Gabriela Rep. Sarah Elago Joins House Minority Bloc as Its 28th Member

Gabriela Party-list Representative Sarah Elago has officially become the 28th member of the House minority bloc, Minority Leader Marcelino "Nonoy" Libanan announced on Wednesday, September 24. In a statement, Libanan extended a warm welcome to Elago, expressing confidence that her involvement will strengthen the minority's vital role in promoting legislative integrity, ensuring accountability, and amplifying alternative perspectives. He emphasized, "A vibrant democracy thrives when the majority\'s decisions are tempered by the steady vigilance of an independent minority." Elago visited Libanan on Tuesday, September 23, following her formal written request to join the minority bloc. She also took her oath of office during the plenary session earlier that day. Highlighting the importance of each member, Libanan noted that with only 28 legislators in the minority, every addition is critical. He remarked, "Congresswoman Elago\'s experience and dedication will help ensure that we are present and effective in the many committees where important policies are shaped." Furthermore, Libanan praised Elago\'s proven track record in championing the rights of women, youth, and marginalized communities, stating that her voice will enrich the minority\'s contributions in legislative debates and strengthen efforts to hold the government accountable. Elago, 35, a University of the Philippines Diliman alumna, previously served as a representative for the Kabataan Party-list from 2016 to 2022. In a recent development, the Commission on Elections declared her as the 64th winning party-list representative in the May 2025 midterm elections.

House Approves Senate Leader Zubiri’s Acceptance of Japan’s Prestigious Award

The House of Representatives formally approved House Concurrent Resolution 6 on Wednesday, granting Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri permission to accept a distinguished honor bestowed upon him by the Japanese government. This resolution pertains to the awarding of the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun, acknowledging Zubiri's significant contributions. Zubiri, who previously served as a representative of Bukidnon from 1998 to 2007 before his election to the Senate, was recognized during the plenary session for his role in bolstering ties between the Philippines and Japan. The resolution adheres to Article 9B, Section 8 of the Philippine Constitution, which prohibits public officials from accepting foreign decorations or emoluments without the consent of Congress. The resolution highlighted Zubiri's unwavering commitment to enhancing bilateral relations, particularly during his tenure as president of the Philippines-Japan Parliamentarians Association. It also cited his instrumental involvement in establishing the Reciprocal Access Agreement between the two nations, a key initiative aimed at reinforcing security and defense cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The document stated, "A National Decoration conferred by the Emperor of Japan, the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun is awarded to individuals who have made notable contributions to the Japanese nation and the public, including foreign individuals who have paved the way for stronger relations between their peoples and Japan." Consequently, the resolution authorized Zubiri to accept and publicly wear the insignia associated with the prestigious award. In addition, the resolution commended Zubiri for facilitating mutually advantageous economic initiatives, such as his efforts to restore the VAT-exempt privileges for local sales to export-oriented firms outside economic zones as stipulated in Republic Act No. 12066, also known as the CREATE MORE Act. Zubiri also led the successful hosting of the 31st Meeting of the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum, an event originally founded by former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, further underscoring his dedication to fostering regional cooperation and dialogue.

Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co Flees to Spain Amid Flood Control Scam Allegations

Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co reportedly flew from Dubai to Madrid, Spain, on September 24 amid serious allegations involving the misuse of billions of pesos allocated for flood control projects. Flight data obtained from a trusted Bureau of Immigration source indicates Co departed Dubai at 8:05 a.m., with an expected arrival in Madrid at 7:20 p.m. Manila time. Prior to his stop in Dubai, Co was in Singapore and had also traveled to New York City between August 26 and September 13, a period coinciding with the ongoing investigation into his alleged misconduct. This raised questions about his availability to answer to these serious allegations. On September 18, House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III withdrew Co's travel clearance and directed him to return to the Philippines within 10 days as the probe intensified. The controversy began when former Department of Public Works and Highways Bulacan district engineer Henry Alcantara accused Co of receiving kickbacks amounting to 20 to 25 percent from multi-billion peso flood control funds. Co has consistently denied these accusations, labeling them as "false and baseless" during a statement issued on September 23. Pressure is mounting within the House of Representatives to hold Co accountable. Opposition lawmakers have demanded immediate action amid fears that permitting Co to leave the country undermines the integrity of the investigation. Civil society groups have also called for his preventive suspension, warning that his prolonged absence damages public confidence and obstructs transparency in probing the alleged corruption. The unfolding situation spotlights the challenges faced by the Philippine legislature in ensuring accountability among its members in high-profile corruption cases involving public infrastructure projects.

Senate Committee Resumes Hearing on Controversial Flood Control Projects

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee resumed its inquiry Thursday into irregularities linked to flood control projects. Key attendees anticipated for the hearing include contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, along with former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials Henry Alcantara, Brice Hernandez, and Jaypee Mendoza. This continuation follows a recent announcement from the Justice Department designating the Discayas, Alcantara, Hernandez, and Mendoza as "protected witnesses" under its Witness Protection Program. This status aims to safeguard their testimonies during the ongoing probe. Additionally, attorney Raymond Fortun, representing Hernandez, stated on Wednesday that the irregular flood control projects may involve four current and two former senators. The claim underscores the potential breadth of the investigation into government-linked corruption. The committee's ongoing proceedings seek to clarify the extent of the anomalies and identify all parties involved in the fallout from these public infrastructure contracts.

Senators Firmly Reject Accusations in DPWH Flood Control Project Investigation

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero categorically denied any involvement in alleged irregularities related to government flood control projects, as claimed by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Roberto Bernardo during a Senate inquiry held on September 25. Bernardo implicated Escudero, along with former senators Nancy Binay and Ramon "Bong" Revilla, Jr., and Representative Zaldy Co in the events under scrutiny. Escudero strongly rejected these accusations, stating, \"I vehemently deny the malicious allegations and innuendos made by former DPWH Usec. Roberto Bernardo in today\'s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. By his own admission, he never had any contact with me directly regarding this matter—and I will prove that he is lying about my alleged involvement.\" He further suggested that the accusations might be part of a coordinated effort aimed at undermining the Senate and diverting public attention from the true wrongdoers. \"It seems like there is a well-orchestrated plan to attack the Senate and its members to destroy and discredit the institution and to divert the public’s attention from the real perpetrators,\" Escudero said. The senator also questioned why the probe has not focused on other officials such as Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. \"Why are only senators being targeted? Where is Zaldy Co? Where is Rep. Martin Romualdez in all this? Where are his accomplices? Based on Usec. Bernardo’s testimony, none of them appear to be implicated. This lacks credibility,\" Escudero asserted. Reaffirming his intent to clear his name, Escudero announced plans to file a lawsuit against Bernardo for making unfounded accusations. \"I will confront this head-on and seek appropriate legal action against Usec. Bernardo for his baseless allegations,\" the senator said. Highlighting his extensive public service record, Escudero noted, \"For more than 27 years in public service, I have never once been charged with corruption. That record speaks for itself. I believe that when all the facts are revealed, my name and my service will remain untarnished.\" In a related development, Senator Nancy Binay also expressed disappointment over being implicated in the same investigation. \"I am surprised and saddened to be dragged into the DPWH anomalies. The accusations against me are false,\" Binay said. She emphasized her commitment to her duties, adding, \"We work quietly as the Mayor of Makati. It is shocking that we are being used to divert attention from those who really need to be held accountable for this issue.\" Binay concluded by highlighting her clean public service record: \"It is easy to give false and destructive accounts. But my performance in public service has always been above board and beyond a shadow of doubt.\"

Former Senate President Escudero Denies Involvement in Flood Control Project Anomalies

Former Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero has firmly rejected accusations implicating him in anomalies related to flood control projects, describing the claims as a "well-orchestrated plan to attack the Senate and its members." In a statement issued on Thursday, September 25, 2025, Escudero asserted that attempts to involve him in the controversy aim to damage the Senate's reputation and divert public attention from actual wrongdoings. \"I vehemently deny the malicious allegations and innuendos made by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo in today\'s (September 25) Senate Blue Ribbon Committee,\" Escudero said. He also vowed to contest any legal charges based on Bernardo\'s claims. Bernardo submitted an affidavit to the Department of Justice (DOJ) alleging he handed over P160 million to Escudero through businessman Maynard Ngu as payment for four projects in Valenzuela and Marinduque. These projects were folded into the bicameral version of the 2025 proposed national budget, which was later included in the General Appropriations Act totaling P800 million. Bernardo further identified Ngu as a close friend and campaign contributor of Escudero. Former senator and current Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay has likewise denied the accusations presented by Bernardo. Earlier, Bernardo claimed that in 2024, Binay\'s trusted staff and aide Carleen Villa demanded a 15 percent kickback from three flood control projects in Bulacan towns Malolos City, Pulilan, and Balagtas, which had a combined budget of P250 million. Bernardo alleged that he personally delivered P37 million to Binay at a residence in Quezon City. Both Escudero and Binay have dismissed the allegations as baseless and politically motivated attempts to discredit them amid ongoing investigations.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy Sentenced to Five Years for Criminal Conspiracy

A Paris court has handed former French President Nicolas Sarkozy a five-year prison sentence after finding him guilty of criminal conspiracy related to allegations that the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi clandestinely financed Sarkozy’s successful 2007 presidential campaign. The court mandated that Sarkozy be taken into custody at a later date, granting prosecutors a one-month window to notify the former president when he must report to prison. Despite the possibility of an appeal, this custodial order will remain effective. If he serves time, Sarkozy will become the first modern French president to be incarcerated. In addition to the prison term, Sarkozy was fined €100,000 ($117,000) and barred from holding any public office. Previously convicted in two separate trials, Sarkozy had avoided jail time, once completing his sentence under electronic monitoring—a restriction now lifted. He maintains the option to appeal the verdict or seek parole citing his age of 70. Presiding Judge Nathalie Gavarino emphasized the seriousness of the crimes, describing them as of "exceptional gravity" and likely to erode public trust. Alongside Sarkozy, several co-defendants were sentenced: Alexandre Djouhri, alleged broker in the scheme, received six years and immediate detention; Claude Guéant, Sarkozy’s close associate, was sentenced to six years but will not be imprisoned due to health concerns; and former minister Brice Hortefeux received a two-year sentence, which he may serve under electronic supervision. The court convicted Sarkozy solely on charges of criminal conspiracy, acquitting him of corruption and illegal campaign financing. It also found no concrete evidence that Gaddafi’s funds were directly funneled into Sarkozy’s campaign. This ruling marks a significant chapter in French political and judicial history, underscoring the rigorous scrutiny faced by public officials.

Senate Chair Demands Thorough Vetting of Surprise Flood Control Witness Amid Corruption Probe

Senator Panfilo Lacson, head of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, emphasized the necessity of conducting an exhaustive background investigation on the unexpected witness introduced by Senator Rodante Marcoleta during the committee’s inquiry into corruption linked to flood control projects. Lacson expressed concern that Marcoleta failed to provide prior notice before presenting the witness, former Philippine Marine Orly Guteza, to the panel. According to Lacson, given the seriousness and implications of Guteza’s statements, a comprehensive verification of his records is imperative. The senator said, "Without the courtesy of notice even to the committee chairman, a totally surprise witness in yesterday’s Blue Ribbon hearing, a complete record check and background investigation on Orly Regala Guteza is in order owing to the gravity and seriousness of his testimony yesterday." Adding further complexity to the situation, the lawyer whose signature appears on Guteza’s affidavit repudiated having notarized the document, labeling the signature and notarial details as “falsified and unauthorized.” Guteza identified himself as a former security aide to Ako Bicol Representative Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co. He alleged that then ACT-CIS party-list Representative Eric Yap delivered suitcases filled with cash to Co’s residence. Furthermore, Guteza claimed the money was subsequently transported to the home of then Speaker Martin Romualdez. These serious allegations have prompted Chairman Lacson to call for a rigorous investigation into the credibility and background of the witness, underscoring the significance of ensuring the integrity of the ongoing probe.

House Speaker Issues Deadline for Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co to Return Amid Corruption Probe

House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III has formally demanded that Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co return to the Philippines by Monday, September 29, 2025, to address pending allegations against him. In a letter dated Friday, September 26, Speaker Dy warned that failure to comply would be interpreted as a refusal to cooperate with the House’s lawful processes, prompting the initiation of disciplinary and legal measures. This ultimatum came shortly after Co’s office released a response regarding the Speaker’s earlier decision to revoke his travel clearance on September 18, which required Co to return within ten days. Speaker Dy’s latest communication makes the deadline explicit. Dy, who serves as the representative for Isabela’s 6th district, informed reporters that Co’s correspondence has been forwarded to the House Committee on Ethics, where a complaint against Co is currently under review. "If you choose to come back, the House will work with the appropriate authorities to ensure the safety of you and your family," Dy assured, referring to Co, who once chaired the Committee on Appropriations during the 19th Congress. The Speaker emphasized that the revocation of Co’s travel clearance was intended to provide a proper platform for him to respond to the allegations in person. "Returning home will allow you to directly respond to the complaint and comprehensively present the defenses outlined in your letter," Dy stated. He further underscored that resolving the issues through correspondence while abroad is inappropriate, insisting that Co must appear before the proper forum to address the charges. Representative Co is a key figure implicated in the controversy surrounding the corruption allegations tied to flood control projects. Reports indicate that he is currently abroad seeking treatment for a heart condition.

UK Court Dismisses Terrorism Charge Against Northern Irish Punk Rapper Liam O’Hanna

A UK court has dismissed a terrorism charge against Liam O’Hanna, a Northern Irish singer from the punk rap band Kneecap, sparking celebrations among supporters. The ruling, delivered on Friday at Woolwich Crown Court in London, cited a procedural error that rendered the charge invalid. Judge Paul Goldspring declared the case unlawful and stated, \"This court has no jurisdiction to try the charge.\" This decision led to cheers inside and outside the courtroom as O’Hanna was formally acquitted. Speaking to supporters after the ruling, O’Hanna emphasized that attempts to silence the band’s outspoken stance on Palestinian issues had ultimately failed. \"It was always about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up,\" he said. \"Your attempts to silence us have failed because we’re right and you’re wrong.\" O’Hanna, who also performs under the name Mo Chara, faced a single count stemming from a video shown at a 2023 concert in London. The footage allegedly showed him displaying a Hezbollah flag, a group proscribed as a terrorist organization by the UK since 2019. The charge carried a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years. The accused denied the allegations and his legal team challenged the timeliness of the prosecution. Ultimately, the judge agreed that the charge was improperly brought. Darragh Mackin, the lawyer representing O’Hanna, characterized the case as a politically motivated persecution disguised as a legal proceeding, hailing the verdict as \"a victory for the freedom of expression.\" Kneecap, known for their provocative lyrics and vocal support for Palestinian causes, have drawn controversy and bans internationally, including cancellations of concerts and tours. The group claims their work is often satirical and not to be taken literally, insisting they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah. The case unfolds amid heightened tension in the UK around the policing of banned organizations, with numerous arrests tied to demonstrations linked to groups like Palestine Action, which the government recently outlawed following a damaging protest. Kneecap's blend of Northern Irish political commentary, punk-rap fusion, and confrontational activism has made them a divisive yet influential force since their 2017 formation, further amplified by a critically acclaimed semi-fictional film about the group released last year. The recent court ruling serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over artistic freedom, political expression, and the limits of anti-terrorism laws within the UK.