Windows26: Weekend Roundup: Sara challenges impeachment before SC, Pope Francis’ health updates, and more

Hi, reader!

This week, we covered former President Rodrigo Duterte facing sedition charges and the intensifying debate over VP Sara Duterte's impeachment trial. Plus, the latest on Pope Francis' health.

This is your Weekend Roundup, your weekly fix for everything you need to catch up.

IMPEACHMENT UPDATES

Sara fights back

A group of lawyers from Mindanao, officials of Davao City and other supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte petitioned the Supreme Court to stop the Senate from proceeding with her impeachment trial, arguing that it was based on a "defective" complaint.

Meanwhile, the SC may take up during its en banc session on Feb. 18 an earlier petition urging it to compel the Senate to "immediately" begin the trial. The petitioner asked the high tribunal to instruct the Senate to "immediately" form an impeachment court.

One of the framers of the 1987 Constitution said the Senate should immediately begin the trial since the time-sensitive nature of impeachment was the reason they used the term "forthwith" in the provisions about the political exercise.

Sen. Koko Pimentel also wrote to Senate President Chiz Escudero, emphasizing the chamber's duty to act without delay, as mandated by Article 11, Section 3, Paragraph 4 of the Constitution.

FROM THE NEWS DESK

Editors' Picks

DA starts releasing NFA rice to dampen prices

The Department of Agriculture (DA) started releasing National Food Authority (NFA) rice stocks to local governments on Wednesday, two weeks after declaring a food security emergency to temper rising retail prices.

Aramco back in PH, to buy 25% of Unioil

Saudi oil giant Aramco is making its way back to Philippine shores through a planned acquisition of a 25-percent stake in Unioil Petroleum. This move came almost 17 years after Aramco exited Petron Corp.

Gilas Pilipinas falls to hot-shooting Chinese Taipei in Fiba qualifiers

Gilas Pilipinas knew it would be going up against a "lot, lot better" Chinese Taipei squad in their return match in the third and final window of the 2025 Fiba Asia Cup qualifiers. That forecast turned out to be true as the Nationals fell to the vengeful hosts, 91-84.

NBA All-Star Game: Steph Curry captures MVP honors at home

The final pregame introduction belonged to none other than Stephen Curry. The big MVP trophy at the end, Curry heaved that up into the air, too, in a fitting finish to his All-Star Game at home. His arena. His fans. His shining moment — the latest one on the list, that is.

After Sofronio Vasquez, another Filipino charms in 'The Voice USA' auditions

Two months after Sofronio Vasquez's "The Voice USA" historic win, another Filipino singer Jessica Manalo is trying her luck at the competition, making two coaches turn their seats during this season's blind auditions.

Andi Eigenmann, Philmar Alipayo get inked together

After settling their spat that involved a "spontaneous tattoo," Andi Eigenmann and Philmar Alipayo were spotted getting inked with new tattoos. The couple bonded over a tattoo session, as shown in a video shared on Instagram by a tattoo studio.

Mon Confiado nagsalita na sa hindi pagpapalabas ng Pepsi Paloma movie

Naging maingat si Mon Confiado sa pagsagot sa mga tanong tungkol sa kontrobersyal na pelikula ni Darryl Yap na "The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma." "Alam namin yung istorya. Pero kung papaano ipo-promote ni Direk, hindi namin alam yun," esplika ng premyadong aktor.

Xian kay Puso ng saging kay Andi pero kaibigan mo ginastusan, ano sey mo?'

Matapos depensahan ni Derek Ramsay ang kanyang kaibigan na si Pernilla Sjöo, tila may hamon si Xian Gaza. Sa isang Facebook post, ibinandera niya ang ilang screenshots mula sa Valentine's post ni Philmar Alipayo na sinorpresa ang fiancee na si Andi Eigenmann.

INQFOCUS

Rare diseases

For many Filipinos, receiving a medical diagnosis is supposed to provide clarity. But for those with rare diseases, it often raises more questions than answers. What comes next? Will treatment be available? How much will it cost? And perhaps the hardest question of all: Will life ever be the same? Read this INQFocus story in line with National Rare Disease Week.

ON MY RADAR

Must-reads