The Philippine Coast Guard says it drove away five Chinese vessels, including a maritime militia ship and smaller boats, from waters near Kota Island in Palawan. Authorities described the operation as the third such encounter in two weeks, reflecting continued tensions over competing maritime claims in the South China Sea.
President Marcos Warns ASEAN of Escalating Chinese Actions in South China Sea
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has raised concerns over China's increasingly assertive maritime activities, telling ASEAN leaders that tensions around Ayungin Shoal have entered a more dangerous phase. Manila is seeking stronger regional and international support as confrontations with Chinese vessels continue.
Philippine House Prosecutors Rest Impeachment Case Against Vice President Sara Duterte
Prosecutors from the Philippine House of Representatives have concluded their presentation of evidence in the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Financial analysts alleged that discrepancies in her wealth could total 1.5 billion pesos, increasing political pressure as proceedings move toward the defence's cross-examination.
Philippine Lawmakers Seek Probe Into ₱319 Million in Alleged Chinese Payments Linked to Duterte's Husband
Members of the Philippine House of Representatives have called for a national security investigation into allegations that Chinese companies transferred 319 million pesos to Cale88, a business associated with Manases Carpio, the husband of Vice President Sara Duterte. The claims have raised concerns about possible foreign financial influence, although the allegations remain subject to investigation.
Philippine Ombudsman Files 39 Corruption Cases Over Flood Control Projects
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has announced 39 court cases involving 52 individuals, including current and former lawmakers and public works officials, over alleged corruption in flood control projects. The proceedings concern infrastructure spending intended to protect communities from flooding and severe weather.
Philippines and South Korea Agree on ₱60 Billion in Infrastructure Financing
The Philippines has secured a 60 billion peso financing agreement with South Korea to support transport infrastructure and public transit modernization. The funding will contribute to the Marcos administration's Build Better More programme while strengthening economic cooperation between Manila and Seoul.
Philippine Airlines Suspends Riyadh Flights as Marcos Orders Repatriation Preparations
Philippine Airlines has suspended flights to Riyadh until late November following a drone and missile attack on the Saudi capital's international airport that reportedly killed 12 people. Three overseas Filipino workers were left in intensive care, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to mobilize government resources for potential repatriation operations.
Philippine Energy Regulator Approves Meralco's First Major Base Rate Increase in a Decade
The Energy Regulatory Commission has authorized Manila Electric Company to raise its base electricity rates beginning with the next billing cycle. The first major adjustment in ten years is expected to increase costs for households and businesses across Metro Manila and surrounding industrial areas.
Philippine Central Bank Warns Middle East Conflict and El Niño Could Push Inflation Higher
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas economists have warned that geopolitical tensions and severe climate disruptions could undermine inflation expectations and weaken lending growth through 2027. Higher energy costs and disruptions to agricultural production are among the risks facing the Philippine economy.
Marcos Calls for Nationwide Water Conservation as El Niño Threatens Philippines
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has urged Filipinos to increase rainwater collection and conservation as climate forecasts indicate that El Niño could peak in December and persist into the first half of 2027. The prolonged weather pattern threatens agriculture, hydroelectric power generation and water supplies across the country.
Philippine House Passes Child Online Safety Bill Targeting Sexual Exploitation
The House of Representatives has approved legislation requiring technology companies and internet service providers to strengthen protections against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children. The proposed law would place greater responsibility on digital platforms to detect and address harmful activity involving minors.
Philippines Incorporates Cyber Defence Measures Into National Security Strategy
Philippine defence planners have introduced new cybersecurity provisions into the country's national defence framework to address threats from state-sponsored hacking and digital espionage. The measures aim to strengthen protection for military systems, financial infrastructure and essential logistics networks.
Foreign Investors Pull $315 Million From Philippine Financial Markets
The Philippine central bank has reported net foreign portfolio investment outflows of $315 million in August as international investors reduced holdings of local shares and government bonds. The withdrawals reflect uncertainty surrounding US monetary policy and geopolitical developments affecting Asian financial markets.
Philippines Faces Rising Digital Fraud as Banks Strengthen Cybersecurity Measures
Cybersecurity analysts say the Philippines remains among Southeast Asia's most affected markets for online scams and financial fraud. Banks and digital wallet providers are responding by investing in biometric authentication and artificial intelligence-based systems to detect suspicious transactions and protect customers.
World Bank Urges Philippines to Expand AI Adoption to Boost Productivity
A World Bank assessment has identified wider use of artificial intelligence as an opportunity to improve productivity across Philippine industries. The report calls for greater investment in digital skills, particularly to help the country's business process outsourcing sector remain competitive as automation changes global service markets.
PLDT Completes Acquisition of Radius Telecoms to Expand Corporate Fibre Network
Philippine telecommunications company PLDT has acquired full ownership of Radius Telecoms, strengthening its position in enterprise fibre connectivity. The acquisition expands PLDT's capacity to serve corporate customers, including businesses in financial technology and outsourcing that require reliable high-speed networks.
Aboitiz InfraCapital Plans Further Investment in Regional Airports and Digital Networks
Aboitiz InfraCapital is expanding its investment focus to regional airport operations and digital infrastructure across the Philippines. The company aims to benefit from recovering domestic tourism demand and growing requirements for cloud computing and telecommunications capacity.
Philippine Transport Groups Seek ₱2 Jeepney Fare Increase as Fuel Costs Rise
Public transport cooperatives have petitioned regulators for a two-peso increase in minimum jeepney fares, citing higher operating expenses caused by rising international oil prices. The proposed adjustment would add to commuting costs for millions of passengers, particularly lower-income households dependent on public transport.
Philippine Pork Prices Remain High Despite Cuts to Import Tariffs
Retail pork prices in the Philippines have remained elevated despite government measures reducing import duties to encourage cheaper foreign supplies. Market monitors say the limited effect on consumer prices raises questions about inefficiencies and possible anti-competitive practices in meat distribution.
Megawide Shifts Investment Focus Toward Residential Housing Development
Philippine construction and engineering company Megawide has announced plans to prioritize residential property development as part of its next phase of growth. The move aims to address the country's housing shortage while diversifying the company's business beyond conventional infrastructure contracts.
Jollibee Expands Renewable Energy Agreement With First Gen to Cover 189 Stores
Jollibee Group has expanded its renewable electricity su