Too much speaking time? Senator Raffy Tulfo hits the buzzer.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentProgressiveFactual 95Objective 85yesterday

During the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 22, 2026, Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo questioned NBI Director Melvin Matibag about whether former President Rodrigo Duterte would have ordered an arrest if former Vice President Leni Robredo had made statements similar to those attributed to individuals accused of threatening public officials. Tulfo emphasized that he believes Robredo 'would never do that,' citing her character. The article provides live updates from the ongoing impeachment proceedings.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the discussion around the character of Leni Robredo, a prominent opposition figure, and implies that her actions would differ from those of others accused of threatening public officials. This suggests a left-leaning perspective by highlighting Robredo's integrity while indirectly

Why factuality (95): The article accurately summarizes NBI Director Matibag’s testimony regarding the narrowing of suspects in the investigation. It provides specific details about the reduction in the number of persons of interest and aligns with the primary source document.

Why objectivity (85): The tone remains neutral, focusing on the factual progression of the investigation. There is minimal editorializing, though the article emphasizes the significance of the development.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 85yesterday

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director, Melvin Matibag, testified during the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, stating that threats against the president constitute a threat to national security. These threats stem from Duterte's November 2024 media statement where she allegedly claimed to have hired individuals to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife Liza Araneta-Marcos, and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Matibag emphasized that these statements are being treated as plans for assassination rather than mere threats. To address this, the NBI has created a special task force under Administrative Order No. 11 to investigate further, monitor threats, and report any urgent developments. This task force operates under close coordination with the NBI director and is monitoring factors such as public statements and rallies, including a speech by Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

Bias read (Center): The article presents testimony from the NBI director regarding ongoing investigations into threats against the president, which are considered a matter of national security. The content is primarily factual, quoting the director's statements without overtly favoring either side of the political fray

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports on Escudero’s ruling regarding the separation of trial issues from Senate sessions. It reflects the presiding officer’s decision without embellishment or contradiction to the primary source.

Why objectivity (85): The tone is neutral, reporting on the procedural ruling without expressing personal views. The article avoids taking sides in the broader implications of the ruling.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 80yesterday

Vice President Sara Duterte requested that the Senate cover the catering costs for her defense team during her impeachment trial, according to a letter obtained by the media. House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Janette Garin criticized the request as 'improper' and 'funny,' noting that it is unusual for a court to bear the expenses of either the prosecution or defense. Garin emphasized that while the defense has the right to request catering, it is more appropriate for the defense to cover these costs rather than the court. She also warned that such a request could be seen as disrespectful to the Senate Impeachment Court. Duterte justified the request citing legitimate security concerns, stating that food and beverages should be provided in a secure area for her team and witnesses.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both Vice President Sara Duterte's request and Deputy Speaker Janette Garin's criticism without taking a clear stance. It includes direct quotes from both parties involved, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on the presented information. There is no evident bias,

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports on Garin’s comments regarding Vice President Duterte’s request for Senate to cover meal costs. It presents the direct quote and contextualizes it without adding unverified claims. The content aligns with the primary source document.

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting Garin’s opinion without overt bias. While it implies criticism through the phrasing 'improper and funny,' it does so through the quoted remarks rather than editorializing.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 80yesterday

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has narrowed its search for Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged assassin to fewer than 20 persons of interest, according to NBI Director Melvin Matibag during the resumption of Duterte's impeachment trial. The investigation includes 'men in uniform' and individuals linked to the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG). Matibag stated that the NBI expects to identify the alleged hitman within three to six months, though he acknowledged the possibility of failing to do so. He emphasized that the narrowing of suspects and cooperation from family members provide optimism for a successful outcome. The case stems from a video released by Duterte in November 2024, where she claimed to have hired someone to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., his wife, and others.

Bias read (Center): The article presents factual updates on an ongoing legal and political investigation involving high-ranking officials. It quotes NBI Director Matibag directly and does not exhibit overtly biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omissions that would indicate a clear ideological slant. The content is

Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports on Matibag’s testimony about the threat to national security and the ongoing investigation. It reflects the NBI director’s statements without introducing additional claims or interpretations.

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains a neutral tone, presenting Matibag’s statements without apparent bias. However, it frames the threat as a serious matter, which could be seen as slightly leaning toward the prosecution’s position.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 753 days ago

On the seventh day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, Senator Francis Escudero, the presiding officer, stated that matters unrelated to the impeachment proceedings would be addressed once the Senate reconvenes as a legislative body. This clarification comes amid ongoing discussions about the scope and conduct of the trial, which is being closely followed by the public and media. The ruling aims to delineate the boundaries of the trial's focus, ensuring that non-impeachment-related topics are handled during regular legislative sessions. The decision reflects procedural clarity within the Senate's handling of high-profile legal processes.

Bias read (Center): The article provides a neutral report on a procedural ruling made by a senator during an impeachment trial. It does not exhibit biased language, one-sided sourcing, or omission of context. The content focuses on clarifying the scope of the trial without taking a stance on the broader political issue

Why factuality (85): The article accurately describes Senator-judge Tulfo’s concerns about speaking time and the role of the buzzer. It includes direct quotes and context from the trial, aligning with the primary source document.

Why objectivity (75): The tone is somewhat subjective, highlighting Tulfo’s frustration and the perceived imbalance in speaking times. While it reports the events objectively, it conveys a sense of tension that may reflect the reporter’s interpretation.

Philippine Daily InquirerIndependentCenter6 hr. ago

Senator Erwin Tulfo stated that the Senate majority has refused Vice President Sara Duterte's request for the Senate to cover the cost of catering for her staff and legal team during her ongoing impeachment trial. The Senate president, Sherwin Gatchalian, will make the final decision, but Tulfo indicated that the majority opposes the request. They expressed concerns about accountability to the Commission on Audit (COA), funding sources, and the selection of the caterer. Duterte had formally requested the Senate to pay for food and beverage services provided by the Office of the Vice President's accredited caterer. The impeachment trial, which involves allegations of financial misconduct and abuse of power, has only completed nine out of ninety-two scheduled trial days.

Bias read (Center): The article presents both the Vice President's request and the Senate's opposition without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from Senator Erwin Tulfo explaining the Senate's reasoning and provides context about the nature of the request and the impeachment trial. There is no明显的

RapplerIndependentConservative15 hr. ago

Vice President Sara Duterte has requested that the Philippine Senate cover the cost of meals for her legal defense team during her impeachment trial. In a letter dated July 7, she outlined three main requests: serving meals in a designated holding room, using the Office of the Vice President’s accredited caterer, and having the Senate bear the associated costs. Deputy Speaker Janette Garin criticized the request as improper, noting that the Vice President already has an office that could cover such expenses. Senator Ping Lacson, chair of the committee on accounts, expressed strong opposition, arguing that the Senate already has an accredited caterer and sufficient funds allocated for the impeachment trial through the 2025 General Appropriations Act. Defense spokesperson Michael Poa stated that the request remains pending and that no meals have been provided yet. The impeachment trial continues with 16 defense lawyers representing Duterte.

Bias read (Conservative): The article frames the Vice President's request as potentially violating government procurement laws and highlights opposition from a senator who represents a more conservative faction. While the article presents both sides (Duterte's request and the senator's counterarguments), the emphasis on the

RapplerIndependentCenteryesterday

During the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 22, 2026, Senator-judge Raffy Tulfo raised concerns about perceived unequal speaking times among senator-judges. He noted that members of the opposing side appeared to receive longer speaking periods, sometimes up to 10 minutes, whereas his group was frequently cut off after just two minutes. Tulfo reportedly encouraged the Senate secretariat to use the buzzer to ensure fairness in allowing other senators to speak. Presiding Officer Chiz Escudero denied any division between majority and minority groups, stating that all participants were equal as senator-judges. The identity of the mysterious bell-ringer, later revealed to be Anika, a lawyer from the Senate secretariat, became a point of humor in the courtroom. Despite procedural rules limiting speaking time to two minutes per senator, some judges extended their remarks, leading to informal interactions involving the buzzer among several senators.

Bias read (Center): The article reports on a specific event within a political process—the impeachment trial—without overtly favoring any side. It presents quotes from multiple senators and describes the situation neutrally, focusing on procedural issues rather than ideological stances. No clear bias toward either the检