The Philippines is considered an attractive venture capital (VC) destination in Southeast Asia, yet very little funding goes to women-led startups. Kerubin Capital is launching a Gender-Smart Investing Directory to address this disparity.
Malaysia is aiming to increase its palm oil exports to the Philippines, despite the latter's growing domestic production. The Philippines is a key market for Malaysian palm oil, and Malaysia is also offering technical assistance. Meanwhile, the Philippine government seeks to boost its domestic industry and reduce import reliance.
Rice inflation for the bottom 30% income segment of households in the Philippines surged to 23.6% in September, up from 22.5% a month prior, as weather disruptions and higher production costs impacted food supply, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
The Philippines and South Korea are accelerating negotiations for two cooperation agreements on carbon market mechanisms, aligned with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, with a goal to finalize deals by the ASEAN Summit in November.
The Philippines is bracing for a worsening rainfall deficit in the coming months due to the persistent strong El Niño phenomenon. Many areas are projected to experience reductions of over 60% from normal rainfall starting November, with up to 84 localities potentially facing drought conditions by March.
The Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is collaborating with Discord on safety measures to counter nihilistic violent extremists online. This follows increased scrutiny of online platforms by Philippine authorities after a series of school shootings.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will initiate the drafting of a master plan to modernize regional ports and enhance cargo operations, investing approximately P42 million. A feasibility study and master plan development will cover 10 ports.
Philippine civil society organizations (CSOs) are urging lawmakers to institutionalize their participation in the budget process. They are calling for a review of accreditation requirements and direct access to information and deliberations to ensure grassroots groups are not excluded.
The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) has warned that debris from a South Korean rocket launch is expected to approach Philippine sea and airspace, posing a risk to vessels and aircraft. While direct impact on land or inhabited areas is not anticipated, there is a possibility of debris washing ashore.
The Philippine House of Representatives ratified a bill establishing new scholarship programs for outstanding students. This initiative aims to bolster the nation's workforce by providing financial support for those pursuing priority courses in fields like science and technology.
A Philippine civil society group, the August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM), has criticized President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s trip to Singapore and Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio's ties with China, citing concerns over his attendance at the F1 Grand Prix amid rising fuel costs and allegations of remittances to her husband's former company.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced it resolved 778 concerns referred through the government’s 8888 complaint hotline in the first half of the year. All cases were acted upon and closed within the required 72-hour period without delay. The BIR also achieved a 100% resolution rate for complaints received via the Civil Service Commission’s Contact Center ng Bayan.
A zero budget for new teaching positions in the Philippines' Department of Education for 2027 has raised concerns about compromised learning due to teacher shortages. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for funding to address this critical issue.
Isabela province in the Philippines is deploying over P1.8 billion in countermeasures against El Niño, aiming to secure food and water supplies, protect farmers, and safeguard public health amidst impending heat and drought. The initiative integrates agriculture, irrigation, health, and social welfare agencies.
In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines, 121 child laborers were rescued from working in markets and streets. They have been enrolled in a government rehabilitation program, receiving school supplies and cash assistance, as part of efforts to combat widespread child labor in the region.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has appointed three new Associate Justices to the Court of Appeals (CA), including the daughter of a former Executive Secretary. The appointments aim to strengthen the judiciary and support the administration of justice.
Nominations are now open for the Lead Awards in Davao City, aiming to recognize and honor 'unsung heroes' who contribute significantly to the community. The initiative seeks to foster community engagement and highlight exemplary efforts.
Prosecutors in the Philippines' impeachment trial presented P96 million in manager's checks, alleging a "pattern of concealment" by Vice President Sara Duterte and former president Rodrigo Duterte. A bank official testified that these funds were deducted from client accounts and held in the bank's settlement account.
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) has detected carbon monoxide at the site where three hotel staff were found dead, suggesting a potential cause of death due to poisoning. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has extended its Great Mabuhay Miles Gateway promotion, allowing members to book flights using discounted mileage rates for an additional six months, now covering travel from October 15, 2026, to September 30, 2027. This extension aims to provide members with more booking options amid the airline's reported net loss in the first half of the year.
University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R) defeated University of the Philippines Cebu (UPC) in overtime in a basketball game held in Cebu City, highlighting domestic sports events in the Philippines.
Vice President Sara Duterte denies any involvement in transactions related to a joint bank account with her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte. Her lawyer stated during an impeachment trial that she has no recollection of the account or its dealings.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is strengthening Davao region's readiness for the transition to digital terrestrial television broadcasting, aiming to provide a higher quality viewing experience.
Philippine retail giants AllHome and AllDay have confirmed significant store closures and business restructuring, citing intense competition and declining revenues. This marks a notable shift for the Villar-owned companies.
Converge ICT Solutions, a leading Philippine telecommunications provider, has won two prestigious awards at the 2026 Asian Experience Awards: 'Best Customer Experience Provider' and 'Best Digital Innovation'. This recognition highlights the company's service quality and technological advancements on an international stage.
Batangas Rep. Leandro Legarda Leviste stated that an arrest order against him is a minor issue compared to the difficulties others face. The arrest warrant was issued by the Makati Regional Trial Court in connection with a case ongoing in the lawmaker's district.
A stabbing incident in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro, on Monday night resulted in one fatality and two injuries. A 33-year-old man was killed, while a 60-year-old man and another individual sustained wounds in the altercation.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that over 428,000 individuals have been affected by El Niño across the Philippines to date, raising concerns about food and water security.
Tacloban City employees have urged Mayor Alfred Romualdez to suspend the weekly flag-raising ceremony due to extreme heat caused by El Niño. The employees' union cited health risks associated with outdoor activities in the prevailing high temperatures.
Fifty-eight members of the international gang True Brown Style (TBS) were among the 200 individuals arrested during the September 21 protest in Mendiola, Manila, according to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Authorities are continuing their investigation into the identities of those arrested.
Former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo testified that the P120 million "token of gratitude" he allegedly received from former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co represents only 1% of the total alleged kickbacks. This testimony is a significant step in unraveling a large-scale bribery scandal involving infrastructure projects.
Former Davao City Information Officer Jefry Tupas claims National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) agents offered him cash and accommodation. This comes amid allegations of cash deliveries to the Vice President by a dismissed policeman. Tupas reportedly declined the offers.
Cebu manufacturers are facing a double pressure of rising raw material costs and sluggish demand, a concern that could impact the broader Philippine economy.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte continues to focus on bank accounts, with prosecution presenting bank representatives. Technical banking terms are being discussed, drawing public attention to the proceedings.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasts an increase in drought-affected areas from October 2026 to March 2027 due to the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, raising concerns for the agricultural sector.