Paolo Duterte’s Mysterious 17-Country Escape

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​Davao City Representative Paolo "Pulong" Duterte, son of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has been granted approval by the House of Representatives to embark on an extensive international journey spanning 17 countries over a period of less than two months. This development unfolds against the backdrop of his father's recent arrest and transfer to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, to face charges of crimes against humanity.​

A Son's Journey Amidst a Father's Trial

On March 20, 2025, House Speaker Martin Romualdez approved Representative Duterte's travel clearance, permitting him to visit the following countries: Hong Kong, China, Malaysia, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, Italy, and Singapore. The travel period is set from March 20 to May 10, 2025. This approval marks the second revision to his initial request, which originally included only Japan and the Netherlands. ​

The timing of this extensive itinerary is particularly noteworthy, as it coincides with former President Rodrigo Duterte's legal battles at the ICC. The former president was arrested on March 11, 2025, upon his return to Manila from Hong Kong, following an arrest warrant issued by the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity linked to his controversial war on drugs. He was subsequently transferred to The Hague to face charges. ​

Family Responses and Political Implications

In response to their patriarch's arrest, the Duterte family has mobilized support. Vice President Sara Duterte, Paolo's sister, traveled to the Netherlands to assist in her father's defense. Her departure underscores the family's commitment to confronting the charges head-on. ​

Representative Paolo Duterte's extensive travel plans have raised questions and speculation. While the official statement describes the trip as personal and self-funded, the breadth of the itinerary has led to conjecture about potential diplomatic engagements or efforts related to his father's situation. House Secretary General Reginald Velasco clarified that such travel requests are typically approved as long as they do not involve government funds, emphasizing the ministerial nature of the approval process. ​

This period is also critical politically, as both Paolo and Rodrigo Duterte are candidates in the upcoming midterm elections scheduled for May 12, 2025. Paolo is seeking reelection as Davao City representative, while his father aims to reclaim the mayoral seat in Davao City. Their electoral bids are challenged by the Nograles siblings, adding another layer of complexity to the Duterte family's current challenges. ​

Legal and Political Ramifications

The arrest of former President Duterte has significant legal and political ramifications. The ICC's charges stem from allegations of extrajudicial killings during his anti-drug campaign, with estimates of fatalities ranging from 6,200, according to police reports, to over 30,000, as claimed by human rights organizations. The international community is closely monitoring the proceedings, which could set a precedent for holding leaders accountable for actions taken while in office. ​

Domestically, the situation has intensified the political rivalry between the Duterte and Marcos families. Reports indicate a deepening feud, highlighted by Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged involvement in a plot against President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. This discord underscores the fragile alliances and power struggles within Philippine politics. ​

Conclusion

As Representative Paolo Duterte embarks on his extensive international journey, the intertwining of personal, legal, and political narratives continues to unfold. The Duterte family's responses to the former president's arrest, coupled with the impending elections and internal political dynamics, contribute to a complex and evolving situation that holds significant implications for the Philippines' political landscape.​

Candon City at 25: A Legacy of Valor Immortalized in Commemorative Stamps

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Candon City, the heart of Ilocos Sur, has long stood as a beacon of history and heroism. Now, as it marks its 25th anniversary, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has unveiled a commemorative stamp that captures the essence of its past, celebrating not only the city’s silver milestone but also the unyielding spirit of its people.

In a grand ceremony, Postmaster General and CEO Luis D. Carlos led the launch of the special postage stamp, a miniature yet powerful canvas that tells the story of Candon’s legacy. At its center is the historic Cry of Candon, an event that echoes through time as a symbol of defiance against Spanish rule. The stamp also honors the city’s beloved son, Don Isabelo Abaya, the valiant leader who dared to challenge colonial oppression. Adding a cultural touch, the design pays tribute to the Candon City Hymn, composed by Mrs. Minerva Dario Singson and Candanino Gaerlan, whose lyrics and melody embody the pride and aspirations of its people.

A Stamp That Travels Through Time

Stamps have long been messengers of history, carrying stories across borders, generations, and cultures. As Postmaster General Carlos eloquently put it, "The commemorative stamp is more than just a piece of paper. It is a reflection of the rich and colorful history of the City of Candon." This tiny work of art will journey beyond Philippine shores, spreading Candon’s story of courage, unity, and patriotism to every corner of the world.

Candon’s Cry for Freedom, which erupted within the hallowed halls of its convent, stands as a pivotal chapter in Philippine history. The uprising, led by Don Isabelo Abaya, was not just a rebellion—it was a declaration of identity, a moment when Candon dared to carve its own destiny. Today, that same spirit of defiance and determination is enshrined in a stamp that will be affixed to letters, postcards, and documents, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past remain vivid in the present.

A Celebration of Progress and Pride

The commemorative event was graced by Mayor Eric D. Singson, whose leadership continues to steer Candon toward progress, alongside Deputy Speaker of the House Kristine Singson Meehan, a staunch advocate of the city’s development. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to preserving history while paving the way for a stronger and more dynamic future.

Adding to the momentous occasion were members of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines and representatives from various government agencies, standing as witnesses to a city that has grown from the embers of its revolutionary past into a flourishing hub of culture, trade, and governance.

Candon’s Future, Written in History

More than just a ceremonial token, this commemorative stamp serves as a testament to the enduring love, dedication, and resilience of the people of Candon. As Postmaster General Carlos expressed, "We hope that these commemorative stamps serve as an inspiration and pride among the people whose dedication and passion have brought prosperity and progress to a stronger City of Candon."

In an era where emails and instant messaging dominate, the act of sending a physical letter carries a certain romanticism, a tangible link to history. And now, with this stamp, every envelope bearing Candon’s legacy becomes a time capsule—a reminder of the city’s glorious past, its present triumphs, and the future it continues to build.

As Candon City celebrates its 25th anniversary, it does not merely look back—it moves forward, carrying the lessons of history in every step, and sending its story to the world, one stamp at a time.

Debunking the Conspiracy: First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ Photo is Real and Unaltered

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Amid the chaotic whirlpool of political drama in the Philippines, another conspiracy theory has surfaced—this time targeting First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos. Duterte loyalists, in their relentless bid to discredit the Marcos administration, have peddled the claim that she is missing, possibly detained in the United States due to a supposed drug overdose. They further allege that the intensified discussions on former President Rodrigo Duterte’s International Criminal Court (ICC) case serve as a mere distraction.

At the heart of this controversy lies a group photo of the First Lady, which has been scrutinized and accused of being digitally manipulated to mask her alleged absence. However, an in-depth forensic analysis has conclusively proven otherwise. This comprehensive breakdown dismantles the falsehoods surrounding the image, establishing it as legitimate, unaltered, and a definitive counterpoint to the unfounded claims circulating on social media.

The Origin of the Controversy

The disputed photo, posted on the First Lady’s official Facebook page, depicts her in a meeting with individuals from the art sector and the Asian Cultural Council at Bahay Pangarap Golf Clubhouse, Malacañan Area, on the morning of March 21, 2025. The image, captured in a well-lit room, showcases natural daylight filtering through windows, supplemented by artificial lighting from ceiling fixtures and an LED monitor.

Duterte loyalists, in their eagerness to undermine the credibility of the Marcos administration, seized upon the image, alleging that it had been digitally doctored to create the illusion of the First Lady’s presence. They suggested that it was a cover-up for her supposed detention in the U.S. However, such claims crumble when confronted with factual, scientific analysis.

Forensic Analysis of the Image

Professor Karen Lee Viudez-Panela of Far Eastern University’s Department of Communication invited an image forensic expert to conduct a meticulous examination of the contested photo. The objective was not to favor any political entity but to uphold the principles of image literacy—a crucial aspect in combating misinformation in today’s digital landscape.

Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Analysis:

1. Geolocation Verification

Using publicly available geolocation tools, the exact location of the meeting was cross-referenced. The coordinates align perfectly with Bahay Pangarap Golf Clubhouse, verifying the claim that the image was taken at Malacañang.

2. Sun Azimuth Analysis

The Sun Calculator was used to verify the lighting conditions at the specified time and location. The angle of natural light in the image corresponds accurately to the sun’s position on the morning of March 21, reinforcing the authenticity of the setting.

3. Structural Integrity of the Image

A close inspection of the photo revealed that:

No elements had been artificially inserted or cloned.

The distribution of light and shadows was consistent with natural illumination, ruling out digital superimposition.

The texture, color consistency, and lighting of First Lady Liza Marcos matched the surrounding environment, dismissing theories of pasting or layering.

4. Compression and Retouching Analysis

A localized blurring effect was detected around the First Lady’s face, leading to speculation that the image had been tampered with. However, further analysis showed that this was a result of standard image compression and quality reduction upon resaving—common in digital uploads. The quantization table indicated a 90% compression quality, proving that minor artifacts were byproducts of normal processing rather than deliberate manipulation.

5. Edge Detection and Quantization Study

High-frequency, low-contrast edges within the image remained consistent throughout the frame. The absence of cut-and-paste discrepancies further validated the photo’s integrity.

Verdict: The Image is Real, and So is the Misinformation Campaign

After an exhaustive forensic analysis, the conclusion is unequivocal: The image of First Lady Liza Marcos remains unaltered and legitimate. While slight retouching is evident, it is well within the bounds of normal digital compression and does not indicate any attempt to deceive.

The accusations leveled by Duterte loyalists—asserting that the First Lady is missing or detained—are not only baseless but also a glaring example of the dangerous misinformation tactics employed in Philippine politics.

Weaponizing Misinformation: A Familiar Playbook

The political landscape has long been marred by the deliberate distortion of facts, where digital manipulation and outright falsehoods are wielded as tools for public deception. The claim that the Duterte ICC case was amplified merely to distract from the First Lady’s supposed disappearance follows a familiar pattern: deflection, distortion, and deceit.

This episode underscores the necessity of critical thinking and image literacy in today’s social media-driven world. Falsehoods, no matter how loudly proclaimed, cannot stand against empirical evidence.

Final Thoughts: Upholding Truth Amidst Political Noise

This forensic investigation serves as a stark reminder that truth is eternal, while knowledge is changeable. The pursuit of social justice demands that we separate fact from fiction, rejecting efforts to manipulate public perception through deception.

The Duterte camp’s desperate attempts to stir controversy through baseless allegations not only expose their dwindling credibility but also highlight the importance of rigorous, evidence-based journalism. As the saying goes, "A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is still putting on its shoes."

But today, the truth has caught up.