Manila Times

Philippine Authorities Seize Smuggled Cigarettes in Misamis Oriental Operation

Law enforcement units confiscated an eight million peso shipment of illegal cigarettes in Misamis Oriental as authorities continue efforts against smuggling networks.

Amanah Islamic Bank Names New Leadership After Government Appointment

The government has appointed a new head of the state-owned Amanah Islamic Bank, marking a change in leadership for the financial institution.

Philippine Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa Takes Leave for Knee Surgery

Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa is on official leave while undergoing knee replacement surgery, with department operations continuing under acting leadership.

Philippine Authorities Correct AI-Generated Flood Barrier Image Circulating Online

The Metro Manila Development Authority clarified that a widely shared image showing a flood barrier along EDSA was digitally altered and created using artificial intelligence.

Philippine National Museum and Cultural Groups Highlight Indigenous Heritage in University Events

The University of the Philippines Baguio graduation ceremonies recognized indigenous roots and cultural preservation as part of the institution’s celebration of its graduating students.

Tinalak Festival Celebrates South Cotabato Cultural Heritage Through Traditional Exhibits

South Cotabato hosted its annual Tinalak Festival, featuring traditional bahay kubo displays and cultural activities highlighting local craftsmanship and heritage.

Farmer Groups in Isabela Warn of Crop Damage From Prolonged Dry Spell

Farmers in Isabela reported damaged crops and cracked soil caused by an extended dry period, raising concerns about agricultural productivity in the province.

Authorities Seize Eight Million Pesos Worth of Smuggled Cigarettes in Misamis Oriental

Law enforcement agencies intercepted a shipment of smuggled cigarettes valued at eight million pesos in Misamis Oriental as part of efforts to combat illegal trade.

Baguio City Installs Solar-Powered First-Aid Booths for Tourists and Residents

Baguio City has introduced solar-powered first-aid stations in key locations to provide faster emergency assistance for visitors and local communities.

Philippines Launches New Measures to Support Inclusive Education for Blind Students

Tarlac State University has introduced new initiatives to accommodate blind students, expanding accessibility and inclusion within higher education.

Philippine General Hospital Opens Charity Ward for Bone Marrow Transplant Patients

The Philippine General Hospital has opened a specialized charity ward to provide bone marrow transplant services for patients who cannot afford treatment.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology Reports Continued Mayon Volcano Lava Effusion

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Mayon Volcano has continued emitting lava for the 187th consecutive day, with monitoring teams maintaining the current alert status.

Defense Challenges Impeachment Claims Over Vice President Sara Duterte’s Alleged Threats

Lawyers defending Vice President Sara Duterte argued that her controversial remarks do not qualify as high crimes or impeachable offenses as legal disputes continue in the Senate trial.

Senate Impeachment Court Seeks Faster Proceedings in Sara Duterte Trial

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the Senate impeachment court is considering longer trial schedules and streamlined procedures to prevent delays in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte.

Philippine House Prosecutors Say Foundation of Sara Duterte Impeachment Case Has Been Established

Members of the House prosecution panel said the legal basis for the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte was established during the opening stage of Senate proceedings.

Biliran Introduces Four-Day Government Workweek Amid Rising Energy Costs

Provincial authorities in Biliran have moved to a four-day workweek for government offices as a measure to reduce the impact of higher fuel and electricity expenses on public operations.

Metro Manila and Central Luzon Face Growing Water Supply Concerns

Residents in parts of Metro Manila and Central Luzon are experiencing increasing water supply pressures as authorities review conservation measures and resource allocation plans.

Manila Water Strengthens Preparations for Possible El Niño-Related Water Supply Disruptions

Manila Water said it has improved infrastructure and operational readiness to manage potential water shortages linked to stronger El Niño conditions.

Philippine Disaster Officials Monitor Potential Super Typhoon Developments

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council continues to monitor weather systems and prepare precautionary measures amid concerns over possible severe storm activity.

President Marcos Reviews Rehabilitation Progress at Navotas Fish Port

President Ferdinand Marcos Junior inspected ongoing rehabilitation and improvement projects at the Navotas Fish Port to ensure the facility maintains efficient operations and supports the country’s fishing industry.

Philippine Government Advances Pax Silica Initiative for Technology and Economic Development

The Department of Finance is promoting the Pax Silica initiative, which focuses on technology development and economic cooperation as part of efforts to support sustainable growth.

Philippine National Police Mobilizes for Relief Operations After Tropical Storm Inday and Monsoon Rains

The Philippine National Police has deployed personnel to assist communities affected by Tropical Storm Inday and continued southwest monsoon rainfall as authorities support disaster response efforts.

Philippine Government Extends Civil Registration Program Through 2030 to Improve Public Services

President Ferdinand Marcos Junior has extended the national civil registration initiative until 2030 to strengthen population records and improve government service delivery across the country.

Philippines Monsoon Rains Continue Across Luzon and Visayas After Tropical Storm Inday Exit

The Philippine weather bureau said the southwest monsoon will continue bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms across Luzon and Visayas after Tropical Storm Inday moved away from the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

Vice President Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Moves Into Legal Arguments in Philippine Senate

The Senate impeachment court is advancing proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte as prosecutors outline their case while defense lawyers challenge whether alleged statements meet the constitutional threshold for impeachable offe...

Fourteen Nations Reaffirm 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Ruling on Tenth Anniversary

A group of fourteen countries, including the Philippines, Australia, Japan, and the United States, reaffirmed the legal significance of the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, saying the decision remains binding despite China’s continu...

Philippines Strengthens Its ASEAN Role Through Regional Economic and Security Cooperation

The Philippines continues supporting ASEAN initiatives on trade, connectivity, maritime cooperation, and regional stability, reinforcing its role in shaping Southeast Asia's economic integration and security agenda.

Culture and Creative Industries Continue Supporting Tourism and International Recognition

The Philippines' cultural heritage, creative industries, and tourism destinations continue contributing to economic activity while enhancing the country's international profile.

Philippine Property Market Adjusts to Changing Demand and Infrastructure Development

Property developers continue adapting to evolving residential and commercial demand while monitoring the effects of infrastructure improvements and broader economic conditions on the real estate market.

Airport Expansion Supports Tourism Growth and Stronger National Connectivity

Airport development and aviation improvements continue to enhance domestic mobility, strengthen international connections, and support the long-term growth of tourism and business travel across the archipelago.

Artificial Intelligence Adoption Expands Across Philippine Business and Public Services

Businesses, technology firms, and government agencies are increasingly exploring Artificial Intelligence applications to improve productivity, modernise services, and support digital innovation.

Manufacturing Investment Continues to Position the Philippines as a Regional Production Base

Manufacturers are continuing to explore the Philippines as an alternative production location within Southeast Asia, supported by its workforce, export capabilities, and growing role in regional supply chains.

Philippines Prioritises Agricultural Modernisation to Strengthen Food Security

Government efforts remain focused on improving agricultural productivity, strengthening supply chains, and enhancing food security to support rural development and reduce vulnerability to external price shocks.

Metro Manila Infrastructure Modernisation Remains Key to Urban Competitiveness

Transport upgrades, congestion reduction projects, and wider urban development efforts continue across Metro Manila as authorities work to improve mobility, productivity, and quality of life in the country's largest economic centre.

Overseas Filipino Worker Remittances Continue Supporting Household Spending and Economic Stability

Remittances from overseas Filipino workers remain a vital source of household income, helping sustain consumer demand and providing resilience against external economic uncertainty.

Digital Banking and Fintech Continue Expanding Financial Access Across the Philippines

Digital banking platforms and financial technology companies are broadening access to online payments, mobile banking, and digital financial services, supporting the country's wider digital transformation.

Philippine Financial Markets Track Global Economic Conditions and Investor Confidence

The peso and domestic financial markets remain influenced by international interest rates, energy prices, currency movements, and investor sentiment, while market participants continue assessing the country's economic outlook.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Monetary Policy Remains Closely Watched by Investors and Businesses

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas continues guiding inflation management, currency stability, and economic growth expectations, with financial markets closely monitoring interest rate decisions and broader monetary conditions.

Philippines Tourism Recovery Continues Through Better Connectivity and Destination Investment

Tourism continues to recover as the Philippines expands international marketing, improves transport links, and invests in destinations across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao, supporting employment and regional economic growth.

Energy Security Remains a National Priority as the Philippines Diversifies Power Sources

The Philippines continues investing in renewable energy, energy infrastructure, and supply diversification to improve reliability and reduce exposure to international fuel market disruptions that could affect households and industry.

Philippine Electronics and Semiconductor Industry Strengthens Its Role in Global Supply Chains

Electronics manufacturing, semiconductor assembly, testing, and related technology industries remain among the Philippines' most important export sectors, reinforcing the country's position within global manufacturing and technology supp...

Philippines Technology Sector Expands as Digital Economy and Artificial Intelligence Investment Gather Pace

Investment in information technology services, fintech, cloud infrastructure, and Artificial Intelligence applications continues to strengthen the Philippine digital economy, creating opportunities for higher-value industries and skilled...

Philippines Balances South China Sea Security Concerns With Continued Economic Engagement With China

Manila continues seeking to protect its maritime interests while maintaining trade and investment ties with China, reflecting the government's effort to balance national security priorities with broader economic cooperation.

Philippine Government Keeps Infrastructure and Investment Promotion at the Centre of Growth Strategy

The Marcos administration continues prioritising transport networks, logistics improvements, industrial corridors, and energy projects to strengthen the country's competitiveness, attract investment, and support sustainable long-term eco...

Philippines Advances Luzon Economic Corridor With International Infrastructure Partnerships

The Luzon Economic Corridor continues to emerge as a flagship development initiative, bringing together international partners to support infrastructure, clean energy, supply chains, and industrial investment aimed at improving connectiv...