It’s premature to talk about a possible replacement for Vice President Sara Duterte while her impeachment trial is ongoing, Malacañang said yesterday.

As rumors swirled about President Marcos’ choice for the next chief justice, Malacañang urged the public to just wait for the announcement, noting that all the candidates are qualified.

The Philippines is not inclined to resort to economic retaliation against China amid heated exchanges between Philippine officials and the Chinese embassy, Malacañang said on Tuesday, stressing that the government would continue to pursue diplomatic channels.

Malacañang yesterday defended insertions in the version of the P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 approved by the House of Representatives, saying there is nothing wrong with them as long as they benefit the public.

MANILA, Philippines — A police officer was arrested and disarmed after allegedly threatening with a gun the passengers of a van at a gas station in Barangay Pinagbuhatan, Pasig on Sunday night. The Eastern Police District (EPD) said the incident occurred along Sandoval Road when the police officer, who was allegedly drunk, pointed a gun at the victims and appeared poised to fire. He reportedly cited family problems as the reason for his behavior. The policeman was taken into custody pending inquest proceedings. EPD director Brig. Gen. Roman Arugay condemned the alleged misconduct, saying the police officer would face criminal and administrative charges if found liable. The lawman could also be dismissed from the police service, depending on the outcome of the probe. Fake cop nabbed In Quezon City, a 31-year-old man who posed as a police officer was arrested yesterday for allegedly harassing a businessman in a hotel. Ralph Christian Villegas is facing complaints for usurpation of authority and illegal use of uniform or insignia. Villegas introduced himself as a member of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group assigned at Camp Crame. He was arrested in a hotel in Barangay San Martin de Porres. Metro Manila police officer-in-charge Brig. Gen. Christopher Abrahano said Villegas was in police uniform bearing the rank insignia of an executive master sergeant and a Taguig police station patch when he was arrested. The 54-year-old businessman complained that the suspect grabbed him by the neck and declared, “You’re under arrest.” Abrahano urged the public to report people pretending to be police officers to the Unified 911 system.