Manila Times

Calabarzon Coastal Cleanup Removes More Than 35,000 Kilograms of Waste

Thousands of volunteers, local authorities and private organisations have removed more than 35 tonnes of waste from coastlines across Calabarzon in a large-scale campaign targeting marine pollution.

Fisherfolk and Volunteer Divers Step Up Protection of Lapu-Lapu Marine Areas

Community fisherfolk and volunteer divers are supporting marine conservation in Lapu-Lapu City through reef protection, underwater clean-ups and efforts to reduce illegal fishing and coastal degradation. ([Philstar.com][23])

Senate President Urges Lawmakers to Experience Public Transport Firsthand

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has encouraged senators to commute regularly after praising a Department of Transportation policy requiring senior officials to use public transport to better understand passenger conditions. ([GMA Ne...

Ombudsman Dismisses Bohol Mayor and Suspends Tayabas Vice Mayor in Separate Cases

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the dismissal of Duero Mayor Al Taculad over conflict-of-interest findings and separately suspended Tayabas Vice Mayor Rosauro Dalida over conduct linked to a road project. ([Daily Tribune][21])

Pressure Grows to Expand Mental Health Support in Philippine Public Schools

Education authorities are accelerating the hiring of school counsellors and expanding school-based mental health services as lawmakers push for stronger support for students facing bullying, violence and psychological distress. ([Civil ...

DPWH Issues Show-Cause Orders Over Alleged Violations of Taguig Construction Halt

The Department of Public Works and Highways has ordered contractors to explain why construction continued at Taguig sites covered by cease-and-desist directives linked to reclamation activity around Laguna de Bay. ([GMA Network][19])

Quezon City Expands Doxycycline Access After Leptospirosis Cases Cross Epidemic Threshold

Quezon City is widening access to preventive doxycycline in flood-affected communities after leptospirosis infections breached the epidemic threshold following severe seasonal flooding. ([Quezon City Government][13])

PhilHealth Expands Coverage to Hospital Admissions Lasting Less Than 24 Hours

PhilHealth has introduced coverage for qualifying inpatient admissions shorter than 24 hours, removing a previous duration barrier for patients requiring brief hospital treatment. ([ABS-CBN][12])

Indigenous Land Claims Complicate Development of US-Backed Philippine Technology Hub

Indigenous communities are seeking clearer recognition of land rights around a planned technology and semiconductor development zone, creating tension between large-scale investment plans and ancestral-domain concerns.

Comelec Urges Congress to Accelerate Anti-Political Dynasty Legislation

The Commission on Elections is pressing lawmakers to complete an anti-political dynasty law before preparations intensify for the 2028 polls, following a Supreme Court ruling directing Congress to fulfil the constitutional mandate. ([Ph...

Philippine Groups March for Accountability Ahead of Martial Law Anniversary

Student, labour and civil society groups have staged demonstrations across Metro Manila calling for government accountability and commemorating victims of the Marcos-era martial law period. ([Philstar.com][10])

Metro Cebu Suspends In-Person Classes as Transboundary Haze Worsens

Local governments across Metro Cebu have suspended face-to-face classes as smoke from regional wildfires pushes air quality into acutely unhealthy territory and raises respiratory health concerns. ([Philippine Information Agency][9])

Six Armed Men Reported Killed in Bangsamoro Law-Enforcement Clash

Six armed individuals were reported killed after a police and military operation in the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area escalated into a firefight, with authorities linking the operation to a criminal warrant. ([The Mindanao Sentinel...

Government-MILF Peace Mechanisms Deploy to Ease Tensions in Bangsamoro Area

Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front mechanisms have been coordinating joint security and ceasefire measures to contain local conflict and prevent further displacement in the Bangsamoro Special Geographic Area. ([Phil...

Philippine Transport Regulators Prepare Fare Recommendation as Fuel Costs Rise

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is preparing a fare recommendation for the Department of Transportation as another sharp diesel increase threatens operating costs for public utility vehicles. ([Department of Ene...

ASEAN Investment Growth Intensifies Philippine Push for Semiconductor and AI Capital

Record regional investment flows are sharpening Philippine efforts to attract multinational projects in semiconductors, artificial intelligence infrastructure and other technology-intensive industries. ([ASEAN Main Portal][5])

Philippines Reaffirms One-China Policy as Taiwan Plans Representative Office in Cebu

The Department of Foreign Affairs says Manila’s One-China policy remains unchanged while maintaining that economic, cultural and functional relations with Taiwan can continue, including plans for a second representative office in Cebu. ...

ICC Case Against Rodrigo Duterte Expands to Eight Additional Incidents

International Criminal Court prosecutors have added eight incidents to the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte over his anti-drug campaign, expanding the factual allegations while leaving the existing crimes-against-humanity ch...

Philippine Senate Weighs Conviction Threshold as Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Advances

The Senate impeachment court is preparing to resolve how many votes are required to convict Vice President Sara Duterte as House prosecutors pursue testimony and records concerning alleged business and financial interests; the allegation...

Philippines Says China Coast Guard Vessel Rammed Fisheries Boat Off Palawan

The United States, Canada and European Union voiced concern after a China Coast Guard vessel collided with and damaged a Philippine fisheries vessel about 54 nautical miles off Palawan during a civilian mission. ([Philippine News Agency...

Angelo Que Joins Negros Occidental Classic as Philippine Golf Tour Season Continues

Three-time Asian Tour winner Angelo Que will compete at the Marapara course in Negros Occidental as the Philippine Golf Tour enters the second half of its season.

Philippines Declares Special Local Holidays for Regional Festivals and Anniversaries

Malacañang has approved special non-working holidays across seven localities in September and October to accommodate local founding anniversaries, festivals and community celebrations.

Ilocos Nursing Graduate Tops Philippine Licensure Examination

A nursing candidate from northern Luzon achieved the highest national ranking in the latest board examinations, highlighting the continuing contribution of provincial universities to the Philippine healthcare workforce.

Philippine House to Hold Memorial Service for Late Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo Cua

Lawmakers and provincial officials are preparing a formal necrological service for Dakila Carlo Cua, recognising the late Quirino governor’s 25 years in public service and leadership in local government organisations.

More Than One Million Devotees Attend Naga City’s Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession

More than one million Catholic devotees and visitors attended the concluding fluvial procession of the Peñafrancia Festival in the Bicol region, with authorities reporting no major security incidents.

Rare Plant Rediscovered in Masungi Georeserve After 130 Years

Researchers in Rizal province have confirmed the rediscovery of a rare endemic plant species not recorded for more than a century, drawing renewed attention to conservation efforts in the Masungi Georeserve.

Hagonoy Residents Protest Persistent Flooding and Demand Stronger Defences

Residents of Hagonoy in Bulacan staged demonstrations over recurring tidal and monsoon flooding, calling for improved flood-control infrastructure to protect homes, businesses and local transport.

BIR Makati Launches Tax Assistance Program for Micro and Small Businesses

The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s Makati office has introduced targeted support for smaller companies navigating tax requirements, aiming to ease compliance for entrepreneurs in the country’s main financial district.

Philippines Plans Business Forum to Connect Smaller Companies With Global Supply Chains

Government economic officials and industry leaders are preparing a forum focused on improving finance and market access for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises seeking greater participation in international supply chains.

Manila Water Expands Sewerage Network to 500 Kilometres

Manila Water says its wastewater and sewerage system in the eastern concession area has reached 500 kilometres, expanding sanitation infrastructure intended to reduce pollution across Metro Manila.

Marcos Administration Orders Faster Processing of Medical Assistance Claims

Malacañang has directed health authorities to streamline the Medical Assistance for Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients programme to reduce delays in financial support for vulnerable patients.

Philippine Police Consider School Safety Task Force After Campus Violence

The Philippine National Police is considering tighter campus security measures, restrictions on student gadgets and a joint school-safety task force with the Department of Education following recent violent incidents.

Metro Manila Police Step Up Security Ahead of Martial Law Anniversary Protests

More than 15,000 personnel are being prepared for demonstrations marking the 54th anniversary of the declaration of martial law, with police saying security operations will seek to maintain order while allowing peaceful protests.

Philippine Senate Inspects Major Metro Manila Rail and Transit Projects

Senators conducted oversight inspections of ongoing mass-transit and railway projects in Metro Manila as the government seeks to accelerate transport upgrades and reduce congestion in the capital.

Philippine Authorities Investigate Passenger Ferry Fire in Palawan

Police and maritime regulators have opened a joint investigation into a major passenger-vessel fire in Palawan, focusing attention on safety standards and enforcement across domestic ferry operations.

Philippine Police Seize 204 Million Pesos of Suspected Methamphetamine in Las Piñas

Police arrested a high-value suspect and recovered about 30 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine worth an estimated 204 million pesos during an anti-drug operation in southern Metro Manila.

European Union Provides Nearly 11 Million Pesos for Luzon Flood Relief

The European Union has allocated about 10.9 million pesos in humanitarian assistance for communities affected by severe monsoon flooding across Luzon, supporting emergency relief for thousands of residents.

Ombudsman Opens Probe Into Alleged ‘Ghost Internet’ Government Projects

The Philippine Ombudsman is investigating suspected irregularities in publicly funded information-technology and connectivity projects, while the Department of Information and Communications Technology has pledged full cooperation with t...

Government and MILF Activate Peace Mechanisms After Armed Clashes in Bangsamoro

Philippine security forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front representatives activated local de-escalation arrangements following deadly clashes in the Bangsamoro region, seeking to prevent retaliatory violence and preserve the peace pro...

Philippines Reaffirms One-China Policy While Defending Unofficial Ties With Taiwan

Philippine authorities say Manila’s One-China policy remains unchanged while maintaining unofficial economic and cultural relations with Taiwan, as Beijing objects to plans for an additional Taiwanese representative office in Cebu.

Philippine Navy Backs Proposal to Develop Expeditionary Capability for Merchant Shipping Protection

The Philippine Navy endorsed Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s proposal for forces capable of operating farther from home waters to protect Filipino merchant vessels and seafarers while remaining within the military’s defensive ma...

ASEAN Economic Ministers Meet in Manila on Trade, Investment and Digital Transformation

Economic ministers from Southeast Asia gathered in Pasay City for the 58th ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting, focusing on regional competitiveness, trade, digital transformation, small businesses and sustainable growth.

House Prosecutors Expand Scrutiny of Sara Duterte’s Financial and Corporate Records

Philippine lawmakers are examining bank, tax, corporate and procurement records linked to Vice President Sara Duterte as impeachment proceedings intensify scrutiny of alleged financial irregularities.