Manila Times

Police Investigate Deaths of Two Ateneo Student Athletes as Calls for Transparency Grow

The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is examining the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University basketball players, as students and faculty demand clearer findings and accountability.

Caticlan Stakeholders Seek Intervention to Block Local Control Over Boracay Transit Hub

Tourism operators and business groups in Aklan have petitioned authorities to prevent municipal control over the Caticlan port area, warning that restrictions could disrupt visitor flows to Boracay.

Philippines Begins Test Exports of Guimaras Mangoes to Spain for EU Market Expansion

The Department of Agriculture has completed a 100-kilogram test shipment of Guimaras mangoes to Spain, marking an early step toward expanding Philippine agricultural exports into European markets.

DPWH and Naga City Agree to Continue Key Local Infrastructure Projects

The Department of Public Works and Highways has confirmed ongoing infrastructure projects in Naga City following discussions with local officials, reinforcing continuity in regional development plans.

Philippine Space Agency Launches HiRAYA Programme to Train Students in Space and AI Research

The Philippine Space Agency has launched the HiRAYA initiative to support student research in aerospace engineering, satellite systems, and artificial intelligence, aimed at building a domestic talent pipeline for the space sector.

Department of Labor Expands Emergency Employment Programme Into Micro-Entrepreneurship Initiative

The Department of Labor and Employment has redesigned its cash-for-work programme into a longer-term livelihood initiative aimed at turning displaced workers into small business owners.

Senator Risa Hontiveros Considers 2028 Presidential Bid as Early Election Positioning Begins

Senator Risa Hontiveros has confirmed she is seriously considering a presidential run in 2028, marking an early start to political realignments ahead of the next national election cycle.

President Marcos Jr Rejects Cabinet Reshuffle Rumours and Signals Return of Former Interior Secretary

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has dismissed speculation of a major cabinet reshuffle and indicated plans to bring former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos back into government service after the election period.

Land Transportation Office Files Charges Against Nine Enforcers Over Alleged Extortion in Caraga

The Land Transportation Office has filed administrative charges against nine enforcement personnel in Caraga following an entrapment operation, as authorities move to address corruption within transport agencies.

Senate Urges Government to Pass On Falling Global Oil Prices to Filipino Consumers

The Senate energy committee has called on the Department of Energy to ensure that declines in global crude prices are reflected in local fuel costs, amid ongoing inflation pressures affecting households.

Visayas Grid Placed Under Yellow Alert as Power Plants Remain Offline

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines has issued repeated yellow alerts for the Visayas due to multiple offline power plants, underscoring continuing strain on electricity supply and grid reliability in the central region.

Rising Healthcare Costs Drive Filipino Medical Workers to Seek Overseas Employment

A new report shows increasing healthcare costs and stagnant wages are pushing more Filipino nurses and medical workers to pursue jobs abroad, raising concerns over long-term staffing pressures in the domestic health system.

Philippine and Australian Armies Conclude Month-Long Kasangga Military Exercises in Camarines Sur

Philippine and Australian forces have completed the Kasangga bilateral exercises in Camarines Sur, strengthening joint operational readiness and urban warfare capabilities as Manila expands defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.

Department of Education and Asian Development Bank Move Forward on School Infrastructure Expansion Programme

The Philippine government and the Asian Development Bank have begun preparations for a large-scale school infrastructure programme aimed at building thousands of climate-resilient classrooms to address long-standing shortages worsened by...

Philippine House of Representatives Passes Anti-Dynasty Bill After Long-Running Debate

The House of Representatives has approved a bill restricting political dynasties, reviving a constitutional reform effort that has faced decades of political resistance and continues to draw divided reactions across the country.

Philippine Government Advances Public-Private Partnerships for Metro Manila Railway Systems

Transport authorities and the Public-Private Partnership Center are engaging investors for the operation and maintenance of major rail systems, including the Metro Manila Subway and existing light rail networks, as part of a broader urba...

Philippines Releases ₱46.2 Billion for Nationwide Infrastructure Projects Under Build Better More Programme

The Department of Budget and Management has released 46.2 billion pesos to fund more than 1,700 infrastructure projects nationwide, aiming to sustain economic activity and improve transport and regional connectivity.

Philippines Prepares Emergency Relief as Tropical Storm Mekkhala Approaches Visayas and Mindanao

Disaster response agencies in the Philippines have prepositioned food and logistical supplies across Visayas and Mindanao as Tropical Storm Mekkhala approaches, compounding emergency response efforts following the recent earthquake in Sa...

Philippine and United States Forces Conduct Fourth Maritime Patrol Exercise in West Philippine Sea

Armed forces from the Philippines and the United States have completed their fourth joint maritime cooperative activity of the year in the West Philippine Sea, reinforcing interoperability and defence coordination amid ongoing regional t...

Asian Development Bank Launches $20 Billion Asia-Pacific Digital Infrastructure Initiative

The Asian Development Bank has unveiled a $20 billion regional financing plan to expand digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence adoption, and broadband connectivity across Asia-Pacific, with the Philippines positioned as a centra...

Vice President Sara Duterte Faces Impeachment Pre-Trial Proceedings in Philippine Senate

The Philippine Senate has opened pre-trial proceedings for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, with lawmakers debating procedural rules and legal strategy as political tensions intensify ahead of the formal trial pr...

President Marcos Jr Secures Release of 24 Filipino Workers After ASEAN-Russia Talks in Kazan

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr announced the repatriation of 24 Filipino workers allegedly recruited illegally, following diplomatic discussions during a two-day visit to Kazan, where he also met Russian President Vladimir Putin to discus...

International Criminal Court Sets November Timeline for Rodrigo Duterte Charges in Anti-Drugs Case

The International Criminal Court Trial Chamber III in The Hague has set November 30 for a formal reading of charges against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, establishing procedural boundaries and advancing a long-running case...

Mindanao Earthquake Rewrites Coastline After Magnitude 7.8 Tremor Kills Dozens and Displaces Thousands

A magnitude 7.8 earthquake in southern Mindanao has killed at least 78 people, displaced thousands in Sarangani, and permanently reshaped parts of the coastline after authorities confirmed the seabed rose by up to two metres, exposing co...

Philippine Police Probe Deepens After Fatal Ateneo Basketball Team Drowning Incident

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group has identified inconsistencies in testimonies related to the drowning death of members of an Ateneo basketball team during a trip in Aurora province. The discrepancies have prompted a wider ...

Philippine Congress Seeks 15 Billion Peso Supplemental Budget for Mindanao Earthquake Recovery

Lawmakers have filed proposals for a 15 billion peso supplemental budget to support reconstruction in Mindanao following a major earthquake. Funding would be directed toward rebuilding infrastructure, hospitals, and schools in affected p...

Philippines Expands Financial Reintegration Programme for Overseas Workers With Major Bank Partnership

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration has partnered with BDO Unibank to expand digital banking and investment services for returning migrant workers. The programme aims to reduce financial fraud risks and channel remittances into m...

Philippine Authorities Launch Dismissal Proceedings After Extortion Arrests of Transport Officials

The Land Transportation Office has initiated administrative dismissal proceedings against nine regional personnel arrested in an extortion operation in the Caraga region. Authorities said the coordinated action with police reflects effor...

Philippine Government Defends Transfer of PhilHealth Funds to Infrastructure Budget Priorities

Malacañang has defended the transfer of unused PhilHealth funds into the national budget’s unprogrammed appropriations, saying the move remains within legal limits and will not affect healthcare delivery. The decision has drawn criticism...

Cebu Declares Emergency Fund as Drought Threatens Agricultural Output

The Cebu provincial government has activated a 30 million peso emergency fund and launched watershed management measures as drought conditions linked to El Niño intensify. Authorities warn the climate impact is threatening agricultural p...

Philippine Labor Department Shifts Emergency Jobs Programme Toward Entrepreneurship Support

The Department of Labor and Employment has revised its emergency employment programme to focus more on long-term entrepreneurship and skills training. Officials say the shift is designed to reduce structural poverty by helping informal w...

Cebu Landmasters Expands Nationwide Property Strategy After Strong Regional Growth

Cebu Landmasters has announced plans to expand beyond the Visayas and Mindanao markets following strong revenue growth. The developer is increasing investment in residential and commercial projects across Luzon, supported by remittance i...

Metro Manila Developers Adopt Green Building Standards as Global Firms Demand Sustainable Offices

Property developers in Makati and Bonifacio Global City are accelerating adoption of green building standards, responding to sustainability requirements from multinational tenants. Existing office towers are being retrofitted while new p...

United States Firearms Manufacturer BADI Reviews Philippine Sites for Potential Production Facility

US defence contractor BADI is evaluating industrial zones in Subic Bay and Cavite for a potential manufacturing facility. The company is assessing logistics and export incentives as it considers establishing a regional base to supply bot...

Civic Groups Plan Anti-Corruption Protests in Metro Manila Ahead of Vice Presidential Impeachment Trial

Civil society organisations and student groups have announced coordinated demonstrations in Metro Manila ahead of the Vice President Sara Duterte impeachment trial. The planned protests aim to call for greater transparency and accountabi...

Lufthansa Technik Expands Philippine Aircraft Maintenance Operations Amid Rising Asia-Pacific Demand

Lufthansa Technik has announced plans to expand its aircraft maintenance and repair facility in Metro Manila, citing strong regional demand and the country’s skilled aviation workforce. The company said the Philippines is well positioned...

Philippine Energy Department Plans Nuclear Incentives as Power Shortages Persist in Visayas Grid

The Department of Energy is preparing new incentives to attract investment in nuclear power, including small modular reactor technology, as electricity shortages continue in parts of the Visayas. Officials say the measures aim to strengt...

Philippine Customs Orders Destruction of Smuggled Chinese Onions Worth 86 Million Pesos

The Bureau of Customs and the Department of Agriculture have ordered the destruction of 86 million pesos worth of illegally imported onions, citing health risks and the need to protect local farmers. Authorities said the seizure is part ...

Philippine and Australian Forces Conclude Joint Military Exercises in Camarines Sur

Philippine and Australian troops have completed month-long joint exercises focused on ground combat readiness and interoperability. The Kasangga drills underscore Manila’s efforts to deepen defence cooperation with Indo-Pacific partners ...

Philippine Tourism Arrivals Reach 2.9 Million as US and South Korea Drive Recovery

The Department of Tourism reported 2.9 million international arrivals, driven mainly by visitors from the United States and South Korea. The continued recovery has prompted hotel developers and tourism operators to expand capacity across...

Tropical Cyclone Francisco Triggers Monsoon Warnings Across Northern and Central Philippines

State weather authorities have issued early warnings as Tropical Cyclone Francisco approaches the Philippine Area of Responsibility, with forecasts indicating it could intensify into a typhoon. Officials cautioned that heavy rains may wo...

Philippines Expands National Fiber Network to Connect Mindanao Government Services

The Department of Information and Communications Technology has linked hundreds of government offices in Mindanao to the national fiber backbone through the Mindanao Integrated Government Network. The rollout is aimed at improving public...

Philippine Central Bank Signals Prolonged Tight Monetary Policy Amid Persistent Inflation Pressures

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has indicated interest rates will remain elevated for an extended period as policymakers balance inflation risks with post-disaster recovery needs. While corporate loan repayment periods have been extended...

General Santos Port Partially Resumes Operations After Major Earthquake Disrupts Southern Mindanao Infrastructure

Port operations in General Santos have resumed in phases following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that severely damaged commercial infrastructure in southern Mindanao. Geological assessments indicate the quake permanently raised the seabed b...

Philippine Government Releases 88% of National Budget to Speed Up Infrastructure and Public Works

Authorities have disbursed 5.9 trillion pesos, or nearly 88% of the national budget, as public works spending accelerates under the Build Better More programme. Officials say the push is intended to offset weaker first-quarter growth by ...

Marcos Administration Accelerates Semiconductor and Artificial Intelligence Investment Push in the Philippines

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered faster implementation of tax incentives and infrastructure support after reviewing multinational semiconductor operations in Texas, aiming to position the Philippines as a regional hub for elect...

Philippine Senate Prepares for Historic Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte Amid Tight Security

The Philippine Senate has begun pre-trial proceedings for the impeachment case of Vice President Sara Duterte, with the National Police tightening security in Manila ahead of the hearings. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has publicly back...

Philippine Financial Markets Rally as Global Oil Prices Ease After United States–Iran Peace Agreement

The Philippine Stock Exchange index climbed and the peso strengthened back to the 60-per-dollar level after a tentative peace accord between Washington and Tehran helped stabilise global oil prices. The relief in energy markets eased inf...