“VOID AB INITIO!”: Sara Duterte’s High-Stakes Gambit to Stop Impeachment Dead in Its Tracks

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As the sun set over the capital, a quiet but thunderous political maneuver unfolded inside the hallowed halls of government. At precisely 5:49 p.m., a 34-page legal bombshell landed on the desks of the Senate impeachment court — Vice President Sara Duterte, through her legal team, was not just defending herself; she was demanding a complete shutdown of the impeachment proceedings, declaring the complaint against her as “void ab initio”—invalid from the very beginning.

In the boldest act yet of her political survival campaign, Duterte did not appear in person. She didn’t need to. Her message, contained in carefully crafted legalese, was clear: this trial has no right to exist.

A Storm of Accusations

The charges leveled against the sitting Vice President are some of the most severe in the nation’s history. This is not just about politics — this is about the alleged misuse of over P600 million in confidential funds, supposed plots to assassinate high-ranking officials including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., bribery, unexplained wealth, and even ties to extrajudicial killings during her tenure as Davao City mayor.

This latest — and fourth — impeachment complaint combines seven explosive articles, categorized under six grave offenses. It was filed after months of growing outrage from legislators and watchdog groups, who accused the Vice President of turning public service into a private fiefdom. According to reports, the charges rest on an incriminating trail of receipts, testimonies, and media interviews — some featuring Duterte herself admitting she fantasized about decapitating the First Lady.

A Legal Chess Move

In the face of this firestorm, Duterte's defense team launched a surgical strike: discredit the entire process before it even reaches the courtroom floor. The central argument? That the impeachment complaint violates the Constitution’s one-year bar rule, which prohibits the initiation of more than one impeachment proceeding against the same official within a 12-month period. Duterte's lawyers argue that a similar complaint was filed earlier, making this one constitutionally infirm.

By submitting an “Answer ad cautelam” — a legal response filed out of caution and not consent — Duterte isn’t just contesting the charges. She’s declaring the entire trial as illegitimate. It’s a full-frontal legal attack designed to kill the proceedings procedurally before they even begin substantively.

The Long Road to This Moment

This impeachment saga began months ago, on February 5, 2025, when the House of Representatives decisively voted to impeach the Vice President with 215 lawmakers in favor. It marked the beginning of a national reckoning, a moment that would divide the political elite and send shockwaves across the country.

By June 10, the Senate formally swore in its members as judges for the impeachment court, signifying readiness to proceed with the trial. But in an unexpected twist, the Senate sent the articles of impeachment back to the House, demanding a certification of constitutional compliance. Legal scholars and political observers were divided — was this a procedural pause or a veiled escape hatch?

The House responded immediately. On June 11, it issued the required certification, reaffirming its belief that the impeachment process had followed the constitutional playbook to the letter. With that, the path to trial seemed clear — until Duterte’s legal team triggered another delay with its “void ab initio” defense.

Now, all eyes are on July 28, when the 20th Congress formally opens its legislative session. It is here, in this coming storm, that the Senate must finally decide: proceed to trial or buckle under the weight of Duterte’s constitutional counterstrike?

A Battle for Power, Legacy, and 2028

This is not merely a legal spectacle. This is a war for political survival — with the 2028 presidential elections looming on the horizon. Vice President Sara Duterte, once hailed as the heir to her father's political dynasty, now finds herself cornered, embattled, and fighting for her political life.

Supporters claim this impeachment is a coordinated effort by political enemies to eliminate her from the presidential race before the campaign even begins. Critics argue it’s the long-overdue reckoning of a public official who blurred the lines between power and impunity. And through it all, the Filipino people watch — wary, weary, but increasingly unwilling to be left in the dark.

A Nation Holds Its Breath

With the filing of her bold legal challenge, Sara Duterte has thrown down the gauntlet. She’s not begging for mercy. She’s daring the system to prove it works — or expose itself as broken.

If the Senate dismisses the complaint, it will signal that technicalities can outmaneuver accountability. If it proceeds, it could mark the first time a sitting Vice President in Philippine history faces the full force of a Senate trial. Either way, the implications are seismic.

And so, the nation waits. For a trial. For justice. For truth — or the lack of it — to finally rise above the noise.

The Philippines: Asia's Next Golf Capital in the Making

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

How a nation built for precision, rhythm, and grit might quietly revolutionize Asian golf

In the rolling hills of Tagaytay, where morning mist clings to emerald fairways, something extraordinary is happening. Young Filipinos are trading basketball courts for driving ranges, exchanging quick-fire games for the slow, meditative art of golf. What was once dismissed as an exclusive rich man's sport is quietly becoming the next obsession of Generation Z Filipinos—and it might just transform the Philippines into Asia's most unexpected golf powerhouse.

The Quiet Revolution

Golf in the Philippines is experiencing a cultural metamorphosis. The sport that once hid behind the gates of exclusive country clubs is now finding its way into urban malls, onto social media feeds, and into the hearts of a new generation. The numbers tell a compelling story: golf tourism revenue surged to ₱1.3 billion in 2023, marking a remarkable 36% increase from pre-pandemic levels.

But this isn't just about economics—it's about a fundamental shift in how Filipinos view golf. The average age of new Filipino golfers has dropped to 26-35, signaling a generational embrace of what was once considered an aging sport. With over 80 golf courses scattered across the archipelago, most built during the pre-2000s boom, the infrastructure is already in place for this quiet revolution.

The Filipino Golf Advantage

What makes the Philippines uniquely positioned for golf dominance isn't just geography—it's culture. Filipino society has unknowingly been preparing for this moment for decades.

Precision Meets Patience: The cultural emphasis on coordination, honed through generations of basketball and billiards mastery, translates seamlessly to golf's demands for precise, controlled movement. Filipinos don't just play sports; they study them, break them down, perfect them.

Natural Rhythm: In a nation where music pulses through daily life, the concept of timing and rhythm—golf's most elusive elements—comes naturally. The fluid, musical quality of a perfect golf swing mirrors the innate body movement that defines Filipino culture.

Mental Fortitude: Perhaps most importantly, golf rewards the very qualities Filipinos have developed through centuries of adaptability and resilience. The mental game—staying composed under pressure, bouncing back from setbacks, finding solutions when things go wrong—might as well be a description of the Filipino spirit.

Community and Lifestyle: Golf's social, community-centric nature aligns perfectly with Filipino values. It's not just about the game; it's about relationships, shared experiences, and the kind of slow-paced, thoughtful interaction that contrasts beautifully with our hyperconnected world.

World-Class Courses, Untapped Potential

The Philippines doesn't just have golf courses—it has potential masterpieces. Consider Anvaya Cove in Bataan, where coastal layouts create some of Asia's most scenic seaside golf experiences. Or venture to Tagaytay Midlands, where elevated terrain and weather advantages create links-style challenges that rival anything in Scotland.

Southwoods in Laguna stands as a testament to what's possible—a Jack Nicklaus design that already hosts major Asian tournaments. Meanwhile, emerging projects like Liloan Golf in Cebu represent the future: modern links developments that could redefine championship golf in Southeast Asia.

Perhaps most intriguingly, the Clark Freeport Zone courses hint at something bigger—a potential hub where flat terrain meets world-class infrastructure, creating the perfect environment for a golf boom.

The Lifestyle Revolution

This isn't just about sport; it's about lifestyle evolution. Golf fashion is crossing over into mainstream Filipino style, with new brands specifically targeting younger demographics. Mini driving ranges are appearing in urban malls, making the sport accessible to city dwellers who might never venture to traditional courses.

The "golfcore" aesthetic—athletic wear that bridges fashion and function—is gaining traction among Filipino influencers on TikTok and Instagram. These content creators aren't just showing off their swings; they're positioning golf as a lifestyle choice that's both aspirational and attainable.

Most tellingly, women's participation in recreational golf has increased by 18% year-over-year since 2022. This isn't just growth; it's transformation—golf is becoming a sport that transcends traditional demographic boundaries.

Emerging Stars and Untapped Talent

The talent pipeline is already producing results. Yuka Saso, born in Bulacan but now representing Japan, captured the 2021 U.S. Women's Open, proving that Filipino golfers can compete at the highest levels. Rupert Zaragosa represents the ideal amateur-to-professional transition model, while rising stars like Aidric Chan are gaining attention for their media-friendly personalities and competitive skills.

But here's the crucial insight: these successes represent just the beginning. The talent exists—it's the system that needs scaling.

The Missing Pieces

What's holding the Philippines back isn't ability or interest—it's infrastructure. Unlike Korea and Japan, which have developed comprehensive national training pipelines, the Philippines lacks the systematic approach to developing talent from grassroots to professional levels.

The country needs accessible equipment, sponsorship programs, and school partnerships. Most critically, it needs one breakout golf icon to capture the national imagination and inspire the next generation.

The Economic Opportunity

Golf courses are significantly cheaper to develop than major sports stadiums, yet they attract high-value tourism and luxury real estate development. For a nation looking to diversify its economy and attract affluent visitors, golf represents a strategic opportunity that's both practical and profitable.

Asia is now the world's second-largest golf market after the United States, and the Philippines has the climate, geography, and growing enthusiasm to claim a significant share of that market.

A Nation Built to Hack Golf

The Philippines possesses something that can't be taught or bought: the cultural DNA for golf excellence. Golf rewards control, rhythm, and emotional intelligence—qualities that Filipinos have been developing for generations through music, sport, and the daily practice of resilience.

While other nations swing hard, the Philippines might just play smarter. The combination of natural ability, growing enthusiasm, world-class courses, and strategic advantages creates a perfect storm for golf development.

The Future Tees Off Now

The infrastructure exists. The talent is emerging. The culture is shifting. What the Philippines needs now is vision—the recognition that golf isn't just a sport but a pathway to economic development, tourism growth, and cultural expression.

In a world where everyone is swinging harder, the Philippines has the opportunity to play smarter. The country that gave the world boxing champions and basketball legends might be on the verge of its next great sporting export.

The question isn't whether the Philippines can become Asia's next golf capital—it's whether the nation will recognize the opportunity before it tees off. Because while the world is focused on power and speed, the Philippines might just win with precision, patience, and the kind of quiet determination that turns underdogs into champions.

The first tee is ready. The course is set. All that remains is for the Philippines to step up and take its shot at golf greatness.

BIR Adds 10 Medicines for Cancer, Diabetes, High Cholesterol, Hypertension, and Mental Illness to VAT-Exempt List

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr, issued Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 62-2025 further expanding the list of VAT-exempt medicines. Filipinos suffering from chronic and life-threatening illnesses stand to benefit from the latest update to the list of VAT-exempt products which now includes additional medicines for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness, as announced by the BIR.

"The BIR has issued an additional VAT-exemption of 10 medicines for cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension, and mental illness. Access to affordable medicines is part of BIR's Excellent Taxpayer Service," Commissioner Lumagui stated.

(Refer to the table below for details)

These changes aim to enhance access to critical medications by reducing treatment costs for patients and their families. The VAT exemption pursuant to Republic Act No. 10963, or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, and Republic Act No. 11534, or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act is intended to be responsive and adaptive to current public health needs, guided by the latest evaluations from the FDA.