Hi, My Name is...73

If I had a hammer, I'd hammer out love between my brothers and sisters all over this land! But not if I was a Filipino. Meet some people who got the love and life hammered right out of them. One guy got beat to death by a stick and another with a stone which are like hammers. Very primitive hammers. 

Hi, my name is Christian Labarez. My girlfriend, Percy Paculaba, got into a loud heated argument one night. I had been trying to woo her back to me but to no avail. It was supposed to be our 9 months celebration and I brought her flowers. She tossed them and said she had been seeing another man.  We argued outside, then took it inside, and then it stopped. But around 2 a.m. I took a hammer and bashed her head in. She screamed very loudly alerting the neighbors so I cheesed it. But later I surrendered. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/12/11/woman-hammered-to-death-by-jealous-ex-in-cebu-city

A 24-year-old man brutally killed his ex-girlfriend in a fit of jealousy inside a house in Barangay Carreta here at dawn Thursday, Dec. 11.

Police said Christian Labarez bashed her girlfriend’s head with a hammer before stabbing her. The victim was identified as Percy Paculaba, 24.

According to the victim’s friend, Filotea Paquiding, Labarez and Paculaba argued outside the victim’s house on Thursday night.

Paculaba had been trying to woo Labarez back but the woman was no longer interested to rekindle the relationship. The two went inside the house and continued arguing.

Paquiding thought that the former couple had patched things up after the house became silent. The man was even seen washing the dishes.

She said it was around 2 a.m. when he was awakened by a noise.

The neighbor later heard the victim shouting for help.

Paquiding rushed to the victim’s house where the victim was later found blooded in a prone position. The suspect fled after the attack.

The suspect surrendered at around 9 a.m. the same day to his neighbor-policeman in Mandaue City.

At the Mabolo Police Station in Cebu City, the suspect explained what drove him to commit the crime.

The suspect said it was supposed to be their ninth monthsary on Wednesday, Dec. 10. He said he went to the woman’s house and gave her flowers.

The woman reportedly threw the flowers away while telling the suspect that she was already seeing another man.

The suspect said he became jealous of what he heard. He said he failed to contain his emotion and assaulted the woman.

“I don’t hit women. It’s even the women who hit me. I was just carried away. She had a knife. She started it. She told me everything, it was very painful,” the suspect told reporters.

The suspect said he was forced to flee for fear that he we would be lynched by neighbors.

Hi, my name is Grade 12 student. Our neighbor who is a laundress claimed she heard a noise and went to check on me. She found my lifeless body on the floor with blood oozing form my head. I was taken to the hospital but declared dead. The police found a hammer at the scene.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/10/24/teenage-girl-dies-after-getting-hit-with-hammer-in-the-head-in-caloocan

A 17-year-old girl was hammered to death inside her house in Caloocan City on Monday, Oct. 23.

The Caloocan  City Police Station (CCPS) is conducting an investigation to identify the suspect in the killing of  the victim, a Grade 12 student, in her house on Sabalo Street in Barangay 12, Caloocan City.

CPPS said a 56-year-old laundress and neighbor of the victim saw the teenage girl lying inside her residence, with blood oozing from her head at around 1:30 a.m. on Monday.

The neighbor said she checked on the victim's house after hearing an unusual noise outside.

The sliding door of the victim’s house was already opened when she found her lying on the floor.

She sought help from the victim’s cousins who brought the girl to a hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival.

The victim died due to a severe traumatic head injury, police said.

CCPS chief Col. Ruben Lacuesta said the victim was apparently hit in the head with a hammer which was recovered by probers in the crime scene.

Hi, my name is Salvador. One morning my mentally ill daughter, Imelda Gataga Baraauiel, tried to attack me. She was bent on killing me. In my defense I picked up a hammer and bashed her head in. She died on the spot and I have been charged with parricide.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/7/woman-hammered-to-death-by-father-in-quezon

A 26-year-old woman allegedly suffering from mental illness was hammered to death by her father in Sitio Lamboy, Barangay San Vicente, this town, on Tuesday morning, August 6.

Police identified the victim as Imelda Gataga Baraauiel.

Investigation said the victim suffered from a mental illness and tried to attack her father, Salvador, 53, widower, with intent to kill.

Salvador grabbed a hammer and hit the victim in the head multiple times.

The victim died on the spot due to head injuries and hematoma in the right arm.

Police arrested Salvador and faces a parricide case.

Hi, our names are Castro and Boduso. We were burning garbage near a store owned by Romy. He told us to stop as we could start a fire. When he turned his back I punched him and Boduso struck him on the head with a hammer. A witness called the cops and we were immediately arrested. 

https://mb.com.ph/2025/4/12/2-men-arrested-for-hammer-attack-in-valenzuela

Two men were arrested allegedly after punching and hitting a man with a hammer on Libiran St., McArthur Highway in Malanday, Valenzuela City on Thursday, April 10.

Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) chief Col. Nixon Cayaban identified the suspects as “Castro,” 35, a resident of Hagonoy, Bulacan, and “Boduso,” 27, a resident of Muzon, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan.

According to the police report, the victim identified as “Romy,” 56, of Malanday, confronted the suspects after seeing them burning garbage near his store. He reportedly asked them to stop, fearing it could cause a fire.

As Romy turned his back, Boduso allegedly punched him from behind, while Castro struck him on the head with a hammer.

A concerned citizen who witnessed the assault immediately alerted the officers from Police Substation 6, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

The victim was rushed to the nearest hospital for immediate medical treatment.

The suspects are now in police custody and will face charges of attempted murder.

Hi, my name is Boy. Me and my neighbor Ed were walking home from a drinking session when an argument broke out between us. We fight all the time so it was nothing new. However, it escalated into a fist fight. That is when I picked up a stick and repeatedly bashed him in the head until he died. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/05/04/man-dies-after-being-struck-in-head-with-wooden-stick

A 22-year-old man died after he was struck in the head with a wooden stick embedded with nails by his neighbor in Sitio Agtatahor II, Barangay Macasilao, Calatrava, Negros Occidental on Saturday, May 2.

Investigation said the victim Ed and the 19-year-old suspect Boy, a neighbor, were on their way home from a drinking session when a heated argument erupted.

The altercation escalated into a fistfight where the suspect took the weapon and struck the victim repeatedly on the head. The victim was declared dead in a hospital.

A barangay official reported the incident to the police on Sunday, May 3.

Police Capt. Jesus Alba, Calatrava police chief, said the victim and the suspect would usually argue whenever they are drunk.

The suspect fled and arrested by authorities in a follow-up operation. Boy is detained at the Calatrava police station and faces appropriate cases.

Hi, my name is being withheld. I was out with a buddy drinking. We got into a heated argument which turned into a fistfight which culminated in me grabbing a hammer and bashing my buddy in the head. He was taken to the hospital in critical condition but later died. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/109303/man-killed-with-a-hammer-in-davao-city/story/

A 29-year-old man died after he was struck with a hammer by his drinking companion in Barangay Catalunan Grande, Davao City.

Police said the victim and the 35-year-old suspect were drinking together when a heated argument broke out, which escalated into a fistfight.

Then the suspect allegedly hit the victim in the head with the hammer.

The victim was in critical condition after the incident and rushed to the hospital, but he died later.

The suspect was arrested and will face murder charges.

Hi, my name is Lim Piamonte Monteza. My son, Marck Wen Monteza, and I had a rocky relationship. One day we got into a fight so I left the house to cool down. I came back and found him asleep and tried to wake him to ask why he is so hot headed. But he yelled at me, asked what I wanted, and then turned his back on me to go to sleep. That pushed me over the edge so I picked up a hammer and beat him over the head until he was dead. I regretted what I did and told a police officer neighbor and voluntarily surrendered. Honestly it was gonna either be him or me first.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/545259/hammered-to-death-in-daanbantayan-father-kills-sleeping-son-after-argument

A sleeping 22-year-old man from Daanbatayan, northern Cebu died after he was allegedly beaten on the head with a hammer by his own father on early Wednesday morning, December 13, 2023.

The victim was identified as Marck Wen Monteza, 22, a laborer and a resident of MJ Cuenco Street in Barangay Poblacion, Daanbantayan.

Meanwhile, the suspect was identified as his father, 63-year-old Lim Piamonte Monteza, also a laborer.

A police report showed that the killing was reported to the authorities at around 7:00 a.m. 

Police Senior Master Sergeant Alfredo Mandal, investigator at the Daanbantayan Police Station, told CDN Digital in a phone interview that the victim was sleeping inside his room when the deadly attack took place.

According to Mandal, the father and son had a rocky relationship because the latter was allegedly violent and he would always fight against his father. 

A day before the attack, the two reportedly argued and the son flicked a shirt that hit his father. 

After the argument, the father left the house to cool off.

On Wednesday dawn, the father found his son sleeping and decided to ask him of his problem of being hotheaded.

So he shook him to wake him up, but the son instead of getting up, shouted at him, asking him what he wanted, and then turned his back on the father to get back to sleep.

This made the father so angry — enough to drive him over the edge.

The father then a grabbed a hammer nearby and beat his son’s head several times until the son was left unconscious.

Mandal confirmed that the motive behind the incident was previous personal grudge due to past grudges.

During the interview with police, the suspect also said that he was scared that his son would kill him if he did not do it first. 

The father allegedly had a suspicion that his son was using illegal drugs and that was why he would easily get angry.

According to Mandal, the incident happened without the suspect’s wife and other kids knowing as they were all asleep.

After killing his son, the man went to the house of his neighbor, who is a policeman, and told the latter about what he did.

The neighbor then called the police and told them that the father would voluntarily surrender. 

Upon the arrival of responding officers, the victim was rushed to the Daanbantayan District Hospital. The attending physician, however, declared him dead on arrival.

The responding policemen also arrested the father on the scene and brought him to the Daanbantayan Police Station where he was detained.

They also recovered from him the claw hammer believed to have been used in the crime. 

Mandal said that the suspect told police that he felt pity for his son and regretted what he did. 

However, he is resigned to facing the consequences of his actions. 

Mandal said that they were waiting for the decision of the victim’s family on whether they would be filing charges of parricide against the suspect.

Hi, my name is John Andojon. On May 21st I used a hammer to kill my parents and younger brother. It's because I was depressed since I failed my criminology class. Now I am a criminology example. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/09/14/2472617/man-arrested-murder-parents-sibling

A man tagged in the murder of his parents and brother was arrested in Malaybalay, Bukidnon on Friday.

The arrest of John Andojon, 23, came almost four months after the incident occurred at the family’s home in Barangay Managok on May 21.

Andojon reportedly admitted that he used a hammer to kill his parents and his 14-year-old brother, according to Col. Jovit Culaway, Bukidnon police director.

Relatives said the suspect could be suffering from depression when he committed the crime. They said he failed to graduate in criminology due to academic issues.

Hi, my name is suspect. One early morning at 1:30 I was drunk and left my house to look for my father.  On the way I met a shirtless guy with a gun tucked into his waistband. Fearing he would draw I pushed him.  We got into a fight and I bashed his face in with a rock. I later told my aunt who told the authorities and now I am in jail. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/744256/toledo-city-man-beaten-to-death-with-stone-suspect-surrenders

A 30-year-old man from Toledo City, Cebu is facing a homicide complaint after he allegedly beat a 25-year-old man to death with a stone, claiming he feared the victim was about to attack him.

The suspect voluntarily surrendered to authorities shortly after the incident and is now in the custody of the Toledo City Police Station pending the filing of appropriate criminal charges.

According to the initial investigation, the incident occurred at around 1:30 a.m. along Luray 1 in Barangay Poblacion on Saturday, July 4.

Police said the suspect, who was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, had left his house to look for his father when he encountered the victim along the road.

Investigators said the victim was shirtless and appeared to have a pistol tucked into the right side of his waistband.

The suspect told investigators he believed the victim was about to draw the firearm, prompting him to push the victim. The two allegedly fell to the ground during the struggle.

Police said the suspect then repeatedly struck the victim in the face with a stone before fleeing the scene, leaving the victim bloodied on the road.

Investigators later determined that the firearm tucked into the victim’s waist was a replica gun.

Police said the suspect later encountered his aunt and allegedly told her he had seen a man lying along the road with a bloodied face before returning home.

His aunt then alerted barangay officials, prompting the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) rescue team to respond and transport the victim to a hospital.

However, the attending physician declared the victim dead on arrival.

Responding police officers secured the scene and requested the assistance of the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) to process the area.

Shortly afterward, the barangay captain informed police that the suspect had voluntarily surrendered and admitted his involvement in the incident.

As of Sunday, July 5, investigators have yet to determine whether the suspect and the victim had any prior conflict.

Police are continuing their investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal encounter.

Insurgency: Army Renews Call

Islamic terror attacks are ramping up in the South due to the Army's operations in the region. There were four attacks in one weekend alone. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2267156/army-links-fresh-maguindanao-attacks-to-antiterror-operations

Four attacks against Armed Forces of the Philippines units in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur over the weekend may have been retaliatory actions by Islamic State-inspired militants and other lawless groups following recent government offensives, military and police officials said on Monday.

The latest attacks came days after the implementation of the election gun ban in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which took effect on July 16 ahead of the region’s first parliamentary elections on Sept. 14.

At around 7 p.m. on Sunday, about 15 armed men opened fire on the detachment of the Army’s 12th Mechanized Company, 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion, in Talitay, Maguindanao del Norte.

Government troops returned fire, triggering a 20-minute firefight before the attackers retreated.

Almost simultaneously, unidentified men planted an improvised explosive device near a Truck Armored Vehicle of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion assigned to the Army’s 34th Infantry Battalion detachment in Barangay Linantangan, Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur.

Lt. Col. Ronald Suscano, spokesperson for the Army’s 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division (6ID), said no soldiers were injured in either attack.

Maj. Gen. Jose Vladimir Cagara, commander of the 6ID and Joint Task Force Central, said members of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) were likely behind the assaults.

“This is in retaliation for the series of successful military campaigns against local terrorists, including the death of BIFF commander Bungos,” Cagara said.

Bungos, whose real name was Esmael Abubakar, was killed during a joint military and police operation in Barangay Calzada, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on July 5.

Police Brig. Gen. Christopher Abecia, director of the Police Regional Office-BARMM, echoed the military’s assessment, saying the attacks appeared to be acts of vengeance by terrorist and criminal groups targeted in ongoing security operations.

“The attacks were in retaliation by lawless groups for the continuing pursuit operations being conducted by the military and police,” Abecia said.

Following the attacks, Suscano said all Army units in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur had been placed on heightened alert.

The two incidents on Sunday brought to four the number of attacks against military forces in the Maguindanao provinces since the election gun ban took effect.

On Saturday morning, suspects hurled a hand grenade at an Army convoy in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, wounding two soldiers and three civilians.

Later that evening, another suspect threw a hand grenade into the detachment of Charlie Company, 7th Infantry Battalion, in Barangay Macaguiling, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte. No one was injured in the blast.

The Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters appear to be behind the attacks because they are the group being targeted in recent operations. One of these operations resulted in the arrest of a BIFF bomb maker. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1279998

A wanted person linked to the massacre of 44 elite police force in 2015 and the ambush of police officers that killed five in Maguindanao del Sur earlier this year was arrested on Tuesday by joint police and military forces, police said.

Colonel Michael John Mangahis, Maguindanao del Sur police provincial director, on Wednesday identified the suspect as Muslimin Amilil, 45, an alleged bomb maker of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiya (DI) local terror groups.

“He did not resist arrest when lawmen presented him with various arrest warrants for murder and frustrated murder charges,” Mangahis said in a statement.

Amilil, a bomb-making student of the slain Malaysian terrorist Zulkipli Bin Hir, alias Marwan, and the slain DI leader Basit Usman, was arrested in his hideout in Barangay Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur, the same area where 44 Special Action Force personnel were killed in a 2015 operation to arrest Marwan.

Mangahis said Amilil served as the senior adviser to the Panenekelan Criminal Gang, an armed group operating in Maguindanao del Sur and involved in the ambush of police officers in Shariff Aguak last March, which killed five policemen and wounded three others.

Mangahis said Amilil identified himself as affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) 128th Base Command. Amilil has warrants issued by local courts for numerous criminal cases, including murder, frustrated murder, robbery, attempted murder, and double murder.

“Criminals must be brought to justice at all costs. Peace and order are non‑negotiable, and the rule of law is absolute — protecting the oppressed and holding accountable those who sow violence,” Mangahis said.

In a separate operation, police and members of the 34th Infantry Battalion arrested Amilil’s wife, Aiza Awab Amilil, in the nearby town of Shariff Saydona Mustapha, also in Maguindanao del Sur.

Seized from her house were five assault rifles, improvised bombs, and ammunition.

Amilil is now detained at the Mamasapano police detention facility, while his wife is held at the Shariff Saydona Mustapha police station lock-up cell.

This must be the first terrorist responsible for the deaths of the SAF 44 who has been arrested. It is worth of being headline news and yet this small blurb on PNA is all there is. Where are the people who were calling for justice for the SAF 44 for the past decade?

In Albay an NPA leader was killed in a clash once more belying the AFP's declaration the NPA is leaderless. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2267545/rebel-leader-killed-in-albay-clash

An alleged leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed, and four high-powered firearms were seized, in one of two separate encounters between government troops and communist rebels in Pio Duran, Albay. 

The Army’s 49th Infantry Battalion, operating under the 901st Infantry Brigade, battled armed groups in separate firefights in Barangays Matanglad and Buyo on Friday, July 18, as part of ongoing security operations against the remaining communist insurgents in the province.

Troops recovered four high-powered firearms and other war materiel after the encounters.

Brig. Gen. Emil Cruz, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, identified the fatality as Nelson Nuyda, alias “Chubby,” who was allegedly a committee member of KLG1, SRC3, BRPC.

“The success of this operation shows the government’s sustained campaign against the communist terrorist group. We will continue our operations until the remaining NPA members in Albay are neutralized,” Cruz said in a statement.

He also urged the remaining NPA members to surrender and begin peaceful lives with their families.

Two days later a soldier was killed in a clash in Abra. 

https://pia.gov.ph/news/phil-army-renews-call-for-remaining-npas-to-surrender-honors-fallen-kalinga-soldier/

The Philippine Army has renewed its call for members of the New People’s Army (NPA) to surrender peacefully following the death of a Kalinga soldier during a recent encounter with suspected members of the Ilocos Cordillera Regional Committee (ICRC) in Abra.

It called on remaining NPA members to lay down their arms and return to the fold of the law, saying the government has programs available to support those who choose to surrender and reintegrate into their communities.

“To our fellow NPA members, it is painful that our fellow Filipinos are dying on both sides. What we want is peace, so I encourage you, comrades, to come down,” said 503rd Infantry Brigade (503Bde) Commander Brigadier General Rhenante Salvador.

“We have many projects in the government that can help you. We are ensuring that your security will be good during your descent. Nothing will happen to you, as long as you come forward, put down your weapons, and join us in our quest for peace here in the Cordillera,” he added.

Salvador led the giving of military honors for Private First Class Drexler Gumayat of San Pablo, Bulo, Tabuk City, when his remains arrived at the 503Bde headquarters in Calanan, Tabuk, on July 21, 2026.

Gumayat's family joined Army personnel in receiving his remains before they were escorted to their home for the wake and final tribute.

A member of the 50th Infantry Battalion (50IB), Gumayat was killed during an encounter on July 20 in Tineg, Abra, while government troops were conducting pursuit operations against around 10 armed individuals believed by the military to be remnants of the ICRC.

The encounter followed an earlier clash on July 19 in Sitio Ambalag, Barangay Lan-ag, Lacub, Abra, where two soldiers were wounded, including Private First Class Jake Awingan of Pasil, Kalinga, who sustained minor injuries.

Salvador paid tribute to Gumayat, describing him as a hero who sacrificed his life while serving communities in Abra.

“A big salute to Drexler because he sacrificed his entire 50th IB during those hours,” Salvador said.

He said Gumayat’s dedication to service reflected his commitment to peace despite being assigned outside his home province.

“Drexler is a hero because he fought for peace. He is not from Abra, but he chose to serve the people of Abra to help achieve the peace that the province is striving for. He is a hero for all of us,” he added.

The brigade commander also extended his condolences to the Gumayat family and assured them of the Army’s continued support.

The Philippine Army said pursuit and clearing operations remain ongoing in the area to ensure the safety of nearby communities.

Authorities have yet to release information regarding possible casualties from the armed group or the recovery of firearms and other war material.

A day before that two soldiers were wounded in clashes. The AFP has renewed its call for the remaining NPA members to surrender. But how many are left?

In Leyte only 5 cities have yet to attain insurgency-free status. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1280011

Five local government units (LGUs) in Leyte province have yet to be declared under a Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC), according to the Philippine Army’s 93rd Infantry Battalion (IB).

Lt. Col. Celeste Frank Sayson, 93rd IB commander, said in an interview on Wednesday that out of the 43 LGUs in Leyte province, only Tacloban City, Baybay City and the towns of Carigara, Jaro, and Albuera have yet to receive SIPSC declarations.

Despite this, Sayson expressed confidence that the remaining areas would soon attain the status.

"We have a very bright future for our beloved province, specifically the three provinces, because it is only a matter of time before we declare the entire province of Leyte insurgency-free," he said.

Sayson said the military remains committed to ending the insurgency in the area.

"With God's permission, may they all surrender, or if we encounter them again, we hope they will choose to surrender. We have a strong resolve to end this insurgency so that the whole province will be declared insurgency-free," he added.

The army unit, based in Kananga, Leyte, has operational jurisdiction over Leyte, Biliran and Southern Leyte.

Biliran was declared insurgency-free in September 2024, while Southern Leyte attained SIPSC status in May 2026.

Sayson said there are no longer any monitored members of the New People's Army (NPA) who originated from Leyte. However, intelligence reports indicate that 12 remaining rebels continue to operate across Leyte Island and Biliran.

SIPSC is a formal security designation granted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to cities, municipalities, or provinces that have met established peace and security benchmarks.

The declaration signifies that insurgent threats have been neutralized, local armed conflict has been reduced to manageable levels, and peace and order have significantly improved.

The designation is expected to boost investor confidence, encourage tourism, and support infrastructure development. It also allows the AFP to shift its primary focus from internal security operations to territorial defense, while the PNP assumes the lead role in maintaining peace and order.

That is quite a feat to attempt and perhaps will be achieved soon. 

Week 3 of Vice President Sara Duterte's Impeachment Trial Part 2

It's time to take a look at week three of Vice President Sara Dutere's impeachment trial. What is going to be examined is all the follies being committed while court is in session. The trial is slated to last for 92 days which could take it into next year. But Senator Tulfo says the trial is being delayed by Senators seeking to lecture the lawyers. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/22/erwin-tulfo-law-101-lectures-of-senator-judges-stalling-vp-sara-trial

For Senator Erwin Tulfo, if anything is slowing down Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, it's senator-judges who insist on giving "Law 101" lectures during the proceedings.

In an ambush interview on Wednesday, July 22, Tulfo said some senator-judges spend too much time explaining legal concepts instead of focusing on the evidence and witness testimonies presented before the court.

"Some of my fellow senator-judges seem to feel the need to lecture the lawyers and the prosecution. We waste time," Tulfo said.

He said senator-judges should simply point out errors committed by either party instead of delivering what he described as "Law 101" lectures.

"If there's a mistake, then just point it out. Say, 'That's wrong.' But if you're going to give a 'Law 101' lecture, the discussion just goes off track," he said.

According to Tulfo, discussions should remain centered on the evidence and testimonies relevant to the impeachment case, rather than revisiting basic legal principles or questioning the legal knowledge of the parties.

"We should simply focus on the evidence and the testimony. But if we keep going back to what was taught in law school—saying things like, 'This is what you should have learned,' or implying, 'You didn't learn this'—it's not relevant to the issue. That's what makes the proceedings drag on," he added.

Tulfo, however, said the Senate impeachment court should not rush the proceedings at the expense of a thorough examination of the evidence.

He said that while they acknowledge the desire to speed up the trial, he stressed that senator-judges must careful

ly review the evidence to ensure that no crucial pieces are overlooked or left inadequately explained. He added that simply presenting evidence is not enough, as it must also be properly examined and understood before the court reaches a decision.

Which Senators are using this stalling tactic? Regrettably, Tulfo does not say. 

Though he is no lawyer, Senator Robin Padilla is using his own stalling techniques. Bizarrely he questioned whether or not the prosecution was being biased and one-sided!

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/22/robin-padilla-tells-prosecution-sana-hindi-one-sided

Senator-judge Robin Padilla told the prosecution on Wednesday, July 22, not to be "one-sided" as he questioned the credibility of their witnesses.

During Wednesday's impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Padilla aimed at the House prosecution panel, particularly in the witnesses it had chosen to present before the Senate impeachment court.

Padilla appealed to the prosecution to avoid presenting witnesses whose credibility could be questioned, saying the impeachment court should not rely on individuals allegedly facing perjury complaints.

"The person on trial here was elected by 32 million Filipinos," Padilla said, urging the prosecution to be more cautious in selecting its witnesses.

He added that he had even filed a legislative proposal seeking stiffer penalties for perjury, arguing that those who repeatedly change their testimony should face harsher consequences.

"With all due respect, we were able to verify already that there are no cases pending against the prosecution witnesses," she said.

She also pointed out that even a criminal conviction does not automatically disqualify a witness, unless the judgment is already final and the offense is punishable by more than one year and involves moral turpitude.

"You know, that was a very good answer. I just hope the prosecution isn't being one-sided," he said.

Before he could elaborate on his claim, the exchange drew audible reactions inside the impeachment court, prompting Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero to call for order.

"The sergeant-at-arms, by authority of the Senate President, is directed to kindly maintain order in the court," Escudero said.

Meanwhile, in a press conference, Senate Impeachment Court spokesperson lawyer Regie Tongol was asked about the ruckus that occurred when Padilla made the "one-sided" remark.

He explained that the prosecution panel was making a gesture that they were supposed to take a side.

"I think the House prosecution panel was simply making the point that they're the prosecution. It's like they're saying, 'We're the prosecution, so naturally we have a side," Tongol said.

Clearly Padilla is only interested in discrediting witnesses rather than deal with evidence presented. Being a convicted, and pardoned, criminal surely Padilla knows the job of the prosecution is to prove the guilt of the person on trial. They are supposed to be biased!

The defense is using the same tactic as Padilla. During cross examination of NBI Chief Matibag it was insinuated that he was biased because his wife supported the impeachment complaint. 

https://mb.com.ph/2026/07/21/matibag-rejects-bias-claim-after-vp-duterte-lawyer-says-wife-was-among-impeachment-endorsers

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag has rejected an allegation of bias after his wife was brought up by the defense panel as one of the endorsers of the impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte at the House of Representatives.

During the cross-examination on Matibag on Tuesday, July 21, Duterte's defense counsel Mark Vinluan questioned the witness over a potential conflict of interest after the NBI chief acknowledged that his wife, Laguna 1st district Rep. Maria Rene Ann Matibag, was indeed among the endorsers of House Resolution (HR) No. 989 which sought to impeach the Vice President.

In one of the sequences during the cross, Matibag requested to state something "in order to save time" as Vinluan asked him credibility-testing questions to test the freedom from bias, if any.

Matibag stated: "In order to save time in the question of the Defense counsel, I think he's going to the position if my wife endorses the articles of impeachment, so that we save time and it's on record in matter of Public notice: She is my wife, she's one of the endorsers of the impeachment."

Vinluan then asked him that despite that spousal relationship he admitted, he still decided to appear and testify in the Senate impeachment trial.

"My decision to be a witness is by the virtue of a subpoena and issues of the honorable court and by the invitation of the Committee on Justice of the prosecution," the NBI chief said.

"However, the job of my wife as a legislator, is totally from me being the director of the [NBI]," he added.

Prior to Matibag's acknowledgment, Vinluan showed the document bearing the signature of the lady solon, but Matibag said he was in no authority to confirm the signature even if she was his wife.

The defense counsel questioned that while Matibag could recgnized his agent's signature, he cannot do the same to his wife's.

Matibag responded saying: "It appears to be her signature but I have not confronted with documents so that I can compare it."

"With the NBI, it's different, I testified earlier that it was presented to me, and I asked him if he signed it, and I'm familiar to his signature because he's always making submissions to my office," he said.

Vinluan's line of questioning pertaining to Matibag's wife was continuously objected to by the prosecution panel.

However, presiding officer Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero overruled it, and said "It tests the freedom from bias if any of the witness regarding his testimony."

Even if he is biased against Duterte what does that have to do with the evidence he submitted? Specifically that Sara's threat to kill Marcos was taken seriously and they have a list of names of possible hitmen Sara may have contracted. But this has been Sara's defense tactic from day one. Disregard the evidence and focus on technicalities. 

Finally, Sara Duterte wants the Senate to pay for her defense team's catering. Did she forget this is a trial and not an awards show?

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2268349/sara-duterte-asks-senate-to-foot-bill-for-exclusive-catering-at-trial

The Office of the Vice President (OVP) asked the Senate to shoulder the costs of catering services for Vice President Sara Duterte’s defense team, support staff, and witnesses during her impeachment trial, according to a July 7 letter signed by Duterte.

“As these arrangements are required solely in connection with these proceedings, the OVP respectfully requests that the Senate shoulder the reasonable costs of food and beverage and catering services for the defense team, support staff, and witnesses,” the letter read.

The letter, addressed to Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, also sought several logistical arrangements for the duration of the trial.

Among these was a request that all food and beverages for the defense team, support staff, and witnesses be served exclusively in their designated holding room.

The OVP likewise asked that all food and beverages be sourced, prepared, and served exclusively by its accredited caterer.

“To address legitimate security concerns and to provide the necessary level of assurance to all concerned personnel and witnesses, all food and beverage shall be sourced, prepared, and served exclusively by the OVP’s accredited caterer,” the letter stated.

As of posting time, it was unclear whether the Senate had approved the requests.

The request comes after Senate Secretary Renato Bantug said on July 10 that Duterte’s camp, through lawyer Zuleika Lopez, the vice president’s chief of staff, had inquired about bringing its own equipment and hiring its own caterer for its holding area during the impeachment trial. Bantug said the request was not unusual, noting that the prosecution team had also brought its own caterer.

In a message to the Inquirer on July 10, the OVP said the requested equipment and catering services were intended for everyone in the holding area and for coverage-related purposes.

Duterte is facing impeachment over allegations of amassing unexplained wealth, bribery, misuse of confidential funds, and making grave threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The last thing anyone needs to be doing during the trial is eating and drinking. Perhaps bring your own lunch. The Senate has not officially declined this bizarre request but they did say they cannot afford to pay for her teams catering. 

Week 3 of Vice President Sara Duterte's Impeachment Trial Part 1

Week three of Vice President Sara Dutere's impeachment trial began with a big win for the prosecution. The Senate has subpoenaed her financial records. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1279857

The Senate sitting as an impeachment court on Monday granted the House prosecution's requests to subpoena bank records, tax documents and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) records involving Vice President Sara Duterte.

Presiding Officer Francis "Chiz" Escudero, who read the court's rulings, said the requested records met the legal requirements for the issuance of subpoenas duces tecum.

"They are reasonably described, readily identifiable, and prima facie relevant and material to the allegations under Article II," Escudero said.

The court ordered the production of peso-denominated bank records of Duterte, her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, their joint accounts, Carpio Lawyers law firm and 19 corporate entities with established prima facie links to the respondent. It also granted subpoenas for their AMLC records.

However, requests covering JTC Group of Companies Philippines Inc. and Pikimong Pikimong Philippines Corporation were denied after the prosecution failed to establish sufficient links to Duterte or Carpio.

The court also limited the subpoenas to peso-denominated bank accounts, denying the request insofar as foreign currency deposits are concerned.

The impeachment court likewise granted the prosecution's request to subpoena the Bureau of Internal Revenue for Duterte's tax records, allowing documents from 2007 to 2021 solely to establish a financial baseline for assessing her assets, financial transactions and business interests during her present term.

Escudero emphasized that the records could not be used to introduce new impeachable offenses.

"This Court is not determining tax deficiencies or civil liabilities, which remain within the province of the BIR. It is exercising its constitutional mandate to determine public accountability under the Articles of Impeachment," Escudero said.

The court also ruled that the issuance of the BIR subpoena does not automatically authorize disclosure of the tax records, noting that the BIR commissioner may invoke applicable exceptions under the National Internal Revenue Code in responding to the order.

Banks, the AMLC and the BIR were directed to submit their respective returns or records to the Clerk of Court on July 30 at 9 a.m., with AMLC documents to be first reviewed in camera by the presiding officer before any release to the parties.

House prosecution panel adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers welcomed the ruling, describing it as a decisive affirmation that no public official may invoke confidentiality to shield evidence that is directly relevant to determining accountability in an impeachment trial.

“Today’s vote is a victory for truth, transparency, and accountability. The impeachment court has made it clear that the search for truth cannot be frustrated by claims of confidentiality when the Constitution itself demands a full and fair examination of the evidence,” Barbers said in a statement.

Barbers said the subpoenaed records will enable the prosecution to examine documentary evidence that may establish whether there is a disparity between the Vice President’s declared income and assets and the financial transactions reflected in banking, tax and AMLC records.

“These financial records are indispensable in determining whether the allegations of unexplained wealth are supported by documentary evidence. They will provide the factual basis upon which the impeachment court can objectively assess the charges under Article II,” he said.

Barbers added that the court’s ruling effectively resolves the legal issues raised by the defense regarding the applicability of the Bank Secrecy Law and other confidentiality statutes in relation to the subpoena requests, allowing the trial to proceed toward the presentation of material financial evidence before the impeachment court.

He likewise emphasized that the prosecution remains committed to presenting only evidence that is relevant, competent and admissible, noting that earlier decisions to streamline the witness list demonstrate the panel’s determination to conduct an efficient trial focused on the strongest documentary and testimonial evidence.

“The Filipino people deserve nothing less than the whole truth. This impeachment trial is not about personalities or politics—it is about public accountability. Every peso entrusted by the people must be accounted for, and every public official, regardless of position, must answer for allegations of corruption and unexplained wealth before the Constitution and the Filipino nation,” Barbers said.

However there appears to be a caveat for the release of her tax records. President Marcos, who is now Sara's mortal enemy, has to approve the release. This has set up a Catch-22 situation for him. 

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/20/-marcos-consent-to-unseal-sara-duterte-s-bir-records-not-an-act-against-her-2029

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. may choose whether or not to authorize the Bureau of Internal Revenue to disclose Vice President Sara Duterte's tax records, impeachment court spokesperson Reginald Tongol said Monday. 

He stressed that if the president grants such authority, it should not be interpreted as an act against the Vice President.

“It is not really an act against the vice president. I think that will be unfair to characterize the president’s giving permission to the BIR commissioner for the disclosure to be seen as act against the vice president.”

Tongol said the President's action would be an acknowledgment of the authority of a co-equal branch of government.

“It is actually an act of respect to a co-equal branch of government and since the impeachment court is officially acted on the request for subpoena and the BIR commissioner has remedies in order for him not to be in trouble.”

Tongol added that Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza must first secure the President's authorization before complying with the subpoena, with July 30 set as the deadline for compliance.

Day 7 of the impeachment trial of Duterte saw the Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, grant the issuance of a subpoena duces tecum to the BIR. 

The subpoena stems from the prosecution's request to obtain the income tax and bank records of Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio.

However, under Section 71 of the National Internal Revenue Code, the BIR is bound by confidentiality provisions and cannot disclose or unseal tax records without proper authority.

To release the requested documents, the BIR must first obtain the express authority or consent of the President.

He is caught between a rock and a hard place here. But if he does not defer to the Senate then that opens a can of worms too. 

Senator Robin Padilla was against the subpoena of Saras tax and bank records because apparently it threatens him. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2267140/padilla-explains-why-he-opposed-issuance-of-subpoenas

Senator-judge Robinhood Padilla on Monday opposed the impeachment court’s decision to subpoena Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial and tax records, stating that the same should be done to other impeachable officials.

Padilla made the pronouncement after the Senate impeachment court, through Senator-Judge and Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero, granted subpoenas for Vice President Sara Duterte’s financial and tax records.

In a manifestation, Padilla said the “standards” being applied in issuing a subpoena for Duterte’s financial and tax records should likewise be enforced upon all impeachable officials, regardless of their names or positions.

This, he said, is to show the public that no official is being singled out.

“If this is the standard we are setting, then let us all open up our bank records, let us all open them, to show the public that we are not playing favorites here,” said Padilla.

The senator-judge also took the opportunity to call for support in passing into law the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill.

“Because if this is the case, as if we are being watched and observed, it is not good for the people. Let us remember that we are equal before God and the law,” said Padilla.

“And I ask you to put on record my objection to this ruling,” he added.

It should be noted, however, that only the vice president is currently facing an impeachment trial among all impeachable government officials.

Senator-judge Pia Cayetano, in a separate manifestation, meanwhile, said it would have been better for the court to only issue subpoenas on records from 2022 to 2026, instead of from 2007.

“We could have considered starting at 2022, and if there’s more kung doon pa lang it already shows that unexplained from 22 to 2026, there may be no reason to go back and at least respect that part of the records,” said Cayetano.

“…That’s our way of showing respect for the persons who are brought here to trial,” she added.

However, Cayetano said she will submit to the ruling as one of the senator-judges.

Concurrently, other senator-judges, specifically Alan Peter Cayetano, Imee Marcos, Camille Villar, and Loren Legarda, have all expressed their willingness to submit in writing their manifestations or objections to Escudero’s ruling.

Sure, let them all open their bank records!!! But did Padilla forget this is an impeachment trial? Those records are evidence. He is showing his true colors are for Duterte.

 In fact, many Senators are waving that flag in their actions. 

https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/7/20/inside-the-session-hall-subtle-shows-of-support-among-senators-of-the-same-bloc-2341

The continuation of the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte on Monday led to the issuance of subpoenas for Duterte’s financial records after the prosecution and defense fielded questions on the law as well as on the necessity and the propriety of issuing them.

Spectators inside the session hall also saw subtle shows of support among senators in the same bloc.

In a so far rare occasion of raised voices at the impeachment court, Sen. Erwin Tulfo called out Sen. Robin Padilla for using it as a forum to air issues unrelated to the trial.

Padilla had taken the floor to dispute the Office of the Ombudsman’s remark that he had ignored an order to submit his counter-affidavit in relation to Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa’s escape from the Senate compound in May.

The senator-judge did this in front of the impeachment court, much to Tulfo’s dismay. He said the trial proper should focus on Duterte and that senators can explain their own issues elsewhere.

While Tulfo was talking, Padilla stood up and approached the podium, seemingly suppressing a smile.

Eventually, Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano defended Padilla, saying it was a matter that concerned the court’s integrity.

Cayetano has, since the trial started, made references to the proceedings' alleged problems of credibility.

He had also used the first half hour of the hearing last Thursday to air his anger over a National Bureau of Investigation probe into the 2019 SEA Games, calling it an attempt to intimidate him. Cayetano was chair of the organizing committee of the games.

In defense of his insistence on arguing legal principles — he has pointed out that he and his sister Sen. Pia Cayetano are among the few lawyers at the Senate — he said he would listen to a senator with a background in medicine if the topic was about the medical field.

Padilla was seen nodding in agreement to the minority senator’s statement.

When the court took a brief break at 4 p.m., Sens. Vicente Sotto III, Francis Pangilinan, Raffy and Erwin Tulfo, and Panfilo Lacson of the majority bloc were seen having a discussion..

Padilla remained in his seat on the other side of the court.

It also took some time for some senator-judges to return from the break, with only 11 inside the session hall by 4:08 p.m.

Before Escudero announced the ruling granting the request for subpoenas, Alan Cayetano spent more than 10 minutes sitting by the ledge separating the senator-judges from the gallery.

Padilla briefly joined Cayetano there before both took the floor to say they disagreed with parts of Escudero's decision.

Senators may also submit written manifestations on their position on the presiding officer's ruling, Escudero said.

Cayetano's problems stem from the NIB Chief, who is witness, saying he is investigating Cayetano. He thinks this casts doubt upon the credibility of the court. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2264302/cayetano-slams-nbi-chief-matibag-over-sea-games-probe-announcement

Senator-judge Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday criticized National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag for announcing the agency’s plan to probe the procurements for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games held in the Philippines.

Cayetano, who headed the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee during the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte, made the manifestation at the start of the sixth day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, a day after Matibag’s announcement.

“Investigate whatever you want to investigate. You want to investigate why I grew a beard? Investigate it. No problem with me. But don’t announce it because it will affect the integrity of the court,” Cayetano said in Filipino.

He also reiterated his earlier statement to the NBI chief after the agency’s agents attempted to arrest Senator Bato Dela Rosa over alleged crimes against humanity, charges Dela Rosa faces before the International Criminal Court.

“Director, we were not taken down, so don’t try to take down this representation or this impeachment court because what you’re doing is not helping,” Cayetano said in Filipino.

Senator-judge Pia Cayetano, sister of Sen. Alan, also took the podium to express her dismay over Matibag’s actions, just a week before he is set to testify as a witness in the trial.

“I am bothered. There’s no jurisdiction in the world that allows a judge to be pressured and intimidated,” she said.

She then addressed her colleagues in the session hall: “Why would you allow a director who was called to be a witness next week to brag that he’s going to investigate?”

Pia Cayetano also vowed that if the same happened to any of their colleagues, she would stand up for them regardless of their views.

“I am upset to hear this. I will stand up for each one of you. I don’t care which side you are on, I will stand up for you if somebody tries to intimidate you,” she said.

What proof is there Matibag is trying to pressure and intimidate Cayetano? It sounds like the plea of a guilty conscience. With several members of the Senate in jail awaiting trial and others under investigation there isn't a whole lot of credibility in that body. 

Meanwhile Vice President Sara Duterte has snubbed the trial entirely and has embarked on a world tour. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2268220/solon-sara-duterte-foreign-trip-amid-trial-betrayal-of-public-trust

Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, Jr. on Wednesday criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for embarking on a five-country “personal trip” while she faces an impeachment trial, saying her travel abroad is tantamount to “betrayal of public trust.”

In a statement, Abante said Duterte’s foreign trip goes beyond her constitutional mandate as the nation’s second-highest official and displays a blatant disregard in the impeachment process. 

On Tuesday, Duterte’s office said her July 16 to 31 travel plan includes stops in Qatar, Germany, the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland and the Netherlands. The itinerary covers engagements with migrant Filipino workers, it said, adding that the government won’t bankroll the trip.

“That constitutes betrayal of public trust,” Abante, who endorsed an impeachment complaint against Duterte that was eventually elevated by the House of Representatives to the Senate, said. “She’s highly irresponsible as VP.”

He described Duterte’s trip as merely a “junket,” as he rebuked the vice president for prioritizing foreign engagements instead of facing her ouster case in the Senate. “She violated the real intent of the Constitution.”

Impeachment is a constitutional remedy that allows Congress to remove high officials who have committed “culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of public trust.”

“Public officials should demonstrate respect for that process through their actions, especially while the proceedings are ongoing,” Abante said.

Duterte has skipped the proceedings against her so far, instead offering a general denial of wrongdoing as she called efforts to remove her from office as politically motivated. She has remained defiant, though acknowledging the trial may leave her “bloodied but unbowed.”

She faces an impeachment trial for accusations that she misused hundreds of millions of pesos in confidential funds, amassed unexplained wealth, bribed officials and threatened the lives of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr, the first lady and a former House speaker.

She is certainly not taking this trial seriously. Despite the mountains of evidence against her Sara thinks she can shrug it off. Perhaps that will change as the trial continues.