Senate Votes to Archive Impeachment Case Against Vice President
Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her gratitude to God after the Senate voted to archive the impeachment case against her, local leaders noted on Thursday. This decision came after 19 senators favored Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva’s motion to dismiss the complaint, while four opposed and one abstained.
Duterte conveyed her thanks in a text message to Senator Imee Marcos, who was among those supporting the move. The vote marked a significant moment in the ongoing political drama surrounding the Vice President.
House Speaker Defends Impeachment Complaint Motives
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez clarified that the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte was driven not by politics but by the need for accountability, sources said. In a statement issued a day after the Senate’s 19-4 vote to archive the articles, Romualdez urged caution against rushing to dismiss the charges.
He emphasized that the House pursued the complaint in good faith, seeking answers the Vice President had failed to provide, and not out of any ill will.
Police Probe Expands in Sabungeros Abduction Case
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) is intensifying its investigation into the abduction of cockfighting enthusiasts, known locally as sabungeros, local authorities reported. Napolcom Vice Chairperson Rafael Calinisan revealed that more police officers, including high-ranking officials, are now under scrutiny.
“Marami pang ibang pangalan na hindi pa lumalabas at iniimbestigahan namin, kabilang na yung may mataas na ranggo,” Calinisan said during an interview at his Quezon City office, highlighting the expanding scope of the probe.
BIR Files Complaints Over Fraudulent Tax Receipts
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed multiple criminal complaints against buyers of “ghost receipts” used in tax fraud schemes that cost the government approximately P1.41 billion in lost revenue. Officials confirmed that 23 corporations, 56 corporate officers, and 17 certified public accountants face charges at the Department of Justice.
BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. detailed that the accusations include tax evasion, providing false information, perjury, and other violations tied to these fraudulent transactions.
Philippine Economy Shows Slight Growth Despite Challenges
The Philippine economy grew at a slightly faster pace in the second quarter, buoyed by easing inflation that encouraged consumer spending, economic analysts noted. However, government expenditure was limited due to an election-related ban on public disbursements.
Gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 5.5 percent from April to June, a modest increase from the 5.4 percent growth recorded in the first quarter.
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