Manila Times

Health Department Says Quarantined Filipino Crew Members Remain in Good Condition

The Department of Health reported that 38 Filipino crew members under observation in the Netherlands following a hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius remain stable, with no confirmed infections detected.

Typhoon Domeng Strengthens Over Philippine Sea as Weather Agency Issues Warnings

The Philippine weather bureau said Typhoon Domeng is intensifying over the Philippine Sea, prompting strong wind warnings across parts of Northern Luzon and the Visayas as the storm enhances the southwest monsoon.

Philippines Intensifies Campaign for United Nations Security Council Seat

The government has stepped up diplomatic efforts ahead of the June 3 election for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, a position that would strengthen Manila’s voice on maritime security and international law.

Philippines and New Zealand Sign Pact to Expand Bilateral Trade

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque and New Zealand Trade Minister Todd McClay have signed a Joint Economic Commission arrangement aimed at increasing two-way trade by 50% before 2030 through closer cooperation in investment and industry.

Philippines Accelerates Infrastructure Planning to Support AI and Data Center Growth

The Department of Information and Communications Technology is prioritizing power grid modernization and digital connectivity upgrades as part of a broader strategy to accommodate expanding data center capacity and attract artificial int...

Philippine Senate Faces Political Uncertainty Ahead of Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial

Reports of potential shifts within the Senate majority bloc have raised questions about Senate leadership as lawmakers prepare to convene as an impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte.

President Marcos Warns Against Reversal of Administration Reforms

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed concern that key governance and bureaucratic reforms could be undone under a future administration, arguing that continuity is essential to sustaining long-term national development goals.

Philippines Verifies Reports of New Chinese Structures at Panatag Shoal

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. said Philippine authorities are verifying intelligence reports that China may be constructing new structures near Panatag Shoal, as the Armed Forces maintain heightened surveillance in the West Phili...

Philippines and ASEAN Finalize Landmark Digital Economy Agreement for November Signing

ASEAN negotiators have completed the drafting of the bloc’s first Digital Economy Framework Agreement, paving the way for a November signing that will harmonize rules on data flows, digital payments, and cybersecurity while creating new ...

Philippines Women’s Cricket Team Prepares for ACC T20 Premier Cup

The national women’s squad is finalizing preparations for its June 4 match against Saudi Arabia in the 2026 ACC Women’s T20 Premier Cup.

Philippines National Cricket Team Secures Dominant Victory Over Fiji

The national men's cricket team recorded a convincing nine-wicket win against Fiji, marking another step forward in the sport’s development in the Philippines.

Senators Voice Concern Following Shooting Incident Near Senate

Lawmakers have expressed concern about security and the professional environment within the Senate following a shooting incident on May 13.

Davao Norte Businesses Pursue New Cacao Industry Partnerships

Companies in Jose Abad Santos are exploring collaborations with Cacao de Davao to improve productivity, strengthen market competitiveness and support growth in a key agricultural export sector.

Davao del Norte Intensifies Consumer Awareness Programs

The Department of Trade and Industry in Davao del Norte is expanding education and consumer protection initiatives to promote fair market practices and improve public awareness.

Government Expands Consumer Protection and Education Campaigns

National and local agencies are increasing efforts to educate consumers and strengthen protections against unfair trade practices during a period of economic uncertainty.

Puregold Launches Budget Product Range Amid Inflation Pressures

The retailer has introduced a lower-cost product line intended to help households manage rising food prices and broader cost-of-living challenges.

Mindanao Development Remains Key Focus of Philippines-Japan Partnership

Officials from the Philippines and Japan reaffirmed support for long-term peace and development initiatives in Mindanao during discussions held alongside the state visit.

Philippine Statistics Authority Reports Progress in Child Health Outcomes

New data show improvements in child survival rates, although gaps in full immunization coverage remain and will require targeted public health interventions.

Department of Science and Technology Expands Support for Health Research

Government research funding continues to prioritize locally developed health technologies and scientific innovations aimed at addressing Philippine public health challenges.

Philippine Scientists Develop New Tool for Mapping Disease Processes

Filipino researchers have created a mathematical tool capable of identifying and mapping biological pathways linked to disease, marking an important advance in local scientific research.

La Union Raises Disaster Preparedness Measures Ahead of Tropical Storm Domeng

Local authorities have moved to high-alert status as Tropical Storm Domeng develops, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen readiness for climate-related emergencies.

Climate Commission Launches Gender-Responsive Climate Initiatives

The Climate Change Commission, working with UN Women and the New Zealand Embassy, has introduced programs designed to ensure climate policies and disaster resilience measures are more inclusive.

Climate Change Action Program Receives Additional Support Through Japan Cooperation

Future Japanese-funded projects are expected to support disaster risk management and environmental sustainability initiatives under the Philippines’ Climate Change Action Program.

Japan Backs Expansion of Philippines Universal Health Care Program

Japan, through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is preparing new loan support for the Build Universal Health Care Program to strengthen healthcare services and system capacity nationwide.

President Marcos Calls for More Substantive Senate Debate

The Philippine president expressed concern that Senate discussions have become increasingly personal, urging lawmakers to focus on professional and issue-based deliberations.

President Marcos Rejects Charter Change Allegations

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. dismissed claims that his administration is pursuing constitutional amendments to extend political terms, describing the allegations as false and urging the public to verify information carefully.

Social Security System Expands Digital Services for Members

The Social Security System has introduced additional online services aimed at reducing in-person transactions and improving access to benefits as part of the government's broader digitalization efforts.

Philippines and Japan Strengthen Information-Sharing on Security and Disaster Response

President Marcos said enhanced information-sharing arrangements with Japan will support both national security and disaster preparedness as the country faces geopolitical and climate-related challenges.

Bangko Sentral Sees May Inflation Remaining Above Target Range

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expects inflation in May to reach between 7.1% and 7.9%, with higher prices for rice, vegetables and meat, together with a weaker peso, continuing to weigh on household purchasing power.

Philippine Maritime Coordination Expands with Allies in South China Sea

Defense and maritime agencies are increasing joint patrols and operational coordination with the United States and regional partners to maintain a sustained presence amid continuing tensions in disputed waters.

Philippine Military Intensifies South China Sea Preparedness Amid Regional Tensions

The Armed Forces of the Philippines have been directed to adopt a wartime mindset for operations in the West Philippine Sea as Manila strengthens patrols, training activities and coordination with regional security partners.

Japanese Companies Commit ₱56.3 Billion to New Investments in the Philippines

Four major Japanese firms have announced expansion plans worth 56.3 billion pesos, highlighting strengthening economic ties between the Philippines and Japan following President Marcos’ state visit.

Philippines and Japan Expand Strategic Infrastructure and Development Cooperation

Manila and Tokyo are prioritizing railways, bridges and disaster-management projects under a growing development partnership that has already produced 13 official development assistance loans worth more than 932 billion yen during the Ma...

President Marcos Deepens Development Partnership with Japan During State Visit

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Japan International Cooperation Agency President Tanaka Akihiko agreed to expand cooperation in infrastructure, healthcare and climate resilience, reinforcing Japan’s role as the Philippines’ largest so...

Philippines Seeks Stronger Tourism Links With East Asian Markets

Government outreach efforts toward Japan, China, and South Korea are aimed at boosting visitor arrivals and diversifying the country's tourism base beyond traditional source markets.

Tourism and Aviation Identified as Major Drivers of Economic Growth

The administration is increasing its focus on tourism and air connectivity, viewing both sectors as essential contributors to economic expansion and foreign visitor growth.

Government Pursues Institutional Reforms to Strengthen Investor Confidence

Officials say efforts to modernize public institutions and improve governance are intended to support long-term investment stability and reinforce the Philippines’ appeal to international capital.

Infrastructure Remains Central to Marcos Administration Growth Strategy

The government continues to prioritize the Build Better More program, with infrastructure, digital connectivity, and human capital development positioned as key drivers of long-term economic expansion.

Maritime Tensions Continue to Support Defense Modernization Spending

Ongoing confrontations in the West Philippine Sea are reinforcing public and government backing for expanded investments in naval surveillance, maritime security, and coast guard capabilities.

Japanese Investments Boost Interest in AI-Driven Urban Development

Several projects announced during President Marcos’s visit to Japan focus on smart-city technologies and artificial intelligence applications designed to improve urban services and traffic management.

Department of Labor Restores Traditional Five-Day Government Workweek

The Department of Labor and Employment has formally returned to a standard five-day workweek, signaling a broader move back toward pre-pandemic administrative practices.

Department of Public Works Accelerates Repairs on EDSA-Tramo Flyover

Authorities have launched expedited repairs on the damaged EDSA-Tramo flyover in Pasay City to address safety concerns and minimize disruption along one of Metro Manila’s busiest transport corridors.