AGP Executive Report

Philippines Senate Power Struggle: A surprise Senate attendance by Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero broke a three-day deadlock, letting the chamber hit quorum and reshuffle leadership, with Sherwin Gatchalian taking key posts and ordering no official business June 4 while staff work from home to keep the bureaucracy neutral. Public Order Watch: The PNP warned against escalation and kept police to the Senate’s outer perimeter as rival blocs trade claims over legitimacy and planned vigils. Constitutional Council Stalls: Nepal’s Constitutional Council remains inactive despite a new ordinance easing quorum, leaving top posts vacant and raising concerns about how fast appointments can move. Turkey-Armenia Normalization: Turkish President Erdogan and Armenian PM Pashinyan discussed accelerating normalization, including direct trade and work toward reopening the long-closed land border. US Immigration Funding Fight: The US Senate advanced a major immigration enforcement bill after stripping out White House-linked funding disputes, setting up intense amendment battles. Middle East Ceasefire: Israel and Lebanon agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire tied to Hezbollah fire stoppages and withdrawals, with talks resuming later in June. Tax Policy in Scotland: Scotland’s government is moving toward a private jet levy and a “mansion tax” on £1m+ homes as it seeks new revenue for cost-of-living measures. Political Accountability Debate: In the Philippines, Senate media criticized Sen. Rodante Marcoleta’s “paid hack” remarks as reckless attacks on journalism, demanding allegations be backed by evidence.

Philippines Senate Power Struggle: After days of paralysis, the Senate elected Sherwin Gatchalian as acting president pro tempore, with staff told to work from home to “preserve neutrality” while committees are reorganized; President Marcos urged senators to return to work, warning the deadlock is disrupting essential legislation. Philippines House Pushes Reform: The House approved the Anti-Political Dynasty Law on third reading, banning close relatives from simultaneously seeking or holding elective posts in the same jurisdiction. U.S. Immigration Bill Fight: Senate Republicans removed White House ballroom security funding from an immigration package to avoid procedural trouble and keep ICE/Border Patrol funding moving. U.S. Supreme Court Redistricting Fallout: Alabama can use a congressional map the court had previously flagged as racially discriminatory, reigniting voting-rights and gerrymandering lawsuits. Nepal Party Shake-Up: UML ministers in Lumbini province resigned en masse, signaling deeper coalition instability. UK Brexit Debate: Britain’s trade minister said rejoining the EU wouldn’t “magically” fix the country’s problems, even as EU membership talk returns in politics. India/West Bengal Party Crisis: Mamata Banerjee dissolved all Trinamool Congress committees and units in West Bengal amid internal discord. UN Leadership: Bangladesh’s Khalilur Rahman was elected president of the UN General Assembly’s 81st session, setting priorities from peace to AI governance.

Senate Deadlock in the Philippines: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged senators to “get back to work” after a two-day no-session standoff, warning the chaos is disrupting legislative functions; the dispute has also triggered tighter security around the Senate as impeachment politics and protest fears rise. Business Warns of Economic Fallout: FINEX said the procedural paralysis is already delaying reforms and pushing local and foreign businesses to postpone investment. Iowa Senate Primaries: Democrats chose Josh Turek over Zach Wahls, setting up a November showdown with GOP nominee Ashley Hinson, who won her party’s nomination; the race is drawing national attention as both sides try to flip control. U.S. House Primaries in New Jersey: Republicans picked Justin Murphy to face Democrat Cory Booker in November, while other NJ contests advanced amid a broader fight over congressional control. Nigeria Governance & Election Integrity: Tinubu returned to Abuja after Eid, while INEC launched an investigation into alleged unauthorized access to its voter registration database tied to an FCT minister’s aide. EU Climate Regulation: The European Parliament began processing reforms to vehicle carbon standards, aiming to keep EU climate goals on track while giving manufacturers more flexibility.

Philippines Senate Turmoil: Vice President Sara Duterte warned that Senate chaos is being used to silence the opposition, urging protection of the independence of Congress and other institutions as lawmakers struggle with quorum after Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s arrest and continued absences. U.S. Politics—DNI Pick: President Trump named Bill Pulte, a housing regulator, as acting director of national intelligence, drawing sharp GOP and broader criticism over his lack of intelligence experience. U.S. House—Missing Congressman: Trump endorsed Rep. Thomas Kean Jr. despite his long Capitol absence, as voters head into key primaries. Massachusetts Transparency Fight: The Massachusetts House advanced a plan to expand public records access to the governor’s office while exempting lawmakers, aiming to blunt a ballot push. Hungary Constitutional Clash: Prime Minister Péter Magyar moved to amend the constitution to remove the president, escalating a standoff with President Tamás Sulyok. Mexico–U.S. Diplomatic Spat: Claudia Sheinbaum told the U.S. ambassador to stop commenting on Mexico’s domestic politics amid rising cartel-fighting tensions. Zimbabwe Election Overhaul: Zimbabwe’s justice minister introduced a constitutional amendment to extend President Mnangagwa’s term to 2030 and shift election timing and selection rules. Serbia Protest Ruling: The European Court of Human Rights found Serbia violated rights by banning a protest during Xi Jinping’s 2016 visit.

Fed Independence Under Fire: Jerome Powell warned that politicizing the Federal Reserve would erode public trust, citing pressure to fire Fed officials and even criminal probes as “stress tests” for democratic institutions. Hungary Power Struggle: Hungary’s new PM Péter Magyar vowed to change the constitution to remove President Tamás Sulyok, calling him an Orbán “puppet,” while Sulyok said he would challenge any move and consult the Venice Commission. US Weaponization Fund Stalled: Trump’s nearly $1.8bn settlement fund for alleged “weaponisation” victims was paused after Republican pushback in Congress, as senators demanded clarity and immigration funding talks stalled. Ohio School DEI Fight: Ohio Senate Bill 113 faced mounting criticism for being vague and potentially chilling hiring and recruitment, with opponents warning it could harm students. Kosovo Election Crisis: Kosovo heads toward new elections after a presidency-centered deadlock, with observers warning the vote may not break the months-long impasse. Philippines Senate Accountability Clash: The Senate minority bloc said a majority no-show was a “boycott” tied to Jinggoy Estrada’s arrest, not an independence move. South Africa Party Funding Scrutiny: Watchdogs warned wealthy donors are bypassing transparency as IEC disclosures show parties collected over R97m ahead of 2026 local elections. Australia Senate Math: Polling suggests One Nation could surge toward major Senate gains, reshaping balance-of-power calculations even if it falls short of control.

Philippines Senate Crisis: The Senate plenary failed to start after the majority bloc boycotted the session, with the minority bloc saying it was tied to the arrest of Sen. Jinggoy Estrada—not “Senate independence.” Impeachment Watch (Philippines): Vice President Sara Duterte filed her formal answer before the Senate impeachment court, arguing the House process was unconstitutional and seeking dismissal. US Federal Reserve Independence: Former Fed chair Jerome Powell warned that political pressure on the Fed would damage public trust and the economy. Wisconsin Redistricting Fight: A Wisconsin justice criticized the court’s decision to hear a challenge to congressional maps as serving “political masters,” as the case moves forward. Louisiana Court Ruling Fallout: Louisiana lawmakers passed a new congressional map that removes a Black-majority district, while recall petitions target Gov. Jeff Landry and AG Liz Murrill. Colombia Runoff Set: Abelardo de la Espriella won the first round and heads to a June 21 runoff, underscoring deep public frustration and a security-first political shift. India-Myanmar Security Talks: Modi met Myanmar’s President Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi, focusing on border security and the impact of Myanmar’s civil war. Hungary Power Clash: PM Peter Magyar said he will pursue legal steps to dismiss President Tamas Sulyok if he refuses to resign. Nepal Parliament Disruption: Lawmakers protested PM Balendra Shah’s border remarks, demanding an apology and removal from parliamentary records.

Colombia Runoff: Far-right outsider Abelardo de la Espriella edged progressive Iván Cepeda in Sunday’s first round, setting up a June 21 runoff as both sides trade claims about vote manipulation and software changes. Nigeria 2027 Politics: The Nigerian Democratic Coalition named Peter Obi its 2027 presidential flagbearer, while Lagos APC unveiled Princess Damilola Sonayon-James as deputy governorship candidate. Guinea Elections: Guinea held its first parliamentary vote since the 2021 coup, with low turnout and opposition boycotts clouding the push back toward constitutional rule. West Bengal Power Shift: BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari moves to expand his cabinet, with 35 new ministers set to be sworn in as the state ends TMC’s 15-year rule. Iran IRGC Row: Iran denied reports that President Masoud Pezeshkian resigned amid speculation of an IRGC power grab. US Institutions: Jerome Powell defended Fed independence, warning that political pressure on central banking would erode public trust. South Africa Funding Scrutiny: The IEC questioned RISE Mzansi’s R30m donation after disclosures showed much larger party funding totals. Pakistan PTI Fractures: PTI leaders signaled possible “exit” from the system as internal divisions surfaced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa parliamentary meetings.

Nigeria Opposition Shake-Up: Peter Obi confirmed he’ll run for Nigeria’s 2027 presidency, deepening opposition splits and setting up a tougher path for Atiku Abubakar. Nasarawa Politics: PDP stalwart David Emmanuel Ombugadu unveiled his campaign for the Nasarawa North senatorial by-election, pitching unity and stronger representation. Iran-US Talks: Iran’s parliament speaker said Tehran won’t sign any deal with Washington until Iranian rights are secured, while a lawmaker suggested the US has accepted about 10 of 14 Iranian clauses. US-Tribal Jurisdiction: The Interior Department withdrew a Biden-era solicitor’s opinion affecting Cherokee Nation vs. United Keetoowah Band land and jurisdiction claims. US-Israel Military Integration: A US defense bill section would formalize deeper US-Israel defense technology cooperation, including research, co-production and intelligence-linked coordination. Maine Senate Scandal: Graham Platner’s campaign fallout grew after reports his wife warned staff about sexually explicit texts, adding pressure ahead of the June primary. Colombia Presidential Vote: Colombians head to the polls choosing a 2026–2030 president, with Iván Cepeda leading in polls amid competing visions on reforms and security. EU Sanctions on Hamas: The EU sanctioned Hamas political bureau leaders and West Bank groups, saying it targets those tied to decision-making over violence.

Impeachment & Oversight in the Philippines: House lawmakers said they’re still pushing legislation even as Vice President Sara Duterte’s Senate impeachment trial dominates politics, pointing to the Kalinga Act and other priority bills passed in marathon sessions. Election Integrity & Disinformation in the UK: A think-tank warned of a “democratic emergency” after polling found millions of UK voters saw political deepfakes ahead of the Makerfield by-election. US Politics & Accountability: Congress continues to face pressure over the Epstein case, with survivors and lawmakers still seeking real accountability. South Africa Governance: President Ramaphosa received the second interim Madlanga Commission report on criminality and corruption in the justice system. Nigeria Campaign Rules: Anambra set a ₦50m presidential campaign permit fee, sparking constitutional debate over whether it effectively prices out candidates. Nigeria Party Battles: Labour Party factions moved to name presidential candidates for 2027, while civil society groups warned primaries are undermining internal democracy. Karnataka Leadership Shift: DK Shivakumar was declared Karnataka CM after Congress Legislature Party moves, triggering celebrations and fresh party-management questions. International Diplomacy: India’s Jaishankar met Myanmar’s president on connectivity, trade, and border security ahead of talks with Prime Minister Modi. Moldova & Europe: Moldova’s foreign minister said European support is growing, citing energy and payments benefits like “Roam Like at Home.” Parliamentary Health Probe (Sint Maarten): MPs voted unanimously to investigate alleged medical authorization irregularities, stressing public trust over factional politics.

Parliamentary Elections: Voting opened in Malta’s snap parliamentary election, with Reuters polling pointing to Prime Minister Robert Abela’s Labour Party on track for a record fourth term, as the campaign centers on economic stability and fears that Middle East conflict could hit inflation and tourism. Coalition Turmoil: In St. Maarten, a no-confidence fight over Health Minister Richinel Brug is turning into a blame game, with lawmakers trading accusations of “political” motives and “hypocrisy” inside the coalition. U.S. Immigration Enforcement: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security pushed back hard against “sanctuary” claims about the Delaney Hall ICE facility in New Jersey, warning the misinformation is fueling unrest. Armenia Vote Pressure: Armenian diaspora groups in Russia urged voters to back opposition blocs ahead of Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary election, framing the ruling team as responsible for major losses and church persecution. India Federalism & Culture Wars: India’s cow-protection debate continues to collide with constitutional limits on central bans, while a BHU exam controversy over “brahminical patriarchy” highlights how academic language becomes political. Nigeria Politics & Security: Delta Central Senator Ede Dafinone marked Tinubu and Oborevwori’s third anniversaries, while Nigeria’s defence minister claimed terrorism has been cut by 65–70%—even as campaign rules tighten in Anambra with steep permits for presidential hopefuls. U.S. Texas Senate Race: Democrats James Talarico and Ken Paxton’s contest heats up as Talarico campaigns on corruption and “change,” after Paxton’s big GOP primary win. Constitutional Check: Hungary reached a major deal with the EU to unlock €16.4bn in funds, a reminder that governance disputes can quickly become political leverage.

Philippines Senate Turmoil: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. told reporters in Japan he’s focused on work and said only the people “turning up the political heat” can cool tensions, as the Senate faces a fresh fight over rules for remote voting and a wave of graft/plunder filings against majority allies. Philippines Accountability Clash: Sen. Imee Marcos called the Ombudsman cases against Jinggoy Estrada and others “political persecution,” while Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano questioned whether it’s wrong to discuss changing Senate rules. US Federal Grants: The White House moved to expand political appointees’ control over federal grant decisions, drawing warnings that partisan priorities could steer major research funding. US Redistricting Fallout (Louisiana): Louisiana lawmakers approved a GOP-favored congressional map that eliminates a majority-Black district, setting up new legal battles and shifting election timelines. Ghana E-Levy Fight: Ghana’s parliamentary minority vowed to use constitutional and legislative routes to stop a “backdoor” reintroduction of the e-levy via mobile money transfer charges. EU Funds Deal (Hungary): Hungary reached an agreement with the European Commission to unlock €16.4bn in frozen EU funds after anti-corruption and rule-of-law reforms. Mexico Election Safeguards: Mexico’s senate passed a constitutional amendment adding “foreign interference” as grounds to annul election results, with critics calling it overly broad and alarming.

Philippines Senate Turmoil: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pushed back on claims that the Senate majority is being “targeted,” while Sen. Imee Marcos called new plunder and graft filings against Jinggoy Estrada and allies “political persecution,” as the Ombudsman moves cases to court. Accountability Pressure: De La Salle school leaders warned against “normalization” of institutions used to shield a “powerful few,” adding to mounting calls for integrity in the chamber. South Africa Parliament Pay Row: MPs renewed demands for a forensic probe into Parliament secretary Xolile George’s R4.4m salary hike, with parties challenging whether the Auditor-General will settle the dispute. Germany Economic Reset: Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil faced fresh pressure to “make something happen” after years of crisis and SPD polling collapse. UK Youth Inactivity: A government review warned the NEET problem could hit 1.25m young people, with leaders urging urgent fixes. Nigeria Party Moves: The NDC granted waivers to Ovie Omo-Agege and Victor Ochei for Delta senatorial primaries, while the Obidient movement urged unity behind Peter Obi. Armenia Election Diplomacy: Trump publicly endorsed Nikol Pashinyan ahead of June 7 polls, as Republic Day messages emphasized unity amid challenges. Karnataka Leadership Shake-up: Siddaramaiah resigned as CM, clearing the path for DK Shivakumar, amid intense Congress maneuvering.

Philippines Impeachment Turmoil: Lawmakers and civil society are clashing over how the Senate should run Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment, with calls to stick to constitutional process and focus on the trial rather than the flood-control scandal. Democracy Under Pressure: De La Salle education leaders warned that institutional “protection of power” is eroding accountability in the Senate. Madagascar Court Ruling: Madagascar’s top court rejected an opposition bid to remove the military ruler, saying the challenge didn’t meet constitutional removal requirements. Moldova-US Security Push: President Maia Sandu met U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly, highlighting new U.S. cybersecurity support and EU accession stakes. Iran Economic Pivot: Ayatollah Khamenei urged Iran’s parliament to prioritize inflation control, liquidity, production, and post-war reconstruction planning. Spain Corruption Fight: Vox pressed La Rioja’s parliament to condemn PSOE corruption and call for elections. Latvia Government Reset: Latvia’s parliament approved Andris Kulbergs as interim prime minister after a drone-border crisis forced Evika Silina’s resignation. Malta Debt Figure Revised: ECB cut Malta’s reported debt by about €600 million after a political dispute. Nigeria 2027 Campaigns: Atiku won the ADC presidential ticket, while rivals dispute the process; Nigeria’s Senate leader condemned pre-election violence; Omoyele Sowore proposed limiting rent to three months upfront. U.S. Justice Probe: The Justice Department opened a criminal investigation into E. Jean Carroll over alleged false statements in her civil case. Texas Senate Race: Republicans moved to unify behind Ken Paxton after his runoff win over John Cornyn.

Philippines Senate Rules Fight: Minority senators walked out after the majority moved to fast-track changes that would let lawmakers vote remotely in Senate plenary, with critics warning it could set a precedent for the upcoming Sara Duterte impeachment trial. Thailand Politics & Justice: A Thai court acquitted opposition figure Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit of lese majeste and cybercrime charges tied to a 2021 Facebook livestream; prosecutors can still appeal. Kenya Fuel Price Clash: In a heated budget committee session, MP Ndindi Nyoro defended fuel-price mitigation proposals amid projections of steep petrol and diesel increases, arguing Parliament must act fast. India Elections & Constitutional Order: India’s Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission’s SIR electoral-roll revision under Article 324, rejecting claims it was a “backdoor NRC” and reaffirming the ECI’s authority. South Africa Education Budget: The Basic Education Budget Vote debate focused on early childhood learning gaps, with ministers arguing reforms are needed to help children like “Nelson” catch up. US Senate Race (Texas): Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico traded sharp attacks as the campaign shifts toward a costly November showdown. Colombia Ceasefires: ELN and FARC dissidents announced separate unilateral ceasefires timed to the presidential election period, aiming to reduce intimidation at the polls. Nigeria Opposition Politics: ADC presidential primary results crowned Atiku Abubakar as the 2027 candidate, framed by party leaders as proof democracy can still work.

Philippines Senate Rules Clash: House prosecutors warned that a push for remote voting could set a dangerous precedent for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, arguing senators must be physically present for “personal accountability.” U.S. Politics—Biden vs DOJ: Joe Biden sued the Justice Department to block planned release of audio and transcripts from interviews with his biographer, escalating a fight over classified-documents fallout. U.S. Elections—Texas Senate Shock: Trump-backed Texas AG Ken Paxton defeated longtime Sen. John Cornyn in the GOP runoff, signaling a deeper purge dynamic inside the party. U.S. Immigration Protests: Demonstrators kept rallying outside Newark’s Delaney Hall as tensions with ICE escalated, including reports of pepper spray and claims of harsh detention conditions. South Africa—Phala Phala Fight: The EFF demanded Parliament oppose Ramaphosa’s bid to set aside the Phala Phala Independent Panel report, framing it as an institutional accountability test. Canada Climate Exit: Former environment minister Steven Guilbeault confirmed he’ll quit the Liberal caucus this summer after disillusionment with climate policy rollbacks. EU Russia Diplomacy: EU foreign ministers discussed how Europe could engage in future talks with Russia as Ukraine presses for a bigger role.

Texas GOP Power Shift: Ken Paxton crushed longtime Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican runoff, sealing a Trump-backed nomination and instantly tightening the November Senate race as Republicans scramble to manage Paxton’s baggage. Courtroom Battles Over Voting: Alabama’s racially discriminatory congressional map was blocked again by a federal panel, with state leaders vowing to take it to the Supreme Court—another test of how far courts will go after top rulings. Philippines Senate Tension: A push to let senators vote remotely is colliding with impeachment expectations, as lawmakers, prosecutors, and even celebrities call for “dignity” and accuse the chamber of rushing rule changes. UK Competition Pressure: Politicians are urging a fresh probe into Live Nation’s dominance, citing a “climate of fear” inside the industry. Regional Politics Watch: Nepal’s new PM says living standards will be visibly improved, while Egypt’s Eid sacrifice costs are rising under inflation and politics.