The Philippine House prosecution team has dropped three of four impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte, who has declared she will not resign and intends to run for president in 2028. The developments reshape the political contest surrounding the Duterte family and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
Philippines Reports Six Dangerous Encounters With Chinese Forces in Disputed Waters
The Philippine Coast Guard and military have reported at least six dangerous encounters with Chinese vessels and aircraft since the beginning of October, including incidents near Scarborough Shoal and Batanes. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed the country’s maritime rights amid rising tensions with Beijing.
Philippine House Approves Record 7.2 Trillion Peso Budget for 2027
The Philippine House of Representatives has approved a record 7.2 trillion peso national budget for 2027, prioritising infrastructure, defence modernisation and education. Opposition lawmakers have raised concerns about changes to unprogrammed funds, intensifying scrutiny of the government’s spending plans.
Philippine Investigators Launch Probe Into Duterte Family Property Declarations
The National Bureau of Investigation has opened an inquiry into real estate holdings linked to Vice President Sara Duterte and her family following reported discrepancies in official asset declarations. The investigation adds to political tensions between the Duterte family and the Marcos administration.
Philippines and US Advance Luzon Economic Corridor With Proposed 4,000-Acre Technology Zone
The Philippines and United States are advancing plans for a 4,000-acre Economic Security Zone in New Clark City focused on semiconductor packaging and critical mineral processing. The proposed development aims to strengthen industrial cooperation and integrate Philippine manufacturers into international technology supply chains.
Philippines Backs Suspending Military Hotline With China Amid Maritime Tensions
Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and the Armed Forces have supported suspending a direct military communications hotline with Beijing. Officials argue that China has repeatedly failed to use the channel to ease confrontations at sea, raising questions about its effectiveness in managing disputes.
Philippine Energy Department Warns Visayas Power Shortages Could Continue Until 2028
Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla has warned that electricity shortages and grid reliability problems across the Visayas may not be fully resolved until 2028. Continued supply constraints could affect manufacturing, tourism and economic development in the central Philippines.
Philippines Advises Against Nonessential Saudi Travel After Riyadh Airport Attack Injures Two Filipinos
The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers has urged overseas Filipino workers to avoid nonessential travel to Saudi Arabia after two Filipinos were injured in a Houthi-linked attack on a Riyadh airport. Philippine Airlines has also suspended direct flights amid heightened regional security concerns.
World Bank Urges Faster AI Adoption to Protect Philippines’ Outsourcing Industry
The World Bank has called for wider use of artificial intelligence across the Philippine information technology and business process management sector. It warns that slow adoption could weaken the country’s competitiveness in a major industry supporting employment and economic growth.
Philippine Foreign Investment Inflows Reach Six-Month High of $689 Million
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has reported net foreign direct investment inflows of $689 million in July, the highest level in six months. Reinvested corporate earnings helped drive the increase, reflecting renewed international investment activity in the Philippine economy.
Philippine Lawmakers Approve Child Online Safety Bill to Strengthen Protection Against Exploitation
The Philippine House of Representatives has passed legislation requiring stronger online safeguards and greater accountability from technology platforms. The bill aims to protect children from sexual exploitation and other forms of cybercrime as concerns over digital safety increase.
Philippines Approves Meralco Electricity Rate Increase After 15-Year Delay
The Energy Regulatory Commission has authorised Manila Electric Company, or Meralco, to increase electricity rates following a 15-year delay. The decision reflects rising power generation costs and the need to finance electricity network improvements across Metro Manila and surrounding provinces.
Marcos Appoints Robert Joseph Montes de Claro as Philippines’ New ICT Secretary
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed former Social Security System chief Robert Joseph Montes de Claro to lead the Department of Information and Communications Technology. The appointment comes as the government seeks to accelerate digital services and strengthen national cybersecurity capabilities.
Philippines Launches 20-Kilometre Pampanga River Dredging Project to Reduce Flood Risks
The North Luzon Expressway Corporation and local authorities have begun dredging 20 kilometres of the Pampanga river system following severe flooding in Central Luzon. The project aims to improve water flow and protect major roads, agricultural transport routes and nearby communities.
Philippine Judicial Council Begins Interviews for Supreme Court Vacancy
The Judicial and Bar Council has opened public interviews for candidates seeking appointment to the Philippine Supreme Court. The selection process will help determine the court’s future composition as it considers legal issues affecting the Marcos administration’s political and economic agenda.