The Philippine Senate impeachment court has approved a request by House prosecutors to withdraw three of the four impeachment articles against Vice President Sara Duterte. The decision significantly narrows the scope of the proceedings as political tensions intensify ahead of the trial.
Philippine Military Backs Suspension of Direct Defence Communications With China
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has endorsed the Defence Department's decision to suspend direct military communication channels with Beijing amid continuing territorial disputes. The presidential palace clarified that diplomatic channels remain open, even as Manila takes a firmer approach to managing defence matters involving China.
Donald Trump to Attend ASEAN Summit in Manila in November
US President Donald Trump is expected to visit the Philippines in November for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit, according to diplomatic officials. His planned attendance highlights Washington's continuing engagement with Southeast Asian governments on regional security, economic cooperation and Indo-Pacific relations.
Bangsamoro Elections Produce Hung Parliament as Political Parties Begin Coalition Talks
The first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have ended without any party securing an outright majority. Coalition negotiations are now under way, while Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reaffirmed national government support for the region's transition to autonomous parliamentary governance.
Philippine Energy Regulator Suspends Power Reserve Market Pending Pricing Review
The Energy Regulatory Commission has temporarily suspended trading in the Philippines' power reserve market while reviewing electricity pricing and grid stability arrangements. The intervention aims to prevent unjustified price increases that could raise electricity costs for households and businesses.
Philippine Central Bank Lowers Balance of Payments Deficit Forecasts for 2026 and 2027
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has revised down its projected balance of payments deficits for 2026 and 2027, citing stronger-than-expected financial inflows and resilient remittances from overseas Filipino workers. The improved outlook suggests reduced pressure on the country's external financial position despite global economic uncertainty.
GCash Parent Reports Strong Investor Demand Ahead of Philippine Stock Market Listing
The parent company of Philippine mobile wallet GCash has reported substantial oversubscription ahead of its planned initial public offering, reflecting strong interest from institutional and retail investors. The response highlights growing investor appetite for digital financial services in the Philippines.
Philippine Seismologists Warn Major Manila Trench Earthquake Could Trigger Tsunamis Above Five Metres
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has released models showing that a major earthquake along the Manila Trench could generate tsunami waves exceeding five metres. The findings have prompted calls for stronger coastal warning systems and disaster preparedness measures in western Luzon.
Cybersecurity Report Identifies Philippines as Major Hub for Transnational Online Scam Networks
International cybersecurity monitors have identified a growing concentration of sophisticated online fraud operations in the Philippines. The assessment has renewed calls for tighter telecommunications oversight and stronger international cooperation to disrupt criminal networks operating across borders.
Philippine Government to Cover PhilHealth Premium Contributions for Employed Solo Parents
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation has announced that the government will subsidise the employee share of health insurance premiums for employed solo parents, regardless of income. The measure is intended to reduce healthcare-related financial burdens and expand social protection for single-parent households.
Philippine Gaming Regulator Plans to Privatise Casino Operations by 2027
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation has outlined plans to divest its casino operations by 2027 and focus exclusively on regulation. The proposed restructuring would separate the agency's commercial and regulatory responsibilities while opening opportunities for private investment in the gaming and hospitality industries.
Philippine Customs Bureau Plans Nationwide Digital Processing System by Mid-2027
The Bureau of Customs has announced plans to introduce a modernised digital processing system by the middle of 2027. The technology is intended to speed up import and export procedures, improve cargo monitoring and strengthen enforcement against agricultural and consumer goods smuggling.
Philippines Backs Strategic Rice Imports to Protect Domestic Food Supplies
The National Food Authority has endorsed targeted rice imports to maintain sufficient food reserves amid concerns about possible supply disruptions. The approach aims to protect consumers from international price volatility and agricultural losses linked to severe weather conditions.
Philippines Raises Pork Import Tariffs, Expects 10 Billion Pesos in Additional Revenue
The Department of Agriculture expects revised pork import tariffs to generate approximately 10 billion pesos in additional revenue. Authorities plan to direct the funds toward livestock infrastructure improvements and measures addressing animal health challenges in the domestic pork industry.
Philippines Expands Backyard Farming Support to Prepare for Severe El Niño Drought
Agricultural authorities are distributing seeds and irrigation equipment to households across the Philippines as part of preparations for potentially severe El Niño conditions. The initiative aims to support small-scale food production, reduce pressure on domestic supplies and limit the impact of weather-related disruptions on food prices.
Philippine Exporters Secure Record Sales Commitments at China-ASEAN Expo
The Department of Trade and Industry says Philippine exhibitors secured record sales and export commitments at the annual China-ASEAN Expo. The results highlight continuing commercial ties between the Philippines and China despite tensions over disputed maritime territory.
Philippine Election Commission Moves to Delist 50 Party-List Organisations
The Commission on Elections is preparing to disqualify approximately 50 party-list organisations that have repeatedly failed to meet participation or representation requirements. The move reflects tighter enforcement of rules governing groups seeking seats through the Philippines' party-list electoral system.
Philippine Anti-Graft Court Warns High Evidentiary Standards Complicate Plunder Convictions
The head of the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court has raised concerns about the difficulty of securing plunder convictions under legal standards shaped by Supreme Court rulings involving former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The comments highlight challenges prosecutors face when pursuing major corruption cases against senior public officials.
Whistleblowers Set to Testify in Plunder Trial Involving Former Senator Jinggoy Estrada
Prosecutors are preparing to present whistleblower testimony in the ongoing plunder case involving former Philippine senator Jinggoy Estrada. The proceedings concern alleged misuse of Priority Development Assistance Fund allocations and mark another stage in the longstanding corruption trial.
Philippine Social Security System Extends Coverage to More Than 2,000 Metro Manila Contract Workers
The Social Security System and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority have signed an agreement extending social security protection to more than 2,000 job-order and contract-of-service workers. The arrangement aims to improve access to formal benefits for personnel who have traditionally faced gaps in employment protection.
Philippine Gaming Regulator Reports Nearly 40,000 Voluntary Casino Self-Exclusions
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation says almost 40,000 individuals have registered for voluntary exclusion from gambling activities. The figure reflects growing use of responsible gaming measures