Prosecution: Duterte’s non-attendance in pre-trial contradicts readiness claims | Morning Matters

[00:00:01][music] Good morning. Start your day informed and ahead. Today is Friday [music] the 19th of June. I'm Angela Lemud Castro and I'm Chesca Luncala. We are bringing you the perfect mix of the headlines you need and the conversations that shape [music] your day. From the news desk to the digital space, we have got you covered. I'm Pim Bzosa and welcome to Morning Matters. Now, it's Friday, but let's begin with the first day of the pre-trial conference in the impeachment case against Vice President Sarah Duterte. It saw early exchanges between the House prosecution panel and the defense team. [music] The defense downplayed the argument, saying such discussions are normal in pre-trial proceedings. Among [music] the issues taking up or taken up were proposed conditions for the trial proper. Both camps have until Monday to submit their comments [music] and the prosecution however called out the vice president's absence despite the presence of her [music] defense team. Duterte's camp said she will attend the impeachment trial if needed. [music] The prosecution also again criticized the defense [music] pre-trial brief, saying it focused more on questioning the process [music] than answering the allegations. The defense insisted it came prepared and said the records will speak for themselves. Meanwhile, Senate President Watalyan said the Senate has yet to discuss who will preside [music] over the impeachment trial. Under the rules, the Senate President will preside unless the Senate decides otherwise.

[00:01:32][music] The pre-trial conference will continue on Monday.

[00:01:37]Well, the House prosecution panel said [music] defense or evidence defense and well it is expected disagreement but for context importance [music] pre-trial pre-trial this is where they lay down the evidence they discuss uh and of course [music] to stipulate the facts and know and they also dictate you sequence of uh the evidence. So yesterday what they did is marking of the evidence which is also important because this is where they tag [music] and label know the evidence to make sure now uh they can easily you know uh submit it to the trial itself. So on Monday what they're going to do is stipulation of facts and then after the afternoon consolidation [music] of the evidence and then resolution if you will pre-trial but most importantly evidence [music] and hopefully during the trial surprises evidence but they will allow it or [music] it happens along the trial evidence they will allow it discussion trial allow preciding officer. So yesterday they finished marking evidence for two of the four uh impeachment articles. So grave threats and bribery. So dalawa misuse of confidential funds and unexplained walapa. Um and then if people are wondering it was close to the media and the public [music] but uh attorney Michael Po said man there was no tension uh expected discussions um so Monday [music] then >> he said it was nothing out of the ordinary um for the part though of the defense the prosecution is saying uh that there were tensions there were uh misunderstandings of course during this pre-trial conference because for their side uh Renee Co one of the spokesperson persons of the House prosecution panel said um they were looking for independent affirmative defenses to the allegations but they didn't get anything. Uh uh Congressman Adyong even said that um the pre-trial brief of the defense was [music] thick in paper but it wasn't substantive. They the answers they were looking for weren't there.

[00:04:02]They didn't answer um for example who Mayor Grace Pats is and that needs to be done already here in the pre-trial conference.

[00:04:11]They can prepare they can prepare already their arguments. Um both sides can prepare their questions for the witnesses and sab prosecution. Now you witness list defense almost just mirrored what they had. So they came unprepared but of course that's for the side of the prosecution. Uh the defense here strategy to to appear like um they're unprepared or um that they they don't really have the answers for now. come the trial.

[00:04:42][laughter] We'll see. But this is actually the first timese of course especially the defense is actually asking the impeachment trial court to dismiss the case when in fact it is not the job of the impeachment trial court to dismiss.

[00:05:04]Its job is to try the case. So defense defense. So we'll see what's going to happen because there will be marking of stipulation of facts s Monday and then resolution and uh come July 6a is going to be the impeachment trial and we have yet to finalizeing officer senator drillon yesterday [music] interview regarding senator chiso that he is burdened with you know fact now DDS supporters at that time. So I think this is [music] going to be his chance if he is going to be the presiding officer to redeem himself and you know place him himself in another part of history >> and to prove that he could be objective in this impeachment trial. We will talk more about that with our guest later on in the program. Attorney Jen Reyes will be joining us here in the studio. But in other news, Senator Ping Laxon claimed that at least 700 million pesos in taxpayers money was wasted during Senator Alan Peter Kayatanos's 28day stint [music] as Senate President. Laxon said the period was marked by controversies that disrupted [music] the chamber's work. Among the incidents he cited were a shooting incident inside the Senate, the escape of Senator Batau de la Rosa while under the chambers protective [music] custody and a boycott of sessions by the Cayatano block. He also pointed to what he described as failed destabilization efforts and unauthorized committee hearings. [music] Still, Lakon expressed hope that the leadership of Senate President Sherwin Gachalyan would help restore stability and productivity [music] in the chamber.

[00:06:39]Kayatano however rejected the criticism, accusing Lakon of being divisive. He said the figure was being used to distort the narrative around his brief tenure as [music] Senate President.

[00:06:52]So yesterday we heard Senate President Sherwin Gachalan saying continuing season. Um but kidding aside, we have Senator Ping Laxon here pointing out that um under the leadership of Senator Kayatano as Senate President uh they spent 700 million pesos. I I wonder where all that money went because there were a lot of days now session and uh they weren't able to accomplish um a lot of uh things during this period. Um and as Senator Laxon mentioned on on X, uh it was a waste of taxpayers money because the output was just chaos, the gunfire, the many incidents and you know there's a lot of frustration here on the part of Senator Lon because until now uh the past month [music] so I understand that there is frustration on his part. Um but he even hit back at them saying Facebook.

[00:08:02]So um but also where did those numbers come from? [music] So that apparently was based on um the calculations of Senate President Gachalian because he used [music] to chair the finance committee and then ging based on Senate's expenses under the 2026 general [music] appropriations act. Um so salaries allowances the maintenance and other oper operational costs. So every [music] single day response Senator Alan Peter was also SP 25 million.

[00:08:40]Yeah. Yeah. uh because operational expenses and even I think if I if I'm [music] not mistaken Facebook live Senator Alan Peter Kano and said 700 million supposedly for 28 days and divide it to 25 days uh you'll get 700 million for Nagasto in the proper way because there were a lot of you know um committee hearings including allegedly had no senator at that time.

[00:09:30]So the point here is whoever the senator the senate president is but the [music] point is he was that senate president at that time session special session promotion etc. waste of time and money on social media because these are are money. These are taxes and we expect our government official, our senators most especially to do their job move forward.

[00:10:23]Senator hopefully stopenator yesterday.

[00:10:30]The Senate will continue to struggle on these things unless issues. All right. Latest government data shows that child stunting in the Philippines rose to 25% in [music] 2025, marking the first increase in a decade.

[00:10:47]The figure means that about one in four Filipino children under five is affected by chronic malnutrition resulting in impaired growth and development. The 2025 rate is 1.7 percentage points higher than in 2023 [music] and now falls within the World Health Organization's classification of a high public health concern. [music] The second congressional commission on education or edcom 2 warned that the increase could worsen the country's learning crisis. It said children who are undernourished before school age are more likely to struggle with literacy, [music] numeracy, and cognitive development once they enter the classroom. [music] Edcom 2 said the reversal should serve as a wake-up call, stressing that learning gaps cannot be fixed in later grades if nutrition is [music] neglected in early childhood.

[00:11:37]Okay, so these numbers were from uh the DOSD's food and nutrition research institute uh 2025 updating survey.

[00:11:45][music] So this was from April 20 uh 23 2025 to March 31 2026. Um as a mother I'm sure you know Chesa I did a few stories documentaries about malnutrition and since 2019 figure I 95 children Filipino children die every day from malnutrition and malnutrition stunting and this this goes beyond physical appearance it also affects the brain development That is why it is important first 100 days wherein it spans from the child conception until uh second birthday child and as mentioned by Edcomont co-chair Roman Romulo if we are serious about solving the learning crisis we must start by solving the nutrition crisis >> because that's very important also in education Right. Um people think it you just need to fix the curriculum, you need to fix the education system, but part of that education system is also making sure that the children are healthy so that they can approach um with the lessons because in class, you're hungry or you're not feeling well, you're not going to be able to cope with the with the lessons.

[00:13:14]>> All right, here's some good news for Filipino fans. Alex Ayala has pulled off a stunning win at the Berlin Open.

[00:13:21][music] Ayala defeated world number two Elena Ribbachina in straight set 7564 to reach the quarterfinals. It is her first win over Ribbachina and another major victory against a top 10 player. The Filipino tennis star rallied from a 4-1 deficit in the first set, then held off Ribbachina in the second to seal the match. Ayala, a wild card in the WTA 500 tournament, is coming off a title run at the Birmingham Open. [music] She will next face world number eight Elena's Vitalina in the quarterfinals.

[00:13:56]>> Oh, congratulations to Alex.

[00:13:58]>> I mean, we [laughter] we are just so amazed every single time.

[00:14:05]>> Pride talaga, Gabby. Uh, but also for context on how big of a deal this is, Rebakina is the reigning Australian Open champion. Um and uh the last time they faced off Rebakina defeated Ayala at the Italian Open. So Bumawi that was Clayo but Bumawi s Alex and um you see Vitoolina nam man she's the world number six another big match.

[00:14:30]>> So let's go Alex. Okay. Number eight or >> uh I think she's number depend I think yeah Alex is at 35 now.

[00:14:39]>> But nonetheless it's going to be a big match for her but we have high expectations for Alex. She's been playing really really well so far this year and we can't wait to see Alex uh of course on the court. She always displays Filipino pride whenever she plays internationally. Uh so that's going to be very exciting.

[00:14:58]>> Yeah. We're proud of you Alex.

[00:15:00]Don't go away. Morning matters will [music] be back after a short break.

[00:15:07][music] [music] Welcome back. You're still watching Morning Matters here on One News. Davo City Representative Paulo Duterte has fired back at Interior Secretary John Vic Remoleia over his Sabong remark.

[00:15:32]This after Remula said Duterte may have been high on drugs when he claimed that an international criminal court arrest order had been issued against Senator Bongo. In response, Duterte told Remula to look in the mirror before calling someone high or stoned. Duterte also challenged Ramula to undergo a hair follicle drug test along with his boss and his family [music] to end all rumors. He also said Ramula may have been referring to a different kind of high such as being high on power, corruption, and arrogance.

[00:16:03][music] Meanwhile, House prosecution spokesperson representative Renee Cole said the defense team of Vice President Sara Duterte [music] failed to present concrete evidence in its pre-trial brief.

[00:16:17]In an interview with a big story, co said the defense did not adequately address the allegations and relied mainly on general denials. She added that the Duterte camp appears to be leaning on technicalities in an attempt to delay the impeachment process. Go said the prosecution is still [music] awaiting any indication that the vice president is willing to personally respond to the charges.

[00:16:45]pre-trial briefing. pre-trial brief no and if what more the trial proper at the very core of the pre-trial brief submitted by the defense team of VP Suterte affirmative defenses independent arguments other than to simply rebut >> Mhm. through a general denial allegations in the articles of impeachment and again summon issues on technicalities that were already ruled upon in previous House Committee on justice hearings and pleadings per rehashed again here at the pre-trial brief and in the conference. So that's frustrating because we want answers. the people have been clamoring for answers for years and in this supposedly first step before the trial hearings.

[00:17:45]I think it's still a matter of showing up for the people especially since she made previous commitments to um to be ready and willing to face these charges at the proper court. proper court readiness and willingness to the people as she as she mentioned.

[00:18:09]In fact, Taylor answers and the pre-trial conference, it doesn't seem like she's most ready or most willing because at the answer she prayed for a dismissal which is not found in the constitution or in the Senate rules when you talk about impeachment.

[00:18:33]And in other news, Philippine [music] Coast Guard spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, Rear Admiral Jay Tarella, said the biggest challenge in the West Philippine Sea is the battle of narratives rather than Chinese vessels or structures [music] in the area.

[00:18:49]Tiela told one uses political beat that he was dismayed over claims by pro-China influencers that incidents involving Filipino fishermen were [music] allegedly scripted. He also said the Duterte administration instilled fear about the West Philippine [music] Sea which led many Filipinos to accept misleading narratives. Tiela also added that the Philippine Coast Guard is prepared to present evidence it has gathered should the government decide to pursue a second arbitration case against China.

[00:19:30]West Philippines China influenc China influencer scripted for them to go there. Mhm.

[00:20:17]influenc the platform [snorts] is the battle of narrative. Um, Coast Guard fisheries and aquatic resources despite of their limited number.

[00:21:01]But pro-China trolls and unfortunately whether these are soulless trolls, paid trolls or pro-China political career, I really don't know what motivated them.

[00:21:30]They don't want to hear reasons anymore.

[00:21:44]So is the battle of the disinformation.

[00:22:00]The Philippines is losing around 50 billion pesos every year to illicit tobacco trade. And now the government wants to go beyond raids and make sure that smugglers and sellers are held accountable. Mobile journalist Fatima Badorya tells us more in [music] this report.

[00:22:20]Illicit tobacco trade in the Philippines has led its revenue to leak billions every year. To combat illegal trade, the government says it aims to ramp up its offensive for raids to lead to convictions and accountability.

[00:22:34]50 billion pesos annually is lost to the Philippines from illegal tobacco trade.

[00:22:39]According to the Department of Agriculture during its third international tobacco summit in Pasig City, the livelihood of around 2.5 million legitimate Filipino farmers are directly hit as they face unfair competition due to the prevalence of smuggling. But as the significant numbers hit public funds, it also deprivives the public of the revenues needed for health and infrastructure projects. But behind these figures, you real family, you real community, illicit drug trade. It illegal supply chain deprives government use, all resources.

[00:23:32]of course for intervention for our public services.

[00:23:37]>> According to Francis Manuel, representative of Capisana stores, some retailers find it easier to sell illegal cigarettes much cheaper than legal ones.

[00:23:55]legal brandit tobacco 60 pesos or 80 pesos compared legal brand now 120 as they strengthen efforts to disrupt the illegal tobacco trade. The DILG and PNP has conducted nearly 9,000 operations nationwide this year. According to DIGG Secretary John Vic Remoleia, they have successfully confiscated 8 billion pesos worth of illegal tobacco.

[00:24:27]>> Before solving a problem in the country meant dealing with the barrel of a gun, but this entire operation that we've done in interdicting over 8 billion pesos worth of tobacco, I can proudly say we did not have to kill anyone. This year's tobacco summit also urged all stakeholders to strengthen coordination for raids to lead to prosecution. DA says this will help make elicit tobacco trade a high-risk lowreward endeavor unattractive for smugglers and retailers alike. Copat Fatima Badurya 1 News.

[00:25:09]Now don't go away because money talks with Kathy Yang is up next to get you ahead of the markets. I'm Paul Braza.

[00:25:15]Stay tuned to [music] one news.

[00:25:33]Good morning, Mga Capatid. You're watching Morning Matters. Now, as we know, the pre-trial conference in the impeachment [music] case against Vice President Sara Duterte has begun. On its first day, the two sides discussed [music] ground rules and conditions for the trial proper. The House prosecution panel raised [music] concerns over Duterte's absence, saying she has yet to personally face the proceedings. Her lawyers, however, said the vice [music] president remains in constant communication with the defense team and will appear when necessary. The prosecution also took issue [music] with the defense's pre-trial brief, claiming it focused on procedural questions instead of [music] the actual allegations. The defense maintained it is ready for trial and said the [music] records will speak for themselves. Both camps have been given until Monday to submit [music] their comments.

[00:26:24]And at this point, we are joined by attorney Jennifer Reyes, a constitutional law book author and professor to help us break down the legal and constitutional issues surrounding the impeachment pre-trial conference. Good morning, Attorney Jen.

[00:26:36]Welcome to Morning Matters.

[00:26:38]>> Good morning, beautiful ladies. And good morning to your listeners and viewers.

[00:26:43]>> Finally, finally meet you in person because we've been talking to each other on Zoom. M [laughter] finally >> well we have a lot to discuss today so let's begin with the pre-trial conference of the impeachment trial uh we already saw both sides uh yesterday uh hashing out all their all these administrative matters right the evidence the stipulation of facts but let's look at the big picture first attorney uh what is the importance of a pre-trial conference in an impeachment trial >> that is a very good question the the importance of a pre-trial conference especially in an impeachment trial is because during the pre-trial conference, this is the stage where both parties must submit to the impeachment court their lists of witnesses, their lists of object or documentary evidence so as not to have you know surprises during the trial proper and that is for the efficiency and organization of the impeachment trial. That's why it is quite important and of course this affords due process not only to the defense but of course the house of representatives prosecution panel has the right also to be given due process.

[00:28:06]That's why both parties must you know lay their cards on the table and um present or prefer their available evidence.

[00:28:16]>> Right. But how important is the pre-trial brief of both uh the prosecution and the defense in shaping the uh direction of the trial?

[00:28:26]>> Again, uh with respect to the pre-trial, it is utterly important since it simplifies the issues, right? In a pre-trial brief, both parties make um admission as to the stipulation of facts. They agree on certain factual matters, impeachment trial, right? For example, the personal circumstances of the um respondent or the accused rather admits focus impeachment court legal issues. With respect to what I stated a while ago as to the lists of witnesses, an pre-trial briefing witnesses to prevent you know um undue or unfair surprise to the other party and of course to the court during the trial proper but >> I have a follow-up question attorney so let's say for example during the trial proper itself and then evidence that they want to present no particularly in this impeachment trial.

[00:29:41]Is that even allowed?

[00:29:43]>> Well, as a general rule, that is not allowed because it will render the purpose of the pre-trial conference illusory or nugatory, right? So to make it more efficient, to make it more fair as a general rule, witnesses, new evidence which were not marked even during the pre-trial conference. But of course as to uh every general rule there is an exception right. the senator judges must, you know, balance whether or not this new evidence, if ever, will truly, you know, um present uh sufficient arguments or will truly help them uh decide a just decision or resolve the said impeachment trial in a fair manner.

[00:30:38]>> As you mentioned, authority, the purpose of that is really for efficiency, right?

[00:30:40]And trial because um of course both sides also have to prepare their questions for the witnesses and uh as well as their arguments. But going back to the pre-trial conference yesterday, uh the prosecution panel said that the defense didn't really prepare any independent affirmative defenses.

[00:31:03]And the prosecution here is saying that defense focused mostly on procedural matters on the technicalities. But on the part of the defense, I mean, is that a valid strategy to focus first or to focus instead on technical matters?

[00:31:16]Well, I will give them the benefit of the doubt, right? Maybe that is a strategy.

[00:31:24]Maybe they will just prefer their strong evidence during the trial. But it is better if they preferred already during the pre-trial conference evidence VP doert right.

[00:31:42]How come ano how come the defense before in the first reply nilano uh of the case uh they were asking for the impeachment court to dismiss the case when in fact we all know that the uh sole obligation of the impeachment court is to try the case. So what kind of legal strategy is that?

[00:32:04]>> Well, for lack of a better term, a desperate attempt to >> dismiss the impeachment trial. You are correct. Under the 1987 constitution, it is explicit. The only duty of the Senate as an impeachment court is to try and decide the impeachment case. There is no option for a motion to dismiss. That is why final decision. May it be for conviction or may it be for acquitt.

[00:32:43]>> Well, as we know, attorney um the defense has indeed uh questioned this before the Supreme Court, right? But here they are participating already in the impeachment process. We're at the pre-trial stage. So, what does that say about their participation? Does that negate this petition they filed before the Supreme Court or sort of um water down because they're already here participating? that can be used by the Supreme Court right in dismissing the said petition for cersari and prohibition which the defense filed before right the Supreme Court may say that it is already mutin academic because you are already actively participating hence you are impliedly recognizing the jurisdiction of the impeachment court uh with respect to your client VP Duterte so that is an interesting obser survey Sean.

[00:33:38]>> Well, uh the House prosecution panel has been criticizing uh Vice President Sarah Duterte for not attending uh the procedure even in palang clarificatory hearing justice committee uh at this point um is her presence required in this kind of uh stage?

[00:33:58]>> Well, at this stage although the rules do not require her to attend, right? But of course she was the one who said that she wants a blood bath >> right before. I mean even her supporters are confident that our VP Duterte will face the impeachment trial in the Senate because she is brave. She is not a coward. So at this stage at the pre-trial conference though it is not required. Of course, it would be helpful for her reputation, right, or her um case if she will attend, but then again, it is not prohibited. Her councils and representatives at this time may represent her or appear on her behalf.

[00:34:46]It's just that in layman's term, accountable senator judges.

[00:35:00]>> But you know this early attorney were already seeing tensions flare between both sides right yesterday in the pre-trial conference. It was held behind closed doors but uh there were reportedly tensions already between the defense and the prosecution. Is that normal attorney disagreements um at this stage of the impeachment process? Yes, it is utterly normal. That is why [laughter] normal hearings or proceedings.

[00:35:31]These lawyers from both sides, they will of course disagree on certain matters, but it's part of the legal process, right? It [music] is utterly part of the legal process issues and that is part of the process.

[00:35:53]Well, attorney I I want to pick your brain on this because a lot of people are talking about the threshold on voting the impeachment trial and I remember some legal luminaries would say that there is such thing as justable reach like for example Senator Jingo Estrada is in the institution account because he is within the justice system he is reachable but as for Senator B de la Rosas since he is in hiding 24 senators.

[00:36:30]So what are your thoughts on that?

[00:36:33]>> Actually for me the more prudent thing that the senators must do now is just to follow the 24 membership threshold >> because the constitution is explicit. It must be twothird of all the members of senate. However, I actually agree with some of the luminaries because under the constitution, there are certain provisions wherein all the members of the senate are also mandated to vote and a scenario uh for example, nine senators are in jail.

[00:37:12]>> For example, nine senators will intentionally boycott the impeachment trial. That would also be unfair if the threshold will still be 24.

[00:37:24]That is why it is an interesting take that maybe in the future we must consider whether or not when the constitution states all members of the senate does it mean literally all members of the senate or all members of the senate who can also function or who are uh actually present during the trial because otherwise I do not think the framers of the constitution envisioned this provision to be restrictive in a sense that it can even be weaponized, right? I mean, um, worst case scenario, what if in the future you want to impeach uh an impeachable official, but of course, he or she has strong allies in the Senate. these members can just you know abuse it by not attending or making flimsy excuses so as not to reach the 16 vote threshold for conviction. So that is an interesting observation and I actually agree with that. But of course >> for the time being I believe it is uh more wise for the senator judges to just you know follow it in its literal sense.

[00:38:40]Okay.

[00:38:44]for conviction or for aqual petition Supreme Court all members of the Senate and it will only creates political unrest again impeachment issue.

[00:39:05]So that is my humble legal opinion regarding that matter. So for you attorney, it should still be based on uh the threshold of 16 out of uh the 24 senators. But how will that work attorney? Uh given that senator Jingo Estrada is already detained, Senator Ping Lako that uh court can seek court permission. So but is that allowed under the constitution then for a senator who is already suspended? Um we should take note of that also preventively suspended for 90 days because of his graft case. Um but does that also include the suspension of his duties as a government official as a public official? With respect to that their internal rules, the Senate rules can fix that. If they will allow Senator Jingoy and accordance in accordance with their rules, they will request the courts for Senator Jingoy Estrada or even Batau for that matter to attend the impeachment trial, then they can do that because the constitution does not have any express provision, right, as to how they will attend. And of course, even if they are absent, Senator Jingoi or Batau or more, the threshold must still be 16.

[00:40:24]It's just that if Jingo Estrada will be allowed, right, to um attend the impeachment trial either online, even B either via Zoom. Of course, we will not um evade the perception of the public.

[00:40:44]uh credibility crisis, right? Or questions on credibility since you are an accused but here you are you are acting as a judge for an impeachment trial. So the public perception will also be like that.

[00:40:59]>> Mhm. Okay. Because I remember during the time of Senator Antonio Terillianes and Senator uh Laya De Lima at that time they weren't allowed to you know vote for the they were allowed to you know for amendments etc but to vote for uh bills petitions they weren't allowed even if senator Llaya de Lima at that time seek uh sought court permission but right now I also want to ask you also about the possibility of uh Senator Chief Escodero um he will be presiding now as a presiding officer impeachment case. Uh what what are your thoughts on that given that I would always ask this to our guest perception about the fourth width issue? So um what are your thoughts on that? Well, as a presiding officer, of course, legally, well, he is well equipped, right? He has adept knowledge about the law since he is a lawyer.

[00:42:06]Also, since during, well, last year during the brief period that um there was an impeachment, right, before the Senate, >> he was already the presiding officer, right? Or supposedly the presiding officer. So he already knows the the rules. But actually um my opinion on this isana presiding officer. Why? Because you know we will be reflected or reflect curiosity natural curiosity.

[00:42:49]So if you're a lawyer, you already know if someone is lying sometimes [laughter] sometimes, right? Or you already know.

[00:42:59]But if you are not yet or you are not a lawyer, the the uh blunt curiosity is there and of course the neutrality when it comes to deciding on motions and questions will also be reinforced. But of course this is just wishful thinking.

[00:43:17]It is still up to the Senate um who they think will be the best presiding officer.

[00:43:25]>> Well, the impeachment trial uh is set to begin on July 6, attorney, and I wanted to ask you, what do you think will be the most critical issue that the senator judges will have to weigh on? And let's get your fearless forecast. What do you think this um impeachment trial will come down to? Will it result in a conviction or an acquitt of Vice President Sarah Duterte? I think with respect to the four articles of impeachment, the strongest um grounds which the prosecution can bank on are the uh arguments or allegations rather as to the graft and corruption and malveration of public funds because the constitution is quite clear po uh public office is public trust, right? So if a vice president or an impeachable official for that matter truly committed these crimes against you know the the public funds then he or she must be removed from office. And also the threat >> the the threat well the video we all watched right and witnessed threatening to cause death to the highest ranking official of the executive department and his spouse and the house speaker that time that can also be considered as other high crimes and betrayal of public trust which are grounds to remove an impeachable official.

[00:44:52]from office. As to my fearless forecast, [laughter] before actually, we've talked about this before. It was quite impossible already to convict her because you know the the majority block before or the majority of the senators truly you can glean or you can observe from their uh political uh uh affiliations or even explicit statements in the media that they want to acquit VP Duterte. But just a few weeks ago, you know, these past days for conviction.

[00:45:30]So if 16 will be the threshold for conviction, fearless forecast, there's a great possibility that she will be removed from office.

[00:45:44]Well, last question, attorney. Um, of course, we are looking at possible scenarios here. Of course, the trial will be on July 6. But what if in the middle of the trial, the vice president resigns? What will happen? Should the impeachment court pursue the trial, push through with the trial, or stop?

[00:46:05]>> Of course, they must continue with a trial, right? Resignation must not be weaponized to evade accountability.

[00:46:16]Impeachment trial.

[00:46:18]There are two choices for conviction and for a quiddle.

[00:46:24]But even if she resigns that one of the penalties of impeachment is not just removal from office but perpetual absolute disqualification to hold any public office under the Republic of the Philippines.

[00:46:47]public servant in the future. So resignation does not make the impeachment trial moot and academic.

[00:46:58]>> All right. Well, for now, we're going to have to wait and see what will happen in this impeachment [music] trial. But thank you very much for your time and for sharing your insights with us. We learned a lot from attorney general today [laughter] students class attorney Jen attend. [laughter] >> Thank you very much attorney Jen Reyes.

[00:47:19]Again that was attorney Jennifer Reyes constitutional law book author and professor. Thank you. Okay.

[00:47:28]Now don't go away. Morning matters.

[00:47:30]We'll be back after the short break.

[00:47:31]Keep it here.

[00:47:35]>> [music] >> Good morning. You're still watching Morning Matters here on One News. The Justice Department says it has not received any official communication from the International Criminal Court or ICC on the alleged arrest warrant against Senator Bongo. Here is that report.

[00:48:06]>> The International Criminal Court is allegedly set to order the arrest of another close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte. This time, his former aid, Senator Bongo. The information supposedly came from a reliable source of Duterte's son, Davos City Representative Paulo Duterte. In a social media post, Duterte claimed that the ICC arrest warrants against Senator Go and two former police officers have already been issued. Go is among those named by the ICC as a co-perpetrator in the crimes against humanity case against former President Duterte in connection with his bloody drug war. Also named as co-perpetrators were former police chiefs Vicente Danauo and Oscar Albay.

[00:48:54]But authorities say they have yet to receive any confirmation in this post arrest warrant. Interior Secretary John Vicramya even hit back at Congressman Duterte for spreading the claim.

[00:49:16]Reliable source.

[00:49:18]Even PNP chief Jose Meleno Martes shrugged off the congressman's claim.

[00:49:25]Highly reliable sources.

[00:49:33]Former Senator Antonio also said the public should not believe Congressman Duterte, saying no new ICC warrant has been issued.

[00:49:43]added that even if a warrant does not come out soon, Duterte would not know about it, just as his father supposedly did not know before he was brought to the HIG. The Department of Justice also said it has not received any official communication from the ICC. The DOJ said this was verified with the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime. In the case of Senator Ronald Bat de la Rosa, the ICC issued a warrant against him on November 6, 2025, but the warrant remained sealed for 6 months and was only made public on May 11. Meanwhile, Senate President Win Gachalyan said he has also not received any confirmation on the supposed warrant against Gaul.

[00:50:24]But is he ready to place Gaul under protective custody? And it's very difficult to preempt. No. Um, let's let's wait information. The situations vary.

[00:50:35]>> Despite the rumors of an arrest warrant, Senator Gaul has issued a statement. Gau said he is leaving everything to God. He said that in his entire life, he has not violated any law of man or law of God. G added that police operations were never part of his mandate. He hopes and prays that the supposed ICC warrant against him will not be tainted by politics.

[00:51:03]Eight ato basketball players appeared at the PNPCG headquarters [music] as part of the ongoing investigation into the deaths of student athletes Renee Batbona and Divine Adili. Interior Secretary John Vicrimoleia said the recommendation on possible charges will be submitted to the Department of Justice on Tuesday.

[00:51:21]PNP Chief General Jose Meleno Nartes noted that the number of possible respondents and charges has yet to be finalized as investigators continue to examine all angles including possible violations of the anti-hazing law.

[00:51:36]authorities added that the probe is now 99% complete and may be finalized by Monday pending remaining testimonies but the report is not complete and then we should do full reportility Ballet Manila is making history with the country's first fulllength production of Pakita. The classical ballet reimagined by Lisa Makua Elizalde opens at the Alo Theater this weekend. Mobile [music] journal Denise Valde Sancho has the report.

[00:52:22]Ballet Manila is making history with the Philippines first ever fulllength production of Pakita, a classical ballet reimagined by Lisa Makua Elizalde. The production tells the story of a young gypsy woman who discovers her noble roots and finds love along the way.

[00:52:37]While Pakita has long been known for its iconic grandpa, this version features a full story line created by Lisa Makua Elizalei herself. Uh, Pakita. It's a story of a gypsy girl who um thought she was a gypsy girl, but apparently she was of noble birth. And then she falls in love with a French uh military officer, Lucienne.

[00:53:02]And then at the end, they find out that Kakita is of noble birth, so they can't get married. So, it's a happy ending.

[00:53:07]>> The production marks a major milestone, not just for Ballet Manila, but for Philippine Ballet as a whole, as highlighted by Lisa. After retiring from active performance a decade ago, she remains deeply involved in the creative process, guiding the next generation of dancers while continuing to push the art form forward.

[00:53:25]>> Um, well, personally, it's it's the first time the fulllength ballet pakita is going to be performed in the Philippines. So, it's like it's historic. Um and at the same time I'm really happy that it's uh a version that I created that is classical ballet keeping all the laripa divertisma as is >> and then creating the story around it.

[00:53:51]>> The production stars two alternating lead pairs including principal dancers Marko and Abigail Oliveo. Lisa says the local ballet scene has never been more diverse with more companies, productions, and talent than ever before. But she notes that keeping the art accessible remains a challenge.

[00:54:10]>> For the future of ballet, I would like to basically see a b a lot more government support. um a lot more uh private um sponsorships and subsidies, a lot more endowment maybe from the uh the art patrons um and uh a lot more outreach that I I hope that we can reach the students. I hope that we can reach provincial audiences. Pakita opens its historic run at the Alio Theater in P City on June 19 at 8:00 p.m. followed by performances on June 20 and 21 at 5:00 p.m. As Ballet Manila brings a classical masterpiece to the Philippine stage, Lisa is inviting more Filipinos to experience the magic of live ballet.

[00:55:01]>> I'd like to invite everybody to come to Ali Theater. It's this weekend only.

[00:55:06]That's June 18, 19, 20, and 21. We have four performances of Pakita. It's the world premiere of uh my full length ballet.

[00:55:17]>> Mobile journalist Denise Vulancho with Irwin News.

[00:55:23][music] Stay tuned. Morning Matters returns after a quick break.

[00:55:30][music] Good morning. I'm Chescala Tonkalo.

[00:55:43]You're still watching Morning Matters here on One News. JCI Manila is rolling out a community development initiative aimed at strengthening livelihood opportunities for mothers in Baseco through sewing and skills training. The program called Threads of Life provides participants [music] with technical training, equipment, and resources to help them produce and sell sewing based products. It also includes [music] efforts to rehabilitate their community center into a more sustainable livelihood hub. Aside from skills development, the initiative focuses on improving market access by [music] linking participants with potential buyers, partners, and sales channels to support income generation.

[00:56:28]For more on this initiative, we are joined by Bugsy Anchetta, chairman of Threads of Life and David Ramos, 2026 director for community development of JCI Manila. Good morning and thank you for joining us here on Morning Matters.

[00:56:41]>> Good morning. Thank you for having us.

[00:56:44]>> Thank you. You're coming from Pampanga.

[00:56:46]Thank you for making the trip.

[00:56:48]>> Uh let's let's start from the very beginning. As they say in the movie, it's a very good place to start. How did Threads of Life project start and what inspired JCI Manila to launch this initiative?

[00:56:59]>> All right, so when we were planning the project, no, uh we're looking for a good community that we could do a livelihood program. So, uh it was suggested to us by director David that we do it in Basco Manila. Then uh researching about the community, we found out that the community really needs this uh support when it comes to the average income of each uh household. So that's when we had the the motivation to do it there. So together with with the group mates uh we came up with a very sustainable uh livelihood uh program for them through teaching the mothers how to sew. So >> uh what was it about Basco that that inspired you to uh focus on that area?

[00:57:52]Yes, actually uh Baseco as many know that it is one of the marginalized sector in in Manila city and I'll tell you a quick story when we did the project opening um last April and you know all of the 100 women were there gathered um to witness what's going to happen for the whole program of the threads of life and I asked one uh one mother like what interested you to join this and she was telling the story now um you know the common livelihood here is we get one sack of garlic we peel that for a full day and we earn 100 pesos.

[00:58:24]Yes. And that really struck me in terms of you know the impact and basically it's more of how we can provide sustainability or sustainable program rather to the whole community of of the chosen community that we are that we are partnering. No. So we saw the um the life that's being you know that's be that's happening right there and the big question mark here is if we leave after GCM Manila does this project what would be the impact is it just they know the knowledge or they know the knowledge and they can implement it somewhere else right so >> okay so the specific needs in the community that you saw what were these specific needs that you aim to address through threads of light >> mhm So a lot of women in Basco Manila are unemployed. Most of them are you know husbands are working in construction or working elsewhere. And we want to provide opportunity for women who are also watching their kids at home right now you know some of them are going to public school and then while their kids are in public school you know they don't have anything to do rather than just peel garlic or whatever um laundry so on and so forth. So we want to fill that gap of giving them something that's not just you know um taking some time uh uh while they're you know waiting for the kids but also an opportunity for them to earn good money not just earn for the sake of earning right so yeah that's that's the gap that we're filling >> uh you know the saying teach a man to fish you feed him give a man a fish you feed him for a day teach a man to fish you feed him for a lifetime um in terms of the skills and the knowledge that you're imparting what exactly are they learning from threads of life?

[01:00:09]>> So, uh we we conducted a 40hour training program for for the women of Basco.

[01:00:16]Basically, at the end of the program, we expect them to know how to sew bags, pillow cases and even curtains. All right? So we decided to be like that so that uh even even after the training they can you know uh use that skill set to uh maybe do some uh projects outside for for extra income for for their household. So uh that's basically the program.

[01:00:43]>> You I I think you brought a sample Yes.

[01:00:46]of the bag. So uh >> this is the dust bag. Yes.

[01:00:49]>> Yes. It's a dust bag that we did for a partner of ours. So aside from the training program uh we did market entry for them in which we partnered with uh different organizations that would support the produce of uh the beneficiary. So this is an actual sample of it. So it's a dust bag uh from a partner of ours. So they'll be doing a thousand units of this bag.

[01:01:16]>> Yeah.

[01:01:17]>> And then there are already customers.

[01:01:19]>> Yeah.

[01:01:20]>> Okay. So how did you find how did you find people and companies already ready and willing to partner?

[01:01:28]>> Yeah. So Threads of Life is really a collaboration of different individuals and different uh organizations and the team has been really intentional in finding it uh to make the program really more sustainable. So of course through the help of uh the people in JCI Manila we were able to partner with uh me several companies already to support uh the project.

[01:01:56]>> How many it's all women no? So how many how many beneficiaries and who was your target who were your target beneficiaries mainly? All right. So, uh the p the priority is mainly uh the mothers of Basco Manila uh in different uh age brackets. So uh we have uh young mothers, we have uh even moms aging 65 and above to you know uh some of them have been uh retired already and have been focusing on taking care of the kids and it's really uh you know we're really happy to give them the opportunity to somehow find something that could be productive for them through through this project. So >> yeah, >> could you could you take us through from from training? I think you also provide them with equipment. Uh there's a sewing starter kit. Well, can you tell us about this?

[01:02:54]>> Yes. So aside from the 40hour training program that we conducted with them again uh it was made possible through a uh a partner of ours. So they provided the training program with us. Then after that uh through the coordination with the local government of Basco Manila we were able to find a space that would be the official center for uh the threads of life and there uh it's housing the 20 sewing machines that you know threads of life JCI Manila through the collaborations with the different organizations we were able to date donate 20 uh sewing machines >> uh the 40hour training is spread out over how many days?

[01:03:40]>> Oh, it was spread in almost two months.

[01:03:45]>> So, we we ran it in four batches.

[01:03:47]>> Okay.

[01:03:48]>> So, 25 around 20 to 25 each batch.

[01:03:52]>> And then how was the how was the response >> from the women? Because again, if it's if it was over 2 months like would did they go every single time? Uh were they the perfect attendance or >> That's a good question.

[01:04:05]>> Yeah. Yeah.

[01:04:07]>> Well, I was surprised because the first two leg we legs we transported them from Basco to Palan Makati.

[01:04:15]>> Oh.

[01:04:15]>> Because uh during that time we were still uh renovating the the site in Basco Manila.

[01:04:22]>> Mhm. So we were expecting a good fallout during those batches but surprisingly we had 100% attendance for those batches.

[01:04:33]So the the the beneficiaries were really responsive and were really excited about the training.

[01:04:39]>> Yeah.

[01:04:39]>> And then how did you find the teachers?

[01:04:43]>> Teachers >> the the people who would impart their skills and teach the women of Basco how to so use the equipment.

[01:04:49]>> All right. Uh we we actually found them really casual. Uh we found them online.

[01:04:56]>> Oh >> yeah, it it was that casual you know. We were screening through different uh possible training partners and uh we after we found their details we called them then casually you know proposed to them about what's going to happen for the whole program and they said yes and the next thing we know we finished the four batches and for me the teachers were really instrumental aside from teaching them how to sew aside from giving them that skill set it taught them you know concern turn for for their their community. Just a quick story >> uh when we were renovating the the center, it was really bayanihan, not only for the team, not only for our organization, but also for the graduates of the previous batches because it was the Filipino spirit for me, the so-called Bayanihan. That's what the mothers of Basco did for us to clean and renovate the official center for this program. Oh wow. Um so in terms of uh the sewing start what what is part of the sewing starter kit and um you also sponsor initial raw materials. Could you expand?

[01:06:11]>> Actually um for the starter for the starter kit right um as you can see the whole program is very holistic from training from providing a livelihood center and at the same time market access and also employment. just to share that uh without naming the the the famous um clothing brand here they expressed their interest to employ some of our graduates. So it's a really holistic livelihood program uh that we made for the women of Basco. Now aside from that you know it's more of giving them the starter kit so that they can have you know working materials for some of the small orders that they're going to get and then also together with that would be the the 20 sewing machines that we've donated. So yes, there are already purchase orders that we got uh for the community. So obviously there will be some down payments so that they can you know purchase the the raw materials to to sust uh you know to produce the the demand um for for that and basically everyone is very excited you know everyone is very excited and tomorrow we will be officially turning over the livelihood center um and have the graduation of the 100 women that uh you know that finished successfully the the whole program and we're going to have a motorcade in Basco Manila from the basketball court um where we're going to do the graduation going to the livelihood center that we rehabilitated.

[01:07:33]Yeah.

[01:07:33]>> My motor cane.

[01:07:35][laughter] >> Yes.

[01:07:37]>> I'm sure the mothers will be so excited.

[01:07:39]And um in terms you uh so there's training, there's providing the equipment, uh there's the market access.

[01:07:46]Um but let's talk about s how will you sustain this for future batches?

[01:07:51]>> Yes. So the official livelihood um center is going to be maintained by the city of Manila, right? And then it's more of the group will be monitoring, you know, how how the whole business operation is and making sure that there's still a guidance before we officially leave, you know, the the whole the whole group for for threads of life. And that's how we do it in all of the community development projects specifically to livelihood in JCI Manila. So we don't just like you know teach them leave them and then after that you know where where are the equipments where where are the where are the women or the the beneficiaries that we taught the uh the certain skills. So it's really more of like the guiding step guiding them step by step gradually leaving them and making sure that they can stand on their own.

[01:08:39]>> Uh while while you're speaking David I know you also just came from a different project.

[01:08:45]>> Yes.

[01:08:45]>> Can you tell us about that also?

[01:08:47]>> Okay. So we we're also so under JC Manila's community development project we do a lot of um programs such as public health livelihood um education youth development elderly which is the project that I went from from Pampanga um and then so on and so forth right so the project that I came from is actually um a cataract surgery for the women uh for the elderly in in Pampanga so it is also free so after the screening that we did for uh for the elderly And then after you know some of the some of the findings we scheduled them per batch for a free cataract surgery. So I think um in in total we were able to uh we're we're scheduled to operate 130 plus elderly for a free cataract surgery. So that's why I went in Pa uh went to Pampanga to do a couple of documentations and to visit also some of the beneficiaries that we've helped. Um you guys are doing so many uh projects to help communities. Uh Shampered with this comes funding. How how are people supporting? How can they donate? Um how can people get involved in this?

[01:09:57]>> Right. Right. So just for context um of who JCI Manila is, right? So JCI Manila is a leadership development organization. So we're from ages 18 to 40 years old. Right. So we've been around and we are the first in Asia as a JCI chapter and we've been around for 78 years, right? So ever since most of our projects since we are a nonprofit organization, most of our projects are really funded. I mean we do fundraising.

[01:10:22]So we either we pitch to a company, we pitch to uh we pitch to companies who has CSR and those who are also aligned with the advocacy. So if anyone is interested to you know support not just uh the projects that we do and every year we do about 400 projects and most of it are really focused on community projects. So if anyone is interested you can visit our Facebook page it's jcim manila again it's JCI Manila on Facebook and you can also visit our website it's jcimanila.org.

[01:10:53]So for those who are interested to you know um uh see what are the things that we do from community from national international and membership that's where you can reach us out.

[01:11:04]>> Are there any other projects in the works or any ideas that you guys are you know talking about uh trying to figure out if you can get this off the ground.

[01:11:14]>> Yes actually um we have another livelihood project which is called Urban Annie. Um it's an urban farming in Smoky Mountain. So there's this abandoned um establishment in Smoky Mountain and at the rooftop um the the women also in Smoky Mountain are planting um planting uh you know and for mushrooms. So what we did is we trained them in Tesla teach them the hydrophonics uh technicalities and then while they're training there and we provided housing also for the women in uh in Smoky Mountain it's also being rehabilitated simultaneously. So on June 25, we're going to turn it over.

[01:11:52]When the community or the women in um Smoky Mountain goes there, they will be shocked that you know they can accommodate more um more um more products. There's going to be new set of product uh for hydroponics and they can employ um from 14 they can employ now 50 for that for that community affecting you know more of the livelihood. So that's more of the livelihood uh setup and for the public health we're doing one of our biggest public health project it's called care for life. Basically the objective of care for life is for pediatric and adult patients who are battling cancer. So we are providing um you know it's more of the preventive for preventive for the benign and for the malignant. the preventive, [music] you know, the people in in the marginalized um community, the usual behavior is if I'm feeling something, I don't want to go to the doctor because I'm afraid if I'm going to figure out something something's wrong with me. But this is more of the preventive and if we can like simple tumor operation, we do that for free. We partner within health institution for the benign and malignant and for even chemotherapy, we also um sponsor that. That's for care for life under our major public health program.

[01:13:04]All right, before we let you go, maybe you have a message to everyone. A last statement from each of you, Sir Bugsy and Sir David.

[01:13:12]>> All right. Uh well, JCI Madela is just one of the uh organizations or group of individuals who are contributing to the heaven here on earth by contributing to different communities and uh through through this project threads of life may it spark a deeper sense of hope for uh our fellow Filipinos especially in this chaotic and trying time for the country. So >> yeah um well with sorry [clears throat] with the leadership of our very visionary president Edison K who is our president for 2026 in JCI Manila you know the the focus really here is um be an avenue of bridging the gap of whatever can be done um with you know with the energy that we have as young um fellow men of this of this country you know um and JCI Manila has been working hard for the past 78 years. You imagine from the time after 2 years after World War II, you know, here in Manila and 78 years after, you know, we're still doing community project which is the heart of our chapter JCI Manila. So we hope that this sends a message also for some of the civic organizations and some of you know every individual that we can do our part in our country and providing assistance and giving you know support to those people who are in need because you know service to humanity is the best work of life.

[01:14:40]>> Thank you for your time Bugsy Anetta chairman of Threads of Life and David Ramos 2026 director for community develop uh development of JCI Manila.

[01:14:51]Don't go away. Morning matters. [music] We'll be back after a short break.

[01:15:02][music] Good morning, Makapatid. You're still watching Morning Matters. [music] >> All right, that's it for today's news.

[01:15:14]But of course, before we go, we're going to talk about our key takeaways from today's [music] stories. Just >> Jen, wait. No, I I want to hear what you guys talk about with [laughter] Attorney Jen.

[01:15:24]>> Yeah. Well, it's so nice to finally meet attorney Jen because we've been always talking to her, but always through Zoom, but finally visit studio. But we talked about more about the impeachment, the pre-trial, the importance and of course uh all the things about the impeachment because this is going to be uh one of the biggest event here in the Phil political event in the Philippines. Can you imagine um a vice president impeached twice in our political history? So, uh a lot of people are [music] going to be, you know, watching.

[01:15:59]>> What I found interesting uh from our interview with attorney Jen is that she believes it would be prudent to still base the threshold for convict conviction at [music] 16. She says uh right now it might be prudent for the senators to just follow the constitution which is twothirds of all members uh of the senate. But eventually, of course, questions might still come up regarding that. And her fearless forecast uh in the impeachment trial is that there's a good chance that the vice president might be removed from office uh [music] because because of the realignments happening in the Senate right before uh we knew that Duterte block was the majority already, but because of the recent shakeup, um well, who knows what will happen, but that's her um that's her fearless forecast conviction.

[01:16:43]>> Yeah. So as uh right before the break, I got to speak with Sir Bugsy and Sir David of JCI Manila and they're doing wonderful things in the community of Basco Manila. Uh the the women have been, you know, given skills >> as we as I said now earlier, teach a man, give a man a fish, you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. [music] So these women are being given valuable life skills. uh they're they're being taught to sew uh bags, meron, dust bags, pillow cases, and tote bags I think. And then there's already uh you know, there are companies that are ready and willing to buy these products. Um and graduation may bongade.

[01:17:28][laughter] >> All right. Okay. So, happy weekend.

[01:17:35]Enjoy your weekend. And that wraps up today's episode of Morning [music] Matters. I'm Angela Lagonad Castro. We hope we've given you just the right start to your morning. I'm Chesca Lonalo.

[01:17:45]>> Let's make the day matter. I'm Pen Vzosa and we'll see you again on Monday.

[01:17:48]Capatid. [music] We are one. All sides, all the time.

[01:17:54][music]