Manila Times

Bureau of Internal Revenue Expands Private Sector Partnership to Streamline Tax Compliance

The Bureau of Internal Revenue has renewed cooperation with business groups to simplify VAT audits and modernize tax collection systems. The initiative aims to reduce compliance burdens for taxpayers while improving efficiency in revenue...

Bacolod City Advances 850 Million Peso Sports Complex Ahead of Batang Pinoy Games

Bacolod City is preparing infrastructure upgrades, including an 850 million peso coliseum, ahead of the Batang Pinoy national youth games in 2026. The facility is expected to support sporting events and local economic activity.

Philippine National Police Reports Over 5,000 High-Value Drug Targets Arrested

The Philippine National Police said more than 5,000 high-value drug suspects have been arrested since the start of ongoing anti-drug operations. The update forms part of the government’s continuing narcotics enforcement campaign.

Cebu Expands Climate-Driven Flood Mitigation Strategy Through Watershed Management

Local authorities in Cebu are implementing watershed-based flood control programmes in partnership with climate experts. The shift aims to improve long-term disaster resilience by replacing fragmented infrastructure approaches with integ...

Philippines Strengthens Financial Inclusion Programs for Overseas Filipino Workers

The government is working with banking partners to improve remittance services and financial access for overseas Filipino workers. The initiative seeks to expand savings, investment, and reintegration opportunities for millions of worker...

Philippine National Police Expands Presence in Remote Negros Areas to Support Peace Efforts

Police units have increased deployments in remote communities in Negros to support peace and development programmes. The initiative aims to maintain security and reduce risks in vulnerable rural areas.

Philippines Promotes AI Adoption Among MSMEs to Boost Digital Competitiveness

The Department of Information and Communications Technology has launched training initiatives to help small businesses adopt artificial intelligence tools. The programme is intended to improve efficiency and strengthen the competitivenes...

Commission on Higher Education Orders Review of Campus Safety Protocols Nationwide

The Commission on Higher Education has directed universities to strengthen coordination with local police following regional security assessments. The review aims to ensure safer learning environments for students and staff across the co...

Mindanao Infrastructure Push Continues With New Irrigation Projects in Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inaugurated new irrigation and dam facilities in Mindanao aimed at improving agricultural productivity. The projects are designed to strengthen food security and support farming communities in the region.

Philippines Expands Efforts to Combat Online Child Sexual Abuse Through Digital Forensics

The government is enhancing inter-agency coordination and digital forensic capabilities to address online child sexual abuse and exploitation. The initiative includes collaboration with international technology partners to improve detect...

Philippines Strengthens Aviation and Tourism Ties Through Emirates Airline Engagement

Tourism and transport officials in the Philippines met with the newly appointed Emirates country manager to discuss expanding air connectivity. The talks focused on boosting international tourism and strengthening long-haul travel links.

Metro Manila Implements Stricter Regulations on Electric Tricycles to Improve Road Safety

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has introduced new rules governing electric tricycles, including penalties for unauthorized use on major roads. The measures aim to improve traffic flow and enhance commuter safety across the...

Philippine Statistics Authority Tracks Inflation Risks as Global Energy Prices Fluctuate

Economic managers in the Philippines are monitoring inflation trends closely amid volatility in global oil markets. Officials warn that energy price swings could affect domestic inflation targets and household purchasing power.

Philippine National Police Reports 27.6 Percent Drop in Crime in First Quarter

The Philippine National Police said reported crime fell by 27.6 percent in the first quarter of the year. Officials attributed the decline to intensified anti-criminality campaigns and increased police visibility nationwide.

Philippines Strengthens Biosecurity Measures in Negros Occidental Amid Livestock Mortality Reports

Agricultural authorities in Negros Occidental have tightened biosecurity and monitoring measures following reports of unexplained hog deaths. The steps aim to protect the swine industry and prevent wider disruption to the country’s food ...

National Bureau of Investigation Probes Flood Control Corruption Allegations as Infrastructure Scrutiny Intensifies

The National Bureau of Investigation has called on public officials to pursue legal action over alleged corruption linked to flood control projects. The probe comes as the administration faces increased scrutiny over delays in key mitiga...

Philippines Extends Ecotourism Operating Hours Around Taal Lake to Boost Local Economy

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has extended visiting hours for ecotourism sites around Taal Lake. The move aims to support local tourism income while maintaining environmental safeguards in the protected area.

Philippines Disburses 50 Million Pesos in Aid for Communities Affected by Mindanao Earthquakes

Government agencies have distributed 50 million pesos in relief assistance to local governments in Davao del Sur and Davao Occidental following recent seismic activity. The aid supports recovery efforts, including the rehabilitation of d...

Philippines Creates Multi-Agency Task Force to Address Violence in Schools and Public Spaces

The Department of Education and the Philippine National Police have formed a joint task force to strengthen safety measures in schools following recent violent incidents in Tacloban. The initiative focuses on prevention protocols and coo...

Philippines Projects Local Government Revenue Share to Reach 1.3 Trillion Pesos by 2027

The Department of Budget and Management said the National Tax Allotment for local government units is expected to reach 1.32 trillion pesos by 2027. The increase is aimed at strengthening decentralization and giving local governments gre...

Public Works Chief Vince Dizon Orders Acceleration of Delayed Infrastructure Projects Nationwide

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered faster implementation of stalled infrastructure projects, including flood-control works in Dagupan City. The initiative also includes a transparency drive encourag...

Philippines Expands Maritime Security Cooperation Through Regional Intelligence and Coast Guard Coordination

Philippine defence officials and regional partners are widening cooperation on maritime awareness through intelligence sharing, access arrangements, and joint coast guard exercises. The effort is designed to improve situational awareness...

Philippines Reviews 2027 Budget Priorities and Accelerates Key Infrastructure Programme

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led a Cabinet meeting to refine national spending priorities for the 2027 fiscal year, with a focus on accelerating flagship infrastructure projects under the Build Better More programme. Officials said the...

Philippines Pushes for Binding South China Sea Code of Conduct Amid Renewed Regional Tensions

Foreign affairs officials in the Philippines have reiterated calls for a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea, citing renewed instability affecting global shipping lanes. The push reflects growing concern over navigatio...

President Marcos Honors Filipino Seafarers as Global Shipping Risks Rise Across Major Maritime Corridors

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. paid tribute to Filipino seafarers on the International Day of the Seafarer, recognizing their role in sustaining global trade. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting maritime workers ...

Department of Education Orders Nationwide School Safety Review After Tacloban Shooting Incident

Following a fatal shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, the Department of Education has ordered a nationwide review of school safety protocols. The directive aims to strengthen learner protection measures and preven...

Philippine Ombudsman Files Graft Charges Against Cebu Local Officials in Anti-Corruption Drive

The Office of the Ombudsman has filed formal graft charges against several municipal officials in Cebu as part of an ongoing anti-corruption campaign. The cases reflect continued enforcement efforts targeting alleged administrative irreg...

Philippines and Brunei Step Up Joint Maritime Security Cooperation in Sulu and Celebes Seas

Naval officials from the Philippines and Brunei have agreed to expand joint exercises and maritime domain awareness efforts in the Sulu and Celebes Seas. The cooperation aims to improve responses to transnational crime and reinforce regi...

Philippine Government Expands Negosyo Center Network to Support Provincial Small Businesses

The Department of Trade and Industry is opening three new Negosyo Centers in Negros Oriental as part of a nationwide effort to strengthen support for micro and small enterprises. The centers will provide business advisory services, permi...

Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Receives France’s National Order of Merit for Maritime Cooperation

Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has been awarded the French National Order of Merit in recognition of his leadership in maritime safety and expanding security cooperation between the Philippines and France. The...

Philippine Energy Sector Launches Bidding for 900 Megawatts of New Capacity to Secure Future Demand

Philippine power distributors have begun preparations for a major procurement round targeting 900 megawatts of additional capacity starting in 2028. The move is designed to strengthen long-term energy security and support growing residen...

Angat Dam Water Levels Near Critical Threshold as Prolonged Dry Conditions Persist in Luzon

Hydrologists from the national weather bureau warn that water levels at Angat Dam, which supplies much of Metro Manila’s water, could fall to a critical elevation of 160 meters by the end of June if low rainfall and current consumption p...

Philippines Prepares for Nine-Hundred-Megawatt Power Supply Auction to Prevent Future Energy Shortages

Major Philippine power distributors are moving ahead with a competitive bidding process for 900 megawatts of additional electricity supply beginning in 2028. The procurement is aimed at ensuring long-term grid stability and meeting risin...

Moody’s Flags Bangko Sentral Capital Relief Measure as Risk to Philippine Banking Transparency

Moody’s Ratings has described a recent Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas decision allowing banks to exclude government securities-related losses from capital calculations as credit negative. The agency warned the measure could obscure the impa...

Philippines Expands Visa-On-Arrival Access for UAE Residents Holding Select Foreign Visas

Starting June 25, 2026, Philippine passport holders with valid visas or residence permits from countries including the United States, European Union member states, Australia, and Japan will be eligible for visa-on-arrival entry to the Un...

Davao del Sur Approves 148 Million Peso Integrated Livestock Enterprise Project

Authorities in Davao del Sur have approved a 148 million peso livestock enterprise project aimed at boosting regional food security and improving agricultural productivity.

Environmental Experts Highlight Enforcement Gaps in Philippine Plastic Waste Laws

Environmental policy analysts say gaps in enforcement continue to undermine the Philippines’ plastic waste management framework, contributing to ongoing environmental leakage despite existing legislation.

Visayan Electric Plants 1,000 Mangrove Seedlings in Mandaue Coastal Rehabilitation Drive

Visayan Electric has planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings in Mandaue City as part of its environmental corporate social responsibility program focused on coastal rehabilitation and ecosystem protection.

Navotas Authorities Arrest 10 Suspects in Illegal Fuel Smuggling Operation

Law enforcement in Navotas City arrested 10 individuals and seized more than 12 million pesos worth of petroleum products in a crackdown on an alleged illegal fuel transfer scheme.

Philippines and Egypt Explore Expanded Agricultural Trade Cooperation

Trade officials from the Philippines and Egypt have held discussions on expanding cooperation in agricultural exports, aiming to diversify markets for Philippine farm products.

Bohol and Leyte Farmers Receive Ube Planting Materials to Boost Regional Agriculture

Agricultural authorities have distributed ube planting materials to farmers in Bohol and Leyte to support crop production and strengthen agricultural livelihoods in the Visayas region.

DOLE Requests Safety Documents After Aurora Resort Incident Involving Student Athletes

The Department of Labor and Employment has asked an Aurora resort to submit safety and operational documents following an incident involving student athletes, as part of efforts to strengthen compliance with safety regulations.

Department of Environment Expands River Ranger Rehabilitation Programs for Manila Bay Clean-Up

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has pledged increased support for river and estero ranger programs, highlighting their role in restoring waterways feeding into Manila Bay.

Capiz Imposes Pork Import Ban to Contain African Swine Fever Risk

Authorities in Capiz have imposed a ban on pork imports from affected areas to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever, tightening biosecurity measures to protect the province’s livestock industry.

National Capital Region Police Seize Over 6 Million Pesos in Drugs in Manila Operation

Police in the National Capital Region confiscated more than 6 million pesos worth of shabu and arrested a drug courier in a targeted operation in Manila as part of ongoing anti-narcotics enforcement efforts.

Asian Development Bank Approves 10 Million Dollar Grant for Vanuatu Resilience and Private Sector Growth

The Asian Development Bank has approved a 10 million dollar grant for Vanuatu to support private sector development and strengthen resilience against climate and disaster risks, according to an announcement made from Manila.

Dinagat Islands Launches Multi-Million Peso Infrastructure Projects to Improve Public Services

The provincial government of the Dinagat Islands has begun construction on three infrastructure projects, including medical and logistics facilities, aimed at strengthening public service delivery and regional governance capacity.

First Lady Leads Rice Assistance Distribution to Low-Income Families in Quezon City

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the distribution of rice assistance to more than 1,300 vulnerable families in Quezon City under the Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya program, part of ongoing efforts to ease cost-of-living pressures.