Philippines Roundup: UAE free trade pact, Marcos impeachment, Cebu landfill tragedy

Marcos says ready for any impeachment bid

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is prepared for any impeachment complaint that may be filed against him, Malacañang said on Monday, amid reports that some lawmakers are planning to pursue charges. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos respects the Constitution and due process and remains confident that Congress continues to trust him. She rejected claims of a breach of public trust, saying the president had not stolen public funds and had ordered investigations into allegedly anomalous flood control projects. Her remarks followed comments by opposition lawmaker Edgar Erice, who said an impeachment complaint was being considered.

Authorities stop suspected Russia-bound human trafficking victims 

Philippine immigration authorities intercepted two Filipino men at Manila’s main international airport, preventing them from becoming victims of a suspected human trafficking scheme to Russia. The Bureau of Immigration said the men, aged 48 and 52, were stopped on January 2 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport before boarding a flight to Hong Kong. Officers found inconsistencies in their travel accounts and determined they were being recruited for illegal overseas work. The men said they were promised high-paying jobs in Russia after being recruited via social media. They were handed over to anti-trafficking authorities as the investigation continues.

Marcos heads to UAE for trade, defence deals 

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. left Manila on Monday for a three-day visit to the United Arab Emirates, where he is expected to witness the signing of trade and defence agreements and attend a sustainability summit in Abu Dhabi. Malacañang said Marcos will oversee the signing of a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aimed at boosting trade, services and investment and widening Philippine access to Gulf markets. A defence cooperation memorandum covering joint training and information sharing is also due to be signed. Marcos said the visit would benefit both Filipinos at home and the nearly 900,000 living in the UAE.

Philippines probes Nestlé infant formula recall over safety concerns

The Philippines’ Food and Drug Administration said on Monday it is investigating the voluntary recall by Nestlé Philippines of selected batches of Nan Optipro and Nankid Optipro infant formula to determine its scope and any safety implications. The FDA said the recall was initiated as a precaution after a reported issue involving a raw material supplied to Nestlé, though no regulatory safety limits have been breached. No illnesses or adverse events have been reported. The agency is coordinating with Nestlé to verify affected batches and ensure their removal from stores and online platforms, urging consumers to check batch numbers and follow recall instructions.

Philippines shuts Cebu landfill after deadly landslide

Environmental authorities in the central Philippines have ordered the immediate shutdown of the Binaliw sanitary landfill in Cebu City after a landslide killed at least 10 workers and left 26 missing. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said it issued a cease-and-desist order against operator Prime Integrated Waste Solutions Inc. following a site inspection on January 9. All landfill operations have been suspended, except for rescue, retrieval and clean-up activities. The agency said a thorough investigation is underway to determine responsibility. At least 18 people were injured and are being treated in the hospital.