Manila Times

Pag-IBIG Fund and Naga City Turn Over 576 Affordable Homes to Local Government Employees

Pag-IBIG Fund and the Naga City government have turned over the first 576 units in an affordable housing project for municipal employees, advancing a programme aimed at addressing the Philippines' housing shortage among middle-income ear...

Philippine Government Rejects Public Funding for Proposed AI Hub in New Clark City

The national government will not provide public funding for a proposed artificial intelligence development hub in New Clark City after a dispute with the project's Norwegian proponent, who walked out of a press briefing and raised furthe...

Philippine Congressman Marcy Teodoro Faces Sexual Assault Charges Amid Prosecutor Replacement Dispute

Congressman Marcy Teodoro has been formally charged with sexual assault, prompting political controversy after he publicly criticised the replacement of the state prosecution panel handling the preliminary investigation.

Philippine Coast Guard Arrests Eight Over Illegal Fuel Transfer Operation Near Batangas

The Philippine Coast Guard arrested eight suspects and seized a fishing vessel involved in an illegal fuel-transfer operation off Tingloy Island in Batangas, as authorities continue efforts to disrupt maritime smuggling along commercial ...

Philippines Conducts Emergency Transport Hub Inspections as Heavy Monsoon Rains Persist

The Department of Transportation has deployed inspection teams across major rail, bus and aviation hubs in Metro Manila to check structural conditions, clear flooded access routes and maintain passenger services during persistent heavy m...

Philippine Agriculture Suffers Nearly 200 Million Pesos in Damage From Storms and Monsoon Rains

The Department of Agriculture estimates that recent tropical storms and enhanced southwest monsoon rains caused 197 million pesos in agricultural damage, raising concerns about tighter food supplies and higher retail prices for rice and ...

Philippine Police Review Gun Ownership Rules After Fatal Zamboanga School Shooting

The Philippine National Police is considering tighter psychological and administrative requirements for civilian firearm ownership after investigators found that the gun used in the fatal Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting was registered to a ...

Philippines Accelerates Waste-to-Energy Projects After Marcos Endorses Technology

The Department of Energy is accelerating the development of commercial waste-to-energy facilities nationwide after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. endorsed the technology as a major response to the country's worsening solid-waste problem,...

Philippine Judicial Council Opens Applications for Second Supreme Court Appointment Under Marcos

The Judicial and Bar Council has opened applications to fill an upcoming Supreme Court vacancy, beginning a closely watched selection process that will give President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. an opportunity to make his second appointment to ...

Shell Pilipinas Reports First-Half Net Loss Despite Higher Oil Prices and Steady Fuel Demand

Shell Pilipinas posted a net loss for the first six months of the year as inventory valuation effects, peso depreciation and higher operating costs outweighed the benefits of rising global crude prices and resilient domestic fuel demand.

Philippine Labor Department Seeks to Lift Injunction Blocking Regional Minimum Wage Increases

The Department of Labor and Employment has filed an urgent motion to overturn a court injunction that temporarily halted approved regional wage increases, arguing that delayed adjustments are important for minimum wage earners facing hig...

Philippine Ombudsman Suspends Transport Officials Over Alleged Modernisation Contract Irregularities

The Philippine Ombudsman ordered the preventive suspension of senior officials from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Office of Transportation Cooperatives while investigating alleged irregularities involvi...

Philippines Boosts Election Security After Ambush on Bangsamoro Chief Minister

The Commission on Elections and Philippine National Police have strengthened security ahead of the September Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections after an ambush on the regional chief minister's convoy, while election authorities said the ...

Philippines Secures 600 Million Dollar Grant for Healthcare and Hospital Modernisation

The Philippine government secured a 600 million dollar development grant to support healthcare reforms, expand provincial hospital capacity and help smaller medical facilities manage rising operating costs.

San Miguel Core Net Income Jumps 48 Percent Despite Sharp Decline in Reported Profit

San Miguel Corporation reported a 48 percent increase in core net income for the first half of the year, supported by domestic consumer demand and infrastructure investments, while overall reported earnings fell sharply because of foreig...

Philippine Supreme Court Blocks Release of Draft Senate Blue Ribbon Committee Report

The Supreme Court ruled against the premature public disclosure of a draft Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigative report, setting a legal precedent on legislative privilege, confidential congressional deliberations and the limits of ...

Philippine Central Bank Urges Southeast Asian Regulators to Use AI for Cybersecurity and Climate Risk

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. called on Southeast Asian central banks to strengthen regulatory cooperation and data sharing, including through artificial intelligence and advanced supervisory technology to address...

Lopez Family Invests 2.2 Billion Pesos in ABS-CBN Digital Transformation

The Lopez family has committed 2.2 billion pesos to ABS-CBN Corporation, backing the media company's shift toward digital streaming, content production and diversified media partnerships after the loss of its broadcast franchise.

Philippine Lawmakers Question Trillions in Flood Control Spending After Severe Monsoon Inundations

Lawmakers are questioning the effectiveness and transparency of trillions of pesos spent on flood-control projects since 2011 after severe flooding hit Pampanga, Bulacan and Metro Manila, with calls for a comprehensive national master pl...

Marcos Administration Distances President From Growing Public Works Funds Corruption Scandal

The Marcos administration sought to distance the president from an escalating corruption controversy after a witness testified that billions of pesos in Department of Public Works and Highways leadership funds were systematically allocat...

Philippine Coast Guard Warns Chinese Control of Scarborough Shoal Could Complete South China Sea Outpost Triangle

Philippine maritime officials warned that any Chinese militarisation of Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal, could complete an Iron Triangle of strategic outposts in the South China Sea. The warning followed 27 diplomatic p...

Philippines Orders Alternative Work Arrangements Across Metro Manila as Monsoon Flooding Worsens

The national government ordered state offices to adopt alternative work arrangements and suspended classes in public schools across Metro Manila and 17 provinces as the enhanced southwest monsoon caused widespread flooding, with nearly 8...

Philippine Senate Suspends Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Again as Monsoon Rains Flood Metro Manila

The Senate impeachment court suspended proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte for a second straight day because of torrential monsoon rains, while House prosecutors prepared to extend hearings into late afternoons and Fridays on...

Marcos Orders Broad Investigation After Livestreamed Zamboanga University Shooting Kills Two Students

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a comprehensive security and cybercrime investigation after a livestreamed shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University killed two students, prompting class suspensions, a review of gun licensing rule...

Philippine Peso Falls to Record Low Near 62 Per Dollar as Oil and Rate Pressures Intensify

The Philippine peso weakened to an intraday record near 62 pesos per US dollar, increasing pressure on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to consider stronger monetary and market measures as higher global oil prices add to import costs and ...

Philippine Customs Orders Nationwide Firearms Inventory After Fatal University Shooting

The Bureau of Customs has ordered a comprehensive inventory of bureau-issued firearms following a fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University that left two people dead and triggered an internal security review.

First Lady Faces Backlash Over Birthday Post During Widespread Philippine Flooding

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos faced public criticism after posting about a birthday sabbatical while severe flooding was displacing millions of Filipinos, prompting Malacañang to acknowledge the backlash.

Japan Sentences Filipino Technical Intern to Life in Prison for Murder of Two Cambodian Roommates

A Japanese court sentenced a Filipino worker to life imprisonment after convicting him of murdering two Cambodian nationals, drawing attention to the social and psychological pressures facing migrant workers in Japan.

Marcos Promotes Regional Development and Expanded Infrastructure Spending in Negros Oriental

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used a development event in Negros Oriental to emphasize broader regional investment, including expanded education subsidies and infrastructure spending outside Metro Manila's traditional economic centers.

ICTSI Logistics Arm Expands Central Luzon Operations Through Pampanga Joint Venture

Abbotsford, a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services Incorporated, has partnered with Pampanga-based Prime Alta to expand logistics operations in Central Luzon and serve growing industrial activity in the region.

Philippine Government Invests One Billion Pesos in High-Tech Agricultural Greenhouse in Bulacan

Metro Pacific Investments plans to spend one billion pesos on an advanced greenhouse facility in Bulacan, expanding into agricultural production as part of efforts to strengthen domestic food security and modernize supply chains.

Congress Urged to Prioritize Manufacturing, Energy and Transport in 2027 Philippine Budget

Business groups and economic policy advocates are calling for the 2027 national budget to emphasize manufacturing incentives, power-grid upgrades and transport infrastructure to strengthen the country's industrial base.

Philippines Advances Toward One Million Housing Units Under Marcos Administration Target

The Department of Human Settlements said the government remains on track to complete more than one million housing units nationwide as part of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s effort to address the country's shortage of adequate housing ...

Philippine Dams Replenished by Monsoon Rains, Strengthening Water Reserves for Agriculture

The National Irrigation Administration said rising water levels at the Pantabangan and Magat dams have replenished reserves for rice-producing areas, providing an important buffer as the country faces longer-term climate volatility.

Philippines Plans Targeted School Reopenings to Limit Learning Loss After Weather Disruptions

The Department of Education is developing school-specific protocols for resuming in-person classes, seeking to balance safety during extreme weather with the need to prevent further learning losses across 607 affected public schools.

GoTyme Bank Becomes First Philippine Digital Bank to Offer Apple Pay

GoTyme Bank has introduced Apple Pay for its customers, marking a new step in Philippine digital payments as transactions through electronic channels continue to account for more than half of retail payments, according to the central bank.

Philippine Military Says Chinese Drills Near Scarborough Shoal Do Not Alter Manila's Sovereign Rights

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said Chinese naval and airborne exercises around Scarborough Shoal do not affect Manila's sovereign rights and reaffirmed its position under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Philippine Stock Exchange Targets 203.4 Billion Pesos in 2026 Capital Raising

The Philippine Stock Exchange remains confident of reaching 203.4 billion pesos in capital raising this year, supported by bond issues, private placements and two anticipated initial public offerings before the end of 2026.

Philippine Remittances Grow at Slowest Pace in Four Years as June Transfers Rise 1.7 Percent

Cash remittances through the formal banking system increased just 1.7 percent in June, the slowest growth in more than four years, amid softer global economic conditions and changing overseas deployment patterns.

Philippine Government Expects Budget Deficit to Narrow in Second Half of 2026

The Department of Finance expects the national budget deficit to narrow through the rest of 2026, citing stronger tax collection, digitalized revenue agencies and tighter management of government spending.

San Miguel and Metro Pacific Advance Major Tollway Merger to Create Unified Philippine Expressway Network

San Miguel Corporation and Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation have made significant progress toward merging their tollway businesses, with Ramon Ang expected to lead the combined entity as it seeks to streamline operations and expand the...

Philippine Court Schedules Oral Arguments in Grave Threats Case Against Sara Duterte

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court has ordered oral arguments in the grave threats case against Vice President Sara Duterte, adding to the legal and political challenges facing the country's second-highest official.

Philippine Senate Delays Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial as Severe Flooding Disrupts Government Operations

The Senate impeachment court postponed proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte after heavy monsoon rains and flooding in Metro Manila disrupted government operations and prevented key legal personnel from attending in person.

Philippine Central Bank Signals Readiness for Further Monetary Action as Inflation Risks Return

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said it remains prepared to use additional policy tools if needed as global energy prices and weather-related disruptions to agricultural supply chains create new inflation risks.

Philippine Unemployment Rises to 4.2 Percent as Economy Sheds 166,000 Jobs

The national unemployment rate reached 4.2 percent in June, up from 3.1 percent a year earlier, while the economy recorded a net loss of 166,000 jobs and economic managers called for measures to restore labor market momentum.

Philippine Foreign Direct Investment Falls to Eleven-Year Low Amid Competitiveness Concerns

Foreign direct investment net inflows have dropped to their lowest level in eleven years, with analysts pointing to high utility costs, infrastructure bottlenecks and regulatory hurdles as persistent barriers to international investment.

Philippine Poverty Gains Face Inflation Risk Despite Sharp Decline in National Poverty Rate

The National Economic and Development Authority warned that elevated inflation could erode household purchasing power after the national poverty incidence fell to 9.7 percent in 2025, putting recent gains for low-income Filipinos at risk.

Philippines Declares States of Calamity in Fifty Cities and Municipalities After Widespread Flooding

The Office of Civil Defense said fifty local government units, including Pampanga and Cavite, have declared states of calamity, allowing authorities to access emergency funds for disaster response and infrastructure rehabilitation.