In a motion led by Senator Manny Pacquiao, a famous boxing champion and close ally of Duterte, three senators lost their leadership of house committees and one was ousted as pro-tempore, the Senate's second highest position. Political observers said the sudden realignment indicated moves by Duterte to strengthen his control over the powerful 24-seat Senate. The four senators who lost their posts had attended a rally on Saturday to mark 31 years since the "People Power" uprising that removed dictator Ferdinand Marcos. More than 7,700 people have died since Duterte unleashed his bloody campaign eight months ago, a third in police raids and sting operations. He alleges Duterte has tens of millions of dollars of hidden wealth and operated a death squad when he was a city mayor.

Source: The Star February 27, 2017 12:11 UTC