Manila Times

President Marcos Jr. Honors Outgoing South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presented the Order of Sikatuna to outgoing South Korean Ambassador Lee Sang-hwa in recognition of his contributions to strengthening bilateral relations between the Philippines and South Korea.

Brazilian Beef Exports to the Philippines Continue to Grow

The Brazilian Beef Exporters Association said the Philippines imported 29,400 metric tons of Brazilian beef worth more than 130 million United States dollars during the first five months of 2026, supported by rising consumer demand and c...

President Marcos Jr. Extends National Civil Registration Initiative Through 2030

The Marcos administration has extended the national civil registration initiative until 2030 as part of its effort to expand access to essential government documentation and improve public service delivery nationwide.

Benjamin Abalos Jr. Appointed Cabinet Secretary in Government Reshuffle

Former Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has been appointed Cabinet Secretary with a mandate to improve coordination across government agencies and strengthen the delivery of public services.

Government-Owned Corporations Remit One Hundred Forty Billion Pesos to National Treasury

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. praised government-owned and controlled corporations after they remitted one hundred forty billion pesos in dividends to the National Treasury, highlighting their contribution to financing essential public ...

Philippines Highlights Artificial Intelligence Growth Through Luzon Economic Corridor Initiative

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the United States-led Pax Silica initiative will include a major artificial intelligence-native industrial acceleration hub in the Luzon Economic Corridor, a project expected to generate hundreds of th...

Prime Infrastructure Secures Five Billion Dollar Financing for Pumped-Storage Hydropower Projects

Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. has secured approximately five billion United States dollars in financing for the 1,400-megawatt Pakil and 600-megawatt Wawa pumped-storage hydropower projects, marking one of the largest green infrastru...

Philippines Launches Ten Point One Billion Peso Geothermal Facility to Accelerate Renewable Energy Investment

The Department of Energy has approved a government-backed ten point one billion peso geothermal de-risking facility to reduce exploration risks for private developers, encourage investment in indigenous energy resources, and strengthen t...

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to Visit Singapore to Deepen Economic and Strategic Cooperation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will begin a three-day working visit to Singapore on July 14 to meet Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, and environmental initiatives, and engage with international b...

Philippines and Thirteen Partner Nations Reaffirm 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Ruling

The Philippines joined thirteen countries, including the United States, Australia, and Japan, in reaffirming the final and legally binding nature of the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, while reiterating support for a rules-b...

Filipinos Become Vietnam's Largest Source of Intra-ASEAN Visitors

A tourism analysis found that Filipinos have become the largest group of intra-ASEAN visitors to Vietnam, reflecting stronger outbound travel demand as household incomes and international travel capacity continue to recover.

Government Clarifies Rice Distribution Procedures in Mandaluyong

Malacañang has responded to public questions regarding rice distribution activities in Mandaluyong, explaining the logistics involved and reaffirming its commitment to efficient delivery of assistance to beneficiaries.

President Marcos Jr. Visits Navotas Fish Port to Review Modernization Plans

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited the Navotas Fish Port Complex to assess infrastructure requirements and discuss modernization efforts aimed at improving the fisheries sector and supporting the country's long-term food security.

Government Invests Nearly 190 Million Pesos in New Davao Fish Port Facilities

The Department of Agriculture will invest nearly 190 million pesos to build two modern municipal fish ports in Davao del Sur, aiming to improve fisheries infrastructure, strengthen food supply chains and support coastal livelihoods.

Light Rail Transit Line 2 Introduces Integrated Digital Fare Payment System

Light Rail Transit Line 2 has launched a new automated fare collection system that accepts bank cards, digital wallets and quick response codes on a single interoperable platform, advancing the modernization of the Philippines' urban rai...

National Capital Region Minimum Wage Increase Takes Effect This Month

The Department of Labor and Employment has reminded private-sector employers that the first phase of the 85-peso daily wage increase for workers in the National Capital Region will take effect on July 25 as part of recently approved wage...

Impeachment Prosecutors Continue Focus on Confidential Funds and Other Allegations

House prosecutors continued presenting evidence related to allegations involving confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery and alleged threats against the President, arguing that the accusations demonstrate a broader pattern of con...

Impeachment Court Weighs Additional Witnesses in Sara Duterte Proceedings

The Senate impeachment court is considering requests to hear additional testimony, including from National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag, while court officials also seek to maintain orderly scheduling to ensure adequate...

President Marcos Jr. Opens New Port Facilities in Camiguin

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated the Benoni Port Operations Building and Light Craft Landing Station in Mahinog, Camiguin, as part of the government's continuing effort to modernize port infrastructure and improve transport lin...

President Marcos Jr. to Visit Singapore to Strengthen Economic Cooperation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will make a working visit to Singapore from July 14 to 16 to deepen bilateral relations, expand economic cooperation and strengthen partnerships with one of the Philippines' key regional partners.

President Marcos Jr. Expands Special Economic Zones to Boost Investment and Industrial Development

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has designated new special economic zones in Cavite, Batangas and Negros Oriental to support industrial expansion, strengthen information technology parks and encourage new investment under the Philippine E...

Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte Intensifies as National Bureau of Investigation Testifies

The Senate impeachment court heard testimony from National Bureau of Investigation officials who said alleged threats made by Vice President Sara Duterte against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. were serious, intentional and credible, as p...

Philippines Reaffirms 2016 South China Sea Ruling with Support from Fourteen International Partners

The Philippines joined fourteen partner countries, including the United States, Japan and the United Kingdom, in marking the tenth anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling by reaffirming its validity, rejecting unilateral ...

World Cup Visitors Turn American Big-Box Stores Into Souvenir Stops

International fans attending the 2026 World Cup are filling suitcases with U.S. goods, from electronics and clothing to whitening strips and melatonin, giving retailers an unexpected tourism boost.

Netflix Weighs Always-On Channels, Bundles and Short-Form Video

Netflix is examining a broader product shift as viewing engagement softens, including genre-based linear channels, third-party subscriptions, live programming and partnerships with digital publishers. Its integration of TF1 live channels...

Passenger Is Pulled Partly Outside Ryanair Jet After Window Fails Mid-Flight

Passenger Is Pulled Partly Outside Ryanair Jet After Window Fails Mid-Flight

A Serbian passenger was pulled head and shoulders outside a Boeing 737 after a window failed during a Ryanair flight from Greece to Germany. His wife and fellow passengers pulled him back inside before the aircraft returned safely to The...

CREATE MORE Act Supports High-Value Investment in Technology Industries

Finance officials said the CREATE MORE Act is being used to attract investment in artificial intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing and other high-value industries through lower corporate taxes and investment incentives designed to st...

Government-Owned Corporations Remit 140 Billion Pesos to National Treasury

Government-owned and controlled corporations have remitted 140 billion pesos in dividends to the National Treasury, with President Marcos emphasizing that the funds will support essential public services and development programs while re...

Mayon Volcano Records Highest Sulfur Dioxide Emissions in 26 Years

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that Mayon Volcano has reached its highest sulfur dioxide emissions in 26 years, accompanied by continued lava effusion and frequent volcanic earthquakes. Authorities are ma...

PAGASA Monitors Low Pressure Area as Southwest Monsoon Brings Heavy Rain to Luzon

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration is tracking a low pressure area east of Eastern Visayas while the Southwest Monsoon continues to bring heavy rainfall to parts of Central and Southern Luzon...

President Marcos Appoints Benhur Abalos Jr. as Cabinet Secretary

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former interior secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. as Cabinet Secretary, assigning the office an expanded role focused on improving coordination across government agencies and strengthening the del...

Asian Development Bank and International Monetary Fund Cut Philippines 2026 Growth Forecasts

The Asian Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund have lowered their economic growth projections for the Philippines in 2026, citing the effects of conflict in the Middle East, slower infrastructure spending, persistent infl...

Philippines Promotes Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductor Investment Through Pax Silica Initiative

Finance Secretary Frederick Go said the United States-led Pax Silica initiative will help develop secure artificial intelligence and semiconductor supply chains, including plans for an AI-focused industrial hub within the Luzon Economic ...

Philippines Reaffirms South China Sea Position on Tenth Anniversary of Arbitral Award

The Marcos administration marked the tenth anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award by reaffirming its commitment to a rules-based international order and strengthening diplomatic and security coordination with the United S...

Philippine Cabinet Approves Record 7.2 Trillion Peso Budget Proposal for 2027

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his Cabinet have approved a proposed 7.2 trillion peso National Expenditure Program for 2027, equivalent to 21.7 percent of gross domestic product and six percent larger than the 2026 budget. The propos...

Philippine Authorities Seize Smuggled Cigarettes in Misamis Oriental Operation

Law enforcement units confiscated an eight million peso shipment of illegal cigarettes in Misamis Oriental as authorities continue efforts against smuggling networks.

Amanah Islamic Bank Names New Leadership After Government Appointment

The government has appointed a new head of the state-owned Amanah Islamic Bank, marking a change in leadership for the financial institution.

Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa Takes Leave for Knee Surgery

Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is on official leave while undergoing knee replacement surgery, with department operations continuing under acting leadership.

Philippine Authorities Correct AI-Generated Flood Barrier Image Circulating Online

The Metro Manila Development Authority clarified that a widely shared image showing a flood barrier along EDSA was digitally altered and created using artificial intelligence.

Philippine National Museum and Cultural Groups Highlight Indigenous Heritage in University Events

The University of the Philippines Baguio graduation ceremonies recognized indigenous roots and cultural preservation as part of the institution’s celebration of its graduating students.

Tinalak Festival Celebrates South Cotabato Cultural Heritage Through Traditional Exhibits

South Cotabato hosted its annual Tinalak Festival, featuring traditional bahay kubo displays and cultural activities highlighting local craftsmanship and heritage.

Farmer Groups in Isabela Warn of Crop Damage From Prolonged Dry Spell

Farmers in Isabela reported damaged crops and cracked soil caused by an extended dry period, raising concerns about agricultural productivity in the province.

Authorities Seize Eight Million Pesos Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes in Misamis Oriental

Law enforcement agencies intercepted a shipment of smuggled cigarettes valued at eight million pesos in Misamis Oriental as part of efforts to combat illegal trade.