Duterte's defense panel of resorting to personal attacks after failing on facts and law.

Speaking on House of Representatives during a media briefing, Patajo-Kapunan said defense attorneys shifted focus toward witness personalities as prosecution evidence mounted.

"If you are weak on the facts, argue on the laws," Patajo-Kapunan said. "If you're weak on the facts and the law, go against the person."

Prosecution panel members expect senator-judges to maintain political neutrality despite intense questioning during trial sessions, prosecutors said Wednesday.

Speaking on House of Representatives, representatives for the prosecution panel addressed concerns regarding perceived bias among members of the Senate court.

Panel speakers noted that senator-judges are bound by Senate rules and constitutional obligations to remain neutral while hearing evidence.

"At the end of the day, I am hopeful na political neutrality ang mananaig," a prosecution spokesperson said ["that political neutrality will prevail"].

Defense lawyers for Vice President Sara Duterte are targeting personal credibility because their legal position is weak, a prosecution lawyer said Wednesday.

Speaking on House of Representatives, the private prosecutor, Lorna Patajo-Kapunan, criticized the defense strategy during trial proceedings.

"If you are weak, weak on the facts, argue on the laws. If you're weak on the facts and the law, go against the person," Patajo-Kapunan said.

"So ang nangyayari po ngayon," she added, noting that defense attorneys shifted focus after factual arguments failed ["So what is happening now"].

Defense lawyers in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial questioned National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag about the context of her alleged threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. During a hearing, defense lawyer Mark Vinluan played a video clip where Duterte said she imagined cutting Marcos' head. NBI Director Matibag confirmed this was the source of the 'cutting head' remarks under investigation. When asked if they had taken Duterte's statements out of context, Matibag responded that it is part of a broader pattern of violence established by their evidence, Jairo Bolledo reports for Rappler.

On July 22, during the ninth day of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag testified. Lead Prosecutor Rep. Gerville Luistro clarified that the hearings were not a mini trial but a clarificatory hearing. During cross-examination by Atty. Mark Vinluan, Matibag confirmed there was no special task force created to investigate threats against Vice President Duterte and noted that subpoenas issued during his tenure were often ignored. Matibag emphasized the NBI's role in protecting national security and stated that a subpoena could not cite betrayal of public trust as it is not covered under the Revised Penal Code, PTV News reports.

The prosecution panel has completed its presentation of witnesses for the fourth article of impeachable offenses. The next steps involve preparing for subsequent articles, including a confidential function.

The NBI has narrowed down the list of persons of interest to less than 20 in its hunt for the alleged hitman enlisted by Vice President Sara Duterte. 'Too much speaking time?' Senator Raffy Tulfo raised a complaint that minority senators have been given longer speaking time during the impeachment trial. Philippine Foreign Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro brought up Ayungin and a racist 'monkey' video during her meeting with China's Wang Yi, addressing grievances against Beijing, Rappler reports.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela stated that China did not need to grant permission for a medical evacuation of two injured Filipino servicemen from Ayungin Shoal, asserting the operation was conducted within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone and in accordance with international laws. Tarriela said, 'We don't need any permission from anybody because this is being conducted within our Exclusive Economic Zone, and it is in accordance with Unclos and the 2016 Arbitral Award.' He rejected China's claim of allowing the evacuation, adding that everyone should assist during a medical evacuation, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports.

The prosecution witness for day nine was NBI Director Melvin Matibag, who testified regarding allegations of betrayal of public trust related to the Mamasapano incident and security force violations. The court heard evidence supporting these claims.

Atty. Melvin Matibag testified that 20 persons of interest were identified by the NBI, but the prosecution chose not to conduct a redirect examination as they deemed it unnecessary after the solid evidence presented by Director Matibag.

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The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will assist micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) affected by a P85 minimum wage increase in Metro Manila through its Adjustment Measures Program (AMP). DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino said the program can provide funding for equipment and other productivity-enhancing measures to help businesses cope with higher labor costs. For example, cash register machines of restaurants can be funded so that extra capitalization can be used for wage adjustments. The AMP is intended to help MSMEs build resilience against economic disruptions through interventions such as capacity-building and business enhancement. Qualified establishments may also apply for exemption certificates within the prescribed 75-day period, Josiah Antonio reports for the Philippine Star.

The House prosecution panel has opposed a request by the Office of Vice President Sara Duterte for Senate-paid catering services during her defense team's impeachment trial. House Deputy Speaker Janette Garin stated, 'I find it highly improper kasi may opisina din naman ang ating Pangalawang Pangulo and they can actually charge all those expenses to their office.' The OVP purportedly requested the Senate to cover the costs of food and beverages for her defense team, support staff, and witnesses. However, the House prosecution panel noted that no similar request was made by them, GMA News reports.

GSIS has increased its stake in Megawide Construction Corp. to 9.5% after acquiring 111.94 million common shares through block transactions, making the state pension fund one of the company’s major local institutional investors. Megawide Chairman Edgar B. Saavedra said the investment reflects confidence in the company's vision for infrastructure development and participation in government-initiated campaigns, BusinessWorld reports.

Foreign business chambers have urged President Marcos to prioritize 12 key measures in the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), including amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and the proposed Freedom of Access to Information Act. The Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines (JFC) highlighted issues such as reducing electricity rates, streamlining regulatory processes, and improving transparency. These measures aim to enhance business confidence and investment in the country, Adrian Kenneth Halili reports for the Philippine Star.

Asean foreign ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing lasting peace in Myanmar, with Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro of the Philippines tasked as Asean Special Envoy. Lazaro said, 'Through these meetings, I am optimistic about our commitment to assist Myanmar in achieving a lasting solution that is Myanmar-owned and Myanmar-led.' The Five-Point Consensus, adopted by Asean in 2021, calls for immediate cessation of violence, constructive dialogue among parties, humanitarian assistance, appointment of a special envoy, and visits by the special envoy to facilitate dialogue, Dan Madrazo reports for The Manila Times.

Arthaland Corp. has secured another regulatory approval for its planned preferred share offering of up to P3 billion, with proceeds earmarked to refinance maturing obligations and support ongoing project development. The company received a Certificate of Filing of Enabling Resolution from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on July 13, allowing it to issue Series G and H preferred shares totaling up to 6 million at P500 each, BusinessWorld reports.

More than 5.4 million students have benefited from the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act (RA 10931) since its implementation in 2018, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said on Wednesday. The law provides free tuition and other school fees for qualified students enrolled in state universities and colleges, local universities and colleges, and state-run technical-vocational institutions. Gatchalian highlighted the continuing efforts of Congress to strengthen the implementation of the law, noting that a bicameral conference committee report on proposed amendments has been ratified by both chambers.

‘Our SUCs can count on our continued support so that we can reach more students and deliver quality education,’ Gatchalian said in Filipino, Javier Joe Ismael reports for The Manila Times.