Senate minority bloc to seek SC intervention over electronic voting — Sotto

Added: 2026-05-27

[00:00:13]Good evening. Today is May 27th and you're watching the Manila Times News Prime. Our top story, the Senate Minority Block will seek the Supreme Court's intervention if the Senate rules are changed to allow electronic voting.

[00:00:28]This was stated by Senate Minority Leader Tito Sto. The minority block walked out from last night's session amid a heated debate on the issue. They accused the majority of trying to rush the changing of rules. They insisted on an exhaustive deliberation on the issue.

[00:00:46]Prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sar Duterte are asking the Senate to reconsider the trial's July 6 timetable. They want the trial to start much earlier. They again cited their interpretation of the term forth with in the constitution. The schedule of the trial is still tentative. Duterte was given 10 days to respond to the articles of impeachment. The prosecution will have five calendar days to file its reply. The pre-trial phase will follow.

[00:01:19]Senator Irwin Tulfo had stated the trial will probably start on July 6th after the Senate break. The PNP says Senator Batau de Rosa will not receive special treatment. There were rumors that police officers may go soft on the lawmaker because of his decadesl long service in law enforcement. PMP Chief Jose Martates says police personnel will execute all lawful directives with absolute professionalism, impartiality, and transparency. Dear Rosa is now considered a fugitive. The senator disappeared hours after the Senate shooting incident last May 13. The arrest warrant came from the International Criminal Court. This is in connection with Delar Rosa's alleged involvement in the war on drugs during the presidency of Rodrigo Duterte.

[00:02:14]President Marcos has ordered the DPW and other concerned agencies of the government to intensify flood mitigation measures.

[00:02:23]This is in preparation for the onset of the rainy or wet season in July. Marcos directed the DPW to speed up clearing and dredging operations in creeks, rivers, eststeros, and drainage canals nationwide.

[00:02:39]The president also ordered the continued widening of waterways to improve water flow and minimize flooding in vulnerable communities. One of the priority areas is Metro Manila, where clogged waterways and urban congestion trigger flooding during strong downpours. Public works secretary Vince Dison says they remain on full alert and are continuously carrying out anti- flood operations.

[00:03:09]The bright light captured in Mayon volcano on May 25 was a meteor. This was confirmed by the Philippine Space Agency or Felsa. This comes after a video released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology or Fivok went viral. It showed a bright streak of light at the slopes of the volcano as volcanic activities continue.

[00:03:35]Fiosa says that while meteors entered the Earth's atmosphere daily, most burn up completely before reaching the ground. Fivokes meanwhile clarified that the meteor did not hit the volcano.

[00:03:48]For more news and information, read the Manil Times on Print, subscribe to its digital edition, or log on to ww.mmanel times.net. net. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram X, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn. And be part of our communities on Viber, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Maston. That's all for now on the Manil Times News Prime. Remember to stay safe, stay informed, and stay connected. I'm Michael Ang. Good night.