Michael Apacible Bulletin

Palace to Former Spokesperson Roque: You Can't Hide Behind Asylum Request Malacañang Palace has issued a firm statement regarding former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's request for political asylum in the Netherlands, asserting that this action cannot shield him from a valid arrest warrant issued in the Philippines. Roque, who is facing an arrest warrant for his alleged involvement in a Philippine offshore gaming operation (POGO) hub in Pampanga, recently stated his intention to continue pursuing political asylum. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed the issue directly in a press briefing . She emphasized that Roque bears the responsibility of proving that the legal actions against him constitute mere harassment. "Roque filed his petition for asylum. So, to avoid arrest, especially since our country has issued a valid warrant of arrest, it is his responsibility to prove that any attempt to bring him back to the Philippines, whether thr...

Hacienda Luisita: My Personal Take on a Complex Legacy Okay, let's talk about Hacienda Luisita. This topic, man, it's a tangled web of history, family, and politics, and honestly, it's something I've spent a lot of time trying to wrap my head around. And look, I'm just a blogger, sharing my personal analysis and opinions here, not a historian or a lawyer. So, here's what I see: this whole narrative about the Aquino family and Hacienda Luisita? It’s often painted in these broad, black-and-white strokes, especially when it comes to the late President Benigno Aquino III. But after digging into it, I'm starting to think it's way more gray than anyone wants to admit. First off, the history. It’s crucial to remember that the land wasn't originally an Aquino thing. It was a Cojuangco thing, his mother's side. That's a huge distinction, and I think it gets lost in a lot of the noise. It matters because it shifts the focus a bit. It’s not about the Aq...

ICC Names Suspects in Duterte Drug War: What's Next? President Bongbong Marcos has received a document from the International Criminal Court (ICC) identifying individuals suspected of involvement in the controversial Duterte Drug War according to former Senator Antonio Trillanes. This document includes the names of key figures from the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte and their possible involvement in human rights violations. Who Are the Suspects? Senator Ronaldo de la Rosa Senator Ronaldo de la Rosa, who served as the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the Duterte Administration, is one of the primary suspects named by the ICC. Since 2016, de la Rosa has been implicated in the drug war operations that resulted in numerous deaths. General Oscar Albayalde Also named is General Oscar Albayalde, who succeeded de la Rosa as PNP Chief. Like his predecessor, Albayalde faces allegations of involvement in the violent anti-drug campaigns. Other Officials I...