CHIZ ESCUDERO SEEKS CLARIFICATION ON “PARTICIPATE IN ANY BUSINESS” DURING IMPEACHMENT TRIAL

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 A constitutional question took center stage during the September 14, 2026 impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte: How broad is the prohibition against the President and Vice President participating in business while holding office?

During the proceedings, Presiding Officer Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero questioned retired Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang, who appeared as an expert witness, about the meaning of the phrase “participate in any business” under Article VII, Section 13 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

The provision states, in part, that the President, Vice President, members of the Cabinet and their deputies or assistants shall not, during their tenure, “directly or indirectly, practice any other profession, participate in any business, or be financially interested in any contract with, or in any franchise, or special privilege granted by the Government.”

One of the issues raised was whether “participation” refers only to actively managing or operating a business—or whether ownership, shareholdings and other financial interests may also fall within the constitutional restriction.

Cabotaje-Tang explained during her testimony that participation could be direct or indirect and discussed circumstances involving ownership of shares and positions as a corporate director or officer. She also addressed Escudero’s questions concerning whether divestment may be required even when the business interest involved is relatively small.

The exchange highlights an important constitutional issue: the restrictions placed on the country’s highest executive officials are intended to address potential conflicts between public duties and private financial interests.

The discussion formed part of the ongoing impeachment proceedings. Testimony and arguments presented during a trial should not by themselves be treated as a final determination of liability; that determination rests with the impeachment court under the applicable constitutional process.

For readers, the key question remains: Where should the constitutional line be drawn between simply owning an interest in a business and actually “participating” in that business?

Source: Proceedings of the Senate Impeachment Court, September 14, 2026.

#Philippines #ImpeachmentTrial #SenateImpeachmentCourt #ChizEscudero #SaraDuterte #1987Constitution #PhilippinePolitics #CurrentEvents

WILL INDAY SURVIVE? | SENATE NUMBERS APPEAR TO FAVOR VP SARA DUTERTE AS IMPEACHMENT TRIAL REACHES ITS MOMENT OF TRUTH

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MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has entered its most explosive stage. But as legal arguments intensify inside the Senate, many political observers believe the real battle may come down to one thing: the numbers.

The Constitution is crystal clear. Convicting an impeached official requires 16 out of 24 senator-judges—a two-thirds majority. Anything less results in acquittal.

THE MATH ISN’T SIMPLE

Based on current political alignments, many analysts believe the prosecution can presently count on roughly 13 votes—still three short of the constitutional requirement.

If those estimates prove accurate, the advantage currently appears to lean toward acquittal.

That leaves the House prosecution with a monumental task: not only must it prove the allegations, but it must also persuade enough senator-judges to break away from existing political alignments.

Until then, Senate arithmetic may remain the biggest obstacle standing between the prosecution and a conviction.

MORE THAN A LEGAL BATTLE

Every senator-judge knows this vote will echo far beyond the impeachment court.

With the 2028 presidential election already on the political horizon, every decision could shape reputations, influence alliances, and define political futures.

Some senators may vote solely on the evidence presented before the court. Others may also weigh the broader political consequences that could follow long after the verdict is announced.

THE POLITICAL CHESSBOARD IS ALREADY MOVING

Political analysts say that if acquittal begins to look increasingly likely, expect the country’s political landscape to shift rapidly.

History has shown that Philippine politics rarely stays still.

Alliances evolve.

Former rivals become partners.

Political fences are mended.

And politicians often reposition themselves where they believe the next center of power will emerge.

If Vice President Duterte leaves the impeachment court acquitted, many observers believe it could trigger fresh negotiations, new alliances, and strategic realignments ahead of the 2028 elections.

THE BIGGER STORY

This is no longer just a constitutional trial.

It is a test of legal arguments, political influence, public perception, and Senate arithmetic—all unfolding on the national stage.

The prosecution still has the opportunity to present additional evidence and persuade undecided senator-judges. Likewise, the defense must continue to answer the allegations before the impeachment court.

At this point, however, one question continues to dominate political discussions:

Can the prosecution flip enough votes to reach the magic number of 16, or will the Senate numbers ultimately deliver an acquittal?

The final answer will come only when every senator-judge casts a vote based on the proceedings and the standards required by the Constitution.

💬 Is this impeachment trial really about the evidence, the numbers, or both? Share your opinion respectfully in the comments. Healthy debate is welcome—but let’s keep it factual and civil.

PANIC MODE: Black Propaganda vs Inday Sara Backfires

​The more they try to bully Inday Sara, the more public support she gets. Reminiscent of telenovelas where the underdog is clobbered with injustice and misfortune but comes out as the ultimate winner and oftentimes savior in the end.

Habang mas pinaigting ang paninira at diversionary tactics laban kay VP Sara Duterte, mas lumalakas ang suporta ng taumbayan. Sa gitna ng budget anomalies, flood control issues, at bilyon-bilyong nakaw, pilit nililihis ang usapan—pero palpak. Parang telenovela, mas binubully ang bida, mas lumalakas. Inday Sara stands firm: may tapang, prinsipyo, at paninindigan sa harap ng itim na propaganda.

Ridiculous attacks on Vice President Sara Duterte are serious manifestations of panic and desperation. The masterminds of these follies are now resorting to diversionary tactics to break the news cycle. 

They think that this strategy will divert the public’s attention away from the budget insertion and flood control projects anomalies and the “male -maletang bilyon-bilyong pagnanakaw”. 

Retired Supreme Court Justice Noel Tijam aptly sums it up:

“The recent so called Madriaga affidavit is the imagined orchestrated equivalent of the damning inculpatory Zaldy Co revelations. 

A political smear against VP Duterte by installment. 

I wonder what political narrative will come next leading to another impeachment complaint next year. 

The political opponents of VP Sara Duterte really fear her; not because she is a monster but somebody who will destroy them if she becomes President. 

I didn't realize that VP Duterte was that formidable and daunting. 

Even corrupt politicians are afraid of her. Political enemies seek to destroy her even by ignoring and closing their eyes to the trillion pesos mass corruption in the budget perpetrated by the present administration aligned with her political enemies. 

The massive black propaganda against VP Duterte makes her a person who is daunting and overwhelming. 

She is really a person to be reckoned with. 

A great asset for a national leader. 

VP Duterte really has guts and courage to face this kind of challenge. 

A great opportunity to show that she is far better than the rest. 

Just like great heroes and Saints who first have to undergo pain and suffering before achieving fulfillment, She might ultimately emerge as the courageous Saint Joan of Arc destined to save the Philippines. 

God always finds a way to correct imperfections and punish wrongdoings. 

God will never abandon our country and lead us astray. 

May God bless our country on the road to righteousness and salvation from corruption and bad governance.”

Ang mga kamakailang lantaran pero katawa-tawang pag-atake laban kay Vice President Sara Duterte ay malinaw na palatandaan ng panic at desperasyon. Ang mga utak sa likod ng mga kalokohang ito ay kumakapit na sa diversionary tactics para mabago ang takbo ng balita.

Akala nila, sa ganitong paraan, maililihis ang atensyon ng publiko mula sa mga anomalya sa budget insertion, flood control projects, at sa “malalaking bilyon-bilyong pagnanakaw.”

Habang mas binu-bully nila si Inday Sara, mas lalo naman siyang sinusuportahan ng publiko. Para itong mga telenovela kung saan ang inaaping bida ay paulit-ulit tinatamaan ng kawalang-katarungan at malas, pero sa huli, siya ang nagwawagi at nagiging tagapagligtas.

Ganito ito malinaw na ipinaliwanag ni Retired Supreme Court Justice Noel Tijam:

“Ang tinatawag na Madriaga affidavit ay isang gawang-isip at planadong palabas, na pilit ginagawang katumbas ng matitinding rebelasyon ni Zaldy Co.

Isa itong political smear laban kay VP Duterte, paisa-isa ang atake.

Nagtataka ako kung ano naman ang susunod na political narrative na iluluto para humantong sa panibagong impeachment complaint sa susunod na taon.

Talagang takot na takot ang mga political opponents ni VP Sara Duterte—hindi dahil isa siyang halimaw, kundi dahil kaya niya silang wasakin kapag siya ang naging Pangulo.

Hindi ko akalaing ganito siya ka-formidable at ka-daunting.

Kahit ang mga corrupt politicians ay takot sa kanya. Ang mga kaaway niya ay handang sirain siya, kahit pa pumikit na lang sila sa trilyong pisong korapsyon sa budget na ginawa ng kasalukuyang administrasyon na kaalyado ng kanyang mga kalaban.

Ang malawakang black propaganda laban kay VP Duterte ay lalo lamang nagpapakita na siya ay isang taong kinatatakutan at hindi basta-basta.

Siya ay tunay na dapat seryosohin.

Isang napakahalagang asset para sa isang national leader.

May tapang at lakas ng loob si VP Duterte na harapin ang ganitong klaseng hamon.

Isa itong malaking pagkakataon para ipakita na mas higit siya kaysa sa iba.

Tulad ng mga dakilang bayani at santo na dumaan muna sa sakit at paghihirap bago magtagumpay, maaari siyang umusbong bilang isang matapang na Saint Joan of Arc, na itinadhanang iligtas ang Pilipinas.

Ang Diyos ay laging may paraan upang itama ang mali at parusahan ang kasamaan.

Hindi kailanman pababayaan ng Diyos ang ating bansa at iligaw ito.

Nawa’y pagpalain ng Diyos ang ating bayan sa landas ng katuwiran at paglaya mula sa korapsyon at masamang pamamahala.”

#IndaySara #VP SaraDuterte #BlackPropaganda #PanicMode #TruthWillPrevail #StandWithSara #NoToCorruption #PhilippinePolitics #PeoplePower #HaveFunKeepFit

Brandon Curry Mr. Olympia 2019 Winning Video

People Choice award, dethroning 2018 winner Roelly WInklaar. Mr. Brandon Curry is ranked no. 1 among top five Mr Olympia in 2019. Here is the list:

Brandon Curry
William Bonac
Hadi Choopan
Dexter Jackson
Roelly Winklaar

Brandon Curry’s Wiki and Bio

Everything about Mr. Olympia 2019 Brandon Curry – Wiki, Net Worth, Diet, Photos, Workout Videos, Routines and Unknown Facts.


Brandon Curry is the new 2019 Mr. Olympia winner while Hadi Choopan was the winner of the

Full Name: Brandon Curry
Weight – 255 – 265lbs (115.7 – 120.2kg)
Height – 5’8″ (172.5cm)
Age – 36
Date of Birth – October 19, 1982
Nationality – American
Profession – Professional Bodybuilder
Era – 2000, 2010, 2019 

Brandon Curry’s Competitions, Awards, Titles and Accomplishments

2019 Mr. Olympia 2019
2017 Arnold Classic Australia, 1st
2015 IFBB Dayana Cadeau Pro, 6th
2015 IFBB EVL’s Prague Pro, 11th
2015 IFBB Arnold Classic Europe, 9th
2015 IFBB Olympia Weekend, 16th
2015 IFBB Arnold Classic Brasil, 5th
2015 IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow, 1st
2015 IFBB Arnold Classic Australia, 5th
2015 IFBB Arnold Sports Festival, 7th
2014 IFBB Arnold Classic, 8th
2013 IFBB Arnold Classic Europe, 8th
2013 IFBB Olympia Weekend, 16th
2013 IFBB Arnold Classic Brazil, 1st
2012 IFBB Dallas Europa Supershow, 7th
2012 IFBB PBW Tampa Pro, 6th
2012 IFBB Mr. Europe Grand Prix, 8th
2012 NPC Emerald Cup, NP
2012 IFBB Arnold Classic, 7th
2011 IFBB Olympia, 8th
2011 IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships, 8th
2011 IFBB Toronto Pro Super Show, 3rd
2011 IFBB New York Pro Bodybuilding, Figure & Bikini Championships, 10th
2010 IFBB Europa Super Show, 8th
2010 IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships, 6th
2008 NPC USA Bodybuilding & Figure Championships, 1st
2008 NPC Los Angeles Bodybuilding, Figure & Fitness Championships, NP
2007 NPC National Championships, 2nd
2005 NPC Collegiate Nationals, 1st
2005 NPC Collegiate Nationals, 1st 

Brandon Curry Unknown Facts

Brandon Curry was born in the year 1982 and he went on to win Mr. Olympia 2019 by beating William Bonac. His net prize for Winning is $400,000. Brandon Curry was so confident of winning the title, At Olympia 2019 Press Conference he said – “This Year Ain’t Open, It’s Mine!”

Phil Health is expected to be Brandon Curry’s toughest competitor in 2020. Curry will face a massive battle to defend his title, especially if Winklaar improves his conditioning and Choopan continues to grow.

Brandon was a sporty child in his youth; taking part in football, track and field, and gymnastics. He discovered fitness at the age of six, when he received a pair of dumbbells for his birthday. From there, Brandon began building a career in fitness; becoming a certified personal trainer, and later, an accomplished athlete. Brandon Curry will be turning 37 years old next month.
Brandon Curry Training

Combining Strength and Hypertrophy Training

Brandon trains in the gym four to five times per week, depending on how he feels. Usually, he works his chest, back, and shoulders altogether on Mondays; putting emphasis on muscle hypertrophy by doing 10-12 reps, and slow concentrated movements.

On Tuesdays, he usually trains to increase his strength; using different strength techniques, long rest periods between sets, and low reps to get the best out of his workout.

Tuesday is followed by a rest day, after which Brandon trains once again on Thursday and Friday. The weekends are usually his off-days.

Changing the Styles

Brandon sometimes changes everything up in his training regimen. An example of this would be training for hypertrophy every day of the week, or working out only two times per week and doing full body strength circuits.

He believes changing the styles of his workouts gives him the most muscle ‘gains.’

Brandon Curry’s Workout Schedule

Monday: Chest, Back, Shoulders (Hypertrophy)

Tuesday: Legs and Arms (Strength)

Wednesday: Rest

Thursday: Chest, Back, Shoulders (Strength)

Friday: Legs and Arms (Hypertrophy)

Weekends: Rest

Brandon’s Training Techniques

Double Contraction 1 1/2 Rep Techniques: 1 1/2 rep = 1 rep

For example, when Brandon does bench press – he goes down, halfway up, down again, and then pushes the bar all the way up. This counts as one rep.

Rest-Pause-Sets:

This training technique consists of doing one big set which consists of three small sets with 10-seconds rest between each. During the whole set, Brandon uses the same weight.

Wave (Used During Strength Days):

Example:

Set 1 at 150 lb for 5 reps

Set 2 at 160 lb for 4 reps

Set 3 at 170 lb for 3 reps

Set 4 at 155 for 5 reps

Set 5 at 165 for 4 reps

Set 6 at 175 for 3 reps

Favorite Body Part

Brandon likes training his hamstrings and back the most. Some of his favorite exercises for these body parts are deadlifts, lying leg curls, pull ups, and t-bar rows.

Using Wrist Wraps

Brandon doesn’t like wearing straps because he finds them uncomfortable to wear. He advises, “I don’t believe you should use them unless your grip is gone and that is the only way you can overload the muscle you’re training. Even still, I don’t use them.”
Brandon Curry Diet


Brandon has up to seven or eight meals a day, consuming mostly whole foods. His typical day-to-day foods are oatmeal, eggs, vegetables, meats, fruits, rice, nuts, and sweet potatoes. In terms of cheat foods, Brandon eats them every now and then. His favorites are gummies, fruits snacks, and chocolate bars.

For supplements, Brandon consumes;

ZMA

Multivitamin

Fat Burner

Pre-Workout

Protein

Brandon Curry Photos






























Brandon Curry Workout Videos

Brandon Curry Mr. Olympia 2019 Winning Video