Politics & Government — August 26, 2026

Politics and government developments on August 26 are led by testimony in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial and the House’s continuing 2027 budget deliberations. Other active issues include the government’s critical-minerals policy, the Quiboloy extradition review and public-sector accountability cases.

Last updated: 6:15 a.m. PHT

OVP witness testimony focuses on confidential-fund request and handling

Office of the Vice President Assistant Secretary Lemuel Ortonio has testified about the chronology and handling of the OVP’s confidential funds, including the timing of the P250-million request and preparation of supporting plans. Prosecutors are using his testimony to question compliance with confidential-fund rules, while Vice President Sara Duterte denies wrongdoing and her defense continues to contest the allegations. Source: Senate of the Philippines.

Senate impeachment court treats Ortonio as hostile witness

The Senate impeachment court declared Ortonio a hostile witness after finding that his continuing employment under the Vice President created an adverse interest in the proceeding. The designation gives prosecutors broader latitude in questioning him as the court examines how confidential funds were requested, spent and liquidated. Source: Senate of the Philippines.

Impeachment court keeps year-end completion target

Senate President and impeachment presiding officer Francis Escudero has said the court may adjust hearing days around the Senate’s budget calendar but is still aiming to complete the trial before year-end. The chamber must balance the constitutional proceeding with regular legislative work and deliberations on the national budget. Source: Senate of the Philippines.

Fajarda testimony moved as impeachment proceedings continue

Former Department of Education special disbursing officer Edward Fajarda’s expected testimony was moved after Senate medical personnel confirmed he required rest following a stroke. He is among the witnesses expected to be questioned about confidential-fund transactions linked to Duterte’s tenure as education secretary. Source: Senate of the Philippines.

House continues 2027 national budget hearings

The House of Representatives is continuing deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget under a compressed hearing calendar following weather disruptions. Infrastructure, environment, migrant-worker and other agencies are among those appearing before the appropriations panel as lawmakers scrutinize spending priorities. Source: House of Representatives.

Marcos orders stronger local processing of critical minerals

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order 122 directs agencies to strengthen the Philippine critical-minerals industry and promote more local processing and downstream manufacturing. The policy targets higher-value activities such as battery and electronics inputs rather than relying primarily on exports of unprocessed mineral resources. Source: Official Gazette.

DOJ continues review of US extradition request for Quiboloy

The Department of Justice continues reviewing the United States’ extradition request for Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy. The process must account for treaty requirements, supporting records and criminal proceedings already pending in the Philippines. No final government determination has been announced. Source: Department of Justice.

About this brief: PHNews tracks meaningful Philippine politics and government developments throughout the day. Stories are sourced from official organizations and established news outlets. Older developments may be included when they remain active or relevant today.