A Swift Swing of Justice or Political Vendetta? Duterte-Appointed Justices Reverse De Lima Acquittal a Day After She Joins VP Sara Duterte Impeachment Panel

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In a move that has sent shockwaves through the nation's political and judicial circles, the Court of Appeals (CA) Eighth Division—stacked with appointees of former president Rodrigo Duterte—has overturned the 2023 acquittal of former senator Leila de Lima in one of her high-profile drug cases. The dramatic twist came barely 24 hours after De Lima accepted an invitation to join the House panel that will prosecute Vice President Sara Duterte in her looming impeachment trial.

The timing, as critics and observers are quick to point out, could not be more damning—or deliberate.

A Sudden Turn in a Long Ordeal

De Lima, a staunch critic of the Duterte regime and a former justice secretary known for her vocal opposition to the bloody "War on Drugs," had spent over six years in detention on what she and her supporters call trumped-up charges designed to silence her dissent. In 2023, the lower court finally acquitted her in one of the remaining drug cases, seen as a major step in restoring her civil liberties and political career.

But in an eyebrow-raising twist, the CA’s Eighth Division granted a petition for certiorari filed by Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra—himself Duterte’s former justice secretary—effectively undoing her acquittal and reviving the specter of legal limbo.

The ruling was penned by Associate Justice Eleuterio Bathan, a Duterte appointee, and concurred with by fellow Duterte appointee Justice Florencio Mamauag Jr., alongside Division Chair Justice Nina Antonio-Valenzuela, who was named to the bench by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a Duterte ally.

The Shadow of Political Retaliation

The reversal has not gone unnoticed for its uncanny timing: it was made public just a day after House Speaker Martin Romualdez formally announced De Lima’s participation in the prosecution panel tasked with building the impeachment case against no less than the sitting Vice President—and Duterte’s daughter—Sara Duterte.

While the justices involved have yet to issue a statement addressing the political implications, legal experts and political commentators alike are reading the situation as more than mere coincidence.

"Such timing strains credulity," said a former Supreme Court justice who declined to be named. “It risks undermining the public’s already fragile faith in the independence of the judiciary.”

On social media, outrage has erupted. The hashtags #DeLima and #PoliticalPersecution began trending within hours of the decision’s release, with many users pointing to a pattern of judicial weaponization under the Duterte administration and its residual influence.

De Lima: Free—for Now

Despite the CA’s reversal, De Lima remains free—for now. Her legal team has vowed to elevate the matter to the Supreme Court, expressing confidence that the High Tribunal will correct what they call a “grave injustice.”

"Former Senator De Lima has endured unimaginable suffering because of politically motivated charges," said her lawyer in a brief press statement. "We will not allow the clock to be turned back."

De Lima is also on track to assume her role as a party-list representative under the ML banner—a return to public service many see as long overdue.

But with the legal tide turning once more against her, questions linger: Will she be able to participate fully in the high-stakes impeachment trial of the Vice President? Or is this court reversal merely the opening salvo in a broader campaign to suppress her political resurgence?

A Nation on Edge

The developments mark yet another flashpoint in the escalating power struggle between camps aligned with former president Duterte and those positioning themselves as reformists in the post-Duterte era. With the Vice President facing her own impeachment battle and De Lima being drawn back into a legal quagmire, the battle lines are clearly being drawn—not just in Congress, but in courtrooms across the land.

More than a legal setback, the CA’s decision has ignited a firestorm of speculation about the enduring grip of Duterte-era influence, even as the country ostensibly turns a new page.

The question now is not just whether justice is being served—but whose justice, and at what cost to democracy?

For continuous updates and fearless analysis, stay tuned to Wazzup Pilipinas—the voice of the people, by the people, and for the truth.

When Cuisine Blooms: Sheraton Manila Bay’s Petals and Palates 2 Unfolds an Enchanting Floral Feast on May 29

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In a night where gastronomy meets garden elegance, and visual art intertwines with indulgent bites, Sheraton Manila Bay once again sets the stage for a multi-sensory journey unlike any other. Back by popular demand, the “Discovery Moment: Petals and Palates Part 2” returns on May 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM—and this time, it’s bolder, more vibrant, and dripping in fragrant, floral sophistication.

Set within the refined interiors of &More by Sheraton, the hotel’s signature café will be transformed into a whimsical wonderland where edible flowers dance on porcelain plates and art spills from canvases into cocktails. After the undeniable success of its first edition, Sheraton’s second act in this floral-gastronomic series promises an elevated immersion into beauty, taste, and creative expression.

A Symphony of Blooms and Bites

At the heart of Petals and Palates 2 is an intricately curated four-course floral menu, each dish a masterpiece that embodies both flavor and floral elegance. It’s not just a dinner—it’s a narrative told in textures, colors, aromas, and taste.

Mini Salad Bouquets – Not your ordinary greens. These garden-fresh arrangements, styled like tiny handheld flower bundles, offer both a feast for the palate and a snapshot-worthy start to the evening. Vibrant vegetables and lush greens are plated with couture precision.

Chawan Mushi with Tako and Edible Blooms – A refined Japanese classic reimagined. The silky-smooth custard cradles tender octopus and earthy mushrooms, gently kissed by the delicate petals of edible flowers. A dish that whispers luxury in every spoonful.

Pearls and Petals Mini Chirashi – The main act. A dazzling rice ensemble layered with treasures from the sea—fresh tuna, salmon, kani, shrimp, unagi, and tamago—crowned with floral accents, creating a visual mosaic that tastes as divine as it looks.

Each course is artfully paired with bespoke cocktails, meticulously mixed to heighten the dining experience, teasing the tastebuds and weaving in fragrant floral notes that echo the dishes they accompany.

Art Beyond the Plate

The enchantment doesn’t end at the table. Fili Artists Manila, known for their bold and contemporary Filipino expressions, will unveil an art exhibit that stretches across the space, bringing every corner of &More to life. The walls will bloom with colors, textures, and stories—further enhancing the magical atmosphere of the evening.

The exhibit transforms Sheraton Manila Bay into more than a dining venue—it becomes a living canvas, marrying the culinary with the creative in a celebration of Filipino culture and artistry.

More Than a Meal, It’s a Moment

For the discerning diner, the art enthusiast, or anyone in pursuit of an unforgettable night out, Petals and Palates Part 2 is an invitation to momentary escape—a place where petals fall gently onto palates, and every detail is touched by beauty.

Seats are limited, ensuring an intimate experience for each guest. Whether you're sipping on a floral-infused cocktail, admiring the bold strokes of local art, or tasting a petal-laced chirashi for the first time, this Discovery Moment is one that promises to linger long after the final course.

Event Details

Where: &More by Sheraton, Sheraton Manila Bay

When: May 29, 2025 | 7:00 PM

Investment in an unforgettable evening: Php 1,999 net per person

Club Marriott Exclusive: Php 1,800 net

For inquiries and reservations:

Facebook & Instagram: @sheratonmanilabay

Email: reservations.manilabay@sheraton.com

Call: (02) 5318 0788

Let your senses blossom. Step into a world where food is art, and art is flavor.

Because at Sheraton Manila Bay, every bite blooms.

Beyond the Ballot: Angara Calls for a New Revolution in Education After Historic Voter Turnout

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As the dust settles from the heated battlefield of the 2025 midterm elections, one voice rises above the celebratory noise—not in triumph, but in challenge. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara, speaking in the wake of an electoral turnout that galvanized nearly 80% of the nation’s 68 million registered voters, offered both a message of gratitude and a powerful call to action: champion education, or risk betraying the promise of democracy.

In a moment that could have easily been consumed by political self-congratulations, Angara chose instead to shine a spotlight on the deeper meaning of democracy. “We are grateful to every Filipino who exercised their right to vote. Democracy is our people staying engaged, especially in causes that shape the future, like education,” he declared.

His words, laced with sincerity and urgency, served as both tribute and dare. If the vote was the spark, then education must be the fire that sustains it.

A Mandate Renewed, a Mission Reimagined

Angara aligned his sentiments with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s post-election message, calling the peaceful and orderly conduct of the polls a “renewal of our democracy.” But he did not stop there. “Now, we must channel that same commitment to the long-term work ahead, ensuring that every Filipino child has access to quality learning aligned with our Bagong Pilipinas vision,” Angara asserted.

His call comes at a critical juncture. The elections ushered in a wave of new leaders—some returning veterans of public service, others young reformists armed with idealism. But for Angara, hope is not enough. “Leadership needs clarity,” he said through Undersecretary Ron Mendoza during the 2024 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) national data dissemination forum.

He challenged the incoming public servants to translate data into action. Every number in a literacy report, every statistic on school access, every indicator of digital divide—they are not just metrics. “For the hands of newly elected leaders, every percentage point becomes a budget line, a classroom, a reading corner, a chance at a better life.”

Teachers: Unsung Heroes of Democracy

In an impassioned recognition of those who stand on the frontline of both education and civic duty, Angara lauded over 600,000 teachers and Department of Education (DepEd) personnel who served as poll workers across the nation. “Our teachers once again proved to be frontliners of democracy,” he said. “Their professionalism, calm under pressure, and deep sense of service are examples we can all learn from.”

The gratitude was not perfunctory—it was deeply personal. In a country where teachers often face low wages, limited resources, and unrealistic demands, their silent labor in ensuring peaceful and transparent elections speaks volumes about the soul of the nation.

The Ballot is Cast, But the Real Vote Is Daily

Perhaps the most profound message from Secretary Angara was that elections are not the culmination of democratic participation—but merely the beginning.

“The Midterm elections may be over, but the real work of nation-building continues,” he said. “We encourage everyone to be an education champion.”

It’s a rallying cry not just to elected officials but to every Filipino—to parents choosing between tuition and groceries, to students juggling studies and part-time work, to community leaders deciding how to spend limited barangay funds.

The underlying truth Angara wants the country to grasp is this: if democracy is to mean anything beyond the ballot box, it must be lived every day in our commitment to education.

From Civics to Classrooms: A Call to All Filipinos

As the nation reflects on a historic voter turnout and a largely peaceful electoral process, Angara’s message is clear and uncompromising—we must match our democratic will with educational resolve.

The classroom, not the campaign stage, is where the battle for the future will be won or lost. And if the Filipino people can rally behind a single day of elections, Angara believes they can—and must—rally every day for the future of their children.

After all, in the words of the Education Secretary himself: “Hope alone is not enough.”

This article was written by Ross Flores Del Rosario, founder of Wazzup Pilipinas, in support of nation-building through education and civic engagement.