BY ALEX ALAGON
- FPRRD to return only after Marcos Presidency: Pulong
FORMER President Rodrigo Duterte reportedly has no plans to return to the Philippines so long as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains in power, 1st District Rep. Paolo “Pulong” Duterte revealed.
Speaking to reporters outside the International Criminal Court (ICC) headquarters in The Hague, the lawmaker addressed the possibility of his father’s return to his home country.
“That is what we are praying for to the Lord—that he might be able to return to the Philippines. But according to him, he will stay here for now as long as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is still the president,” Rep. Duterte said.
The statement highlighted the deepening rift between the Duterte and Marcos families, as the former president continues to face legal proceedings regarding his administration’s “war on drugs.”
The former president remains in the Netherlands as the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I reviews his legal standing and health status.
‘Protect the Philippines’
Meanwhile, the lawmaker also relayed a message to the Filipino public and the armed forces. He emphasized that his father’s stance remains consistent: a call to uphold the law and prioritize national safety.
“His message, since he was still [in office], is to follow the Constitution of the Philippines,” the congressman stated.
Addressing the military and the general public, the former president reportedly issued a call for vigilance. “To our countrymen and to the military, he said that if you feel the Filipino people are in danger, protect the Filipino and the Philippines,” he said.
THE DEFENSE team of former President Rodrigo Duterte has formally petitioned the International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber I to reconsider his ongoing detention, citing a “serious deterioration” in both his physical and cognitive health.
The request, led by defense counsel Atty. Nicholas Kaufman, argues that it is no longer fair or lawful to keep the former president detained, given his current medical condition.
Medical findings and cognitive decline
According to the defense, medical experts have identified significant health issues, including physical weakness, unexplained weight loss, and cognitive impairments that reportedly affect the former president’s memory and decision-making capabilities.
Based on these findings, the defense argues that the primary justifications for detention—the risk of flight, witness intimidation, or the commission of further crimes—are no longer realistic.
The filing highlights that the former president has not appeared in court for approximately 10 months.
The defense expressed frustration over repeated requests for a public hearing, asserting that the judges must observe the accused in person to adequately assess his condition rather than relying solely on written documentation.
While medical opinions on the case vary, the defense emphasized that no expert has concluded that the former president is malingering or faking his symptoms.
The defense strongly criticized the prosecution for suggesting otherwise without providing proof.
Potential release to third-party state
The defense informed the Chamber that an unnamed ICC member state has expressed willingness to receive the former president if he is granted temporary release. This state has reportedly pledged to enforce strict monitoring and ensure total compliance with all court orders.
The defense concludes that legal uncertainty regarding the medical reports should be resolved in favor of the accused, as mandated by law, and is urging the Pre-Trial Chamber I to grant a temporary release as the case proceeds.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc.’s (“AEV”) food group, Aboitiz Foods, through its subsidiary Gold Coin Management Holdings Pte. Ltd. (“GCMH”), announces the completion of the acquisition of Diasham Resources Pte. Ltd. (“Diasham”), a Singapore-based manufacturer and distributor of high-quality animal nutrition and health solutions.
Conditions have been completed for the full equity acquisition of Diasham, which significantly expands Aboitiz Foods’ specialty nutrition portfolio and strengthens its manufacturing capabilities. The final consideration is subject to customary closing adjustments, including cash, debt-like items, and working capital.
With nearly five decades of expertise, Diasham is well-regarded for its high-quality solutions, including feed additives, water-soluble products, injectables, and liquid products, serving a broad customer base across the Asia-Pacific region. It has established distribution networks in key markets—including Thailand, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Bangladesh—bolstering Aboitiz Foods’ regional footprint.
“This acquisition gives us a more complete range of products and solutions to offer our customers across the region,” said Tristan Aboitiz, President and CEO of Aboitiz Foods. ”Diasham has built a strong legacy and developed deep customer relationships over many decades; factors that mattered very much in our decision to engage in this transaction. We look forward to carrying on the legacy and to working with the talented team at Diasham to continue to enhance the ways in which we add value to our customers’ businesses across the region.”
This acquisition builds on Aboitiz Foods’ successful expansion in Asia, following its initial international investment in Vietnam over a decade ago and the 2018 acquisition of GCMH, which now represents the company’s largest operations outside the Philippines.
Manila, Philippines – Property giant Megaworld is developing the 97-hectare ‘The Sugartown’ along the Bacolod-Silay Airport Road in Talisay City, Negros Occidental. This will be the company’s 37th township development and its third in the Province of Negros Occidental, following the launch of the 53-hectare Northill Gateway at the boundary of Bacolod City and Talisay City, and the 34-hectare The Upper East in the eastern part of Bacolod City.
The Sugartown will host premium residential developments by both Megaworld and its wholly Suntrust Propertiesowned subsidiary Suntrust Properties, Inc., commercial and retail developments, and will be highlighted by its own town center, commercial district, and unique tourism facilities.
This township, the first of its kind in Talisay City, is designed as a comprehensive mixed-use development, drawing inspiration from a long line of successful integrated estates and communities that Megaworld has pioneered and developed through decades.
The company is allocating P8-billion to develop the township in the next 7-10 years.
“Our vision for this new township in Negros Occidental is to provide new opportunities to help boost tourism in the province. With its close proximity to the Bacolod-Silay Airport, this will be an exciting destination for visitors and tourists, and a vibrant enclave for residential living,” says Lourdes Gutierrez-Alfonso, president and CEO, Megaworld.
“With the Negros Island Region already in place, the future of this province is bright and we have seen the rise of mixed-use developments not just in the capital but also in other towns and cities. Through this new township, our seventh in the Visayas, we are excited how we can further contribute to regional progress especially in tourism,” says Kevin Tan, president and CEO, Alliance Global Group, Inc., the parent company of Megaworld. The Sugartown is located less than five minutes away from the Bacolod-Silay Airport, also less than five minutes away from the Talisay City Hall, and around 15 minutes away from the Bacolod City Government Center. Its location is also just a few minutes away from the two Megaworld townships: five minutes away from Northill Gateway and 12 minutes away from The Upper East.
THE FRATERNAL Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) YAKAP Inc. stands as a beacon of service and brotherhood across the Philippines. As the nation’s first Philippine-born fraternal socio-civic organization, we have etched a profound legacy of humanitarian commitment, empowering communities, and contributing significantly to nation-building.
Its journey, officially registered with the SEC, is a testament to unwavering dedication, fostering one of the most active volunteer networks nationwide, all guided by our foundational principle: “Service Through Strong Brotherhood.”
This steadfast commitment to service is not merely a motto but a way of life, manifest in countless initiatives spanning disaster relief, educational support, environmental protection, and community development. Each project undertaken reflects our deep-rooted desire to uplift the lives of our fellow Filipinos, reinforcing the bonds of brotherhood that empower us to achieve more.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) YAKAP Inc. commenced the new year with a truly momentous occasion. The grandeur of Hotel de Fides in Tacloban City provided the perfect backdrop for the investiture ceremony of its esteemed national leaders. This significant event marked a pivotal “Rebirth of the Philippine Eagle,” ushering in “a new era of strength, unity, and purpose.”
The ceremony saw the official investiture of national president Ariel Donceras, national vice president Xavier Aringo, and PENAPLE chairman Jeff Maravilla, whose visionary leadership will steer the organization to new heights.
The gathering was graced by the presence of a diverse and distinguished audience, including dedicated members, diligent officers, and revered guests from every corner of the Philippines, all united in their commitment to our shared mission.
Looking ahead: community service in 2026
Under this renewed leadership, 2026 promises to be a year of expanded outreach and impact. Potential community service events include:
● National tree planting initiative: Reforestation projects across critical watersheds to combat climate change and promote ecological balance.
● Medical mission and Botika ng Agila: Bringing essential medical and dental services to underserved rural communities.
● Skills training & livelihood programs: Providing vocational training to marginalized sectors to enhance economic independence.
● Coastal clean-up drives: Protecting our precious marine ecosystems through organized clean-up operations in collaboration with local communities.
This investiture not only celebrated the incoming leadership but also reaffirmed its collective dedication to the principles that bind its members. It was a powerful demonstration of their enduring strength, unbreakable unity, and clarified purpose as they move forward to serve the Filipino people with greater zeal and effectiveness.
The Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) YAKAP Inc. remains steadfast in its commitment to building a brighter future, hand in hand, through strong brotherhood. By Patrick Bonales
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) recovered illegal substances with a combined street value of P2,711,567 during a series of intensified anti-criminality operations conducted from Jan. 4 to 10, 2026.
The week-long sweep was part of the agency’s “four focused directives” by acting city director Col Mannan C. Muarip. The operations targeted illegal drugs, gambling, wanted persons, and loose firearms across the city.
In line with this, the DCPO conducted 28 anti-illegal drug operations, resulting in the arrest of 32 suspects.
The confiscations included shabu weighing 85.93 grams (valued at P584,324), marijuana kush weighing 1,514 grams (Valued at P1,816,800), marijuana leaves weighing 2,445.36 grams (valued at P293,443), and marijuana oil weighing 340 grams (valued at P17,000).
Police also carried out 31 operations, leading to the arrest of 31 individuals. Notably, nine of those captured were classified as “most wanted persons.”
Meanwhile, 11 anti-illegal gambling operations led to the arrest of 11 individuals and the seizure of P3,230 in bet money. Formal cases have already been filed against all suspects.
The DCPO also conducted eight operations targeting loose firearms. This resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the recovery or surrender of seven firearms. One firearm was also turned in for safekeeping under “Oplan Katok.”
Overall, the police arrested 78 individuals from various operations.
Muarip emphasized that these achievements are a result of the unwavering dedication of the police force and the strong partnership with barangay officials and the local government unit.
TROOPS from the 36th Infantry Battalion exchanged fire with Communist Terrorist Group members in Barangay Cayale, Tago, Surigao del Sur, on Jan. 10, leading to the recovery of an M14 rifle, an M16 bolt carrier assembly, a rifle grenade, medical supplies, and various war materiel.
The 4TH Infantry Division (4ID) report touted the military gains by degrading the guerrillas’ operational capabilities in the province.
Simultaneously, the 403rd Infantry Brigade facilitated the surrender of two former CTG members previously affiliated with the dismantled HQ Loader and GF89 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.
The surrenderers turned over an AK-47 rifle and are currently undergoing custodial debriefing and documentation to qualify for the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).
In a joint statement, 403rd IB commander Brigadier General Seigfred C. Tubalado and 401st IB acting commander Colonel Glenn Joy U. Aynera praised their troops for their professionalism and discipline.
“These operational gains and voluntary surrenders reflect the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and the strong support of local communities,” the statement said.
They reiterated their call for the remaining insurgents to lay down their arms and participate in the government’s reintegration programs, emphasizing a continued commitment to sustaining peace and development in their areas of responsibility.
