Lacson says Senate may not be able to convene impeachment court amid minority opposition — ANC

[0:00] A Quezon City court throws out an attempt by the Philippines' second gentleman [0:04] to stop the House impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. [0:08] The court upheld the powers of the House of Representatives [0:11] to summon persons and documents to its impeachment hearings. [0:15] Vivian Guglia reports. [0:18] Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson raises the possibility [0:21] the upper chamber could decide not to convene the impeachment court. [0:25] Lacson cited the potential opposition from the Senate minority composed of Duterte allies. [0:31] Di ba the House? Lagi. [0:33] So may chance na hindi makapag-convene, sir? [0:37] Kung matalo sa butuhan, eh di hindi mag-convene. [0:40] Ang rule ng impeachment court, e wag mag-convene. [0:44] They must be able to convince the majority to vote in their favor. [0:50] And kung gano'n namang yari, it's on them na sila yung sumagot sa taong bayan kung bakit ayaw mag-convene. [0:57] Before member court ito, na kung ano yung sabihin na majority, yun ang ruling. [1:01] This was slammed by House Minority Lawmaker Akbayan Representative Shell Diokno, [1:07] rejecting the possibility the impeachment process could be derailed by the Senate minority. [1:12] Diokno insists there is no room for discretion on the issue, [1:16] saying the Senate is mandated by the Constitution to try and decide impeachment cases. [1:21] Senator Robin Padilla earlier said the minority bloc will oppose the convening of the impeachment court [1:26] in case the House transmits the articles of impeachment against Vice President Duterte for trial. [1:31] What goes first, the chicken or the egg? [1:34] If the court, I don't think the Senate can, for example, dismiss a case, an impeachment case, [1:41] unless it convenes first. [1:44] Because if it would have no power over that case, [1:48] as a Senate, it would only have power over the case if they convene as an impeachment court. [1:54] And that's why I can't really understand where that's coming from. [1:58] UP College of Law Assistant Professor Attorney Paolo Tamase weighs in on what to expect [2:04] if the Senate does not convene as an impeachment court. [2:08] I think you can expect a petition in the Supreme Court. [2:10] And I'm not really excited about that. [2:12] It's important for the Senate to know that the moment they decide to not proceed, [2:16] it really ends with them in practical speak. [2:20] But I do want to emphasize that this case, if that would happen, [2:24] the scenario you gave, would be different from the last one. [2:27] Because in the last one, the petition was questioning the delay in the start. [2:32] In the scenario you gave, it's actually the Senate voting not to proceed with impeachment. [2:36] And I think it opens up another opportunity for the Supreme Court to come in. [2:39] And based on how they really transformed the process in just the last two years, [2:47] I'm not too sure whether impeachment will survive in its current form. [2:51] Copies of the committee report and House resolution on the articles of impeachment against Vice President Duterte [2:57] have been distributed to House members as instructed by the lower chamber. [3:01] 57 members and ex-official members of the House Committee on Justice signed the report, [3:06] which finds probable cause to impeach Duterte for alleged culpable violation of the Constitution, [3:11] betrayal of public trust, bribery, graft and corruption, and other high crimes. [3:16] It prays that after trial, the Senate sitting as an impeachment court would declare Duterte guilty of the said articles, [3:22] remove her from office, perpetually disqualify her from holding any government office, [3:27] and declare her liable to prosecution, trial, and punishment according to law. [3:31] A vote of at least 106, or a third of House members, is needed to elevate these articles of impeachment to the Senate for trial. [3:40] The lower chamber expects to vote on the matter on Monday. [3:43] The reason why it is historic, unprecedented, first time, no, [3:49] is because this is an offshoot of the Supreme Court decision in the Duterte v. House of Representatives case, [3:57] which pertains to the first impeachment complaint filed back in the 19th Congress. [4:04] And of course, I am ready for interpolation. [4:07] Nikos Aropartilist Representative Terri Ridon for his part said, [4:11] based on consultations, around 215 House members are now supportive of the committee report. [4:16] It's significant because it's not a simple majority. [4:22] I think this is a resounding signal that two-thirds of all members are convinced [4:28] of impeaching the Vice President on the basis of evidence that had been presented during the proceedings. [4:36] In a related development, the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 81 [4:40] has dismissed the petition filed by the Vice President's husband, [4:43] Attorney Man Scarpio, to stop the enforcement of a subpoena issued by the House Justice Committee [4:48] on his income tax returns for lack of jurisdiction. [4:52] Presiding Judge Madonna Echeverry also said [4:54] the subpoena was issued in valid exercise of the House Committee's power. [4:58] She added the committee is part of a co-equal branch of government, [5:02] so the case should have been filed with the Supreme Court. [5:05] Vivian Guglia, ABS-CBN News. [5:07] Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte denies rumors that she assaulted one of her impeachment defense lawyers. [5:15] She also insists once again that there is no evidence to support the impeachment complaints against her. [5:21] This story from Harleen Delgado. [5:25] Vice President Sara Duterte urges lawmakers to look at the evidence or the lack of it [5:30] when they decide on whether to dismiss or elevate her impeachment complaints to the Senate. [5:34] In an interview at The Hague, the Vice President maintained [5:37] the allegations against her are not supported by evidence. [5:41] She also rejected the narrative that she is vindictive. [5:44] I don't know if I'm a vindictive person. [5:49] And secondly, when I'm congressman, I don't believe if I'm vindictive or not a person. [5:54] I believe I believe in evidence. [5:56] Is there evidence? [5:57] No. [5:58] No. [5:58] The vice president also responded to claims lawmakers who will vote for impeachment [6:20] will receive additional budget allocations. [6:22] If there is an impeachment or not, there is no money that they can give. [6:29] If they give the MOOE to congressman, the government will not function. [6:38] Several members of the House Justice Panel have long been denying accusation. [6:42] Budget allocations are being tangled as a reward to those who will support the third as impeachment. [6:47] Wala po tayo na-encounter, nakausap concerning allocations related to this impeachment process. [6:56] So I deny that. [6:58] Meanwhile, Duterte denied rumors circulating online that she threw a laptop at her impeachment defense team [7:03] spokesperson, Attorney Michael Poa, calling such claims rubbish and unworthy of attention. [7:09] Hindi ako gumagamit ng laptop kasi hindi ako marunong magpumamit ng computer. [7:16] Sa lahat ng mga documents, nirely ko lang yan sa kasamahal sa... [7:27] Sa minsan nagpumagamit ako ng laptop, gamit ko yun pag may Zoom. [7:36] The vice president also pointed out why would she break an expensive laptop she bought for her personal use. [7:43] Bakit private yung laptop ko? [7:46] Hindi ma-afford na gobyerno yung gusto ko na laptop. [7:49] Pag nasira yun, ako din yung gagasos at bibili ng hindi. [7:55] For Duterte, all the baseless rumors are being spread by her unnamed enemies. [8:01] Para guluhin ang kwento at paboran yung naratiba na gusto nilang ipalabas. [8:08] Parang ano ba ang gusto nilang ipalabas ng naratiba? [8:11] Parang ano ba, baliw ako, bobo ako, pro-China ako, incompetent. [8:24] Dati, nagsasabi sila, brat ako, pero ewan ko gumitigil na sila ngayon. [8:28] Ayun pala, korap, magnanakaw. [8:30] In a message to ABS-CBN News, Boa called the said rumor as pure fiction. [8:35] He also calls it creative but completely false. [8:38] Harleen Delgado, ABS-CBN News. [8:41] The Philippine fall-body chief brushes off doubts raised by Vice President Duterte [8:47] on whether the 2028 presidential elections will push through. [8:51] The vice president earlier said she was unsure whether the elections would be held. [8:55] She already made an early declaration that she would run for president in 2028. [9:00] Elections Commission Chair George Garcia says the Constitution guarantees the polls will be held as scheduled. [9:08] With all due respect sa mga ibang espekulasyon, [9:12] ang 2028 election ay darating, yan ay certain to come, [9:17] sure na sure po sa 2028 sapagkat yan po'y nakalagay sa ating saligang batas. [9:22] Nagpreprepare na rin po tayo para sa election. [9:24] Kami po ay nasa mga 50% to 60% na rin na preparasyon para sa 2028 election. [9:34] The National Bureau of Investigation defends its arrest of an online media agency boss [9:39] who was allegedly blackmailing ex-Philippine Speaker Martin Romualdez. [9:44] Zian Ambrosio reports. [9:46] In this surveillance video taken by NBI agents, [9:50] vlogger Franco Mabanta is seen talking to an undercover NBI agent [9:53] who posed as a representative of former Speaker Martin Romualdez. [9:57] They were discussing the initial payment of P75 million [10:00] out of the P300 million Pesos Mabanta was allegedly demanding from Romualdez [10:05] in exchange for not publishing a video exposing alleged corruption involving the ex-House leader. [10:11] In this operation, media organizations including ABS-CBN News were invited for transparency. [10:16] Members of the media were keeping track of the operation every step of the way. [10:20] The NBI agent was first asked to deliver the money to a hotel in Makati. [10:25] He was carrying P50 million Pesos in cash as show money stuffed inside a duffel bag. [10:30] The handover did not happen at the hotel. [10:33] According to the NBI, Mabanta is worried the exchange might be caught on CCTV. [10:39] Mabanta told the NBI agent to instead deliver the money to another location, [10:43] which will be received by someone else. [10:45] At this point, the NBI said Mabanta provided an address in Pasig. [10:49] When the money exchanged hands, an NBI team swooped in and made the arrest. [10:56] Mabanta, the founder and chairman of digital media startup Peanut Gallery Media Network, [11:00] was arrested on the scene. [11:02] Four other suspects were also arrested, [11:05] including the company's supposed to incorporator, finance officer, and two other employees. [11:09] Are you angry or something? [11:13] No. [11:14] The NBI rejected claims Mabanta was set up, pointing to the change of locations to deliver the money. [11:21] Doon naman kayo eh, nung hinuhuli yan, so you can answer kung sinet up. [11:24] Kasi nakita mo yung tendency na to avoid yung mabibabidyo, makuha ng CCTV, [11:32] nagpagpad iba-iba direksyon, may mga phone calls, may exchange of text messages. [11:37] Mahirap naman na tayo na sasabihin natin sinet up. [11:39] And it's very unfair to the men and women of NBI na nagtatrabaho ng maayos. [11:43] Base sa ebidensya na naayos sa proseso. [11:46] According to attorney Elaine Atienza, spokesperson of later Rep. Martin Romualdez, [11:51] the issue is not freedom of expression, but alleged extortion to supposedly bury a story. [11:58] She adds Romualdez sought the help of authorities while the NBI conducted its operation in accordance with the law. [12:04] She added that if there is evidence of corruption, [12:07] it should be submitted to the proper agencies and not used as leverage for money. [12:11] The lawyer, Franco Babanta, attorney Bernice Rodriguez is confident the case will be dismissed. [12:17] Attorney Rodriguez adds they have built a really solid legal evidence. [12:22] The legal team is confident of what we have. [12:26] We saw through the inquest last night, the inquest sila last night, [12:30] how weak the complaint is, the complaint affidavit, the evidence presented. [12:35] We are very confident of our case and we are working so hard to get our clients out as soon as possible. [12:42] Rodriguez adds they will be joined by lawyers from some of the most prominent law firms in the country. [12:47] For now, the NBI has applied for a cyber warrant to examine the digital evidence seized during the entrapment operation. [12:55] Mabanta will be detained at the NBI detention facility in Muntinlupa. [12:59] Zee Ann Ambrosio, ABS-CBN News. [13:02] The Philippine Justice Department is evaluating a complaint filed by the Energy Department [13:08] against Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste. [13:11] Energy Secretary Sharon Garin accused Leviste's renewable energy company [13:15] of failing to deliver on its deal with the government to supply solar power. [13:20] The complaint was filed against Leviste and five officials of his Solar Para Sabayan Corporation. [13:27] Justice Department spokesperson Paulo Martinez says a preliminary investigation of the complaint [13:32] will be held to determine whether Leviste's firm violated the Public Service Act. [13:37] Leviste has called the Energy Department's complaint weak, [13:40] which he said came after he called for an investigation into the ties between Executive Secretary Ralph Recto [13:47] and Batangas Congressman Edwin Gargiola [13:50] and their alleged connection with public works contractors and STL operator, Refresh Gaming Corporation. [13:57] 60 billion pesos in PhilHealth funds previously remitted to the Philippine Treasury [14:05] are restored to the state health insurer. [14:08] Malacanang confirms the funds were returned to PhilHealth through a directive of President Marcus Jr. [14:13] PhilHealth says the funds will be used to improve benefits [14:16] and deliver faster and more reliable health services to Filipinos. [14:20] Philippine President Marcus Jr. calls for a trilateral summit with Cambodia and Thailand [14:25] to try to resolve the long-standing border dispute of the two countries. [14:30] He made a proposal ahead of the ASEAN Leaders' Summit in Cebu. [14:34] Jervis Manan reports. [14:38] Heads of states began arriving in Cebu on Wednesday night for the annual regional summit on Friday. [14:45] The first to arrive is Brunay Darussalam Sultan Haji Hassanal Volkia, [14:49] who flew in piloting his own aircraft. [14:51] President Bongbong Marcos also arrived on Wednesday. [14:54] Most leaders arrived on Thursday, starting with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kairala Sanana Gusmau, [15:01] Vietnamese Prime Minister Leming Hong, Indonesian President Prabowo Subyanto, [15:06] Cambodian Prime Minister Sandek Moha Borvore Thipade Hunmanet, [15:10] Malaysian Prime Minister Datu Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, [15:14] Thai Prime Minister Anutin Char Vicarul, [15:16] and Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong. [15:19] All heads of state will be present, except for Myanmar, [15:23] which will be represented by the Permanent Secretary of their Ministry of Foreign Affairs. [15:28] Several ministerial summits were held, [15:30] with the Economic Community Council pushing for the Digital Economy Framework Agreement or DEFA. [15:35] They also pledged to integrate MSMEs in Southeast Asia to the global chain. [15:40] Cebu is perhaps a fitting place for this. [15:43] It has served as a gateway connecting markets, people, and ideas across our region. [15:50] Even today, it remains a vital hub for trade and industry. [15:55] It is a reminder that connectivity has always been central to our region's growth. [16:00] The foreign ministers and the Political Security Community Council also held ministerial meetings [16:05] to address how to better respond to external shocks like the ongoing war in Iran. [16:10] The ongoing crisis in the Middle East and its far-reaching repercussions, [16:16] including the disruptions to energy flows, trade routes, food supply, chains, and the welfare of our nationals, [16:24] remind us that developments beyond our region can have immediate and profound effects on ASEAN. [16:31] Ahead of the summit, President Marcos had a bilateral meeting with Vietnam, [16:35] where both countries agreed to establish a long-term rice trade agreement [16:39] to ensure stable supply and to strengthen food security cooperation. [16:44] As a net importer of rice, the Philippines relies heavily on Vietnam, [16:48] importing more than 3 million metric tons of rice annually in recent years. [16:53] Both countries also agreed to address transnational crime and to collaborate on tourism. [16:59] One of the biggest challenges of the ASEAN, [17:01] aside from the disruption of supply chains due to the Middle East War, [17:04] is the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. [17:07] The regional bloc is yet to arrive on a consensus in recognizing their election results. [17:13] Foreign Affairs Secretary Teresa Lazaro, a special envoy of the ASEAN chair on Myanmar, [17:18] will provide updates on the situation on the country. [17:21] Aside from the crisis in Myanmar, the ASEAN is also facing another major challenge, [17:26] which is the long-standing dispute between Thailand and Cambodia. [17:29] The Philippines' ASEAN chair this year hopes to resolve the conflict, [17:33] as clashes has already claimed hundreds of lives and displaced thousands of civilians. [17:39] Marcos called for a trilateral summit with Cambodia and Thailand, [17:43] with hopes of reconciling the two countries. [17:47] The main summit happens this Friday, [17:49] and despite the bare-bones event, [17:51] rich Filipino cultural heritage will still be on full display. [17:55] Jervis Manahan, ABS-CBN News. [17:59] Seven Filipino crewmen are hurt in an Iranian drone attack [18:03] which hit their container vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. [18:06] Philippine Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Kakdak says the Malta flagship was attacked on May 5. [18:12] The injured Filipinos are being treated at an undisclosed hospital. [18:16] Kakdak says Philippine officials will soon visit the injured Filipinos to provide assistance. [18:21] Over 1,400 Filipino seafarers have safely exited the Hormuz Strait [18:28] since it became a flashpoint in the U.S.-Iran war that began in late February. [18:34] The Philippine Antigraf Court grilled state lawyers over delays in presenting evidence and witnesses [18:39] in the forfeiture case against the Marcos family. [18:42] Lawyers from the Office of the Solicitor General had requested for more time to gather documents [18:47] and present competent witnesses to authenticate records of the family's assets. [18:52] They told the Sandigan Bayan that the Presidential Commission on Good Government [18:56] needs more time to conduct an in-depth investigation. [19:00] But Associate Justice Marianne Corpus Manyalak said the court cannot accept unjustified delays. [19:06] The prosecution argued that the delays were partly caused by the respondents. [19:10] It also said the alleged ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses is hidden through layers of dummies [19:15] and other schemes which has made it difficult for the Good Government Commission to establish ownership. [19:21] Iran continues to review a U.S. proposal that seeks to formally end their war. [19:27] Tehran has described the 14-point proposal as an American wish list. [19:32] It includes demands that Iran suspend its nuclear program and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. [19:37] The White House has said it is close to reaching an agreement. [19:40] Reports of a possible deal have caused global oil prices to tumble to two-week lows. [19:45] Philippine debt rose to a record-high 18.49 trillion pesos at the end of March. [19:52] The national government points to the weakening peso and fresh local debts which push the country's obligations higher. [20:01] Philippine shares achieved gains for a second straight day as hopes for an Iran peace deal [20:06] offset concerns over slower domestic growth. [20:09] Michelle Ong has more. [20:11] Equities climbed to fresh highs in optimism. [20:15] The U.S. and Iran were nearing a deal to end their conflict, [20:18] extending a rally that has repeatedly pushed global stocks to records. [20:22] The MSCI All-Country World Index advancing by a third of one percent, [20:26] while the MSCI's Asian gauge jumped to 1.9 percent with both reaching records. [20:31] The big driver? [20:32] A catch-up surge in Japan's Nikkei 225 index which also touched an intraday high. [20:36] South Korea, a bellwether for tech investments, [20:39] has already surpassed Canada as the world's seventh largest equity market by value. [20:44] Here at home, Philippine shares climbed for a second day [20:46] while the peso is set for its best daily gain in a month. [20:49] For now, it looks like we're going to pull back a bit. [20:52] We did hit resistance somewhere around 6,050. [20:56] So in 6-1. [20:58] So in the near term, we pull back possibly at 6,000 or plus. [21:04] Hopefully, we pause. [21:06] If the deal is signed or a deal is done, [21:13] then we could see the market move higher still. [21:15] It really depends on that. [21:17] But the base case, given the movement you've seen today, [21:20] you surged and then you saw setting pressure towards the end of the day. [21:24] Both seemingly shrugging off the much weaker-than-expected GDP print of 2.8 percent. [21:29] Up. [21:30] Up. [21:30] Up.