Manila Times

Philippine National Kidney and Transplant Institute Expands Dialysis Facility With 2028 Completion Target

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. says a new 13-storey hemodialysis building at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute is expected to be fully operational by early 2028. The expansion is set to significantly increase the country’s cap...

Senator Risa Hontiveros Seeks German Embassy Coordination in Senate Inquiry on School Shooting Case

Senator Risa Hontiveros has requested assistance from the German Embassy after a Germany-based software developer declined to participate in a Senate inquiry into a school shooting incident in Tacloban. The inquiry is examining possible ...

SM Investments and BDO Unibank Retain Positions in Forbes Global 2000 Ranking

Philippine firms SM Investments and BDO Unibank have maintained their positions in the latest Forbes Global 2000 list of the world’s largest public companies. The rankings reflect continued strength in market value and assets among the c...

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Deploys 18 Patient Transport Vehicles Across Visayas Provinces

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office has distributed 18 patient transport vehicles to 10 provinces in the Visayas, strengthening emergency medical response capacity. The rollout is intended to improve access to healthcare services i...

Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines Explores Training Partnership With Bulacan State University

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has begun discussions with Bulacan State University to develop new aviation training and technical education programs. The initiative is aimed at addressing rising demand for skilled person...

Philippine Space Agency Student Team Wins Third Place in Global ISS Robotics Competition

The Philippine Space Agency says a student team from Batangas State University placed third in the international Kibo Robot Programming Challenge, which involved remotely operating a NASA robot aboard the International Space Station. The...

Marcos Jr Orders Intensified Flood Control and Drainage Clean-Up Efforts in Quezon City

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed stronger drainage rehabilitation and garbage collection efforts in Quezon City following an inspection of the Gregorio Araneta Avenue drainage system. The initiative aims to reduce urban floodi...

Asian Development Bank Backs Philippine Public Spending Reform Program

The Asian Development Bank has approved a new initiative to support reforms in Philippine public spending, focusing on improving efficiency in resource allocation. The program aims to help ensure that social and infrastructure services a...

Department of Budget and Management Unveils Public Financial Management Roadmap Through 2028

The Department of Budget and Management has introduced an updated public financial management roadmap running through 2028, aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline and improving transparency in government spending. The plan is designed ...

Severe Tropical Storm Gardo Weakens and Exits Philippine Area of Responsibility

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration says Severe Tropical Storm Gardo, internationally known as Higos, has weakened and is expected to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility. The developme...

World Bank and S&P Global Maintain Cautious Outlook on Philippine Growth Through 2026

International financial institutions have issued more restrained economic forecasts for the Philippines, citing energy price shocks and delays in infrastructure projects as key risks. S&P Global Ratings has lowered its full-year growth p...

Earthquake Death Toll in Sarangani Rises to 81 as Recovery Efforts Continue

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council says the death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani on June 8 has climbed to 81. Search, relief, and recovery operations remain ongoing across affected p...

Philippine Senate Sets July 6 Start Date for Impeachment Trial of Vice President Sara Duterte

The Senate Impeachment Court has completed pre-trial proceedings in the case against Vice President Sara Duterte, clearing the way for formal hearings to begin on July 6. The process followed five days of procedural sessions that finaliz...

South China Sea Tensions Escalate as Manila and Beijing Remain Deadlocked Over Maritime Disputes

Diplomatic exchanges between the Philippines and China have intensified after continued confrontations involving Chinese vessels near Scarborough Shoal, with Manila rejecting what it describes as aggressive maritime activity. Beijing con...

Philippine Government Accelerates Infrastructure Spending to Support Slower Growth Outlook

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered national agencies to speed up the release of funds for priority infrastructure projects as the government moves to address weaker-than-expected economic performance in the first quarter. Growth ...

ASEAN Diplomats Emphasise Regional Cooperation to Manage Indo-Pacific Geopolitical Risks

Foreign policy officials highlight ASEAN’s role in managing regional tensions, arguing that multilateral cooperation remains central to balancing major power competition and maintaining stability in Southeast Asia.

Department of Public Works Targets Completion of Key Infrastructure Projects by Year-End

Infrastructure officials say priority stalled projects are on track for completion by the end of the year, with expectations that finished works will support economic activity heading into 2027.

Philippine Airlines and Tourism Department Plan New Routes to Boost International Visitor Growth

Air carriers are working with tourism officials to expand direct flights to emerging markets, aiming to strengthen aviation capacity as a driver of long-term tourism recovery.

Philippine Fiscal Authorities Reaffirm Commitment to Budget Discipline and Credit Stability

Economic managers say fiscal consolidation will continue alongside infrastructure spending, emphasizing the need to maintain investor confidence and protect the country’s credit standing.

Philippine National Police Escalates Operations Against Cybercrime Networks

Law enforcement agencies report intensified operations targeting cybercrime syndicates, as authorities respond to growing digital threats in an increasingly online economy.

Philippine Disaster Agencies Heighten Monsoon Landslide Alerts Across Luzon

Local authorities are increasing monitoring of landslide-prone areas as southwest monsoon rains intensify, with emergency teams deployed in vulnerable communities ahead of potential flooding.

Department of Trade and Industry Expands Push for Local Manufacturing to Offset Import Costs

Trade authorities are promoting domestic production and import substitution strategies to reduce exposure to global supply chain disruptions and currency fluctuations.

Philippine Contingency Funds Prioritise Energy Shock Response Linked to Middle East Crisis

Officials say emergency budgets are being directed toward sectors most exposed to global fuel price volatility, aiming to cushion the economy against ongoing energy market instability.

Philippine Government Pushes Renewable Energy Permitting Reforms to Speed Up Investment

Business groups are urging faster approvals for renewable energy projects, saying streamlined regulation is needed to attract investment and support long-term energy stability.

Construction Sector Prepares for Labor Strain as Philippine Infrastructure Projects Ramp Up

Industry groups warn of potential labor shortages as public works accelerate, with contractors calling for faster workforce development to meet rising demand in construction and engineering.

Philippine Navy Maintains Presence in West Philippine Sea to Support Fisherfolk Operations

The Philippine Navy continues regular deployments in contested waters, with officials saying maritime presence is intended to safeguard Filipino fisherfolk and protect livelihoods.

Philippine Economic Planners Advance Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan to Prevent Project Delays

Authorities are shifting toward more coordinated infrastructure planning to reduce delays and improve project delivery, with an emphasis on long-term resilience in public works development.

Philippine Tourism Sector Expands Marketing Push to Attract High-Value International Travelers

Tourism officials are pursuing new international partnerships to support growth in destinations such as Palawan, Boracay, and Siargao, aiming to sustain momentum in a sector seen as a key economic driver.

Philippine Stock Market Volatile as Investors Track Oil Prices and Inflation Outlook

Local equities remain sensitive to global fuel costs and domestic inflation pressures, with markets closely watching the central bank for signals on possible interest rate adjustments.

Philippine Infrastructure Review Targets Transparency After Flood Control Spending Concerns

Malacañang says cautious infrastructure disbursement partly reflects an extensive review of flood control projects following reported budget irregularities, with authorities seeking to ensure tighter oversight of future spending.

Maritime Analysts Report Rising Chinese Gray-Zone Activity Across the Indo-Pacific

Security experts are noting an increase in non-military maritime operations around Scarborough Shoal and other disputed areas, describing them as part of broader efforts to assert influence in contested waters.

PAGASA Monitors Tropical Cyclone Francisco as Southwest Monsoon Brings Heavy Rainfall to Luzon

The state weather bureau is tracking Tropical Cyclone Francisco, which is not expected to make landfall but is intensifying the Habagat monsoon, bringing heavy rains and raising flood risks across parts of Northern Luzon.

Cebu Strengthens Role as Key Aviation and Logistics Hub in the Philippines

Mactan-Cebu International Airport continues to expand its role as a major gateway for the Visayas, with ongoing investments improving connectivity and reinforcing Cebu’s position in the national transport network.

Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs Pushes for South China Sea Code of Conduct by Mid-2026

Manila is stepping up diplomatic efforts during its ASEAN role to complete a legally binding code of conduct in the South China Sea, aimed at reducing risks of miscalculation and setting clearer maritime rules.

Philippine Government Cites Middle East Crisis and Domestic Policy Scrutiny as Key Economic Constraints

Economic managers say the prolonged Middle East conflict and domestic debate over public works funding have weighed on sentiment and contributed to more cautious economic performance in the first half of the year.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Tightens Online Banking Security Rules to Counter Rising Cyber Fraud

The central bank has introduced enhanced safeguards for digital banking users as cyber fraud cases rise, stressing the need for stronger security systems alongside greater public awareness and digital literacy.

Philippine Maritime Agencies Strengthen Coordination with Allies Amid Continued South China Sea Tensions

Security officials are expanding joint patrol planning with the United States and regional partners as tensions persist in the West Philippine Sea, underscoring Manila’s focus on sovereignty and a rules-based maritime order.

Malacañang Expects Q2 Recovery as Infrastructure Disbursements Resume Under Updated Budget Rollout

The presidential office says it remains confident in a second-quarter rebound as infrastructure funds are released under Budget Secretary Kim de Leon, following a period of cautious fiscal review and delayed spending approvals.

Philippine Economic Managers Cut Full-Year Growth Forecast to 3.5–4.5 Percent Amid Energy and Inflation Pressures

National planners have revised the country’s 2026 growth outlook down from the earlier 5–6 percent range, pointing to persistent Middle East energy disruptions, inflation, and the impact of scrutiny over flood control spending programs.

Marcos Administration Accelerates Infrastructure Spending to Support Philippine Economic Recovery After Q1 Slowdown

The Philippine government is moving to fast-track delayed public works in the second half of 2026 in an effort to lift growth after first-quarter GDP expanded by 2.8 percent, with officials citing external oil price shocks and internal p...

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...