CORDOBA NAMED TO SUPREME COURT; QUIBOLOY FACES EXTRADITION PROCEEDINGS

CORDOBA WILL REPLACE LAZARO-JAVIER AT THE SUPREME COURT

Malacañang announced on November 13 that Marcos has appointed Cordoba as a Supreme Court associate justice. He will replace Amy Lazaro-Javier, who reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 on November 16.

Cordoba moves from the Commission on Audit, the agency responsible for checking how government money is spent. Before leading COA, he served as National Telecommunications Commission commissioner from 2009 to 2022. During his tenure, the NTC issued the May 2020 cease-and-desist order against ABS-CBN after its broadcast franchise expired.

His appointment brings that public-service record to the country’s highest court. His work there will be judged through the cases he handles, the votes he casts and the reasons he gives for them. The announcement also leaves a leadership transition to watch at COA.

MAKATI COURT ISSUES EXTRADITION WARRANTS AGAINST QUIBOLOY AND TWO OTHERS

The Makati Regional Trial Court’s Branch 145 issued extradition warrants on November 12 against Apollo Quiboloy, Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag. The Department of Justice announced the orders on November 13, following its November 9 extradition petition. The court also issued hold departure orders.

The proceedings concern a US request linked to criminal charges that include sex trafficking and other offenses. Quiboloy, who is already detained in the Philippines and faces local cases, denies the accusations.

The warrant does not mean a transfer to the United States has been approved. The Philippine court must still hear the extradition case. On November 13, the National Bureau of Investigation said it was ready to assist, but its readiness does not set the court’s timetable or a departure date.

ELEVATORS WORK AGAIN AT THREE EDSA BUSWAY STATIONS

Elevators at the Guadalupe, Philam and Kamuning EDSA Busway stations are working again after about four months, according to a November 13 report from the Philippine News Agency.

The repairs restore an important route for passengers who cannot easily use the stairs, including wheelchair users, older people and commuters carrying children. But the work is unfinished across the busway: elevators at Balintawak, Monumento and Bagong Barrio are still due for repair, with completion expected within two weeks.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon also directed that future breakdowns be addressed within 24 to 48 hours. Maintenance instructions include keeping sensors clear of debris and improving security against wire theft.

Restoring an elevator is only the first part of keeping a station accessible. Commuters need it working when they arrive, with clear notice and assistance when it fails.

SOUTH CHINA SEA TALKS STILL HAVE UNSETTLED TERMS

The Department of Foreign Affairs said on November 13 that negotiations on a South China Sea Code of Conduct were about 70 percent complete. ASEAN spokesperson Dax Imperial said some issues still needed clarification and some provisions needed further work.

Imperial could not confirm whether negotiations would finish before the end of the year. The talks are among the subjects for the upcoming ASEAN meetings, but there was no definite date for the next negotiating round.

The proposed code is meant to guide how parties behave in the South China Sea. Important issues in the negotiations include whether it will be legally binding, which areas it will cover and how its terms will be defined. Manila also wants the rights of countries outside the negotiations respected.

The percentage gives the government’s assessment of progress. It does not tell the public what the unfinished provisions will eventually say.

DOJ REPORTS ₱866.38 MILLION RETURNED THROUGH FLOOD-CONTROL INVESTIGATIONS

The Department of Justice reported on November 12 that ₱866.38 million had been remitted to the national treasury through investigations into misused flood-control funds. The figure covers recoveries as of October 2026; it is not money collected on the day of the announcement.

The total was ₱25 million higher than the previously reported ₱841.38 million.

The DOJ also reported 29 cases at different stages. Some had reached courts, while others were pending with the DOJ or had been referred to the Ombudsman. Eight tax complaints had been dismissed. It would therefore be wrong to describe all 29 as cases already being tried in court.

Returning money and deciding criminal responsibility are different parts of the work. The recovered amount shows what has reached the treasury. The court cases must still answer who, if anyone, should be convicted.