Jasha Gamao

PASAY CITY – Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform took a major step on Wednesday, February 18, to address years of systemic neglect, tackling a suite of bills aimed at protecting Filipino small-scale fishermen. 

The hearing highlighted a dual-front crisis: continued harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard and illegal encroachment by large Philippine commercial vessels into municipal waters. 

Lawmakers stressed that these "frontline heroes" of food security have long endured from both foreign aggression and local industrial overreach, underscoring the need for a legislative shield to restore their livelihood and dignity.

To deliver immediate relief and long-term structural change, the committee discussed the Municipal Fisherfolk Protection Act and the Pantawid Pambangka Act, which seeks to provide essential fuel subsidies amid rising costs. 

The legislative package also includes the Bantay Dagat Welfare and Incentives Act to strengthen local sea patrols, and a proposal to elevate the current fisheries bureau into a full-fledged Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. 

By amending the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, the Senate aims to institutionalize these protections, ensuring that the country’s most vulnerable sector receives not just temporary aid, but a permanent voice at the economic table.

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Davao City 1st District Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte issued a blistering rebuke of former Senate President Vicente Tito Sotto III on his Facebook account on Saturday, February 14, accusing the veteran lawmaker of undermining judicial independence through "selective" standards. 

Duterte slammed Sotto’s recent criticisms of the Supreme Court, particularly the “impeach the justices” rhetoric, labeling the shift from aggressive threats to mere “disagreement” as a convenient political pivot. 

“Separation of powers is not optional, dili ni buffet nga pili-on lang nimo kung unsay lami.” Congressman Duterte said. 

“Separation of powers is not optional; this isn't a buffet where you only pick what tastes good.” Congressman Duterte said

Duterte remarked, emphasizing that the judiciary is not a Senate committee where rulings can be grilled or dismissed simply because they are unpopular with legislators.

“The judiciary is not your committee hearing nga pwede nimo i-grill kung di ka ganahan sa ruling.” The lawmaker added

“The judiciary is not your committee hearing where you can just grill if you don’t like the ruling.” The lawmaker added

The lawmaker further challenged Sotto’s constitutional mastery, arguing that dismissing legal challenges as “nuisance suits” displays irritation rather than legal insight. 

“Calling it a “nuisance suit” doesn’t make you sound constitutional. It makes you sound irritated and ignorant.” The representative said.

Duterte pointed out that respecting the Constitution requires honoring the Supreme Court’s role as its final interpreter, regardless of political standing. 

“The texts and provisions mentioned therein, it  also stretches to the interpretations made by the Supreme Court being the office empowered to interpret it.” Congressman Pulong argued. 

He warned that "free speech" does not grant immunity from the consequences of flexing political pressure against the Court, concluding that if Sotto wishes to be viewed as a statesman, he must act like one rather than treating the high court as an extension of the Senate floor.

“The Senate floor. And “free speech” doesn’t mean freedom from consequences.“

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Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala secured her spot in the Round of 32 at the WTA 1000 Dubai Tennis Championships on yesterday, February 15, after American opponent Hailey Baptiste was forced to retire due to an abdominal injury. 

Eala showcased a commanding performance at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, clinching a hard-fought first set 6-4 before Baptiste withdrew early in the second frame. 

While the 20-year-old Filipina expressed her sympathies for the injured American, the victory propels her forward to a high-stakes second-round encounter against world No. 8 and tournament sixth seed Jasmine Paolini.

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MANILA—Malacañang Press Officer Claire Castro on Monday, February 16, challenged individuals named in the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) case against former President Rodrigo Duterte to face the charges instead of evading justice. 

During a briefing, Castro emphasized that going into hiding only invites suspicion, asserting that those who are innocent should be "courageous" enough to undergo the legal process. 

She clarified that if warrants are issued, the government is duty-bound to cooperate via Interpol, following the same precedent that led to the turnover of Duterte to The Hague in March 2025.

Castro also hit back at claims that the ICC’s tagging of Senators Bato dela Rosa and Bong Go is a "diversionary tactic" to mask the administration’s current flood control issues. 

She pointed out that the ICC proceedings were initiated as early as 2017 long before the current administration took office and that the government has no influence over the tribunal’s timing. 

Additionally, Castro noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has not yet discussed the possibility of the Philippines rejoining the ICC with his Cabinet.

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MANILA—In a bold move that heightens the tension between the judiciary and the legislature, high-profile lawyers Ferdinand Topacio, Manuelito Luna, and Harold Respicio have filed a petition for indirect contempt against Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III at the Supreme Court. 

The petitioners, backed by former congressman Jing Paras, argue that Sotto’s recent scathing criticisms of the High Court’s ruling on the impeachment of Vice President Sara Duterte crossed the line from legitimate commentary into a direct assault on the court's integrity. 

The legal group contends that Sotto’s public dismissals of the ruling where he reportedly compared the magistrates to "first-year law students" undermine the public's faith in the nation's highest judicial body.

The controversy stems from Sotto’s vocal opposition to the Supreme Court’s decision to block the initial impeachment trial of the Vice President, a move he previously slammed as "judicial overreach" and an "encroachment" on the powers of Congress. 

As the head of the Senate, Sotto has argued that the judiciary should not dictate the rules for legislative trials, famously declaring that the ruling made impeachment an "impossible dream." 

By bringing this contempt charge, the petitioners are asking the Supreme Court to penalize the Senate leader for what they describe as "disrespectful" and "unacceptable" language, setting the stage for a significant constitutional showdown over the limits of free speech and inter-branch courtesy.

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