Manila Times

Davao del Sur Approves 148 Million Peso Integrated Livestock Enterprise Project

Authorities in Davao del Sur have approved a 148 million peso livestock enterprise project aimed at boosting regional food security and improving agricultural productivity.

Environmental Experts Highlight Enforcement Gaps in Philippine Plastic Waste Laws

Environmental policy analysts say gaps in enforcement continue to undermine the Philippines’ plastic waste management framework, contributing to ongoing environmental leakage despite existing legislation.

Visayan Electric Plants 1,000 Mangrove Seedlings in Mandaue Coastal Rehabilitation Drive

Visayan Electric has planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings in Mandaue City as part of its environmental corporate social responsibility program focused on coastal rehabilitation and ecosystem protection.

Navotas Authorities Arrest 10 Suspects in Illegal Fuel Smuggling Operation

Law enforcement in Navotas City arrested 10 individuals and seized more than 12 million pesos worth of petroleum products in a crackdown on an alleged illegal fuel transfer scheme.

Philippines and Egypt Explore Expanded Agricultural Trade Cooperation

Trade officials from the Philippines and Egypt have held discussions on expanding cooperation in agricultural exports, aiming to diversify markets for Philippine farm products.

Bohol and Leyte Farmers Receive Ube Planting Materials to Boost Regional Agriculture

Agricultural authorities have distributed ube planting materials to farmers in Bohol and Leyte to support crop production and strengthen agricultural livelihoods in the Visayas region.

DOLE Requests Safety Documents After Aurora Resort Incident Involving Student Athletes

The Department of Labor and Employment has asked an Aurora resort to submit safety and operational documents following an incident involving student athletes, as part of efforts to strengthen compliance with safety regulations.

Department of Environment Expands River Ranger Rehabilitation Programs for Manila Bay Clean-Up

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has pledged increased support for river and estero ranger programs, highlighting their role in restoring waterways feeding into Manila Bay.

Capiz Imposes Pork Import Ban to Contain African Swine Fever Risk

Authorities in Capiz have imposed a ban on pork imports from affected areas to prevent the spread of African Swine Fever, tightening biosecurity measures to protect the province’s livestock industry.

National Capital Region Police Seize Over 6 Million Pesos in Drugs in Manila Operation

Police in the National Capital Region confiscated more than 6 million pesos worth of shabu and arrested a drug courier in a targeted operation in Manila as part of ongoing anti-narcotics enforcement efforts.

Asian Development Bank Approves 10 Million Dollar Grant for Vanuatu Resilience and Private Sector Growth

The Asian Development Bank has approved a 10 million dollar grant for Vanuatu to support private sector development and strengthen resilience against climate and disaster risks, according to an announcement made from Manila.

Dinagat Islands Launches Multi-Million Peso Infrastructure Projects to Improve Public Services

The provincial government of the Dinagat Islands has begun construction on three infrastructure projects, including medical and logistics facilities, aimed at strengthening public service delivery and regional governance capacity.

First Lady Leads Rice Assistance Distribution to Low-Income Families in Quezon City

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos led the distribution of rice assistance to more than 1,300 vulnerable families in Quezon City under the Mula sa Puso Para sa Pamilya program, part of ongoing efforts to ease cost-of-living pressures.

Public Works Department Confirms Early July Completion of Manila Pumping Station Repairs

The Department of Public Works and Highways says repair work on major pumping stations along Roxas Boulevard is on track for completion by early July. The project is intended to help reduce flooding in Metro Manila during the rainy season.

Department of Agriculture Targets Third-Quarter Approval for New Livestock Vaccines

The Department of Agriculture says it is aiming for commercial approval by the third quarter of 2026 for new livestock vaccines intended to support recovery in the country’s hog and poultry sectors following disease outbreaks.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Sends Emergency Aid to Mindoro Amid Severe Water Shortage

The Department of Social Welfare and Development has deployed emergency food assistance to Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro after officials declared a state of calamity due to a prolonged water shortage affecting local communities.

Philippine Government Extends Support to Tacloban School Shooting Victims as Investigation Continues

Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian visited families of victims of the Tacloban City school shooting, as the government continues to provide psychological and financial assistance. Authorities say support efforts will remain in place...

French Government Awards National Order of Merit to Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Ronnie Gil Gavan

France has conferred the National Order of Merit, Officer rank, on Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan in recognition of his role in maritime security and upholding international law within Philippine waters.

House Prosecutors File Additional Motions Ahead of Vice Presidential Impeachment Proceedings

House prosecutors have submitted four new pre-trial motions to the Senate Impeachment Court ahead of proceedings involving impeachment charges against the Vice President. The filings aim to streamline procedures and reinforce transparenc...

Philippine National Police Seize 469 Million Pesos in Drugs in Nationwide Anti-Drug Operations

The Philippine National Police reported the arrest of more than 4,000 individuals and the seizure of 469 million pesos worth of illegal narcotics during coordinated anti-drug operations conducted nationwide between June 1 and June 20.

National Bureau of Investigation Probes Human Trafficking Links After Raid on Manila Entertainment Establishment

The National Bureau of Investigation says a Manila entertainment bar and hotel raided in recent operations had been structurally modified to support human trafficking activities. Authorities have launched a deeper investigation into the ...

Philippine Navy Reports Continued Foreign Vessel Presence at Scarborough Shoal Amid Ongoing Maritime Tensions

The Philippine Navy says foreign vessels remain present at Scarborough Shoal in what it describes as illegal activity under international maritime law. Officials say the situation continues to require coordinated, rules-based responses w...

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Orders End to SMS One-Time Passwords for Digital Banking by June 2026

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has directed all digital banks to phase out SMS-based one-time passwords by June 30, 2026, replacing them with stronger biometric and app-based authentication systems. The measure is part of broader effort...

Philippines Lowers Economic Growth Target as Oil Prices and Corruption Scandal Weigh on Spending

The Philippine government has revised its full-year GDP growth outlook to between 3.5 and 4.5 percent, down from earlier projections, as higher global oil prices and reduced public spending following corruption allegations in flood contr...

Philippine Central Bank Raises Rates as Inflation Pressures Build From Energy Costs and Global Oil Volatility

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas lifted its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.75 percent, citing persistent inflation risks linked to higher energy prices and the need to support currency stability. The move signals continued moneta...

Metropolitan Water Authorities Announce Scheduled Water Interruptions in Metro Manila and Rizal

The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System has advised residents in parts of Metro Manila and Rizal of planned water service interruptions from June 25 to 27 due to essential infrastructure maintenance.

PCSO Confirms No Jackpot Winners in Latest Lotto Draws as Prize Pools Roll Over

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office says no tickets matched the winning numbers in recent national lotto draws, leading to another rollover of jackpot prizes that support public health and welfare programs.

Government Investigates Mindanao Seabed Uplift After Reports of Two-Meter Geological Shift

Geologists and mapping authorities are investigating reports of a two-meter seabed uplift off Mindanao, seeking to determine the cause and assess any environmental or coastal safety implications.

Commission on Human Rights Monitors Alleged Vote-Buying Risks Ahead of BARMM Elections

Election monitors and rights groups have raised concerns over vote-buying in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, with authorities increasing oversight to safeguard electoral integrity.

Department of Energy Leads Crackdown on Illegal Fuel Transfers in Navotas City Raid

Authorities in Navotas have arrested 10 people and seized more than 12 million pesos in fuel during a crackdown on the illegal “paihi” scheme, a black-market operation involving unauthorized petroleum transfers.

Cebu Strengthens Position as Diversified Economic Hub Driven by Manufacturing and BPO Growth

New data shows Cebu’s economy is broadening beyond tourism, with stronger contributions from manufacturing, business process outsourcing, and services reinforcing its role as a key growth center in the Philippines.

Philippine Government Expands Anti-Hunger Program to Cebu Province to Support Food Security Efforts

An inter-agency food security initiative has expanded operations in Cebu, increasing support for farmers and vulnerable households as part of broader efforts to stabilize nutrition and strengthen domestic food resilience.

Department of Labor Disburses Millions in Transport Worker Assistance Amid Fuel and Policy Pressures

The Department of Labor and Employment has released over 55 million pesos in financial aid for transport workers nationwide, as households and operators continue to face the combined pressure of fuel costs and transport sector reforms.

House Speaker Faustino Dy Files Bill to Reform Party-List System and Address Political Dynasties

Speaker Faustino Dy has introduced legislation seeking to overhaul the party-list system and impose stronger anti-dynasty measures, marking a major push in the House to reform electoral representation and restore public confidence.

Palace Orders Stricter Oversight of 2027 Budget Flood Control Funds to Prevent Corruption

The Marcos administration has pledged tighter monitoring of flood control allocations in the 2027 national budget, with enhanced audits for infrastructure projects aimed at preventing a repeat of past corruption scandals.

Commission on Human Rights Launches Independent Probe Into Recent School Violence Incidents

The Commission on Human Rights has opened a motu proprio investigation into recent school shootings in Tacloban City and Cavite, focusing on gaps in school safety systems and juvenile justice safeguards.

Philippine National Police Expands School Security Measures Across Metro Manila After Tacloban Shooting

Police units and local governments have increased security presence and implemented stricter school entry checks across Metro Manila, including Quezon City, following the Tacloban City school shooting and rising safety concerns.

Philippine Military Reports Neutralization of New People’s Army Leaders in Bukidnon Operations

The Armed Forces of the Philippines says recent operations in Bukidnon resulted in the neutralization of high-ranking New People’s Army figures, describing the outcome as a setback to insurgent operational capacity in the region.

Philippine Senate Reviews International Criminal Court Proceedings in Duterte Case Status Discussions

The Senate has held status discussions on the legal and diplomatic implications of the International Criminal Court investigation linked to former President Rodrigo Duterte, reflecting ongoing institutional review of the case’s constitut...

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Maintains Tight Policy Bias as Inflation Risks Remain Elevated

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has signaled readiness for further interest rate increases, with Governor Eli Remolona saying the central bank remains prepared to act decisively if inflation persists above target and pressure on the peso...

Philippine President Marcos Signals Openness to Lower Criminal Liability Age to Twelve After School Violence

Malacañang says President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to proposals lowering the age of criminal liability to 12 years old, following a deadly school shooting, alongside potential restrictions on minors’ access to violent online content.

Tacloban School Shooting Investigation Finds Attack Was Premeditated, Philippine National Police Says

Police investigators say the shooting at a Tacloban City high school, which left three people dead and seven injured, was planned in advance by student suspects who tested positive for gunpowder residue, confirming a deliberate and coord...

Philippine Government Lowers 2026 Growth Target to 3.5–4.5 Percent on Global and Domestic Pressures

Economic managers from the Development Budget Coordination Committee have reduced the country’s growth outlook from 5–6 percent to 3.5–4.5 percent, citing global energy shocks, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and delays in dome...

Philippines Reaffirms Binding Status of 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award Amid Chinese Rejection

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs has rejected China’s latest challenge to the 2016 arbitral ruling on the South China Sea, reiterating that the decision is final, legally binding, and forms a core reference point under intern...

President Marcos Addresses Diplomatic Corps on Independence Day Foreign Policy Priorities

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered remarks to the diplomatic corps during Independence Day events, outlining the administration’s foreign policy direction and engagement with international partners.

Public Works Department Warns of Fraudulent Officials Demanding Kickbacks From Contractors

The Department of Public Works and Highways has warned contractors about individuals impersonating officials and attempting to extort money in exchange for project approvals, as authorities step up anti-corruption enforcement.

Philippine Investigators Probe Fatal Drowning of Ateneo Student Athletes

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is reviewing circumstances surrounding the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University athletes during a team-building activity, focusing on potential negligence and liability.

First Lady Expands Food Aid Program for Low-Income Families in Manila

First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has extended food assistance efforts in Metro Manila, distributing subsidized rice to vulnerable households in Tondo amid persistent inflation pressures.