Constitutional Accountability: Philippines House prosecution spokesperson Ace Barbers criticized Vice President Sara Duterte’s continued absence from her Senate impeachment trial, saying it raises doubts about her respect for due process and “selective attendance.” Parliament Budgeting: Maldives People’s Majlis officials said next year’s parliamentary administration budget won’t include salary hikes, new posts, or new allowances—only maintenance and session equipment. Gaza Policy Shock: Israel’s far-right security minister Itamar Ben Gvir proposed a daily quota of “30 to 40” Palestinian deaths in Gaza, calling them “selective,” drawing renewed legal and humanitarian backlash. Rule of Law vs Politics: US Attorney General Todd Blanche refused to pledge Justice Department independence from President Trump, insisting the president would never demand unethical or illegal action. Free Speech Under Pressure: In Florida, bogus copyright takedowns reportedly scrubbed stories about congressional candidate Michael Carbonara from Google searches ahead of a primary. Identity Politics Pushback: Malaysia’s PKR congress leaders urged a shift from race-and-religion narratives toward performance and welfare-focused politics. Regional Power Politics: Russia’s Lavrov accused the EU of “blackmailing” Serbia’s Vucic over Kosovo and alignment on Russia. Gaza/Israel Diplomacy: Arab Israeli activist Yoseph Haddad registered a new party ahead of elections, signaling a potential political entry after US advocacy.