Manila Times

Catholic Bishops Prepare for National Plenary Assembly in Manila in July

Senior Catholic leaders across the Philippines are preparing for a national assembly in Manila to discuss key social and economic issues, reflecting the Church’s continued role in public and civic affairs.

Philippine Space Agency Uses Satellite Imagery to Guide Earthquake Response in Mindanao

National space authorities are using Earth observation data to map power outages and structural damage in Sarangani, helping disaster agencies coordinate logistics and emergency response operations.

Court of Appeals Dismisses Corporate Petition Filed by Construction Executive Curlee Discaya

The Court of Appeals rejected a petition filed by businessman Curlee Discaya, citing defective documentation and reinforcing strict procedural standards in complex corporate litigation.

Philippine Government Warns of Higher Electricity Rates as Generation Costs Rise

Manila Electric Company has warned consumers of potential tariff increases this month due to tight power supply and forced outages at major baseload plants affecting the national grid.

Aftershocks and Equipment Delays Slow Earthquake Response in Sarangani Province

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported more than 1,000 aftershocks, including a magnitude 5.7 tremor, continuing to hinder rescue operations and the stabilization of damaged infrastructure.

Manila Cathedral Launches Six-Month National Pilgrimage of Religious Icon Across the Philippines

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines has begun a nationwide pilgrimage featuring the replica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, drawing large gatherings in a months-long religious observance aimed at promoting unity and devotion.

Philippines Promotes Critical Mineral Resources at International Investment Forum in Jakarta

The Board of Investments highlighted opportunities in nickel, copper, and cobalt production to attract global investors, positioning the Philippines within Southeast Asia’s expanding electric vehicle supply chain.

Fuel Surcharges to Drop as Philippine Aviation Regulator Eases Airline Cost Pressures

The Civil Aeronautics Board confirmed reductions in passenger fuel surcharges due to lower global oil prices, a move expected to support domestic travel and tourism demand in the coming months.

Philippines and Japan Sign Agreement to Deepen Space Technology Cooperation

Manila and Tokyo signed a new aerospace cooperation framework covering Earth observation, disaster response, and satellite development, strengthening bilateral ties across space technology and regional security.

Philippine Government Moves to Expand Maritime Safety Protocols After Chinese Rocket Launch Activity

The Philippine Space Agency issued safety advisories to shipping operators following Chinese Long March rocket launches, warning of potential hazards from reentering space debris within Philippine maritime zones.

Political Tensions Rise in Philippines as Vice President Sara Duterte Faces New Asset Allegations

Political friction has escalated after allegations emerged claiming Vice President Sara Duterte failed to declare certain real estate holdings in her official asset disclosures, adding pressure ahead of upcoming midterm political campaigns.

International Aid Accelerates Response as Earthquake Devastates Parts of Mindanao

The United Arab Emirates and multiple international organizations have sent humanitarian relief supplies and emergency teams to southern Philippines following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, supporting local authorities managing widespread...

Philippine Government Approves Nearly Two Billion Peso Housing and Industrial Park Projects in Central Luzon

The Board of Investments approved large-scale housing and industrial developments in Central Luzon aimed at easing urban housing shortages while expanding manufacturing capacity outside Metro Manila.

Philippine Government Attracts Swedish Investment Interest in Offshore Wind and Digital Infrastructure Projects

The Department of Finance held talks with Swedish officials on potential investment in offshore wind and artificial intelligence-related technologies under the Luzon Economic Corridor, alongside broader trilateral cooperation with Japan ...

National Grid Corporation Places Visayas Power Grid on Yellow Alert Amid Generation Shortages

Energy authorities issued a yellow alert for the Visayas grid due to insufficient generating capacity, with multiple coal-fired plants under forced outage and tighter margins during peak demand periods.

Philippine Foreign Investment Inflows Jump 52 Percent in First Quarter Led by South Korean Capital

The Department of Trade and Industry reported a 52 percent surge in foreign direct investment in the first quarter, driven largely by South Korean capital, underscoring continued investor confidence despite regional security risks.

Philippine Space Council Approves Sovereign Satellite Program and First Domestic Rocket Launch Plan

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved a national space initiative covering a satellite constellation, a geostationary communications satellite, and plans for the country’s first liquid-fueled rocket launch from Lal-lo Airport in Cagaya...

Philippine Government Expands Clean Energy and Digital Investment Incentives to Attract Foreign Capital

The Fiscal Incentives Review Board approved a national investment priority plan aimed at drawing foreign direct investment into advanced manufacturing, agribusiness, logistics, and digital infrastructure through expanded tax incentives.

Philippine Government Faces Economic Headwinds as World Bank Maintains 3.7 Percent Growth Forecast

The World Bank kept its downgraded 3.7 percent growth outlook for the Philippines, citing delayed infrastructure spending, a major flood-control corruption scandal, and higher global energy prices weighing on consumption and investment.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Reports Over 1,000 Aftershocks Disrupt Earthquake Recovery in Mindanao

Seismologists recorded more than 1,000 aftershocks, including a magnitude 5.7 tremor off Balut Island, complicating rescue operations and slowing the deployment of heavy equipment needed to stabilize damaged infrastructure.

United Nations and Aid Agencies Deploy Emergency Teams to Earthquake-Hit Mindanao Provinces

United Nations agencies and International Medical Corps have sent rapid response teams to Sarangani following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, delivering medical supplies, clean water, and maternal health support as thousands remain displaced.

Philippine Government Protests Chinese Structures at Scarborough Shoal as Maritime Tensions Escalate in the South China Sea

The Department of Foreign Affairs lodged formal protests over new Chinese installations at Bajo de Masinloc, while separate diplomatic activity involving Manila and Tokyo on overlapping maritime claims triggered increased Chinese Coast G...

Death Toll Surpasses Fifty as Rescue Efforts Intensify After Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Strikes Sarangani

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council confirmed at least 55 deaths and more than 1,100 injuries after a powerful offshore earthquake hit Mindanao, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to order a nationwide human...

Marcos Declares Additional Local Holidays for Provincial Anniversary Celebrations

The Philippine president issued executive proclamations creating special non-working days in selected municipalities across Rizal, Cagayan, Davao del Norte and Metro Manila to support local commemorations, tourism and cultural activities.

National Pilgrimage of Our Lady of Guadalupe Replica Begins at Manila Cathedral

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines launched a six-month nationwide pilgrimage for the revered image with an opening Mass in Intramuros, an event expected to draw large numbers of devotees across the country.

Transport Regulators Target Drivers Who Refuse Passenger Bookings

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has ordered stricter enforcement against ride-hailing and public utility vehicle operators who decline passengers without valid reasons, warning that violations may lead to suspens...

Philippines Revokes and Suspends More Than 800 Driver Licenses in Road Safety Crackdown

Transportation authorities have intensified enforcement efforts nationwide, permanently revoking and suspending hundreds of licenses linked to serious traffic violations and reckless driving.

Marcos Leads Philippines Independence Day Ceremony With Call for Unity and Democratic Values

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presided over the country's 128th Independence Day observance at Rizal Park, urging Filipinos to defend democratic freedoms and remain united amid domestic political divisions and external challenges.

ICC Approves Rodrigo Duterte Request to Expand Non-Privileged Contact List

The International Criminal Court granted a procedural request from former President Rodrigo Duterte regarding his legal communications, marking a limited administrative development in the ongoing investigation into his anti-drug campaign.

Survey Shows Filipino Households Sacrificing Long-Term Savings Amid Cost Pressures

A new study by Sun Life Philippines found that rising living expenses are forcing more households to reduce long-term investments and insurance contributions, weakening overall financial resilience.

Manila Tech Summit Pushes Regional Digital Trade Integration for Philippine Businesses

Organizers say the upcoming Manila Tech Summit 2026 will focus on helping Philippine small and medium-sized enterprises participate in the wider ASEAN digital economy as digital transactions continue to gain share in the domestic market.

More Than 30,000 Mindanao Residents Remain Without Power After Earthquake

The Department of Energy said damage to transmission and distribution infrastructure has left tens of thousands of consumers in General Santos City and Sarangani province without electricity, complicating relief and recovery operations.

Civil Society Groups File Obstruction Complaint Against Senior Senators Over Fugitive Lawmaker Case

Advocates have lodged formal complaints against Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Robinhood Padilla, alleging obstruction of justice in connection with the escape of fugitive Senator Ronald Dela Rosa from law enforcement c...

President Marcos Calls on Senate Majority to End Boycott and Resume Legislative Work

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged senators aligned with the majority bloc to return to plenary sessions, signaling frustration over legislative delays that are slowing the passage of priority government measures.

Philippine Senate Website Breach Triggers National Cybersecurity Investigation

The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group has launched an investigation after hackers defaced the official Senate website, raising fresh concerns about the security of government digital systems.

Philippine Authorities Monitor Chinese Research Platform Near Scarborough Shoal

Government vessels have detected a large unidentified Chinese research platform operating near Scarborough Shoal within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, prompting concerns over its purpose and potential strategic implications.

Philippines Fast-Tracks ₱344 Billion in Renewable Energy Projects Under Green Lane Program

The Department of Energy said 182 renewable energy projects worth 344 billion pesos have received expedited approvals through the government's Green Lane initiative, supporting the country's goal of achieving a 50% clean energy share by ...

Manila Airport Authority Secures Full Ownership of NAIA Terminal 3 in ₱48 Billion Settlement

The Manila International Airport Authority has completed a 48 billion peso agreement to acquire full ownership of Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, resolving long-running legal disputes and paving the way for modernization e...

New Evidence Emerges in House Inquiry Into Vice President Sara Duterte’s Alleged Undisclosed Assets

Lawmakers pursuing the case against Vice President Sara Duterte said they have obtained additional evidence relating to allegedly undisclosed wealth, adding pressure to an already intensifying political dispute with the administration of...

Philippines and Canada Sign Military Logistics Pact to Expand Defense Cooperation

Defense officials from the Philippines and Canada have signed a logistics support arrangement aimed at improving military interoperability, facilitating joint exercises and strengthening security cooperation across the Indo-Pacific.

Philippines Aims to Finalize South China Sea Code of Conduct by End-2026

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said negotiations with China and fellow ASEAN members are now taking place monthly as efforts intensify to complete a binding South China Sea code of conduct and establish clearer rules for ma...

Deadly Magnitude 7.8 Earthquake Kills 47 and Displaces Thousands Across Mindanao

Philippine disaster authorities said the powerful earthquake in Southern Mindanao has left 47 people dead, affected more than 346,000 residents and caused extensive damage in communities where some areas remain difficult to reach.

World Bank Cuts Philippines 2026 Growth Forecast to 3.7% on Spending Delays and Inflation Concerns

The World Bank lowered its economic growth outlook for the Philippines, citing delays in infrastructure spending, controversy surrounding flood-control projects and inflationary pressure linked to global energy shocks that are weighing o...

China Imposes Sanctions on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Amid Deepening Bilateral Tensions

Beijing has barred Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and his family from entering mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau, while also prohibiting commercial dealings with them, escalating diplomatic tensions following his critici...