Manila Times

President Marcos Addresses Diplomatic Corps on Independence Day Foreign Policy Priorities

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered remarks to the diplomatic corps during Independence Day events, outlining the administration’s foreign policy direction and engagement with international partners.

Public Works Department Warns of Fraudulent Officials Demanding Kickbacks From Contractors

The Department of Public Works and Highways has warned contractors about individuals impersonating officials and attempting to extort money in exchange for project approvals, as authorities step up anti-corruption enforcement.

Senate Launches Inquiry Into Youth Safety Systems After Tacloban School Shooting

Senators led by Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian have called for an urgent review of youth protection and school safety systems following the deadly shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban.

Philippine Military Rejects Claims of Internal Tensions Over Defense Leadership

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has dismissed reports of internal friction linked to Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., calling the allegations misinformation intended to undermine national security institutions.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Deploys AI Data Tools for Disaster Response

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has partnered with global analytics firm Qlik to improve disaster relief coordination using data-driven systems across regional offices, aiming to speed up aid delivery during emergencies.

Russian Airlines Seek Approval for Direct Flights to Manila and Cebu

Russian aviation operators are seeking regulatory clearance to launch direct commercial flights to the Philippines, which could open new tourism and business links between the two countries if approved.

House Speaker Proposes Ban on Political Dynasties in Party-List Electoral System

House Speaker Faustino Dy III has introduced legislation seeking to bar political dynasties from the party-list system, aiming to strengthen representation for marginalized sectors and reduce entrenched family control in politics.

Philippine Oil Companies Cut Fuel Prices as Global Market Volatility Eases Transport Costs

Major oil firms have implemented significant fuel price reductions, lowering diesel by up to 10 pesos per liter and gasoline by up to 5 pesos per liter, easing transport and logistics costs across the country.

Philippine Customs Seizes 1.7 Billion Pesos in Smuggled Cigarettes at Manila Port

Authorities confiscated smuggled cigarettes worth 1.7 billion pesos during coordinated operations at Manila Port, uncovering one of the country’s largest tobacco contraband shipments this year.

Visayas Power Grid Placed on Yellow Alert as Multiple Power Plants Go Offline

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines issued a yellow alert for the Visayas region after outages across 16 power plants reduced available capacity to 2,461 megawatts, raising concerns over potential supply shortfalls.

Six Killed in Tacloban School Shooting Prompts Nationwide Security Review in Philippine Schools

Two teenage suspects were arrested after a fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, where three students were killed, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to order a nationwide review of school security measu...

Tropical Cyclone Francisco Intensifies Into Super Typhoon, Bringing Heavy Rain Across the Philippines

Super Typhoon Francisco strengthened over the Philippine Sea with maximum winds reaching 195 kilometers per hour, intensifying the southwest monsoon and triggering heavy rainfall across parts of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao despite n...

Cebu BPO Workers Seek Major Wage Increase as Inflation Pressures Erode Incomes

Business process outsourcing workers in Central Visayas have filed a petition seeking a minimum wage of 1,200 pesos, citing high regional inflation that has significantly reduced real purchasing power for entry-level employees.

United States Lawmakers Move to Restrict Offshore Call Center Operations, Raising Risks for Philippine BPO Sector

Proposed US legislation aimed at discouraging American companies from outsourcing customer service work could pose a structural challenge to the Philippine outsourcing industry, particularly in major hubs such as Metro Manila and Cebu.

Philippine BPO Industry Forecast to Reach 35.7 Billion Dollars as Artificial Intelligence Adoption Accelerates

The country’s business process outsourcing sector is projected to grow further in 2026, with revenues expected to reach 35.7 billion dollars and employment nearing two million, driven by foreign investment and expanding use of artificial...

World Bank Keeps 3.7 Percent Philippine Growth Forecast, Citing Weak Public Spending and External Risks

The World Bank maintained its 3.7 percent growth forecast for the Philippines, warning that delayed infrastructure spending and external volatility are likely to weigh on economic performance and limit expansion in 2026.

Armed Forces of the Philippines and United States Complete Joint Maritime Exercises in the West Philippine Sea

Philippine and United States forces concluded a six-day maritime exercise focused on interoperability, search and rescue operations, and joint deterrence, ahead of broader multinational drills in the Indo-Pacific region.

Philippine Government Faces Rising Security Tensions in West Philippine Sea Over Scarborough Shoal

The Department of National Defense has warned of increased Chinese activity near Scarborough Shoal, deploying additional naval assets to the West Philippine Sea amid concerns over possible long-term militarization of the contested area.

Philippine Stock Market and Peso Fall as Investors React to Rate Hike and Growth Downgrade

Philippine equities declined and the peso weakened after the central bank’s rate increase and the government’s lower growth outlook, with foreign investors continuing to sell amid concerns over a broader economic slowdown.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Raises Policy Rate to 4.75 Percent as Inflation Pressures Persist

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas lifted its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.75 percent, with Governor Eli Remolona Jr. stressing the need to bring inflation back toward target amid continued pressure from food and supply chain costs.

Philippine Government Cuts 2026 Growth Target to 3.5 Percent Amid Weak Spending and External Shocks

The Philippine government has lowered its 2026 economic growth target to 3.5 percent, down from a previous range of 5 to 6 percent, citing weaker state spending in the first quarter along with global pressures including Middle East tensi...

Filipina Tennis Player Alex Eala Climbs to World No. 30 After Strong European Run

Filipina tennis player Alex Eala has reached a career-high world ranking of 30 following a semifinal finish at the Berlin tournament. The result marks a major milestone in her rising international career on the professional circuit.

Securities and Exchange Commission Penalises Home Credit Over Debt Collection Practices

The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission has imposed penalties on consumer lender Home Credit following complaints over unfair and aggressive debt collection practices. The regulator says the action serves as a warning to digita...

Philippine Meat Importers Call for Return of Quota System to Stabilise Prices

Domestic meat importers are urging agricultural authorities to reinstate previous import quota systems, arguing that current policies are tightening supply and contributing to rising retail food prices. The proposal reflects ongoing tens...

Reuters Institute Report Shows Declining Trust in Philippine News Media

A new Digital News Report from the Reuters Institute has found a 10-percentage-point drop in public trust in Philippine news media. The decline is linked to increasing political polarisation, fragmented online information environments, a...

Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters Members Surrender in Maguindanao del Sur

Fourteen members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have surrendered to government forces in Maguindanao del Sur, turning over nearly 40 high-powered firearms. Authorities say the development reflects ongoing security operations ...

Philippine Government Partners With GCash to Provide Digital Financial Access for Refugees

The Department of Justice has signed an agreement with digital payments platform GCash to extend formal financial access to recognised refugees in the Philippines. The initiative aims to improve financial inclusion and strengthen oversig...

Hotel101 Plans Major Hospitality Expansion in Mindanao to Capture Rising Tourism Demand

Hotel101 is preparing to launch a large-scale hospitality development in Mindanao aimed at accommodating growing business and leisure travel. The project is positioned to support the region’s expanding tourism and economic activity.

Authorities Seize Illicit Tobacco Shipment at Manila North Harbor

The Bureau of Internal Revenue, working with the National Bureau of Investigation, has intercepted 22 shipping containers of smuggled cigarettes at Manila North Harbor. The seizure marks a major enforcement action in the government’s cam...

Office of the Ombudsman Files Graft Charges Against Cebu Municipal Officials in Minglanilla

Anti-corruption authorities have filed formal graft charges against the mayor, vice mayor, and 11 other officials of Minglanilla in Cebu. The case is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and curb local government corruption.

Marcos Administration Inaugurates Bohol Irrigation Megaproject to Boost Food Security

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has inaugurated a major irrigation infrastructure project in Bohol aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity and improving water management systems. The initiative is intended to help farming communit...

Philippine Government Investigates Transnational Human Trafficking Network Operating in Russia

The Department of Migrant Workers has launched an inter-agency investigation into illegal recruitment and trafficking networks after the repatriation of overseas Filipino workers who were allegedly detained and exploited in Russia for mo...

Overseas Filipino Worker Remittance Growth Slows to Four-Year Low

Cash remittance growth from overseas Filipinos rose by just 2 percent in April, marking a near four-year low according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data. The slowdown raises concerns over a key pillar of domestic consumption amid broad...

US Defence Manufacturer BADI Evaluates Subic and Cavite for Potential Production Facility

American firearms and defence company BADI is considering establishing a manufacturing facility in either Subic Bay Freeport Zone or Cavite. The proposed investment could expand the Philippines’ defence-industrial base and attract additi...

Marcos Administration Expands ASEAN–Russia Engagement on Trade and Security Cooperation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has called for stronger coordination between ASEAN member states and Russia during recent diplomatic engagements, highlighting the importance of cooperation on security and economic stability across intercon...

Philippine Government Deploys Emergency Funding After Major Earthquake in Mindanao

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has released hundreds of millions of pesos in relief assistance following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that caused widespread damage and displacement in Mindanao. The aid is focused on emerg...

Domestic Fuel Prices Slashed as Global Oil Benchmarks Ease Pressure on Philippine Transport Sector

The Department of Energy has announced significant pump price reductions, with diesel falling by up to 11 pesos per litre and gasoline by nearly 6 pesos. The rollback provides short-term relief for transport and logistics sectors followi...

Philippine National Police Intensifies Manhunt After Raid on Muntinlupa Scam Hub

Law enforcement authorities are pursuing financiers and senior operators behind a dismantled illegal offshore gaming-style scam network uncovered in Metro Manila. The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group continues follow-up operati...

Moody’s Lowers Outlook on Philippine Banks as Central Bank Tightens Monetary Policy

Moody’s Investors Service has revised its outlook on Philippine banks to negative, coinciding with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ decision to raise benchmark interest rates for a second consecutive meeting. The twin developments reflec...

Philippine Government Seeks Up to $1.5 Billion Asian Development Bank Facility to Cushion Oil Shock

Finance Secretary Frederick Go has announced plans to secure up to $1.5 billion from the Asian Development Bank to support a socioeconomic response programme. The funding is intended to help transport operators and vulnerable sectors abs...

Visayas Power Grid Remains on Yellow Alert Amid Persistent Electricity Supply Constraints

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines has maintained a yellow alert status across the Visayas grid as power reserves remain tight. The warning highlights continuing generation shortfalls and structural vulnerabilities in the c...

Philippine Authorities Respond to Tacloban School Shooting That Leaves Three Dead

Malacañang has ordered a full investigation into a school shooting in Tacloban City that killed three people and injured 13 others. Police reports indicate the firearm used was registered to a member of law enforcement, prompting a broad...

Philippine Government Releases Emergency Earthquake Relief After Devastating Mindanao Quake

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has disbursed more than 378 million pesos in emergency assistance following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that caused widespread infrastructure damage and displacement across parts of Mindana...

Philippine Senate Advances Impeachment Trial Proceedings Against Vice President Sara Duterte

The Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte has moved through pre-trial stages as political tensions intensify over alleged constitutional violations and the handling of public funds. Lawmakers are also debating the admis...

Super Typhoon Francisco Triggers Mass Evacuations and Disaster Alerts Across the Philippines

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has upgraded Francisco to a super typhoon status, prompting red alerts and large-scale evacuations in vulnerable coastal and agricultural areas. Disaster ag...