NBI Identifies Persons of Interest in Alleged Plot Against President Marcos Jr.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has identified persons of interest allegedly linked to Vice President Sara Duterte's circle in a plot to assassinate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., NBI Director Melvin Matibag revealed. The agency is actively investigating the identity of the alleged hitman involved. This investigation is being pursued within the context of a trial where prosecutors aim to demonstrate a history of violent actions by Vice President Sara Duterte. The prosecution is seeking to establish a pattern of violence attributed to the Vice President. Separately, the Office of the Ombudsman has designated former House Speaker Martin Romualdez as the 'central figure' in a corruption scandal related to flood control projects. In diplomatic developments, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. summoned Chinese Ambassador to Manila Jing Quan on Tuesday, July 21, reflecting escalating tensions between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea. On the political front, veteran legislator and former Albay governor Joey Salceda is slated to join President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Cabinet as the chief of the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office. These concurrent events underscore the intricate dynamics of Philippine politics, including allegations of corruption and the nation's engagement with regional security issues.