Manila Times

Agriculture Department Responds to Sugarcane Pest Outbreak in Sultan Kudarat

The Department of Agriculture deployed emergency teams and imposed quarantine measures following the detection of a destructive sugarcane pest infestation in Sultan Kudarat.

Robin Padilla's Chief of Staff Resigns as Early Poll Shows Senator Leading 2028 Preferences

The chief of staff of Senator Robin Padilla resigned ahead of impeachment proceedings, while an independent survey showed Padilla leading early voter preferences for the 2028 senatorial elections.

Senator Panfilo Lacson Signals New Findings on Taguig Infrastructure Projects

Senator Panfilo Lacson said a forthcoming Senate inquiry will present detailed findings on infrastructure and property projects in Taguig City as part of legislative oversight.

House Confirms Committee Leadership Appointments

The House of Representatives finalized committee chairmanships for key lawmakers, including some linked to ongoing controversies, drawing public attention to legislative leadership and oversight.

Alex Eala Advances to Washington Open Round of 16 After Comeback Win

Filipina tennis player Alex Eala rallied to defeat Zheng Qinwen at the Washington Open, earning a place in the round of 16 with one of the biggest victories of her career.

United States and Zamboanga del Sur Agree to Develop Counterterrorism Hub

The U.S. Embassy and the Zamboanga del Sur local government signed an agreement to establish a regional counterterrorism operations hub aimed at strengthening security cooperation in southwestern Mindanao.

Akbayan Seeks Congressional Inquiry Into Philippines-U.S. Semiconductor Agreement

Akbayan Party-list lawmakers filed a resolution calling for a congressional investigation into the Philippines-United States Pax Silica semiconductor agreement, citing transparency and national interest concerns.

Business Groups Call for Swift Implementation of Marcos Economic Agenda

Business organizations urged the government to move quickly on the economic, fiscal and infrastructure priorities outlined in President Marcos' State of the Nation Address, stressing the importance of efficient policy execution.

Philippine Trade Officials Investigate Steel Plant Over Substandard Products

Trade regulators launched an investigation into a Chinese-owned manufacturing plant in Pampanga after authorities found large quantities of allegedly substandard steel bars intended for the construction sector.

Marcos Says Anti-Corruption Campaign Will Spare No One

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said no relatives or close associates would be exempt from the administration's anti-corruption campaign, reaffirming his government's commitment to accountability.

Heavy Rain Triggers Flooding and Class Suspensions Across Metro Manila

A low-pressure area combined with enhanced easterlies brought widespread flooding and severe traffic disruption across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, prompting multiple local governments to suspend in-person classes.

Defense Chief Says Military Modernization Still Faces Institutional Obstacles

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said administrative, political and structural hurdles continue to slow the Armed Forces of the Philippines' modernization program and efforts to strengthen external defense capabilities.

Philippines Pushes to Remove Power System Loss Charges From Electricity Bills

The Department of Energy and lawmakers launched efforts to eliminate power system loss charges from electricity bills, responding to public calls for lower energy costs and broader power sector reforms.

Philippine House Moves to Fast-Track Worker Tax Relief Measures

Lawmakers began accelerating legislation to increase tax-free income thresholds and provide income tax relief following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s State of the Nation Address, aiming to boost workers' take-home pay.

Philippines Concludes Maritime Drills With United States and Japan After South China Sea Incident

The Armed Forces of the Philippines completed five days of joint maritime exercises with the United States and Japan following recent Chinese Coast Guard actions near Scarborough Shoal, underscoring Manila's focus on maritime security an...

Senate Impeachment Court Hears Testimony on ₱612.5 Million in Cash Withdrawals by Sara Duterte Staff

Current and former Land Bank branch managers told the Senate impeachment court that staff under Vice President Sara Duterte withdrew ₱612.5 million in cash between 2022 and 2023, transactions lawmakers are examining over concerns about b...

Nvidia Reportedly Takes Vast Texas Data-Centre Lease to Underwrite AI Expansion

The chipmaker is said to be the tenant behind a lease worth up to 50.2 billion dollars at Hut 8’s one-gigawatt Beacon Point campus, a structure that has renewed concern over circular AI financing.

FIFA’s Private-Investment Plan for World Cup Rights Draws European Revolt

Gianni Infantino’s proposed commercial subsidiary would seek up to 4.2 billion dollars from minority investors while FIFA says it would retain complete sporting control.

Philippine Basketball Federation Unveils National Team Development Plan

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas announced an expanded training program and international schedule to prepare the national men's team for upcoming FIBA competitions.

Philippines Launches Heritage Conservation Program for Historic Towns

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts began restoration projects for Spanish-era churches and historic districts to protect cultural landmarks from climate damage and urban development.

Government Expands Support for Electric Jeepney Modernization

The Department of Transportation increased subsidies and operating support for drivers and cooperatives transitioning to electric and low-emission jeepneys across major cities.

Startup Investment Reaches New High as Philippine Tech Sector Expands

Venture capital investment in Philippine startups reached a new high, with funding flowing into financial technology, agricultural software, and supply chain innovation.

Ombudsman Files Graft Charges Over Government Procurement Contracts

The Office of the Ombudsman filed criminal charges against former procurement officials over alleged irregularities in emergency government contracts, advancing anti-corruption efforts.

Philippines Hosts Regional Security Dialogue on Maritime Stability

The Department of Foreign Affairs convened ASEAN members and dialogue partners in Manila to discuss maritime security, supply chain resilience, and regional cooperation.

Education Department Rolls Out Digital Skills Curriculum

The Department of Education began nationwide implementation of a revised senior high school curriculum emphasizing coding, data analytics, and technical vocational education to better prepare students for future employment.

Cebu Begins Construction of New Airport Expressway

Construction has started on a new elevated expressway designed to improve connections between Cebu's industrial zones, business districts, and international airport.

Philippines Expands Electric Vehicle Incentives for Manufacturers

The Department of Trade and Industry introduced new grants and tax incentives to encourage electric vehicle assembly and charging infrastructure investment across the country.

Philippine Police Intensify Crackdown on Cybercrime Networks

Law enforcement agencies conducted coordinated operations against illegal online gaming and cybercrime syndicates, arresting multiple local and foreign suspects with support from regional intelligence partners.

Disaster Response Teams Placed on High Alert Ahead of Severe Weather

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council activated emergency response units across northern and central Luzon as forecasts warned of heavy rain and possible storm activity.

Agriculture Department Expands Supply Chain Measures to Stabilize Food Prices

The Department of Agriculture introduced wider farm-to-market distribution networks and logistics improvements to help stabilize rice and livestock prices amid weather-related supply risks.

Philippines Expands Universal Healthcare Through New Hospitals and Telemedicine

The Department of Health opened new regional hospitals and broadened telemedicine services to improve access to specialized healthcare in underserved communities.

Grade A Office Demand Rises in Metro Manila Business Districts

Commercial property owners reported stronger demand and higher occupancy for premium office space in Bonifacio Global City and Makati as multinational companies expanded their operations.

Supreme Court Strengthens Environmental Accountability

The Supreme Court upheld stricter environmental compliance requirements for mining and industrial companies, reaffirming constitutional protections for the environment.

Philippine Electronics Industry Expects Stronger Export Growth

The semiconductor and electronics industry projected continued export growth as manufacturers reported rising demand for automotive and industrial components despite global supply chain challenges.

Tourism Growth Lifts Visitor Arrivals Across the Philippines

International arrivals increased across destinations including Boracay, Palawan, and Cebu as expanded flight connections and global tourism campaigns boosted demand for travel to the Philippines.

Overseas Filipino Worker Remittances Reach Record High

Remittances from overseas Filipino workers climbed to a record level, supported by sustained demand for healthcare, maritime, engineering, and professional workers across North America, the Middle East, and Europe.

Philippine Senate Passes Landmark Cybersecurity Bill

The Senate approved legislation to strengthen cybersecurity standards for government agencies and telecommunications operators, aiming to better protect critical infrastructure and digital payment systems.

Metro Manila and Cebu Attract New AI and Cloud Computing Investments

Technology companies announced expanded investments in digital infrastructure and research facilities in Metro Manila and Cebu, reinforcing the Philippines' position as a growing hub for high-value technology services.

Philippines Approves Faster Development of Offshore Wind and Solar Projects

The Department of Energy cleared additional renewable energy projects to diversify electricity generation, strengthen long-term energy security, and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Philippines Accelerates Rail and Airport Projects Under Infrastructure Drive

The Department of Transportation is speeding up major rail and airport developments across Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and regional centers to improve connectivity, ease congestion, and support long-term economic growth.