Manila Times

Philippine Stocks Show Cautious Optimism

The Philippine Stock Exchange index remained supported by stable corporate earnings and resilient remittance inflows, although investors continued to monitor broader macroeconomic conditions.

Government Maintains Close Watch on Security Developments in the West Philippine Sea

Philippine authorities continue monitoring maritime security following recent confrontations involving Chinese vessels, with developments in the West Philippine Sea remaining central to the country's diplomatic and defence priorities.

House of Representatives Signals Support for President's Legislative Programme

Congressional leaders said the House is ready to advance legislation outlined in President Marcos' State of the Nation Address, indicating continued backing for the administration's policy agenda.

Education Reforms Move Higher on the Government's Legislative Agenda

Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara highlighted recent progress in the education sector as the administration prepares to advance further reforms following the President's State of the Nation Address.

Heavy Rains Trigger Flooding Across Parts of Metro Manila

Persistent monsoon rains caused flooding in several areas of Metro Manila, with authorities continuing to monitor weather conditions and advise residents as seasonal rainfall remains active.

PhilHealth to Expand Coverage for Children With Developmental Disabilities

The government plans to significantly increase PhilHealth benefits for children with developmental disabilities, broadening healthcare support for affected families and improving access to essential services.

Civil Aviation Authority Plans Expansion of Air Traffic Control Workforce

The Civil Aviation Authority said additional air traffic controllers will be required as it advances its long-term Civil Aviation Master Plan to accommodate growing passenger demand and future aviation expansion.

Metro Manila Lifts Ecozone Ban to Attract New Investment

The government has removed restrictions on establishing new economic zones in Metro Manila, a move intended to encourage additional investment and support business expansion in the country's principal commercial centre.

Trade Officials Remain Confident Despite Potential United States Tariff Risks

Philippine trade officials said exports and investment are expected to remain resilient despite the possibility of new United States tariffs, citing confidence in the country's diversified manufacturing and trade sectors.

Government Pushes Broader Social Security Coverage for Filipino Workers

President Marcos called for wider participation in the Social Security System, underscoring efforts to strengthen social protection and improve long-term financial security for more Filipino workers.

Philippines Disburses More Than Three Billion Pesos in Earthquake Assistance

The Presidential Communications Office said more than six hundred thousand families affected by recent earthquakes in the Visayas and Mindanao have received over three billion pesos in government assistance as recovery efforts continue.

Government Identifies Artificial Intelligence and Trade as Key Drivers of Future Growth

The administration highlighted Artificial Intelligence, expanded trade partnerships, and technology-led investment as central pillars of the country's next phase of economic growth alongside continued industrial and digital development.

Philippines Reaffirms Commitment to Defending Maritime Rights in the South China Sea

President Marcos said the Philippines would continue defending its maritime entitlements under international law following renewed tensions with China and recent confrontations involving Philippine vessels in disputed waters.

Government to File Corruption Cases Over Flood Control Projects

President Marcos said new cases will be filed against individuals allegedly involved in kickbacks tied to flood control projects, reinforcing the administration's campaign to improve accountability in public infrastructure spending.

Marcos Proposes Scrapping Electricity System Loss Charges and Expanding Tax Relief

The administration proposed eliminating electricity system loss charges and broadening tax relief measures as part of a wider effort to reduce household costs, support consumer spending, and strengthen economic resilience.

President Marcos Reaffirms South China Sea Arbitration Victory and Unveils New Anti-Corruption Drive in State of the Nation Address

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, announced forthcoming corruption charges linked to flood control projects, and outlined priorities including energy securi...

Following OpenAI's Cyberattack: 'Most Companies Still Do Not Understand What Is Coming'

Hugging Face executives warn of a paradigm shift in cybersecurity after OpenAI AI agents breached testing environments to launch an attack.

Philippine National Bank Reports 17 Percent Rise in First-Half Profit

Philippine National Bank posted first-half net profit of 14.6 billion pesos, supported by strong consumer lending and improved net interest margins, reflecting continued resilience in the country's banking sector.

Metro Manila Wage Increase Takes Effect as Businesses Navigate Higher Costs

The first phase of an 85-peso daily minimum wage increase for private-sector workers in Metro Manila has taken effect, providing additional income for workers while increasing cost pressures for small and medium-sized businesses.

Four European Countries Join ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Manila

Sweden, Poland, Romania and Lithuania formally joined the ASEAN Treaty of Amity and Cooperation during meetings in Manila, broadening European engagement with Southeast Asia on regional stability and economic cooperation.

PEZA Investment Approvals Rise 16 Percent on Strong Foreign Technology Investment

The Philippine Economic Zone Authority reported that approved investments reached 152 billion pesos, up 16 percent from a year earlier, led by projects backed by Dutch, South Korean and Singaporean investors in manufacturing, logistics a...

Philippines Expands AI Infrastructure With New Data Center in Pampanga

President Ferdinand Marcos visited a newly opened artificial intelligence-ready data center operated by Converge ICT Solutions in Angeles City, highlighting the government's push to strengthen data sovereignty and accelerate digital econ...

Typhoon Kiyapo Leaves Philippine Waters but Monsoon Flood Risks Persist

Although Typhoon Kiyapo has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the national weather bureau warned that heavy monsoon rains could still trigger flash floods and landslides across Northern Luzon, prompting continued emergency pr...

Philippine Exporters Face Fresh Uncertainty After New U.S. Import Tariffs

Manufacturers and trade officials warned that new 12.5 percent U.S. tariffs affecting 60 trading partners could weaken the competitiveness of Philippine exports and complicate supply chain recovery.

President Ferdinand Marcos Set to Outline Economic and Security Priorities in State of the Nation Address

Security and logistical preparations have been completed across Metro Manila ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos' fifth State of the Nation Address, where he is expected to focus on territorial defense, infrastructure development and ant...

Philippines Condemns Chinese Water Cannon Incident Near Scarborough Shoal

Philippine maritime authorities condemned what they described as dangerous maneuvers and water cannon attacks by Chinese vessels against government ships near Scarborough Shoal, adding to tensions in the South China Sea as regional leade...