Informed PH

🚨 Rep. LUISTRO DARES TO ASK THE UNASKABLE🚨 Congresswoman Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro, unshaken and fearless, confronts former President Duterte in a gripping interpellation, seeking clarity and accountability for the war on drugs and its chilling legacy. Emphasizing his promise to take full legal responsibility, Luistro probes: What happened to the bodies buried in Laud Quarry? To the victims of the Davao Death Squad? To the lives lost in the 2004 Dumoy raid? Former President Duterte fires back, asking, "Where is your proof?" Luistro responds: "Mr. President, I’m anchoring my questions about these separate incidents from your initial statement—that you are taking full legal responsibility for all the victims of the war on drugs, both legal and illegal. You are a long-time prosecutor, and of course, it is fundamental among us all lawyers to uphold the requirements of due process." Duterte counters with: "We are zeroing in on a particular individual now." Luistro powerfully reminds: "Mr. President, due process is the law that hears before it condemns. Due process is the law that requires notice and hearing." The former president’s short rebuttal, "If you say so," leaves the air thick with tension. Luistro quips back with another gripping reminder: "Mister President, I hope that we will be reminded that by due process, THE END DOES NOT JUSTIFY THE MEANS." Congresswoman Luistro proceeds to present statistics on the war on drugs: - 6,252 individuals killed in police anti-drug operations as of May 2022. - 27,000 to 30,000 individuals killed, including vigilante-style executions. - 427 activists, human rights defenders, and grassroots leaders killed as of December 2021. - 166 land and environmental defenders killed as of December 2020. - 23 journalists and media workers killed as of April 2022. - 66 judges, lawyers, and prosecutors killed as of December 2021. - 28 mayors and vice mayors killed as of December 2021. Cong. Luistro then delivers the crucial question: "Mr. President, my question is: When you implemented the war on drugs, did you strictly comply with the requirements of due process?" With a firm and unwavering tone, former President Duterte responds, "YES." She continues, pointing out: "It is my humble submission that, contrary to the answer of the former president, I humbly believe that the war on drugs never complied with the requirements of due process. The statistics show the huge number of victims of the war on drugs. If my memory serves me right, during the Aquino administration, there were around 200 victims, and during the present administration, there are around 200 victims as well. Given these statistics, there are almost or around 31,000 victims. If indeed they followed the requirements of due process, there should not have been this many deaths. Instead, there should have been many cases pending in court. I hope that all of us are reminded by the fundamental law that no person should be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. It is the humble submission of this representation that the Quad Comm is ready to make a recommendation for the filing of the necessary actions in court for violations of RA 9851—an act defining and penalizing crimes against international humanitarian law—or, at the very least, for murder cases as defined under the Revised Penal Code." The Interpellation Intensifies To conclude her interpellation, she delivers a series of no-holds-barred questions: Luistro: "Mr. President, three Chinese drug lords were killed at the Davao Penal Colony. Are you willing to take accountability and responsibility for this?" Duterte: "Wala ako sa Davao, nandito na ako sa Manila." Luistro: "Are you saying no?" Duterte: "If gusto mong isali yan, idagdag mo, ok lang." Luistro: "How about the death of General (Ret.) Barayuga? Are you willing to take full legal responsibility for this?" Duterte: "No, I do not kill generals." Luistro: "The death of Mayor Parojinog and the 15 others in Ozamiz City. Are you taking full responsibility for this?" Duterte: "Hindi ako nagpapatay ng mga mayor, ma’am." Luistro: "The death of Mayor Espinosa of Albuera, Leyte. Are you taking full responsibility for this?" Duterte: "That is my birthplace." Luistro: "The death of Mayor Toni Halili of Tanauan City?" Duterte: "Malayo yan sa akin, ma’am." Luistro: "The death of Mayor Perez of Los Baños?" Duterte: "Lalo na." A Riveting Ending Luistro fires back: "If you are denying all these, alin po yung tinutukoy niyo when you said you are taking full responsibility for all the victims of the war on drugs, both legal and illegal?" The former president mumbles in response: "Yes, kasi order ko kasi yung, that is my campaign against drugs. Alam mo maraming estasyon, maraming police. Kung nagkaleche-leche doon, hindi ako maghuhugas ng kamay. Of course, nagkamali sila. If there is an appropriate action na gusto niyong ilabas, then file a case in court. I’m challenging anybody or everybody who makes the accusation, whether it is really true or not—maybe true—file the case in court, because may korte tayo. Even if I admit na totoo yan, because I will make the admission there again." Luistro counters: "Are you saying, Mr. President, when you go to court, you are willing to admit accountability for all the deaths during the war on drugs?" Duterte replies: "Of course, may abogado ako, ma’am. Kung ano ang sasabihin ng abogado ko, susunod ako." Luistro presses further: "I hope that everything you said before the Quad can be reduced in writing so that truly we can believe that you are taking full legal responsibility for all the victims of the war on drugs, both legal and illegal. Because as lawyers, we believe that by extrajudicial confession, we have to put that in writing, Mr. President." Duterte responds: "...It’s a policy of government or the president. Hindi ako maghuhugas ng kamay..." The Final Question Luistro asks: "If one of these days the ICC will come, will you voluntarily submit yourself?" Duterte retorts: "Sipain ko pa sila, ma’am." Luistro reminds him: "But you said a while ago, that if somebody will sponsor your fare to the ICC, you will voluntarily submit yourself to their investigation and jurisdiction." Duterte replies: "Yes, pero kung sila pumunta dito, sipain ko." Luistro clarifies: "But will you confirm that you are willing to voluntarily submit yourself to the ICC?" Duterte firmly states: "Oo, punta ako doon, sipain ko din sila." A Gripping Conclusion Luistro ends her interpellation with grace and precision: "I have nothing further. Thank you, Mr. President." In this powerful exchange, Congresswoman Luistro demonstrates fearless leadership and unwavering commitment to truth and accountability, leaving no question unanswered in her pursuit of justice. #LargaLuistro2025

🚨🇵🇭🇨🇳 BREAKING: China just harassed 20+ Filipino fishing boats in disputed waters. Philippines deployed 7 vessels to protect the fishermen and deliver fuel and supplies. Overhead surveillance spotted 6 Chinese Coast Guard ships, 20 militia vessels, and a PLA Navy warship. It’s the first time China announced a "clearing operation" over live radio with exact coordinates. Source: @jaytaryela

PCG AND BFAR DEPLOY VESSELS TO PROTECT FILIPINO FISHERMEN FROM CHINESE HARASSMENT IN BAJO DE MASINLOC In response to continued harassment by Chinese Coast Guard vessels against more than 20 Filipino fishing boats last weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) immediately deployed two PCG vessels and five fishery patrol vessels to Bajo de Masinloc. The joint PCG-BFAR deployment ensured the safety and security of the Filipino fishermen while delivering vital support, including fuel subsidies, food packs, and ice to extend their fishing operations and help offset rising fuel costs. PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also directed the deployment of the PCG Caravan for a Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) flight over the area. The flight documented six China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, 20 China Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels, and one People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) warship in the vicinity. This operation marks a significant first: the PCG has documented the China Coast Guard vessel announcing via live radio broadcast its intention to conduct a clearing operation at the following coordinates: - Point A: 15°05'N, 118°10'E - Point B: 15°05'N, 118°25'E - Point C: 14°14'N, 118°25'E - Point D: 14°14'N, 118°10'E The Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in its full support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s commitment to defend Philippine sovereignty, sovereign rights, and maritime jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea. In line with the President’s vision, the PCG will continue to uphold international law and protect the rights, safety, and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen from external threats and harassment.

Oi sino nga yung Founder ng Isip? Akala ko ba si Quilala, bakit nakalagay si Madriaga? 🤣🤣🤣🤣 At bakit guest speaker si Sara kala ko ba di magkakilala 🤣🤣🤣 Tatanungin nyo kami kung sino ang sinungaling ? Edi kayo hahaha

Ngayong umaga, ako ay muling nagsampa ng mga kaso laban 18 ‘ex-marines’ dahil sa patuloy nilang pagkakalat ng kasinungalingan tungkol sakin. Kasama rin sa kasong ito si Byron "Banat By" Cristobal at iba pang hosts ng SMNI. Hangga’t patuloy silang nagkakalat ng mga kasinungalingan, patuloy din ang pagsampa ko ng kaso laban sa kanila. Di ko kayo titigilan.

Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ang pagbubukas ng mega cold storage facility sa San Jose, Pili, Camarines Sur, na inaasahang makatutulong sa mga magsasaka sa Bicol.

DFA: PH-CHINA COAST GUARD TALKS LIMITED, PROPERLY CLEARED UPDATE: The Department of Foreign Affairs clarifies that discussions to update a 2016 coast guard agreement with China are limited to reviving a joint committee that will serve as a formal communication channel between the Philippine and China coast guards. The talks are in line with President Bongbong Marcos’ directive to keep communication channels open with Beijing. The DFA says the proposed changes exclude sensitive activities such as joint patrols and are being handled through formal diplomatic processes, with key security and foreign policy officials fully informed. @newswatchplusph

No OFW Left Behind: OWWA and DMW Intensify Middle East Repatriation Operations on Presidential Directive The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), under the direct directive of President #PBBM, is continuously intensifying its repatriation operations to ensure the safe and orderly return of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) currently affected by the tensions in the Middle East. In close partnership with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and Philippine Embassies, OWWA’s Rapid Response Teams have been deployed to the region. Currently, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, serves as the central staging hub where Filipino compatriots are gathered before their flight back to the Philippines. Providing the latest updates on the operation, 80 OFWs from Bahrain and 99 from Kuwait have safely arrived in Riyadh, in preparation for their return home. Additionally, joint DMW and OWWA teams are processing and assisting more OFWs from Qatar to be included in this comprehensive mission. These steps constitute the government's fourth chartered flight and the second one organized directly by OWWA. It marks a historic milestone as the first time that Filipinos from four countries, namely Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, will be simultaneously brought home on a single government-chartered mission. To ensure a smooth and orderly process, OWWA Administrator Patricia Yvonne “PY” Caunan herself is in Riyadh today to oversee coordination efforts. Government teams are working tirelessly, processing documents, visa clearances, transportation, and temporary accommodations to make the return of affected workers comfortable. The government sends a clear message: the protection and welfare of our modern-day heroes remain a top priority. Under the vision of #BagongPilipinas, all agencies are moving together in unison to guarantee the safety, dignity, and rapid return of every Filipino affected by this crisis.

@ImaHavinagredei @tsuperdaddy Yung Baste-chartered flight na sagot sa krisis ng Middle East? 🤭

@tsuperdaddy Highlights: ✔️More free rides = employement + ease commuter expenses while there is some uncertainty. ✔️Fuel subsidies for tricycle is via LGU ✔️Jeep subsidies from national institution Last 2 directly Benefit drivers/operators + indirectly benefits commuters

@tsuperdaddy Welcome back!

📝 The Quiet Transfer Let’s go back to 1983, at a time when the Philippines was running low on US dollars. This is not mere speculation. This comes from the testimony of Jaime Laya, who served as Central Bank Governor from 1981 to 1984. According to Laya, the country faced continuous dollar shortages back then. So, he sought help from President Ferdinand E. Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos to reach out to their businessmen friends and Filipinos abroad and encourage them to subscribe to Philippine Treasury Notes, in order to bring in more US dollars. Then, in September 1983, something significant happened. Marcos called Laya and told him that he had already spoken to contacts in Europe and asked them to subscribe to these Treasury Notes. He also told Laya to expect incoming funds through two international banks. Shortly after, around $200 million was remitted to Philippine Central Bank, at a time when the country’s dollar reserves got nearly exhausted. Here’s what makes this even more interesting: Laya testified that there were no clear indications of who the principals were. And even after the Treasury Notes matured, no one came forward to claim it. Years later, in 1986, Laya wrote to his successor, Jose B. Fernandez Jr. about this detail. At that time, the International Monetary Fund had flagged a supposed “overstatement” of the Philippines’ international reserves in 1983. Laya clarified to Fernandez that this finding may have been connected to that same $200 million anonymous transfer from from Swiss banks, right after he talked to PFEM. This showed that while the funds were real, they were not recorded in the usual way. Now the key question is: If later legal findings indicate that Marcos had control over certain Swiss funds, is it possible that this $200 million actually came from accounts linked to him? And, if that is the case, then wouldn’t that mean that during a critical dollar shortage in 1983, Marcos helped stabilize the Philippine economy by directing $200 million into the Central Bank? Now take that one step further. If this quiet financial intervention was possible then, whether through personal wealth, networks, influence, or access to offshore capital… Can we observe anything similar today under Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr.? Not necessarily in the same form, but in the same intention. Are there instances where we feel capital is being quietly mobilized into the Philippine economy — into education, healthcare, infrastructure projects, military modernization, social services, or even to cushion the impact of rising oil prices? Because not all forms of economic support are always visible, announced, or easily traced. And, sometimes, the most important question is not what is officially reported by the media, but what might also be happening behind the scenes.

Six years ago today, I completed my PhD at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, Japan. I will forever be grateful to the Japanese Government, the @jica_direct_en Japan International Cooperation Agency, and @GRIPS_English for the doctoral education I received in 2021. My doctoral studies equipped me to become one of the most vocal and consistent voices exposing Chinese aggression and unlawful actions in the West Philippine Sea. More than just a title, my PhD has profoundly shaped who I am—instilling in me a deep appreciation for international law, diplomacy, and a clear-eyed realist understanding of the international relations.

@CheekyLady1027 @iamleestan Idiot talaga yan. Dapat i-arrest na yan eh.

An early morning line and a two-hour wait to enter and attend Mass at La Sagrada Familia 🇪🇸. Truly a journey of faith. Blessed Sunday to everyone. #NonPolitics #Faith ✨🙏

🇨🇳Diplomacy with #WolfWarrior characteristics. 🤨In one sentence @Chinaembmanila asserts “indisputable sovereignty” over the #SouthChinaSea, and in the next it graciously offers to “resolve disputes” through dialogue. 🤔Logic would suggest that if there are disputes to resolve, your sovereignty claim is, by definition, disputable. 🙃It's funny, yes, but it's also deeply revealing. What 🇨🇳#China is really telling the 🇵🇭#Philippines is: “There is actually nothing to negotiate, but we’re happy to play diplomacy until you eventually agree we own your waters.”🌊 🙄That’s not diplomacy. That’s a hostage negotiation with better stationery.✍️

Dear Rowena Guanzon, Bakit hindi ka mag file ng complaint sa IBP against Cong. Gerville Luistro? Abugado ka naman. Bakit gusto mo mag “motu proprio” or on its own mag investigate ang IBP against Cong. Gerville EH IKAW NGA YUNG ROCKWELL INCIDENT MO wala namang motu proprio investigation ang IBP? Di ba napaka galing mo na lawyer? Bakit hindi mo alam na nuong “nagtatago” pa yung asawa ni Cong. Gerville eh wala pang Supreme Court decision denying fugitives from justice from asking for reliefs from court? Simplehan natin – nuon, pwede pa magtago ang akusado at yung lawyers nya ang magfafile ng mga motions sa court para itapon o ipa balewala yung kaso. Ngayon, pinagbawalan na yung Supreme Court. Pero nuon, pwede yun. Pero kung talagang naniniwala ka na may ginawang unethical si Cong. Gerville Luistro, BAKIT HINDI MO KASUHAN? 😂 Hindi ka ba bilib sa galing mo bilang abugado? 👊 Sa totoo lang, puro fake news at kasinungalingan yang show mo sa SMNI ni Quiboloy na nakakulong for so many crimes. By accepting to host a show sa SMNI, it means Rowena Guanzon supports Quiboloy. Eh nuong 2022 kung anu-anong pangungutya sinabi mo kay Quiboloy di ba? Kaya si Rowena Guanzon ang tunay na KAIN SUKA. 👊 Sinuka niya si Quiboloy at SMNI nuon pero ngayon kinain nya salita nya para lang magka show sa SMNI. 😂 #KainSuka #RowenaGuanzon

The PRC’s attempt to present this 1990 letter as proof of Philippine concession over Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) is misleading at best and a deliberate distortion at worst. This unverified document presented as letter from Ambassador Bienvenido A. Tan, Jr. to a German radio hobbyist was not an official waiver of sovereignty—it merely noted that the shoal lies outside the colonial boundaries set by the 1898 Treaty of Paris, while affirming it is within the Philippines' 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone. Under international law, as retired Philippine Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio has pointed out, an ambassador lacks the authority to waive, abandon, or decide on a state's sovereignty or territory. Only statements from the head of state or foreign minister can bind the nation. This casual correspondence to a private individual does not qualify as a binding admission, and relying on it ignores the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling, which confirmed Scarborough Shoal is within the Philippines' EEZ and that China has no historic rights overriding UNCLOS entitlements. China released this letter years ago, but recycling it now as "evidence" is just another selective narrative to justify encroachment—it is not a lie detector, it is a smoke screen. The fact remains: China has not once exercised sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc. The PRC claim is bogus and has no credible historical basis. The Scarborough Shoal has always been and will always be a Philippine territory.

Please follow our friends @JeffreyOrdaniel and his team at @wps_ph . They commissioned this very important set of survey questions. We Protect Our Seas (WPS) is a volunteer-based research and advocacy organization dedicated to promoting public awareness, informed debate, and evidence-based policy discussions on the Philippines’ maritime rights and interests in the West Philippine Sea, as well as regional maritime cooperation.

The entire 18 Marines (Marites) bruhaha in PH politics appears to be just a well-funded but poorly executed Gloria Arroyo psy-ops in hindsight, now that all the dust has settled. Their main manager is Mike Defensor, Arroyo's former Chief of Staff during her term and staunch operator. The one who likely recruited them was Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr., Arroyo's Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces and head Presidential Management Staff who was also NSA of Rodrigo Duterte. All these cheap PR men talk a big game but invoke the right to remain silent in front of a formal NBI inquest despite saying all sorts of shit in press conferences. And of course they have Topacio of all people to defend them. The same stupid script, the same stupid writers, just different background characters each time. If the voters still fall for this, then God help our country man. gmanetwork.com/news/topstorie… youtube.com/watch?v=ssZRB2… newsinfo.inquirer.net/2193976/nbi-re…

SINO BA TALAGA ang meron TUNAY na TAPANG at MALASAKIT?? @MILEYjna @vangagbbm @HLingayan @Michael550265 📸 ctto