Manila Times

Philippines Explores Lower-Cost Livestock Feed to Expand Carabao Production

The Department of Agriculture is studying wider use of alternative feeds including millet to reduce costs for livestock farmers and support expansion of the national carabao herd.

Philippines Expands Carabao Mango Exports to Canada

A Philippine exporter shipped one metric ton of Carabao mangoes to Vancouver in September, adding a second commercial supply line after the fruit entered the Canadian market earlier in 2026. ([Philstar.com][17])

Aznar Shipping Prepares ₱737 Million Initial Public Offering for Fleet Expansion

Philippine maritime operator Aznar Shipping is preparing a proposed ₱737 million stock-market listing to help finance new vessels and expand its inter-island shipping operations.

ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Manila Rescheduled for Regional Leaders

Organisers have adjusted the timing of the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Manila to improve attendance by Southeast Asian heads of government and strengthen participation in regional economic discussions.

Philippine Exporters Expand Focus on Indonesia and Vietnam

Exporters and logistics companies are increasingly targeting Indonesia and Vietnam as they use ASEAN tariff arrangements to diversify regional sales and reach larger Southeast Asian consumer markets.

Visayas Power Strategy Focuses on More Self-Sufficient Regional Electricity Systems

Philippine energy authorities are pursuing plans for more self-sufficient power subregions within the Visayas grid to improve reliability and reduce the economic impact of persistent electricity shortages.

Philippines Strengthens School Security and Mental Health Support After South Cotabato Shooting

Education authorities are reviewing campus security and expanding mental-health support following the September 18 shooting at Banga National High School that killed two students and the teenage gunman and injured several others. ([AP N...

Philippine Customs Files Criminal Complaints Over Misdeclared Onion and Carrot Shipments

The Bureau of Customs filed six criminal complaints over shipments allegedly declared as chicken products but found to contain more than 15,000 sacks of white onions and over 2,000 boxes of carrots without required clearances. ([Bureau ...

Cebu Tightens Livestock Controls After Return of African Swine Fever

Provincial authorities have strengthened animal-movement restrictions and biosecurity measures following the detection of African swine fever, raising renewed risks for Cebu’s pork industry and livestock supply chain.

Philippine Military Reports More Than 1,100 Communist Insurgents and Supporters ‘Neutralized’ in 2026

The Armed Forces said 1,108 New People’s Army members and supporters had surrendered, been arrested or been killed in operations through late August, with the large majority recorded as surrenders. ([Philippine News Agency][14])

Philippine Senate Backs Accession to International Maritime Search and Rescue Convention

The Senate unanimously concurred in the Philippines’ accession to the 1979 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue, strengthening the country’s legal framework for coordinating maritime emergency operations. ([Philippine ...

Philippines Introduces National Artificial Intelligence Governance Framework for Universities

The Commission on Higher Education has introduced guidelines governing generative artificial intelligence in higher education, seeking to support responsible use while addressing academic integrity and institutional oversight.

Bangko Sentral Sets September 30 Deadline for Foreign Borrowing Plans

Philippine resident entities planning medium- or long-term foreign borrowing must submit fourth-quarter 2026 and full-year 2027 financing plans by September 30, allowing the central bank to assess future external funding requirements. (...

Martial Law Anniversary Protests Draw Demonstrators and Heightened Police Presence in Manila

Activists held demonstrations marking the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, with police maintaining a large security presence and at least two protesters later arrested over alleged spray-painting in Manila. ([ABS-CBN]...

Philippine Lawmakers Push Strategic Petroleum Reserve as Global Oil Risks Persist

Lawmakers and energy officials are advancing proposals for a state-managed petroleum reserve designed to protect transport, logistics and consumers from severe disruptions in international fuel markets. ([Philippine News Agency][6])

Philippines Warns of Potentially Intense Tropical Cyclones in Final Months of 2026

The national weather agency is warning that fewer tropical cyclones may enter the Philippines during the final quarter of the year, but those that develop could still reach very high intensity and pose major flooding and wind risks.

Philippines Launches $34.4 Billion Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Masterplan

The Philippine government has unveiled a plan to expand artificial intelligence data-centre capacity from about 50 megawatts to 1.5 gigawatts by 2033 as it seeks to build a larger regional technology and cloud-computing industry. ([Phil...

SEC Official Testifies Sara Duterte Remained Company Director After Becoming Vice President

A Securities and Exchange Commission official told Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial that corporate filings listed her as a company director through 2025, while also citing constitutional restrictions on business interests ...

European Union and Philippines Reach Substantial Agreement on Free Trade Deal

The European Union and the Philippines have reached substantial agreement on a free trade pact intended to expand market access and deepen economic ties, with legal work and formal approval still required before implementation. ([AP New...

Philippine Army Plans New Infantry Brigade in Palawan as External Defence Role Expands

The Philippine Army is preparing to permanently deploy an infantry brigade to Palawan as the military strengthens territorial and external defence capabilities near the South China Sea. ([Philippine News Agency][2])

Philippines Reports 35 Chinese Naval and Coast Guard Vessels Around Four West Philippine Sea Features

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said 35 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels were observed around four West Philippine Sea features between September 15 and 21, keeping maritime tensions elevated in disputed waters. ([Philippine Ne...

Batanes Representative Ciriaco Gato Jr. Dies at 66

The Philippine House of Representatives is mourning Batanes lawmaker Ciriaco Gato Jr., whose death at 66 leaves a vacancy in the congressional seat representing the country’s northernmost province.

Philippine Senate President Urges Lawmakers to Use Public Transport

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has challenged fellow senators to commute by mass transit, echoing a Department of Transportation initiative requiring senior officials to experience everyday public transportation.

Rare Philippine Plant Blooms Again at Masungi Georeserve After More Than 130 Years

Conservationists have documented the endemic Exacum loheri at Masungi Georeserve, more than a century after the rare species was first recorded in Rizal province.

Philippines Expands Agricultural Trade With Canada After Mango Market Entry

Agriculture officials are pursuing wider export opportunities in Canada after Philippine fresh mangoes successfully entered the market, with the government seeking new overseas demand for domestic farm products.

Negros Sugar Farmers Receive 410 Million Pesos in Government Assistance

The Philippine government has distributed 410 million pesos in cash aid to sugarcane farmers in Negros as producers contend with high costs, volatile weather and changing commodity prices.

Court Orders 90-Day Suspension of Cagayan Vice Governor in Graft Case

Cagayan Vice Governor Manuel Mamba has been placed under a 90-day preventive suspension while a graft case against him proceeds.

African Swine Fever Returns to Cebu After Three-Year Absence

Veterinary authorities have confirmed new African swine fever cases in Cebu, raising renewed concerns for local hog producers and regional pork supplies.

Indonesian Wildfire Haze Disrupts Classes in Cebu

Local governments in parts of Cebu suspended face-to-face classes as transboundary haze from Indonesian fires degraded air quality across portions of the central Philippines.

Opposition Lawmakers Delay Approval of BCDA’s 1.98 Billion Peso Budget

The Makabayan bloc has secured a deferment of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s proposed budget while seeking greater scrutiny of its management of former military land and economic zones.

Philippine Social Security System Targets 300 Billion Peso Loan Portfolio

The state-run Social Security System expects its lending portfolio to reach a record 300 billion pesos by year-end as demand for financial assistance from Filipino workers remains strong.

Philippine Coast Guard Seizes Illegal Explosives on Palawan-Bound Passenger Ship

Security personnel intercepted explosives aboard a passenger vessel headed for Palawan, prompting tighter scrutiny of maritime security across inter-island transport routes.

Comelec Exempts Public Transport Subsidies From Election Spending Ban

The Commission on Elections has exempted transport assistance programmes from an upcoming public-spending restriction, allowing subsidies for public utility vehicle drivers to continue amid elevated fuel costs.

Clark International Airport Advances Second Runway Expansion

U.S. and South Korean investors have expressed interest in the planned second runway at Clark International Airport as authorities seek to expand capacity and strengthen Central Luzon’s role in aviation and logistics.

Bangko Sentral Posts 100 Billion Peso Profit on Foreign Exchange Gains

The Philippine central bank recorded a 100 billion peso profit over four months, supported by favourable currency movements that strengthened its financial position amid volatile global markets.

Philippines Seeks Larger Migrant Workers Budget as Overseas Crisis Risks Grow

The Department of Migrant Workers has requested additional funding from Congress to strengthen repatriation and emergency assistance for Filipinos affected by conflicts in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Philippine Energy Officials Warn Fuel Prices Will Remain Elevated

The Department of Energy says motorists should expect pump prices to stay high as geopolitical instability and shifts in global oil markets continue to raise domestic energy costs.

Philippines Courts Apple and Nvidia for New Clark City Technology Hub

Trade officials are seeking investment from global technology companies including Apple and Nvidia for the Pax Silica initiative, which aims to build a major advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence supply-chain hub in New Clar...

BMI Cuts Philippine 2026 Growth Forecast to 3.3%

BMI has lowered its forecast for Philippine economic growth to 3.3%, citing weaker momentum as infrastructure constraints, inflation and subdued consumption weigh on the economy.

Anti-Corruption Protests Mark 54th Anniversary of Martial Law in Manila

Activists commemorating the declaration of Martial Law also renewed calls for accountability over alleged corruption in government flood-control projects during demonstrations in the Philippine capital.

NBI Expands Davao Corruption Probe to Major Infrastructure Projects

The National Bureau of Investigation has subpoenaed officials and company representatives as it widens its inquiry into suspected irregularities involving infrastructure and flood-control projects in Davao City.

Malacañang Rejects Marcos Resignation Speculation as Duterte Camp Says Vice President Is Ready to Succeed Him

The Philippine presidential palace has pushed back against suggestions that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could step down after Vice President Sara Duterte called for his resignation and her camp said she was prepared to assume the pres...

Sara Duterte’s Corporate Roles Come Under Scrutiny in Senate Impeachment Trial

A Securities and Exchange Commission official testified that corporate filings continued to list Vice President Sara Duterte as a company director after she took office in 2022, intensifying scrutiny of her business interests during her ...

Philippines Blocks Two Websites Accused of Promoting Violence to Minors

Authorities have ordered two websites blocked after police linked them to content promoting real-world violence and the potential grooming of minors following a series of deadly school shootings.