The prosecution ends their presentation on the malversation case against ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co on Tuesday, April 7, with a key testimony from the Anti-Money Laundering Council, which told the Sandiganbayan that Co received P802 million in bank deposits from Sunwest Incorporated.

Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/live/_G14WiPOP-A?si=3MauYHeOgDyfbjT0

No TRO for now: SC asks House to comment on VP Sara’s impeachment petition

The Supreme Court, on Wednesday, April 8, asks the House of Representatives to comment on the petitions filed by Vice President Sara Duterte and her lawyer allies that challenge her new impeachment complaints. The Court did not issue a temporary restraining order that could have stopped the House impeachment proceedings.

Asking for a comment in petitions like these is part of the usual procedures done by the Court in cases.

Meanwhile, the SC also consolidates the two separate petitions filed by the Vice President and the lawyers.

CRITICAL REPORT: School Negligence at UPHSD Las Piñas.

I am reporting a case involving a Grade 8 student, Jayzen Railey Santos, who faked a suicide/death hoax and rooftop crisis. This orchestrated fraud led to the physical injury and hospitalization of a peer.

Despite receiving full digital evidence of the fraudulent accounts (Elias/Fenn), Director Arnaldo Guzman has gone silent and refused to take action. We are seeking investigative help as the school is in violation of the Anti-Bullying Act (RA 10627).

Full Evidence Dossier: https://whoisjayzenraileysantos.blogspot.com"

Suspects in latest PNP Academy hazing now under custody, face case

The three suspects behind the hazing of 22 PNP Academy Cadets are now under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group after their arrest, the PNP says on Friday, April 10. The national police, however, did not name the suspects.

They already undergone inquest proceedings, which is an expedited type of preliminary investigation, and are now facing a case for alleged violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 11053 or Anti-Hazing Act of 2018.

At least 22 4th Class cadets have reportedly sustained injuries caused by the three suspects who are 3rd Class cadets, according to the PNP.

Hello @here! Our Ask Me Anything session with TFV’s executive director, Deborah Ruiz Verduzco, has been moved to Wednesday, April 15, at 10:30 pm. Please refer to this article for the updated details. We hope to see you then. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/podcasts-videos/ask-me-anything-icc-trust-fund-victims

HAPPENING NOW: What can victims of the war on drugs and the Davao Death Squad expect from the Trust Fund for Victims or TFV?

Rappler reporter Lian Buan is speaking with TFV’s executive director, Dr. Deborah Ruiz Verduzco, for an Ask Me Anything session.

Send your questions in this chat room and watch them get answered live @here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Etxz46p4vKM

We have a question here for Dr. Verduzco from our intern Shanne Cilot. Thanks Shanne for sending in advance!

Could you walk us through how the TFV determines who "qualifies" for the assistance, especially in cases where, for example, victims lack formal documentation? Are there specific requirements or minimum qualifications?

It's final: Cyber libel action shall be made within 1 year of discovery, not 15 years

The Supreme Court (SC) announces on Monday, April 20, that the prescription period for cyber libel is only one year, and not 15 years. Prescription period, which varies from case to case, is the time frame where a lawsuit can be filed.

A legal action filed beyond the prescription period is invalid.

In Causing v. People, the SC says the Revised Penal Code has one year prescription for traditional libel, and there is no law excluding libel from this one-year period.

"The SC reiterated that cyber libel is not a separate crime, but rather libel committed through a computer system. The fact that the Cybercrime Prevention Act imposes a higher penalty for cyber libel does not imply that its prescriptive period should be extended beyond that of traditional libel," the High Court says.

The Court also clarifies that the prescription period for cyber libel begins upon the discovery of the offense, and not upon publication.

This is an important ruling because there have been debates over the prescription period of cyber libel – whether 15 years or one year. The Causing v. People ruling finally settles this issue.

HAPPENING TOMORROW: CAN THE ICC TRY DUTERTE FOR THE KILLINGS?

The International Criminal Court’s appeals chamber will decide on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, if the court has jurisdiction over the case of killings in the Philippines.

The ruling will dictate the future of former president Rodrigo Duterte’s case. If the ICC upholds it has jurisdiction, that would remove the roadblock to a potential trial. If the appeals chamber favors Duterte, he may be allowed to go home.

The separate decision on whether there will be a trial is expected end of April.

NEWS UPDATE: The Office of the Ombudsman requests for a precautionary hold departure order against former speaker Martin Romualdez over plunder, graft, direct and indirect bribery, and money laundering cases with the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday, April 21.

"The Office of the Ombudsman has officially asked the Sandiganbayan for a Precautionary Hold Departure Order on the former Speaker," the Office of the Ombudsman says.

"While the cases are pending before the Office of the Ombudsman, the teams find it necessary to seek this remedy so as not to jeopardize the cases," it adds.

LOOK: The Ombudsman's request for a Precautionary Hold Departure Order against former speaker Martin Romualdez

I hope they will produce a photo of Zaldy Co in detention or at least a video of Czech government official confirming Zaldy Co is really in detention

DUTERTE CASE: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE ICC HEARING TODAY

The International Criminal Court’s appeals chamber will decide on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, if the court has jurisdiction over the case of former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte.

Here are key dates to watch out for, and what Filipinos can expect.

Romualdez still in the Philippines — immigration

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) tells Rappler on Wednesday, April 22, that it has no record of former speaker Martin Romualdez leaving the country.

“As of this time, Rep. Martin Romualdez has no recorded attempt to depart the country,” BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval says.

Romualdez is supposed to fly overseas for a medical treatment on April 20, but the Office of the Ombudsman has requested for a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) on April 21.

Romualdez’s staff also tells Rappler on Wednesday that the former speaker is still in the country.

If the Sandiganbayan grants the request, there will be a basis to block Romualdez from leaving. But for now, there is no legal order that can stop the former speaker.

There are pending complaints for plunder, graft, money laundering, and direct and indirect bribery over the flood control mess. The complaints are still at the preliminary investigation level, which means a case has yet to be filed against the former speaker.

SC asks Malacañang to comment on petition asking BBM to disclose health status

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, April 22, says it is requiring the Malacañang to comment on the petition filed by former lawmaker Pantaleon Alvarez and others asking President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to disclose health status.

Asking for a comment on a petition is part of the standard procedures in cases that reached the High Court.