Financial institution representatives and officials from the Philippines' Anti-Money Laundering Council have testified before the Senate impeachment court about tens of millions of pesos in allegedly undeclared bank accounts and unused manager's checks linked to Vice President Sara Duterte. The testimony has intensified scrutiny of the vice president's financial disclosures as impeachment proceedings continue in Manila.
Philippine Tax Authorities Report Discrepancies in Sara Duterte's Financial Disclosures
Officials from the Bureau of Internal Revenue have testified before the Senate impeachment court that tax filings submitted by Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband do not match their reported statements of assets, liabilities and net worth. The discrepancies have raised further questions about financial transparency as the impeachment tribunal examines evidence presented by prosecutors.
Philippine Senate Impeachment Court Prepares to Hear Sara Duterte's Defense
The Senate impeachment tribunal is preparing to move to the defense stage following testimony from prosecution witnesses, including banking and financial authorities. Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team has said it is ready to present its own witnesses and financial documents in response to the allegations examined during the proceedings.
Philippine Supreme Court Dismisses Challenges to Senate Impeachment Voting Rules
The Philippine Supreme Court has dismissed petitions challenging the Senate impeachment court's procedures and voting thresholds, ruling that the legal challenges were premature. The decision leaves the tribunal's constitutional authority intact as impeachment proceedings continue.
Philippine Senate Ratifies Defense Agreement With France to Expand Joint Military Cooperation
The Philippine Senate has ratified a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement with France, establishing a legal framework for joint military exercises and closer defense cooperation. The agreement, previously signed in Paris, is intended to strengthen military coordination, technology exchanges and regional security ties between the two countries.
Philippines Vows to Continue Ayungin Shoal Resupply Missions Despite Maritime Tensions With China
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro has reaffirmed that the country will continue routine resupply operations to its military outpost at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. The commitment comes amid continuing tensions involving Chinese vessels, with Manila maintaining that the missions are an exercise of its sovereign rights.
Philippine Peso Falls to Another Record Low Against US Dollar as Financial Pressures Mount
The Philippine peso has weakened to a new record low against the US dollar for the 26th time this year, according to foreign exchange market reports. Rising global oil prices, changing international liquidity conditions and pressure on foreign currency reserves have contributed to the currency's decline.
Philippine Senate Passes Bill Banning Social Media Access for Children Under 18
The Philippine Senate has approved legislation that would prohibit social media access for minors under 18, citing concerns about youth mental health and online exploitation. The measure follows extensive debate over digital safety and represents a proposed tightening of protections for children using online platforms.
ICC Assessment Finds Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte Fit to Stand Trial
Medical and procedural assessments associated with the International Criminal Court have concluded that former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit to participate in upcoming judicial proceedings. The evaluations concern his ability to face allegations related to human rights violations, allowing preparations for the next stage of the legal process to continue.
President Marcos Visits Singapore to Promote Semiconductor and Technology Investment
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has arrived in Singapore for meetings with regional leaders and international investors aimed at expanding technology and economic cooperation. Discussions include semiconductor manufacturing opportunities under the Pax Silica framework and deeper Philippine participation in Southeast Asia's digital supply chains.
Philippines Warns of Intensifying Super El Niño Threat Through February
United Nations meteorological agencies and Philippine weather authorities have warned that an intensifying Super El Niño weather pattern could persist through February. Disaster response agencies are preparing for the possibility of severe agricultural drought, water shortages and wider disruption to communities dependent on reliable rainfall.
Philippine Health Department Orders Preparations for El Niño-Related Public Health Risks
The Department of Health has directed local governments across the Philippines to strengthen medical preparedness ahead of the anticipated peak of Super El Niño conditions. Measures include securing essential medical supplies, monitoring diseases spread by insects and protecting healthcare facilities against climate-related disruptions.
Marcos Administration Records Negative 11 Net Satisfaction Rating in National Survey
A third-quarter survey by Social Weather Stations has recorded a net satisfaction rating of minus 11 for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The findings reflect public concerns over living costs and economic conditions as the administration faces growing scrutiny of its performance.
Philippines Secures International Financing for Renewable Energy and Water Infrastructure
The Philippine Department of Finance has finalized major financing agreements with multilateral development banks to support renewable energy, climate resilience and water infrastructure projects. The funding will help expand electricity grid capacity and modernize municipal water systems across the country.
Philippine Supreme Court Simplifies Legal Recognition of Foreign Divorces
The Philippine Supreme Court has approved procedural changes intended to make it easier for courts to recognize foreign divorce judgments. The revised rules aim to provide greater legal clarity for Filipino citizens dealing with international marriages and divorce proceedings.
Philippine Anti-Graft Court Rejects Motion to Remove Former Officials From Flood Control Cases
The Sandiganbayan anti-graft court has denied a prosecution request to discharge former public works officials from criminal proceedings involving alleged corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects. The ruling keeps the officials involved in ongoing cases concerning suspected kickbacks and misuse of public funds.
Philippine Coast Guard Drives Away Foreign Research Vessel Near Batanes
The Philippine Coast Guard has intercepted and driven away a foreign research vessel accused of conducting unauthorized survey activities near the northern province of Batanes. The operation reflects Manila's efforts to enforce maritime jurisdiction and protect waters under Philippine authority.
Philippine Police Arrest 50 Suspects in Crackdown on Online Child Grooming Networks
Philippine law enforcement agencies have arrested 50 suspects allegedly linked to online grooming operations targeting schoolchildren. The coordinated crackdown forms part of a wider campaign against cyber exploitation and criminal networks using digital platforms to target minors.
Philippine Unemployment Rate Eases to 5.3% as Agricultural Employment Improves
The Philippine Statistics Authority has reported that the national unemployment rate declined to 5.3% in August, supported by seasonal hiring in agriculture and continued job creation in retail and services. The figures indicate modest improvement in employment conditions across several sectors of the economy.
Metro Manila Condominium Sales Rise as Developers Offer Discounts and Housing Loans Support Buyers
Property research firms have reported stronger condominium sales in Metro Manila, supported by promotional discounts from developers and government-backed housing loans. The incentives are encouraging middle-income buyers to enter the residential property market, particularly in major business district