The week in photos: July 4-10, 2026

RapplerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 8022 days ago

In early July 2026, Filipino politician Senator Rodante Marcoleta surrendered to the anti-graft court, Sandiganbayan, facing charges of plunder related to P75 million in campaign donations he received while serving as a congressman. His case involves motions to quash the charges and a warrant of arrest was issued against him. Meanwhile, the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte commenced, making her the first Philippine public official to be impeached twice. Senator Chiz Escudero was elected as the presiding officer, though legal challenges were raised against his election. During the trial, Duterte made a brief appearance and defended her actions, with her defense team arguing that her alleged threats were personal rather than official. The article also includes photographs from various global events, highlighting non-political happenings.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both political developments involving high-profile figures like Senator Marcoleta and Vice President Duterte without overtly favoring either side. It reports on legal proceedings and parliamentary procedures without evident ideological slant. While the topics are highly politic化

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports the defense team's reaction to the subpoena decision, quoting Michael Poa and explaining their stance. It aligns with the primary source and provides context without introducing new claims.

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone, acknowledging the defense's anticipation of the ruling while emphasizing their disappointment. It avoids emotive language and stays focused on the legal process.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 88Objective 7522 days ago

Vice President Sara Duterte's campaign team sought permission from Senate Secretary Renato Bantug to bring their own equipment and hire a caterer for the holding area during her impeachment trial. The requests were part of administrative and logistical discussions during a visit by OVP Undersecretary Zuleika Lopez. Bantug confirmed that the vice president's team could bring a refrigerator, coffee maker, and arrange their own catering. The OVP emphasized that these arrangements were for the benefit of all involved, including the defense team and media. Lopez' visit occurred a day after the impeachment court subpoenaed her as a witness, though the meeting focused solely on procedural matters. A holding room was also prepared for Duterte to attend the proceedings if she chooses to do so.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the logistics of Vice President Duterte's impeachment trial without overtly favoring any political side. It reports on the administrative requests made by her campaign team and the responses from Senate officials, maintaining neutrality in tone and word

Why factuality (88): The article accurately reflects the prosecution's assessment of the trial's progress, mentioning the challenges faced and the successful playback of the videos. It aligns with the primary source's description of the trial's dynamics.

Why objectivity (75): There is a slight positive spin on the prosecution's performance, using terms like 'scored points,' which may indicate a favorable perspective.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8518 days ago

Vice President Sara Duterte faces an incitement to sedition charge from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), according to NBI Regional Director Jeremy Lotoc. During a hearing related to Duterte's impeachment, Lotoc clarified that actual sedition is not required for such charges, emphasizing that intent to overthrow the government or disrupt public order suffices. He argued that Duterte's alleged comments about hiring a hitman to target President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and others pose a threat to public safety and governmental stability. Lotoc highlighted the role of public officials as models and warned that unchecked behavior by leaders could lead to broader societal unrest.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the legal reasoning behind the incitement to sedition charge without overtly endorsing or criticizing either side. It reports on the legal interpretation provided by an official (Jeremy Lotoc) and contextualizes it within the ongoing impeachment proceedings. While the subject is

Why factuality (85): The article accurately summarizes Rep. Terry Ridon's statement that the defense failed to weaken the allegations against Duterte. It aligns closely with the primary source documents, which include similar statements from Ridon. The facts are well-supported and consistent with the source material.

Why objectivity (85): The article presents the prosecution's perspective without introducing bias. It remains neutral in tone, focusing on the procedural aspects of the trial and the defense's strategy.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8013 days ago

On July 20, 2026, the Philippine Senate resumed the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on its seventh day. Senators acting as judges were expected to make a significant procedural decision regarding whether to subpoena Duterte's bank accounts, tax records, and Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) documents. This move would aid the prosecution in supporting allegations of unexplained wealth under Article II of the Articles of Impeachment. The article provides live updates on the ongoing proceedings.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the impeachment trial as a legal proceeding with procedural developments, focusing on the Senate's role in determining whether to subpoena financial records. It does not take a clear ideological stance but reports on the legal process and potential implications of the decision.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately summarizes the arguments made by Jay Tolosa, emphasizing that impeachment is based on evidence, not popularity. It references past cases like Chief Justice Corona’s trial, which supports the legal context. The information is presented consistently with other reports.

Why objectivity (80): While the article is largely neutral, it subtly reinforces the prosecution's position by highlighting the importance of evidence over public opinion. This slight leaning towards the prosecution's perspective affects the objectivity score.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 8017 days ago

On July 14, 2026, the Senate impeachment court ruled that all parties involved in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial must cease providing detailed explanations for the withdrawal of witnesses. This decision came after defense counsel Sheila Sison argued that the prosecution's lengthy legal arguments accompanying witness withdrawals skewed the proceedings and undermined fairness. Sison emphasized that the sole intent should be to inform the court of the withdrawal, without additional legal interpretations or conclusions. Presiding Senator-judge Francis Escudero acknowledged the prosecution's arguments as 'tender offers of excluded evidence' and allowed the defense to request similar restraint. The ruling aims to streamline the process while maintaining transparency and public accountability.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a procedural ruling without overt ideological slant. While the impeachment trial itself is politically charged, the focus is on legal procedure rather than advocacy for any particular political stance. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the legal implications of witness-wr

Why factuality (75): The article mentions the relevance of VP Duterte's financial records to the unexplained wealth charge, referencing the AMLC report. However, it omits some details from the primary sources, such as the specific dates and the debate over the subpoena ruling.

Why objectivity (80): The article presents information objectively, discussing the prosecution's arguments without overt bias, though it leans slightly towards the prosecution's perspective by emphasizing the significance of the financial data.