President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has acknowledged an escalation in confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels around Ayungin Shoal in the contested West Philippine Sea. The development raises concerns over maritime security as Manila considers its response to growing tensions surrounding its territorial claims.
Philippine House Prosecutors Rest Case in Vice President Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial
The House prosecution team has concluded its presentation of evidence in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Her defence is preparing to seek dismissal of the case, while some allied senators have threatened to boycott the proceedings, adding uncertainty to the Senate trial.
Philippine Congress Approves Record 7.2 Trillion Peso Budget for 2027
The Philippine House of Representatives has approved the government's proposed 7.2 trillion peso national budget for 2027 on third and final reading. The spending plan, which includes funding for infrastructure, defence and social programmes, now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
Philippine Lawmakers Seek Investigation Into 319 Million Pesos in Chinese Remittances Linked to Duterte's Husband
Philippine lawmakers are calling for a national security investigation into 319 million pesos in remittances from China received by Cale88 Foods Corporation, a company owned by Vice President Sara Duterte's husband, Manases Carpio. The firm is also facing scrutiny from the Bureau of Internal Revenue.
Four Filipino Workers Injured in Deadly Houthi Attack on Riyadh Airport
Four overseas Filipino workers were injured in a Houthi drone and missile attack on King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, which reportedly killed 12 people. Three of the injured Filipinos remain in intensive care, raising concerns about the safety of Philippine nationals working in the Middle East.
Philippine Central Bank Expected to Raise Interest Rates Further as Inflation Remains Elevated
Economists expect the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to continue raising interest rates as persistent inflation puts pressure on household spending and the Philippine peso. Further monetary tightening would aim to stabilise prices and support the currency, although higher borrowing costs could weigh on economic activity.
Foreign Investors Withdraw From Philippine Stocks and Bonds Amid Global Market Uncertainty
International investors became net sellers of Philippine financial assets in August, withdrawing capital from local equities and bonds. The outflows reflect broader caution towards emerging markets as investors respond to global economic volatility and changing expectations for United States monetary policy.
Rodrigo Duterte's Lawyers Challenge 32,000 Evidence Records in International Criminal Court Proceedings
Lawyers representing former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte are seeking permission from the International Criminal Court in The Hague to contest a dataset containing approximately 32,000 records. The legal challenge forms part of ongoing proceedings concerning alleged crimes committed during his administration's anti-drug campaign.
Philippine Authorities Seize 306 Million Pesos in Methamphetamine During Major Cebu Drug Bust
Police and anti-narcotics agents have seized methamphetamine valued at approximately 306 million pesos in Cebu City, in what authorities describe as the city's largest drug operation in a decade. The seizure highlights the continuing scale of illegal drug trafficking in the central Philippines.
Three Killed in Cebu City Landslide as Heavy Rain Destroys Home
Three people have died and another was rescued with injuries after a rain-triggered landslide destroyed a house in Barangay Pulangbato, Cebu City. The incident highlights the danger facing communities living in areas vulnerable to unstable slopes and severe rainfall.
Mount Kanlaon Erupts Again as Philippine Authorities Maintain Alert Level 2
Mount Kanlaon on Negros Island has released volcanic ash following renewed explosive activity, prompting authorities to maintain Alert Level 2. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is monitoring the volcano as emergency officials prepare evacuation measures for nearby communities.
Jomalig Island Declares State of Calamity as El Niño Drought Threatens Water and Food Supplies
Authorities on Jomalig Island in Quezon province have declared a state of calamity after prolonged drought depleted local water supplies and damaged agricultural production. The declaration allows emergency funds to be released as the island community struggles with the effects of El Niño conditions.
Four Metro Cebu Cities Suspend In-Person Classes as Local Air Pollution Worsens
Local authorities in four Metro Cebu cities have suspended face-to-face classes and shifted students to remote learning because of deteriorating air quality. Officials say the pollution is unrelated to smoke from Indonesian wildfires, drawing attention to local environmental and industrial emissions concerns.
Philippine Senate Warns Power Companies Against Excessive Price Increases During El Niño
Senator Raffy Tulfo has warned electricity producers against exploiting potential supply shortages to raise prices as severe El Niño conditions threaten hydropower generation. The warning comes amid concerns that reduced water availability could strain the national electricity grid and increase costs for consumers.
Philippine Authorities Arrest Chinese National Linked to Illegal Offshore Gaming Operations
Philippine law enforcement officers have arrested a Chinese national suspected of directing illegal offshore gaming operations in Tarlac and Pampanga. The arrest forms part of the government's continuing campaign against criminal networks operating through unauthorised Philippine offshore gaming businesses.
Philippine Military Captures Suspected Communist Insurgent Linked to Fatal Surigao Ambush
Philippine security forces have apprehended a suspected New People's Army member linked to an ambush that killed a soldier in Surigao del Sur. The arrest comes as military operations against communist insurgent groups continue in the Caraga region of northeastern Mindanao.
Bangsamoro Police Arrest 13 Suspects and Seize 4 Million Pesos in Illegal Drugs
Coordinated anti-drug operations across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have resulted in 13 arrests and the seizure of narcotics valued at approximately 4 million pesos. The operations reflect continuing cooperation among regional law enforcement agencies targeting organised drug trafficking.
Philippine Senate Proposes Stricter Electronic Monitoring of Commercial Fishing Vessels
Senator Loren Legarda has introduced legislation seeking stronger electronic surveillance requirements for fishing vessels operating in Philippine waters. The proposed measures aim to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing while improving oversight of domestic and foreign fleets.
Philippines Considers 180 Million Peso Underground Drainage Project to Ease Baguio Flooding
The Department of Public Works and Highways and local planners are evaluating a proposed 180 million peso underground drainage system to address recurring floods around Baguio City's lagoon. The project aims to improve stormwater management and reduce disruptions in the highland tourism destination.
Marcos Appoints Lino Cayetano as New Presidential Communications Office Chief
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Lino Cayetano to lead the Presidential Communications Office as part of changes within his administration. The appointment follows recent leadership adjustments at the Department of Information and Communications Technology.
Philippines Tightens Oversight of Delayed and Cancelled Local Infrastructure Projects
The Department of Budget and Management has introduced stricter reporting requirements for government agencies seeking to delay or cancel funded local infrastructure projects in 2028. Agencies will be required to provide operational and financial justifications, with the aim of strengthening accountability and improving project delivery.
Philippines Prepares to Host ASEAN Food Security and Agribusi