Manila Times

Metro Manila Retail and Hospitality Traffic Surges on Major Concert Events

Property developers and commercial operators reported sharp increases in mall traffic and hospitality spending as major international concerts boosted consumer activity across Metro Manila. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="24"}

Philippines Ends Asian Games With Record 29-Medal Haul

Philippine athletes finished the Asian Games in Japan with 29 medals, marking the country’s strongest performance at the regional event in six decades. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="23"}

Philippines Places Disaster Units on Alert Ahead of Possible Tropical Storms

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council raised readiness levels across Central and Northern Luzon after forecasts warned of approaching tropical systems and heavy seasonal rain. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="22"}

Negros Sugar Producers Welcome Local Sourcing Commitments From Beverage Companies

Agricultural groups in Negros welcomed agreements by major beverage manufacturers to source refined sugar domestically rather than relying on imports. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="21"}

Philippines Releases Video of Chinese Fighter Jet’s Close Intercept in South China Sea

The Armed Forces of the Philippines released footage showing a Chinese fighter jet carrying out a hazardous intercept near a Philippine patrol aircraft over disputed waters, prompting diplomatic protests and international concern. :chatg...

Philippine House Approves 7.2 Trillion Peso Budget Bill on Second Reading

The House of Representatives approved an amended 7.2 trillion peso national budget bill on second reading, with spending priorities including infrastructure, social protection and regional development. :chatgpt-content-reference{index="3"}

AMRO Cuts Philippines’ 2026 Growth Forecast to 3.3%

The ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office lowered its 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines to 3.3%, citing delays in infrastructure and flood-control spending alongside pressure from higher oil prices. :chatgpt-content-reference{inde...

Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Intensifies as Anti-Money Laundering Records Reach Senate

The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte entered a more contentious phase after prosecutors submitted banking documents and Anti-Money Laundering Council records detailing multi-million-peso transactions. :chatgpt-content-ref...

Philippine Inflation Jumps to 7.2% in September as Food and Fuel Costs Rise

Headline inflation accelerated to 7.2% in September, matching a three-year high as food, rent and petroleum prices climbed and adding pressure on the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to consider further monetary tightening. :chatgpt-content-r...

Makati Court Orders Arrest of Businessman Leandro Leviste Over Public Service Act Case

A Makati Regional Trial Court issued an arrest warrant for renewable energy executive and political figure Leandro Leviste over alleged Public Service Act violations, with Leviste posting bail shortly afterward.

Manila’s LRT-2 Begins Limited Operations for Major Modernization Works

Metro Manila’s Light Rail Transit Line 2 has introduced restricted schedules and temporary station closures as authorities carry out engineering and maintenance upgrades to improve safety and network integration.

Ateneo de Manila Remains Philippines’ Top University in Global Rankings

Ateneo de Manila University retained its position as the highest-ranked Philippine institution in the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings.

Philippine Election Commission Moves to Remove Nuisance Candidates Before Midterms

The Commission on Elections plans to finalize the official candidate list by the end of November as it seeks to remove nuisance candidates before ballot production for local and senatorial races.

Philippines Revokes Manning Agency License Over Abuse of More Than 300 Fishermen

The Department of Migrant Workers has permanently revoked the license of a maritime recruitment agency after investigators found unpaid wages, unsafe conditions and abuse affecting more than 300 Filipino fishermen working overseas.

Philippine Police Seize ₱37 Million in Smuggled Tobacco Products

Police and maritime security units seized about ₱37 million worth of illicit tobacco products in coordinated operations across Mimaropa and Zamboanga as authorities intensify efforts against smuggling networks.

Philippines Pushes Drugmakers to Adopt 2D Barcodes Against Counterfeit Medicines

The Food and Drug Administration is urging pharmaceutical companies to introduce two-dimensional barcode tracking systems as authorities seek to curb the spread of unregistered and counterfeit medicines.

Sara Duterte Accuses Marcos of Orchestrating Political Campaign Against Her

Vice President Sara Duterte has accused President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of manipulating witnesses and using state resources against her political faction as her impeachment trial deepens the split within the former ruling alliance.

Philippines Enacts Internet Law Despite Opposition From Telecom Operators

The Philippine government has enacted new broadband regulations aimed at expanding access and strengthening service standards despite objections from telecommunications companies over potential effects on private investment.

PetroGreen Secures ₱1.2 Billion Loan for Isabela Solar Project

Renewable energy developer PetroGreen has secured ₱1.2 billion in long-term financing for a major solar project in Isabela, supporting further expansion of clean-energy generation in northern Luzon.

PLDT Delays Data Center IPO to 2027

PLDT has postponed the planned public listing of its data center business until 2027 as the company adjusts its capital expansion timetable to global artificial intelligence infrastructure demand and domestic market conditions.

DHL Sees Philippines Benefiting From Global Supply Chain Diversification

DHL executives say the Philippines could attract more manufacturing and logistics investment as multinational companies diversify away from China, provided the country continues upgrading ports and aviation infrastructure.

Philippines Adds Cyber Warfare Measures to National Defence Framework

Philippine lawmakers and military planners have incorporated new cybersecurity requirements and operational tools into defence legislation as the government responds to growing digital espionage and geopolitical threats.

Philippine Unemployment Falls to 2.7 Million Despite High Inflation

The number of unemployed Filipinos declined to 2.7 million in August, although survey data showed persistent job dissatisfaction among younger workers and professionals in Metro Manila.

More Than 428,000 Filipinos Affected by Severe Drought and Water Shortages

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council says more than 428,000 people in vulnerable rural areas have been affected by water shortages and agricultural losses, prompting additional government relief efforts.

Drought Causes More Than ₱173 Million in Crop Losses in Bohol

Agricultural authorities in Bohol have reported more than ₱173 million in crop damage as severe drought conditions threaten food production and are forecast to persist until March.

Philippines Warns of Power Blackouts and Higher Tariffs as El Niño Hits Hydropower

The Department of Energy is warning of possible grid instability and higher electricity prices as prolonged dry conditions reduce reservoir levels and weaken hydroelectric generation capacity.

GCash Parent Mynt Launches ₱53 Billion Initial Public Offering

Mynt has opened a ₱53 billion public offering that allows domestic retail investors to participate through the GStocks platform, marking a major milestone for the Philippines’ digital finance sector.

World Bank Cuts Philippine Growth Outlook Amid Geopolitical and AI-Related Risks

The World Bank has lowered its Philippine economic growth forecast, citing the Middle East conflict and the country’s slower integration into the global artificial intelligence economy as headwinds for investment and recovery.

Polish President Makes First State Visit to Philippines as Legal and Defence Ties Expand

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed Polish President Karol Nawrocki for the first bilateral state visit since diplomatic relations began in 1973, with both sides signing a mutual legal assistance agreement and pursuing an ...

Philippines Monitors More Than 100 Chinese Vessels in West Philippine Sea

The Armed Forces of the Philippines reported more than 100 Chinese maritime militia and coast guard vessels operating within the country’s exclusive economic zone in September, prompting renewed demands for Beijing to halt unauthorized a...

Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Reveals ₱190 Million in Undeclared Bank Assets

Financial records presented to the Senate impeachment court showed 30 active accounts holding about ₱190 million, far above the ₱13.3 million declared by Vice President Sara Duterte in her official statement of assets and liabilities.

Philippines Opens National Security Probe Into Alleged Chinese Funding Linked to Duterte Family

The National Security Council is investigating reports that Chinese state-owned enterprises transferred ₱319 million to a food company linked to Vice President Sara Duterte’s family, raising questions over possible foreign interference.