Manila Times

Alex Eala Steps Up Preparations for Second Wimbledon Appearance

Filipino tennis player Alex Eala is continuing her preparations in London ahead of her second Wimbledon campaign. After a first-round exit on her debut last year, she is aiming for a stronger performance at this year's tournament.

House Prosecutors Seek Approval to Present Additional Evidence in Duterte Impeachment Case

The House prosecution panel has requested permission to submit additional evidence in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte. The request comes as pre-trial proceedings move toward the formal opening of the Senate trial.

Government Reviews Regional Airport and Infrastructure Budgets

The government is reassessing funding for several regional airport modernization and infrastructure projects as part of broader spending reviews. Officials said priority projects under the Build Better More program will continue to recei...

Military Expands Student Safety Coordination Following School Violence

The Philippine National Police has ordered closer coordination with the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to improve security for off-campus school activities. The directive follows growing concerns over stud...

Health Department Warns of Rising Leptospirosis Cases During Rainy Season

The Department of Health has reported a six percent increase in leptospirosis cases, with farmers identified as the most vulnerable group. Health officials are urging preventive measures as the rainy season continues across agricultural ...

Philippine Drug Agency Seizes More Than 40 Million Pesos Worth of Illegal Drugs

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported seizing more than 40 million pesos worth of illegal drugs and arresting 110 suspects during nationwide operations between June 18 and June 25. Authorities said anti-drug enforcement efforts...

Bureau of Corrections Plans Release of More Than 6,000 Inmates This Year

The Bureau of Corrections aims to release more than 6,000 persons deprived of liberty before the end of 2026 as part of efforts to ease prison overcrowding. The initiative forms part of a wider prison reform program that includes infrast...

Southern Luzon Declared Stable Following Decline in Insurgency Activity

The Southern Luzon Command has designated the Calabarzon region as a Stable Internal Peace and Security area after a sustained decline in communist insurgency. Officials say the designation is expected to support continued economic devel...

PAGASA to Introduce Impact-Based Severe Wind Forecasts in July

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration will begin using an impact-based forecasting system for severe winds in July. The new approach is designed to provide communities with clearer assessments ...

Fuel Prices Expected to Increase as Global Oil Volatility Persists

Industry analysts expect fuel prices to rise by as much as 1.5 pesos per liter from June 30 because of volatility in global oil markets. Higher fuel costs could add pressure on transport operators, logistics firms and consumers.

Home Prices Continue to Rise Across the Philippines

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas reported that residential property prices accelerated during the first quarter of 2026. Strong housing demand continues to lift prices, adding to affordability pressures for middle- and lower-income househ...

PhilHealth Records Highest-Ever Payouts as Benefit Expansion Continues

State health insurer PhilHealth said benefit payments exceeded 178 billion pesos as of May 2026. The agency also plans to expand benefits further to provide broader healthcare coverage for Filipino families.

Philippine Police Intensify Crackdown on Illegal Logging and Mining

The Philippine National Police has directed regional commanders to strengthen joint operations with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources against illegal logging and mining. The order follows a recent rise in arrests linked...

Budget Department Launches Public Spending Tracker Ahead of 2027 Budget

The Department of Budget and Management has introduced a digital public spending tracker before the submission of the 2027 national budget. The platform is intended to improve fiscal transparency by allowing citizens to monitor governmen...

Senate Opens Inquiry into Fatal Tacloban School Shooting

Senate committees will begin an inquiry on July 1 into the June 22 shooting at San Jose National High School in Tacloban that killed three students. The investigation, led by Senator Risa Hontiveros, will examine campus security and the ...

New U.S. Ambassador Lee Lipton Arrives in Manila

United States Ambassador Lee Lipton has officially arrived in the Philippines to begin his diplomatic assignment. His posting comes as Washington and Manila seek to deepen defense cooperation and expand bilateral economic ties amid evolv...

Thousands Join Anti-Corruption White Ribbon March in Quezon City

Around 10,000 demonstrators gathered at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday to protest alleged government corruption and call for greater accountability. The rally caused major traffic disruptions along EDSA and White...

Defense Chief Rejects China's Position on South China Sea Arbitration Ruling

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has dismissed the Chinese Embassy's latest comments on the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, saying Beijing's continued rejection of the ruling undermines efforts to strengthen regional maritime ...

Philippines Lowers Medium-Term Economic Growth Targets Amid Global Uncertainty

The Development Budget Coordination Committee has reduced its economic growth targets for the next three years, citing regional geopolitical tensions and domestic fiscal challenges. The revised forecast sets 2027 gross domestic product g...

Senate Sets July 7 Start for Vice President Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial

The Philippine Senate has completed preparations to convene as an impeachment court for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on July 7, 2026. Senate leaders expect proceedings to last seven to eight months, creating the potential for...

Metro Manila Tightens Rules for Electric Tricycles

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has introduced stricter operating guidelines and penalties for electric tricycles on major roads to improve traffic safety while supporting the adoption of cleaner transport.

Senate Leadership Focuses on Economic Legislative Agenda

Following the leadership transition earlier this month, the Philippine Senate is prioritizing legislation intended to support economic recovery and strengthen institutional stability.

Philippine Food Producers Showcase Export Potential at International Exhibition

Thirty-seven food companies from Negros are exhibiting at the International Food Exhibition Philippines 2026, promoting high-value agricultural products and expanding opportunities in overseas markets.

Mindoro Radio Commentator Case Advances After Suspect Surrenders

Media safety advocates said the primary suspect in the attack on a radio commentator in Mindoro has surrendered to authorities, marking a significant development in a case that raised concerns about the safety of local journalists.

Civil Society Renews Push for Freedom of Information Legislation

Advocacy groups have again called on Congress to pass a comprehensive Freedom of Information law, arguing that stronger transparency measures are essential for improving public accountability and government services.

Metro Manila Adds 11,000 Hectares of Urban Green Space

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has registered 11,000 hectares of new green space across the National Capital Region as part of broader efforts to strengthen climate resilience and improve urban living conditions.

Ease of Doing Business Fair Opens in Iloilo to Support Entrepreneurs

The government launched a Grand Ease of Doing Business Fair in Iloilo City to serve around 2,000 entrepreneurs, expanding access to government services and supporting business development outside Metro Manila.

Automotive Sales Continue to Grow Despite Fuel Price Pressures

The Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines reported continued growth in vehicle sales during May, reflecting resilient consumer demand despite higher fuel prices and persistent inflationary pressures.

Philippine Gross Savings Increase in 2025

Latest official data showed the country's gross savings rose 9.3 percent in 2025, strengthening household and corporate financial buffers that policymakers hope will support investment through 2026.

Government Steps Up Efforts to Combat Online Child Exploitation

The administration is preparing stronger cross-agency measures to tackle online child sexual abuse and exploitation through closer cooperation between the Department of Justice and international law enforcement partners.

Health Department Warns of Rise in Leptospirosis Cases

The Department of Health reported a six percent increase in leptospirosis cases nationwide and urged residents in flood-prone areas, particularly farmers, to take preventive measures following recent weather disturbances.

Police Report Continued Progress in Anti-Drug Campaign

The Philippine National Police said more than 5,000 high-value targets have been arrested since the start of the Marcos administration's anti-drug campaign, which authorities describe as combining law enforcement with community rehabilit...

PhilHealth Benefit Payouts Reach Record ₱178 Billion

The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation said benefit payments totaled 178 billion pesos as of May 2026, while 98 percent of first-tranche claims under the YAKAP programme had been settled to assist eligible households.

Tourism Arrivals Reach 2.9 Million in First Half of 2026

The Department of Tourism reported 2.9 million international visitor arrivals during the first half of 2026, with the United States remaining the country's largest source market and supporting the continued recovery of the tourism industry.

Foreign Affairs Department Reaffirms Binding Nature of 2016 Arbitral Award

The Department of Foreign Affairs has reiterated that the 2016 Arbitral Award remains final and legally binding, responding to renewed criticism from Chinese officials by reaffirming the Philippines' position under the United Nations Con...

Philippine Navy Expands Patrols at Bajo de Masinloc

The Philippine Navy has deployed additional vessels to Bajo de Masinloc to maintain a maritime presence and support local fishing communities as the country continues to assert its interests in the West Philippine Sea.

Death Toll from Mindanao Earthquake Climbs to 81 as Relief Operations Continue

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said the number of fatalities from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao has risen to 81, while rescue, relief and recovery operations continue across affected communities.

Government Plans Faster Infrastructure Spending to Support Economic Recovery

Budget Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said the government will accelerate infrastructure spending after slower public investment in the first half of 2026, with renewed emphasis on high-quality projects to strengthen economic momentum.

Fitch Revises Philippine Banking Sector Outlook to Deteriorating

Fitch Ratings has changed its 2026 outlook for Philippine banks to deteriorating, warning that slower economic growth, elevated inflation and rising unsecured consumer lending are likely to increase credit losses and pressure profitability.

Philippines and Canada Strengthen Defence Partnership with New Logistics Agreement

The Philippines and Canada have signed a Mutual Logistics Support Arrangement and a Statement of Intent on Strengthening Defence Cooperation, expanding collaboration in military training, logistics and maritime information sharing.

President Marcos Jr. to Visit Canada to Deepen Trade and Defence Cooperation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will travel to Vancouver from July 1 to 4 for the first visit by a Philippine head of state to Canada in 11 years, with talks expected to focus on a bilateral free trade agreement, critical minerals and mar...

Philippines Lowers 2026 Economic Growth Forecast Amid Global Headwinds

The Development Budget Coordination Committee has revised its 2026 growth forecast to 3.5 to 4.5 percent, citing geopolitical tensions, weaker external conditions and earlier delays in infrastructure implementation.

Marcos Administration Proposes Record ₱7.2 Trillion Budget for 2027

The Philippine government has proposed a record 7.2 trillion peso national budget for 2027, a six percent increase from the previous year, with higher public spending aimed at supporting economic growth amid global uncertainty, supply ch...

Philippines Rejects China's Latest Rejection of 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award

Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. condemned the Chinese Embassy in Manila's latest rejection of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award, reaffirming the Philippines' commitment to defending its sovereign rights in the Wes...