Windows26: Weekend Roundup: De Lima granted bail, Miss Universe 2023, and free screenings at QC film festival

Weekend Roundup
November 18, 2023

Happy weekend, reader! To recap this week's highlights, here's your #WeekendRoundup, where we bundle up everything and everywhere for your quick catch-up.

At a glance:

Major happenings: This week's top stories include the leadership shake-up in the House of Representatives, the murder of a broadcaster in Misamis Occidental, and the key developments of Sara Duterte's confidential funds.

Might be interesting: The world's first eye transplant is part of this lineup, which also includes Rivermaya's reunion concert and a list of theater plays leading up to Christmas.

TASTE OF FREEDOM: Former Sen. Leila de Lima is all smiles and thankful after the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court on Monday grants her petition for bail in her remaining drug case. De Lima has been in detention at the Philippine National Police Custodial Center in Camp Crame since February 2017. —RICHARD A. REYES

'Finally, freedom!'

After six years, eight months, and 24 days, a Muntinlupa court granted detained former senator Leila de Lima's bail plea for her remaining drug case on Nov. 13.

Quick context: De Lima is facing three drug charges, of which she has successfully won two — one through demurrer of evidence in February 2021 and the other based on the lack of merit in the prosecution's case in May 2023.
Redeeming her name: De Lima, who has been in detention at Camp Crame since February 2017, said that "[t]hey destroyed and ruined my name, my reputation. Now that I am free, I am going to work hard to redeem my name and complete vindication is the key."
Duterte's nemesis: De Lima has consistently refuted the illegal drug trade allegations, asserting that she was a target of a political witch hunt orchestrated by former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Church, international community react: The bail was welcomed by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), along with foreign ambassadors and opposition figures.
Timeline of De Lima's ordeal: For a detailed timeline of the key events in the prosecution of the former senator, you can read it here.

Marcos Jr. appoints Consing as Maharlika president

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. named Rafael D. Consing Jr. as the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maharlika Investment Corporation (MIC) on Monday.

Quick background: Consing, who is the current Presidential Adviser for Investment and Economic Affairs, graduated from De La Salle University in 1989. He has additional training from Stanford University Graduate School of Business Strategic Financial Leadership Program 2016.

Defending the fund: After Marcos Jr. suspended its implementation on Oct. 18, changes were made in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), described by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno as "within the bounds of the law."

Sounding the alarm: Meanwhile, House Deputy Minority Leader France Castro said that the updated MIF IRR reduces the specific duties of the audit and risk management committees and lowers the educational and professional experience prerequisites for top positions within the fund company.

Miss Universe Philippines Michelle Dee/MISS UNIVERSE PHILIPPINES FACEBOOK PHOTO

Michelle Dee, ready for the Miss Universe crown?

The 72nd Miss Universe coronation night is scheduled for Nov. 18 (Nov. 19 in Manila) and INQUIRER.net is providing live coverage! For real-time updates, visit and bookmark this link.

Preliminary competitions, including swimsuit, national costume, and closed-door interviews, have already been underway. To be updated on PH bet Michelle Dee's road to the crown, you may read these stories:

Advocacy: Michelle Dee and her advocacies on autism awareness, gender equality
Preliminaries: Michelle Dee stands out in Mark Bumgarner gown in Miss Universe 2023 prelims
National costume: MMD's national costume is expected to highlight her military training
Cheered by queens: Michelle Dee's 'solid' Miss Universe prelim performance lauded by Catriona Gray, Pia Wurtzbach

Films everywhere: Nadine Lustre, QCinema International Film Festival

Watch out for Nadine Lustre's latest offering on the big screen! This 2023, the two-time FAMAS Best Actress is unleashing more of her acting chops through a new role in a brand new series.

On Nov. 13, streaming site Prime Video posted a teaser of one of their newest offerings: "Roadkillers." In the teaser, viewers are confronted with a crime scene and the questions surrounding it, while a voiceover provides a glimpse into the internal struggle of Nadine's character.

Catch "National Anarchist: Lino Brocka" and short films from Filipino and Southeast Asian filmmakers this month for free!

The QCinema International Film Festival is back. Running from Nov. 17 to 26, its 11th edition is already creating buzz for its new sections and programs. Additionally, it introduces festival award-winning films and Oscar entries (screening in the country for the first time!) to its lineup.