Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality
Led by Senator Risa Hontiveros
Panel on Public Services
Headed by Senator Rafi Tulfo
Key Points
Mayor Alice Goh allegedly escaped the Philippines.
Senator Hontiveros announced Goh is no longer in the country and welcomed actions to cancel her passport.
The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) is collaborating with Interpol to locate her, indicating a broader regional and global issue related to crime.
Questions raised about Nina Guohuaping's possible escape and lack of official records of her departure.
Senate President’s Comments
Francis Escudero expressed doubt regarding the viability of cases against Guo due to her absence.
Pending cases may result in archived status or issuance of an alias warrant of arrest if she returns.
Vice President Sara Duterte's Impeachment Denial
Claims of Political Ousting
Sara Duterte alleged that there are discussions to impeach her as part of a plan against her family.
House lawmakers denied these claims, asserting their focus on auditing her secret funds is part of their responsibilities and not politically motivated.
Reaction to Children's Book Project
Two opposition lawmakers aim to remove funding for Duterte's 10 million pesos children's book project.
The book titled "Isang Kaibigan" aims to promote reading among children.
Defense from Duterte's spokesperson emphasizes the project's intentions and acknowledges potential costs could decrease through the bidding process.
Senator Ontiveros criticized the project as utilizing public funds unnecessarily and intends to realign the budget.
Public debate continues over the validity of the funding for the book.
Investigation into Duterte Administration's Debt
Janet Garin, Deputy Majority Leader, called for an investigation regarding the 7.2 trillion pesos debt accumulated during the COVID pandemic.
The former administration borrowed heavily to fund pandemic responses.
Health Update on MPOCs
Continuous surveillance on MPOCs (Monkeypox) following a detected case in the Philippines.
A 33-year-old patient has recovered but 41 close contacts are under quarantine.
Health Chief Ted Herbosa assures no new pandemic threat from the MPOC outbreak.
Environmental Concerns with Sunken Tanker
Philippine Coast Guard reports it may take two weeks to extract oil from the sunken tanker MTKR Taranova.
The ship carried 1.5 million liters of oil when it sank.
Weather Update
Pag-Asa Weather Forecasting: Easterlies affecting Visayas and Mindanao bringing fair weather with isolated rain showers.
Monitoring tropical storm Shan Shan, which is unlikely to directly impact the Philippines.
Commemoration of Ninoy Aquino Jr.'s Assassination
Marked the 41st anniversary of Ninoy Aquino Jr.'s assassination on August 21, 1983.
Family and supporters gathered, despite the holiday being rescheduled by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Criticism for rescheduling the holiday from August 21 to 23, perceived as undermining the significance of the date.
Bam Aquino clarified rumors of an alliance for the 2025 elections, asserting independence from the current administration.