The International Criminal Court (ICC) Registry has urged judges to publicly explain any authorized courtroom exits by former President Rodrigo Duterte during his upcoming trial, citing concerns over potential disinformation and speculation in the Philippines.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte did not appear at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to personally address allegations of receiving over P2 billion in cash. Her lawyers submitted a sworn affidavit denying the claims.
The UN has announced that El Niño is expected to peak in December and could be among the strongest recorded in decades. The Philippines is enhancing support for farmers by utilizing climate and rice production data to aid timely decisions on planting, irrigation, and drought preparedness.
At the Forbes Global CEO Conference in Singapore, President Marcos faced questions from international investors regarding corruption in the Philippines. The president stated that not only systems but also a culture dating back to the colonial era needs to change.
The Philippine Senate ratified the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SOVFA) with France, marking the first such pact with a European nation. The move aims to bolster regional and international peace and stability.
President Marcos has appointed three new associate justices to the Court of Appeals (CA), including a trade official and the daughter of his former executive secretary. The appointments are expected to bolster the judiciary and support the administration of justice.
As the prosecution panel concludes its presentation of witnesses in the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, her defense team has declared readiness to present its own witnesses. The defense raised objections to the prosecution's last-minute witness substitutions.
The Philippine Senate has passed the "SMART KIDS Act," a bill aimed at restricting access to "high-risk digital services" for individuals under 18. The legislation seeks to prevent youth involvement in violent acts and exposure to extremist ideologies.
Senator Mark Villar has switched from the minority to the majority bloc in the Philippine Senate, strengthening the dominant group to 14 out of 24 senators. Villar has also been appointed chairman of the public works committee.
Malaysia is seeking to expand its market share in the Philippines by diversifying palm oil applications beyond traditional cooking oil and food processing. The Malaysian Palm Oil Council is focusing on oleochemicals, health products like tocotrienols, and industrial uses, promoting red palm oil as a natural food colorant.
Philippine telecom giants PLDT and Smart have partnered with Capillary Technologies, an AI-powered customer loyalty and engagement solutions provider, to build a next-generation loyalty platform unifying mobile, broadband, and partner engagement. This initiative aims to deliver more personalized experiences and benefits to millions of customers.
The Social Security Commission (SSC) has named Commissioner Victor Limlingan as its nominee to be elected to the board of First Philippine Holdings Corp. (FPH), a Lopez Group company, filling a vacancy left by a recent resignation.
The Philippine stock market plunged to a nearly 11-month low, weighed down by concerns over monetary tightening by the US Federal Reserve and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, alongside a weakening peso. The benchmark PSEi closed 2.2% lower at 5,610.39.
Philippines' first natural gas auction has attracted bids from energy firms led by tycoons Manuel V. Pangilinan, Enrique Razon Jr., Sabin Aboitiz, and Ramon Ang. This initiative aims to meet the nation's growing energy demand and diversify its power mix.
Philippine rice industry stakeholders have agreed to import US-grown rice starting in 2027, with an initial volume of 100,000 metric tons. This marks a revival of large-scale rice trade with the US, diversifying supply sources beyond traditional neighbors like Vietnam and Thailand.
The Philippine peso hit a new record low against the US dollar, closing at 62.90:$1. The decline is attributed to high US interest rates and rising oil prices.
China Banking Corp. (Chinabank) has bestowed the title of chairman emeritus upon long-serving director Gilbert Dee and announced leadership changes in its board committees and wealth management division, recognizing his 57 years of service.
Authorities in Zamboanga City have arrested a high-value drug suspect and seized approximately P20.4 million worth of suspected methamphetamine, commonly known as 'shabu'. The suspect is believed to be a key player in a drug trafficking network.
Manila's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached P1.06 trillion in 2025, positioning the capital as the third city in the Philippines to achieve a trillion-peso economy, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The services sector dominates the economy, with transportation and storage, human health and social work, and education showing significant growth.
Business name registrations in the Philippines fell by seven percent in September year-on-year, with the Department of Trade and Industry citing weather disruptions and slower economic growth, partly influenced by the Middle East conflict, as contributing factors.
The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) anticipates attracting P27 billion (approximately USD 460 million) in investments through its microgrid auction, aiming to electrify over 100,000 households. The DOE highlighted the importance of decentralized energy solutions for geographically isolated and underserved areas.
Following a school shooting incident in September, Philippine police have thwarted 53 planned school shootings in South Cotabato that were set to occur within the same week. Suspects involved in online threats and grooming of minors were apprehended.
The Philippines' first bundled regional airport Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project has been deemed incomplete by the government due to missing documents. The proponents are now required to submit additional paperwork, casting uncertainty over the project's future progress.
Megawide Construction Corp. has secured P12.8 billion in new contracts under the government's Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) housing program in September. This significantly expands the company's housing development portfolio and is expected to contribute to its year-end order book target.
Philippine agricultural output is projected to have contracted in the third quarter and is likely to continue declining until the first quarter of 2027 due to El Niño and the Southwest Monsoon. However, food supply remains stable with controlled prices.
Illegal cigarettes worth P53.98 million were seized in Ternate, Cavite, during an anti-smuggling operation. The contraband was discovered in three vans, leading to the apprehension of 14 individuals. Separately, P18.67 million worth of smuggled cigarettes were also confiscated in Zamboanga City.
A news report indicates that a governor has reimbursed a vice mayor for drug test expenses, potentially sparking discussions on local governance expense management, transparency, and drug enforcement mechanisms in the Philippines.
Los Angeles-based PGMG and Philippine-based MTVi have partnered to produce a landmark coffee-table book titled 'Filipinos in California,' chronicling the journeys, dreams, achievements, and enduring legacies of the Filipino community in the Golden State.
A 35-year-old man was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) after he jumped over a fence and entered a runway to meet his wife, an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) returning from Austria.
Bank of America (BofA) forecasts the Philippine economy to grow below 3% through 2026, citing weak household spending and sluggish investment as key drags on domestic demand. Renewed inflation pressures also raise the possibility of further interest rate hikes. A modest improvement to 3.5% is projected for 2027, but the economy is expected to operate below its potential.
In Central Luzon, Philippines, 187 firearms with expired registrations were voluntarily surrendered to the police. This achievement is attributed to intensified efforts in managing and disposing of such firearms, aiming to enhance community safety.
The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has launched an investigation into the operator of the ferry M/V June Aster, which caught fire last month, for alleged labor law violations including unpaid wages and non-compliance with occupational safety standards. DOLE indicated a possible work stoppage order if violations are confirmed.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that the Philippines has sufficient supply of rice and meat products until after the Yuletide season. Pork supply can last up to 170 days, while poultry and rice have 125 and 85 days' worth, respectively. Concerns about declining consumer activity were also noted.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has reimbursed Vice Mayor Jeryll Harold Respicio of Reina Mercedes, Isabela for the P28,011 cost of a drug test. The reimbursement came after Remulla challenged the vice mayor to undergo the test amid allegations of drug use.
The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) in the Philippines has mandated that all sugar production for the 2026-2027 crop year will be allocated for domestic consumption due to anticipated shortfalls. This decision will preclude the country's participation in the US sugar export program.
Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers in the Philippines are questioning fare implementation and commission structures by transport network companies (TNCs). They highlight issues with flat pickup fares regardless of distance and a lack of transparency in commission calculations, demanding clearer and fairer revenue distribution.