Defense claims Sara Duterte’s grave threats are justified | The wRap

Today’s headlines: Sara Duterte impeachment, Erwin Tulfo, Benhur Abalos

Here are today’s headlines – the latest news in the Philippines and around the world:

• Sara Duterte threats vs Marcos justified, defense says. Are they really?

In his closing statement for the third day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, defense counsel Mark Vinluan calls the alleged grave threats uttered by the 2nd highest official of the land ‘unconventional but justified.’

• VP Duterte’s defense probes witness, videos on grave threats

The third day of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial begins with defense lawyer Carlo Narvasa cross-examining witness NBI agent John Mark Calilung.

• Erwin Tulfo files complaint vs Zaldy Co’s ex-bodyguards, Baligod, Defensor 

Senator Erwin Tulfo files a criminal complaint against former congressman Mike Defensor, lawyer Levi Baligod, and former bodyguards of resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co. This, over allegations that he is involved in the flood control mess.

• Ex-DILG chief Benhur Abalos named first secretary of Marcos Cabinet 

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. picks his former interior secretary Benhur Abalos as Cabinet secretary.

• Unemployment inches up to 4.8% in May 2026 as farm jobs take a hit

The Philippine Statistics Authority reports the unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.8% in May 2026. This is equivalent to 2.5 million unemployed Filipinos. – Rappler.com