MCT DAILY BRIEF

ICC FINDS RODRIGO DUTERTE FIT TO STAND TRIAL

The International Criminal Court's Trial Chamber III made public on October 8 a decision dated September 28 finding former president Rodrigo Duterte fit to stand trial. The trial is scheduled to open on November 30, 2026.

The case concerns crimes against humanity allegedly committed during the war on drugs. The ruling addresses whether Duterte can participate in the proceedings while exercising his fair trial rights.

The court said an independent panel of experts unanimously found that he could understand the charges and the proceedings, follow the evidence, and instruct his lawyers in preparing and conducting his defense.

Fitness concerns his ability to participate in a fair trial. The finding does not decide whether he is guilty of the crimes charged.

The chamber also directed continued monitoring of his health and said hearing hours would be assessed according to the circumstances of the accused and witnesses.

DOE SEEKS MICROGRID INVESTMENT FOR REMOTE COMMUNITIES

The Department of Energy is seeking private investment to bring electricity to remote communities through microgrid development. Reports from Thursday's Philippine Energy Investment Forum describe the agency's proposed coverage.

The proposed coverage includes 369 unserved or underserved areas across 23 provinces, potentially benefiting 101,468 households without electricity.

DOE's published initial list remains subject to validation and revision. Being included in the proposal does not establish that a project has secured funding or that the listed households are already connected.

For residents waiting for electricity, the practical question is which projects will receive funding and when service can begin. The announced coverage gives them a proposal to follow, but a service date still needs to be confirmed for their community.

TAAL RECORDS A MINOR PHREATOMAGMATIC ERUPTION

PHIVOLCS reported a five-minute minor phreatomagmatic eruption at Taal's main crater at 6:06 p.m. on Thursday, October 8. The event produced a plume reaching 4,000 meters above the crater.

Alert Level 1 remained in place. PHIVOLCS warned that thin ashfall could affect southwestern lakeshore towns and nearby areas.

Residents should follow the latest instructions for their specific locality. The alert level and the ashfall warning need to be read together when deciding whether to travel or remain outdoors near affected areas.

PESO CLOSES AT ₱62.90 TO THE DOLLAR

The peso closed Thursday's trading at ₱62.90 to one US dollar, compared with ₱62.75 on Wednesday. This is the October 8 closing rate, rather than a quotation for Friday's trading.

At those two rates, US$100 corresponds to ₱6,290 and ₱6,275 respectively, before fees or a provider's exchange-rate margin. The difference is ₱15.

For a payment, purchase, or remittance, check the actual rate and charges offered by the bank or service involved. The market close does not establish the exact amount a customer will pay or receive.

RAIN FORECAST COVERS SEVERAL REGIONS

PAGASA's 4 a.m. forecast for October 9 identifies rain from the trough of a low pressure area, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, and northeasterly windflow.

Scattered rain and thunderstorms are forecast for Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Quezon, Marinduque, and Romblon. Mindanao, the remaining Visayas, and Palawan also have scattered rain and thunderstorms in the forecast.

Rain is forecast for Cagayan Valley, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Aurora. PAGASA warns of possible flash floods or landslides in these areas when rain becomes moderate to heavy.

Metro Manila and the remaining Luzon areas may have isolated showers or thunderstorms, with possible flooding or landslides during severe thunderstorms.