The Philippines is set to import over five million metric tons (MT) of rice this year to bolster supply amid projected declines in domestic production due to El Niño. As of September 24, the country had already surpassed last year's total annual imports.
Philippine Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Aguda denied reports of his resignation, stating he remains focused on his duties. Speculation arose following his temporary ban on Discord last week and its subsequent retraction.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Batangas Representative Leviste for allegedly violating the Public Service Act. The congressman is currently abroad, prompting authorities to seek passport cancellation and extradition.
The Commission on Audit (COA) has definitively upheld the disallowance of over P73 million in confidential expenses by the Office of the Vice President (OVP) from late 2022. The OVP's motion for reconsideration was denied, with COA citing violations of regulations.
The Philippine Presidential Palace has called for a thorough investigation into claims by a dismissed policeman that over P2 billion in cash was delivered to Vice President Sara Duterte and her family. A Palace spokesperson stressed the necessity of a deep probe for the public's sake.
Former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo admitted receiving P120 million as 'balato' or gratuity from fugitive Congressman Zaldy Co, sourced from anomalous flood control project funds. This amount reportedly represents one percent of the alleged kickbacks.
Vice President Sara Duterte's camp is ready to explain her bank balances, a key focus in her impeachment trial, as prosecutors highlight account holdings significantly exceeding her declared net worth.
Over P96 million in manager's checks from a joint account with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, was allegedly concealed by Vice President Sara Duterte and not declared in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). Testimonies during her impeachment trial suggest this may be a tactic used by public officials to hide assets.
The Philippine Supreme Court ruled that insurance providers can legally rescind policies when applicants fail to disclose material health information, regardless of intent. This decision stems from a case involving insurance claims.
The Philippine Commission on Audit (CoA) has finally denied a motion seeking to overturn the disallowance of P73.3 million in confidential expenses by the Office of the Vice-President (OVP) in 2022, holding officials personally liable for the refund.
The Philippine Senate has begun investigating bank transactions of two firms linked to Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio and her husband. Bank executives testified, revealing significant fund movements and unexplained transactions.
A Makati court has ordered the arrest of Batangas Rep. Leandro Antonio L. Leviste over alleged violations of the Public Service Act concerning Solar Para Sa Bayan Corp. His camp denies the charges.
Philippine prosecutors allege that Vice President Sara Duterte and former President Rodrigo Duterte hid P96 million through unutilized manager's checks. This new allegation raises concerns about deep-seated political corruption in the country.
The Philippine House of Representatives has approved the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 on its second reading. However, concerns have been raised by some lawmakers regarding the lack of detail surrounding over P116 billion in spending realignments.
Canadian social enterprise Plastic Bank is seeking to expand partnerships with Philippine companies to incentivize plastic waste collection, positioning it as an opportunity to help firms meet their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) requirements.
The Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, Inc. (SHDA) is urging government agencies to harmonize land transfer rules following a Department of Justice (DOJ) opinion eliminating the need for agrarian land transfer clearances. The move aims to streamline housing construction and reduce costs.
Under the Philippines' "green lane" system to expedite strategic investment approvals, 26 projects worth P455.61 billion were approved by the end of September. The majority of these are concentrated in the renewable energy sector.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is considering a $300-million financing package for the initial phase of the Metro Rail Transit Line 4 (MRT-4) project, aiming to alleviate congestion between eastern Metro Manila and Rizal province.
The Commission on Elections' Political Finance and Affairs Division has found 'inconsistencies' in Senator Rodante Marcoleta's statements regarding campaign donations, noting discrepancies between his TV admission of receiving funds from 'friends' and his official submission. Marcoleta is currently on trial before the Sandiganbayan.
On the 35th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, prosecutors continued presenting evidence on alleged unexplained wealth, with bank officials set to testify on financial records of Duterte and her husband.
The House prosecution panel is set to present a witness from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to testify on Article 2 of the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte, which alleges her accumulation of unexplained wealth. The BIR official is expected to testify on documents including the Vice President's income tax returns.
A witness from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is set to testify on income tax returns and financial statements as the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte enters its 36th day, focusing on allegations of unexplained wealth accumulation. The trial will see a brief suspension for a plenary session.
Police in Bulalacao town, Oriental Mindoro, arrested a man after he surrendered an unlicensed carbine with ammunition, following a tip-off from a concerned citizen about an armed incident.
The Philippines' House of Representatives rejected a budget amendment that would have mandated public disclosure of the chamber's spending and a listing of infrastructure projects allocated to each congressional district. The proposal aimed to enhance transparency.
No bettors won the jackpots in the Grand Lotto 6/55 and Mega Lotto 6/45 draws held on Wednesday, October 7. The Grand Lotto jackpot reached over ₱253.98 million.
Elmer Miralles Cordero, widely known as ‘Tatay Elmer,’ a long-time jeepney driver and transport activist, has passed away. He was hospitalized after participating in a nationwide transport strike last September.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued new guidelines for its Enhanced Electronic Documentary Stamp Tax (eDST) System, clarifying enrollment, system use, and compliance procedures for covered taxpayers. This initiative aims to streamline tax administration and reduce taxpayer burden as part of the BIR's digitalization agenda.
Four individuals were arrested in San Juan town, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, for engaging in an illegal card game known as "Pining-Pining." Police stated the operation aimed to maintain community peace and eradicate illegal activities, vowing to intensify crackdowns.
During a lengthy impeachment trial in the Philippine Senate, the prosecution panel and the clerk of court secretariat were reprimanded by Presiding Officer Francis Escudero for minor inefficiencies. Fatigue from the extended proceedings is speculated as a contributing factor.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) announced that approximately P12.31 million was generated from two public auctions of forfeited refrigerant gases at the Port of Manila. This revenue contributes to the customs agency's increased income.
The Philippine Sugar Council welcomed Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines' (CCEAP) assurance to use sugar produced in Negros, but urged the company to expand its commitment to locally sourced sugar nationwide.
The Philippines' House of Representatives passed on second reading a P7.2-trillion spending bill, a record national budget to fund government operations, salaries, and infrastructure projects for the upcoming year.
Police and environmental authorities in Surigao City arrested two individuals and seized mining equipment during a joint crackdown on illegal small-scale mining operations, highlighting the ongoing efforts to enforce environmental regulations.
Police have arrested one suspect in the killing of a Department of Education (DepEd) supervisor in Zamboanga Sibugay in April. The apprehension was made under a murder warrant, with efforts ongoing to identify and apprehend other potential suspects.
Thirty-one former New People's Army (NPA) rebels are participating in an 11-day deradicalization and capacity-building program under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) in Misamis Oriental, aimed at supporting their return to peaceful civilian life.