Manila Times

Baguio Residents Report Strong Confidence in City’s Economic and Education Outlook

An independent quality-of-life survey found high levels of optimism among Baguio residents over local governance, tourism recovery and educational opportunities despite broader national concerns about inflation.

Global Witness Says Philippines Remains Asia’s Deadliest Country for Environmental Defenders

Global Witness says the Philippines recorded the highest number of killings of land and environmental defenders in Asia in its latest reporting, with activists facing continued risks linked to land disputes and extractive projects.

SEC Tightens Auditor Oversight for Firms Reviewing Government Contractors

The Securities and Exchange Commission is strengthening accreditation requirements for independent auditors handling companies involved in government projects as regulators seek greater transparency in public procurement.

Philippines Develops Copyright Rules for AI-Assisted Creative Works

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines has drafted guidelines that place human creative contribution at the centre of copyright registration for works produced with artificial-intelligence assistance.

Philippine Peso Faces Pressure as Higher US Rates Support Dollar

The peso weakened against the US dollar after the Federal Reserve raised interest rates, adding to currency-market pressure as the Philippines also contends with rising energy costs.

Philippine Rail Projects Could Remove One Million Vehicles From Roads, Transport Department Says

Transport officials estimate that major railway projects could eventually shift enough passengers from private vehicles to mass transit to remove about one million vehicles from congested roads.

Basilan Court Keeps Arrest Warrants in Force Against Mayor and Co-Accused

A court in Basilan has upheld arrest warrants against Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing Nanoh and other defendants facing murder and frustrated-murder charges, adding to security concerns around political violence in the region.

New Witnesses Allege Cash Bribes in Taguig Infrastructure Projects

New witnesses have approached the Office of the Ombudsman with allegations that substantial cash payments were delivered in connection with infrastructure contracts in Taguig, deepening scrutiny of local procurement practices.

Malacañang Rejects Calls for Marcos to Resign Amid Duterte Impeachment Tensions

The presidential palace says Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has no plans to resign after figures from Vice President Sara Duterte’s camp raised the prospect of her succeeding him, adding another point of contention during the impeachment proceedings.

Authorities Pursue Obstruction Cases Linked to Ronald dela Rosa’s Escape

Investigators are examining allegations that officials helped Senator Ronald dela Rosa leave the Senate while authorities were attempting to enforce an arrest warrant, with obstruction complaints proceeding against alleged accomplices.

Malacañang Says Philippines Has Adequate Fuel Supplies Despite Middle East Conflict

The Marcos administration says domestic petroleum inventories remain sufficient as renewed Middle East tensions push global energy prices higher and increase pressure on Philippine consumers and businesses.

GCash Parent Prepares Major Philippine IPO for October

The company behind GCash is preparing an October stock-market listing that could become one of the Philippines’ largest initial public offerings, reflecting the rapid expansion of the country’s digital financial-services sector.

Ombudsman Files Graft Complaints Over Villar Family’s PrimeWater Deals

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed graft complaints involving members of the Villar family, PrimeWater executives and water-district officials over allegedly disadvantageous agreements and persistent concerns about water services.

Three Killed in Shooting at South Cotabato High School

At least three people were killed and several others injured in a shooting at Banga National High School, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to order a thorough investigation into how a firearm entered the campus.

Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Examines ₱6.7 Billion in Flagged Bank Transactions

The Senate impeachment trial is examining Anti-Money Laundering Council records covering ₱6.7 billion in transactions linked to Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, Manases Carpio, as prosecutors pursue allegations involving unex...

Chinese Coast Guard Vessel Rams Philippine Fisheries Ship off Palawan

The Philippine Coast Guard says a Chinese Coast Guard vessel deliberately struck a Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources ship carrying fuel assistance for Filipino fishermen off Palawan, adding to tensions in the South China Sea.

Iloilo Jail Inspection Uncovers 35 Contraband Mobile Phones

Philippine jail authorities confiscated 35 unauthorized mobile phones and other prohibited items during a surprise inspection at an Iloilo detention facility, highlighting continued challenges in controlling illicit communications inside...

Malacañang Shortens September 28 Government Workday for National Family Week

Executive branch agencies and state corporations will end work early on September 28 to allow government employees to observe Kainang Pamilya Mahalaga Day during National Family Week.

More Than 14% of Filipinos Still Use Traditional Family Planning Methods

The Commission on Population says more than 14% of Filipinos continue to rely on traditional family planning methods despite the wider availability of modern contraceptives.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Donates ₱25 Million in Equipment to Naga Hospital

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has provided ₱25 million worth of diagnostic and medical equipment to Naga City General Hospital as the facility works to expand services and secure higher accreditation.

Quezon City Hall Evacuated After Bomb Threat Sent Through Official Facebook Page

Police and explosive ordnance teams cleared the Quezon City Hall compound after a bomb threat was sent through the city government’s Facebook account, with authorities opening a cybercrime investigation.

Philippine Press Freedom Group CMFR to Close After 37 Years

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility has announced that it will cease operations after 37 years, citing funding difficulties that it says can no longer be overcome.

Philippine Tourism Mission Generates More Than ₱450 Million in Greater China Sales Leads

The Department of Tourism says a business mission to Shanghai, Hong Kong and Xiamen generated more than ₱450 million in prospective sales as the industry seeks stronger visitor demand from Greater China.

Philippines Allows Bonded Jet Fuel Facilities for International Airlines

The Bureau of Customs has introduced rules allowing international air transport operators to establish bonded aviation fuel facilities, enabling qualifying fuel imports to receive conditional tax exemptions.

Philippines and Cebu Province Advance Public-Private Infrastructure Pipeline

The national Public-Private Partnership Center and Cebu’s provincial government have agreed to develop new infrastructure projects, including solar power resilience for hospitals and improved regional transport links.

Philippine Weather Bureau Warns of Heavy Rain Across Visayas and Mindanao

A low-pressure area off Palawan is expected to bring heavy rainfall across parts of the central and southern Philippines, increasing the risk of localized flooding and landslides.

Metro Manila Police Deploy More Than 15,000 Personnel for September 21 Protests

The National Capital Region Police Office has placed units on full alert and is deploying more than 15,000 personnel ahead of demonstrations marking the anniversary of the 1972 declaration of martial law.

Philippine Defense Secretary Criticizes Chinese Maritime Actions at Seoul Security Forum

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. used an international security forum in South Korea to criticize Chinese actions in contested waters as maritime tensions continue between Manila and Beijing.

Philippine State Pension Fund Expands Emergency Loans to Nearly ₱8 Billion

The Government Service Insurance System has expanded emergency lending to more than 317,000 members in 16 calamity-declared areas affected by recent typhoons and southwest monsoon rains.

Ombudsman Opens Graft Proceedings Involving Villar Family and Water District Officials

Philippine anti-graft authorities are investigating members of the Villar family, PrimeWater executives and local water district officials over alleged irregularities in utility agreements and water service delivery.

Philippines Projected to Average 5.8% Growth Over Next Decade

A forecast by Bain & Company and DBS Group projects the Philippine economy will grow by an average of 5.8% annually through 2035, supported by favorable demographics and continued infrastructure investment.

Philippines Begins Construction of Metro Manila Subway Station at NAIA Terminal 3

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has led the groundbreaking for the Metro Manila Subway station serving Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, advancing a major rail link intended to improve access to the country’s main internation...

GCash Parent Mynt Wins Philippine Stock Exchange Approval for IPO

The Philippine Stock Exchange has approved the initial public offering of Mynt, the operator of GCash, clearing the way for a major market debut by one of the country’s largest digital finance companies.

South Cotabato School Shooting Leaves at Least Three Dead and Several Injured

A shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato killed at least three people and injured several others, prompting a police investigation and renewed concern over security in Philippine schools.

Philippines Braces for Sharp Fuel Price Increases as Middle East Conflict Drives Oil Costs Higher

Diesel prices could rise by about ₱10 per litre next week, with gasoline also expected to increase, as escalating Middle East tensions push international petroleum costs higher and add to domestic inflation pressure.

Philippine Leaders Prioritize Anti-Political Dynasty Law After Supreme Court Order

Congressional leaders have placed anti-political dynasty legislation among their priorities after the Supreme Court directed Congress to fulfil its constitutional duty to enact such a law.

Philippines Verifies Reports That 14 Nationals Were Recruited to Fight for Russia

The Department of Foreign Affairs is investigating reports that 14 Filipinos were recruited to serve with Russian forces in Ukraine, raising concerns over overseas recruitment and possible exploitation of Filipino workers.

Philippine House Approves Expanded Espionage Law on Final Reading

The House of Representatives has approved legislation broadening the country’s espionage law and strengthening penalties as lawmakers respond to concerns over foreign interference and regional security.

Rodrigo Duterte Appears Before International Criminal Court in The Hague

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte has appeared in person at an International Criminal Court status conference as prosecutors prepare for his November 2026 trial over alleged crimes against humanity linked to his administration’...