Windows26: Foreigners to defend Duterte; Roque out, says VP

Hi, ! This Thursday's top stories include foreign lawyers taking over former President Rodrigo Duterte's ICC defense, Sen. Bato dela Rosa's shift in stance on surrender, and Japan's revised visa application process for Filipinos.‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

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March 20, 2025

Hi, reader! This Thursday's top stories include foreign lawyers taking over former President Rodrigo Duterte's ICC defense, Sen. Bato dela Rosa's shift in stance on surrender, and Japan's revised visa application process for Filipinos.

Foreigners to defend Duterte; Roque out, says VP

Only foreign lawyers with a mastery of international law and familiarity with grave crimes under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (ICC) will comprise the defense team of former President Rodrigo Duterte, according to his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.

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Dela Rosa changes tune: 'Why will I surrender?'

After previously declaring that he was ready to surrender if the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague issues a warrant for his arrest, Sen. Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa is now singing a different tune.

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Highlights: Rodrigo Duterte's ICC pre-trial

Follow this page to keep updated on the latest developments in the crimes against humanity filed against former President Rodrigo Duterte at the International Criminal Court (ICC).

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PH ranks 3rd country in Asia for 'unusual heat'

The Philippines ranked third in Asia among countries with the most "unusual heat" caused by climate change within the last three months, scientists from the nonprofit group Climate Central said.

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Japan revises visa application process for Filipinos

Beginning April 7, Filipinos applying for visas to go to Japan will no longer course their applications through accredited travel agencies. Instead, they should file their applications with the Japan Visa Application Center (JVAC), which will operate in five locations nationwide starting on April 7.

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17 drugs now also VAT-free

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has added 17 drug products to its list of essential medication exempted from the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT), making these more affordable to Filipinos.

Will the Senate insist on being the scene of the chaotic enforcement of an international arrest warrant to shield one of its own in the name of tradition? It would be awkward, to say the least, for the Senate to stand in the way of the President's policy to cooperate with the Interpol to give EJK perpetrators their day in court.

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