Manila Times

Philippine Basketball Association Heads for Winner-Takes-All Finals Clash Between Justin Brownlee and Chris McCullough

The professional basketball league is preparing for a decisive Game Seven championship showdown that has generated strong television ratings and widespread public interest across the Philippines.

Police Arrest Suspects Accused of Impersonating Public Works Officials to Extort Contractors in Davao City

Authorities detained two individuals accused of conducting fake inspections and soliciting payments from construction firms, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat corruption in public infrastructure projects.

Study Finds Rising Public Confidence in Philippine Health Insurance Providers

New research showed that Filipino households are placing greater trust in public and private health insurers, supported by improvements in digital claims processing and broader medical coverage.

Authorities Seize Smuggled Endangered Tortoises at Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Environmental officials took custody of 50 exotic tortoises intercepted by customs authorities in Manila, underscoring the continuing challenge of wildlife trafficking through the country's transport hubs.

Oriental Mindoro Officials Seek Independent Audit of Electric Cooperative After Repeated Blackouts

Provincial lawmakers called for a technical and financial review of the local power cooperative and its suppliers as recurring outages continue to disrupt businesses and public services.

Farmers' Groups Renew Calls for Agrarian Reform Overhaul and Wider Land Distribution

Agricultural organizations said millions of rural workers remain underserved by existing land reform programs and urged the government to strengthen support systems to improve food security.

Police Report Sharp Decline in Major Crimes Across the MIMAROPA Region

Law enforcement officials said index crimes in Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan fell by 28.45 percent, attributing the improvement to stronger police visibility and community programs.

Environment Department Seeks Explanation From Davao City Mayor Over Alleged Illegal Waste Disposal

National environmental regulators opened an inquiry into allegations of improper garbage dumping linked to the administration of Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.

University of the Philippines Scientists Call for Watershed Management After Severe Flooding in Metro Cebu

Researchers urged policymakers to adopt comprehensive watershed solutions instead of fragmented flood-control measures, warning that Cebu remains highly exposed to severe flooding during extreme weather.

Puerto Galera Declares State of Calamity as Prolonged Water Shortages Threaten Tourism

Authorities in the popular resort destination declared a state of calamity after critically low water supplies raised concerns for residents and the local tourism industry.

Police Seize 60 Million Pesos Worth of Illegal Drugs at Pasay Logistics Hub

Anti-drug authorities intercepted a large shipment of narcotics hidden in cargo parcels at a major Metro Manila sorting facility, highlighting the continued use of commercial logistics networks by trafficking groups.

Government Service Insurance System Introduces STEM Subsidy to Support Digital Workforce Development

The state pension fund launched a new education subsidy for science, technology, engineering and mathematics students as part of efforts to strengthen the country's future digital talent pool.

Pag-IBIG Fund Launches Emergency Loan Program for Workers Facing Inflation and Disaster Recovery Costs

The state-run mutual fund introduced the SAFE loan program to provide financial assistance to members coping with higher living expenses and rebuilding efforts following the recent Mindanao earthquake.

Philippine Startups Accelerate Artificial Intelligence Adoption Across the Digital Economy

Technology companies in Metro Manila and Cebu are rapidly integrating artificial intelligence tools to improve efficiency and expand their position in Southeast Asia's growing digital services market.

Energy Executives Warn Power Shortages Could Undermine Foreign Investment in the Philippines

Business leaders said recurring electricity disruptions and high power costs continue to deter investors and voiced support for new hydroelectric projects to strengthen the country's energy supply.

Government Allocates 17 Billion Pesos for Construction of Nearly 5,000 Public School Classrooms

The Department of Budget and Management released 17.27 billion pesos to build 4,960 classrooms nationwide, aiming to reduce facility shortages and modernize public education infrastructure.

Philippines Plans New Global Bond Issuance in 2026 to Support Infrastructure and Budget Financing

The Bureau of the Treasury said it intends to return to international debt markets next year, taking advantage of easing inflation and more stable interest rates to fund major public projects and budget needs.

Impeachment Proceedings Against Former President Rodrigo Duterte Intensify With New Evidence Submission

Congressional prosecutors presented new evidence involving undeclared firearms, prompting the former president's defense team to seek testimony from former senator Antonio Trillanes IV and dozens of additional witnesses.

Anti-Graft Court Suspends Senator Jinggoy Estrada for 90 Days After Surrender on Plunder Charges

The Sandiganbayan ordered the preventive suspension of Senator Jinggoy Estrada following his surrender to authorities, adding to political tensions that have disrupted proceedings in the Senate.

President Marcos to Attend ASEAN-Russia Summit in Kazan and Hold Talks With Vladimir Putin

Malacañang confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr will travel to Russia for the ASEAN-Russia summit and bilateral discussions with President Vladimir Putin as Manila broadens its diplomatic and economic engagement.

Philippines Deepens Security Cooperation With Japan and Vietnam Amid South China Sea Tensions

Manila has stepped up defense coordination with Tokyo and Hanoi through expanded intelligence sharing and accelerated transfers of naval assets as regional concerns over maritime security continue.

President Marcos Oversees Mindanao Recovery Efforts After Sarangani Earthquake Kills 68 People

The Philippine government expanded emergency operations following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao, deploying additional funds and response teams while electricity service was restored to 98 percent of affected areas.

Philippines Releases 46 Billion Pesos for National Infrastructure Projects Under Build Better More Program

The Department of Budget and Management approved the immediate release of 46.22 billion pesos to fund 1,743 public works projects, including the Davao City Bypass, as the government pushes ahead with its infrastructure agenda.

Philippine Peso Leads Asian Currency Gains as Falling Oil Prices Boost Market Sentiment

The peso rose more than one percent to 60.49 against the US dollar after lower oil prices and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz prompted significant domestic fuel price reductions and improved investor confidence.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier Reaffirm Economic Cooperation in Manila Talks

The Philippines and Germany agreed to deepen economic cooperation and strengthen anti-corruption efforts while welcoming the recent United States-Iran peace agreement, which is expected to ease energy market pressures and reduce fuel costs.

Metro Manila's EDSA to Host First-Ever Marathon During Independence Day Weekend

Authorities approved an unprecedented marathon along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, marking a rare effort to temporarily repurpose one of the capital's busiest roads for public recreation and civic activities.

Traditional Austronesian Vessel Sails From Taiwan to the Philippines in Symbolic Cultural Voyage

Indigenous navigators have begun a historic maritime journey linking Taiwan and the northern Philippines, celebrating ancestral connections and longstanding ties across the western Pacific.

Regional Technology Hubs Develop Artificial Intelligence Tools for Agriculture and Healthcare

Startups in Western Visayas have deployed systems to monitor harmful algal blooms and detect diabetic retinopathy, demonstrating the growing reach of digital innovation beyond Metro Manila.

Corruption Complaints Against Representative Rodante Marcoleta Dismissed

Authorities dismissed graft and plunder complaints against Representative Rodante Marcoleta after determining that the allegations were legally insufficient.

Police Identify Seven Suspects in Ateneo de Manila University Drowning Case

Investigators are pursuing homicide and anti-hazing charges after identifying persons of interest in the death of a student, renewing scrutiny of fraternity activities and campus safety standards.

Environment Department Investigates Davao City Mayor Over Alleged Illegal Waste Disposal

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has requested an explanation from Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte following reports of unauthorised waste dumping activities.

Philippine Military and Local Governments Conduct Territorial Defence Exercise in Iloilo

Authorities launched a two-day simulation in Miag-ao and San Joaquin to test coordination procedures for missile attacks, coastal incursions and large-scale civilian evacuations.

Magnitude 6.2 Earthquake Strikes Davao Oriental Amid Ongoing Mindanao Relief Operations

A second strong earthquake hit eastern Mindanao as emergency agencies continued relief efforts following the deadly Sarangani disaster, placing additional pressure on disaster response operations.

China Reportedly Imposes Sanctions on Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro

Political coalition 1Sambayan condemned Beijing's reported sanctions against Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, reflecting worsening diplomatic tensions over the South China Sea.

Senate Leadership Dispute Brings Legislative Proceedings to a Standstill

Competing factions within the Senate are locked in a confrontation over committee appointments and the legitimacy of parallel hearings, creating uncertainty over the upper chamber's legislative agenda.

Manufacturers Urge Government to Accelerate Industrial Reforms After Oil Prices Retreat

The Federation of Philippine Industries called for full implementation of the Tatak Pinoy Act and CREATE MORE Act, arguing that lower energy costs offer an opportunity to restore manufacturing competitiveness.

Fuel Prices Fall Sharply in Philippines as Global Oil Markets Ease

Philippine oil companies cut diesel prices by as much as 5.71 pesos per litre following the diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran, providing immediate relief for transport operators and domestic supply chains.

International Finance Corporation Identifies Philippines as Priority Market for Renewable Energy Investment

Speaking at the Asia Infrastructure Forum in Singapore, the World Bank's private sector arm called for greater private investment in Philippine geothermal, wind and solar projects to support rising electricity demand driven by artificial...

Philippine and Singapore Agencies Renew Infrastructure Partnership to Accelerate Major Projects

The Philippine Public-Private Partnership Center and Singapore's Infrastructure Asia signed an updated memorandum of understanding to expand financing and technical cooperation for transport and urban development projects.

Japan and Philippines to Hold Joint Parachute Drills Near Taiwan

Japanese airborne troops will participate in exercises with Philippine forces in Batanes, deepening bilateral military cooperation and highlighting growing attention to security near the strategically important Bashi Channel.

Visayas Power Grid Placed on Yellow Alert After Multiple Power Plant Outages

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines warned of potential electricity shortages after 16 generating plants simultaneously went offline, underscoring persistent weaknesses in the country's power infrastructure.

President Marcos Says Military Agreement With Germany Remains Possible

Following talks with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier in Manila, President Marcos said a visiting forces agreement with Germany remains under consideration as the Philippines broadens its international defence partnerships.

President Marcos to Hold Talks With Vladimir Putin on Food and Energy Security

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr is preparing for bilateral discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin focused on agricultural supplies, fertiliser procurement and long-term energy stability as the Philippines seeks to strengthen sup...

World Bank and Economists Cut Philippine Growth Expectations Amid Energy Price Pressures

The World Bank maintained its Philippine growth forecast at 3.7% this year while economists from De La Salle University lowered their projection to 3.08%, citing the economic impact of elevated oil prices and instability in the Middle East.

United States and Philippines Prepare US$10 Billion Artificial Intelligence and Semiconductor Hub in Clark

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority is set to sign an agreement with the US State Department to develop the Pax Silica project, an artificial intelligence and green energy industrial hub intended to strengthen semiconductor ca...