Mindanao politician accused of financing Laos drug-flight, witness links suitcase to three senators

According to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, a politician from Mindanao provided money for a chartered flight that was later linked to the capture of 521 kilograms of suspected shabu in Laos. In court, a witness claimed a suitcase, described as a “maleta,” was dispatched to Senators Vicente Sotto III, Stella Quimbo and Antonio Trillanes IV. The senators have denied allegations that the 2027 national budget is being used to coerce a conviction of Vice President Sara Duterte. Meanwhile, the National Bureau of Investigation will review the statement of assets, liabilities and net worth of Davao City officials.