The Philippine Ombudsman's Office has secured direct access to the government's procurement records system (PhilGEPS) to expedite corruption investigations. This move aims to enhance the early detection and deterrence of bribery and illicit activities.
The Climate Change Commission (CCC) of the Philippines advised schools and government agencies to adjust their schedules in anticipation of the impacts of El Niño. This suggestion is part of local governments' implementation of El Niño preparedness measures.
Senator Raffy Tulfo has raised concerns about an alleged 'palakasan system' (backer system) in the National Housing Authority's (NHA) housing unit distribution. He called for rigorous vetting to ensure qualified beneficiaries receive government housing.
In-person classes in select areas and universities across the Philippines were suspended on Wednesday, September 30, due to the ongoing nationwide transport strike. The strike, organized by transport groups, protests soaring fuel prices and taxes.
President Marcos, at the ASEAN Women Leaders' Summit, stressed women's role as drivers of economy and innovation. He highlighted their underrepresentation in ASEAN cabinets and parliaments and urged women leaders to assert their influence.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has challenged China's expanding claims over Philippine maritime territory, including waters around Batanes. China asserts jurisdiction, but the PCG refutes this as a violation of UNCLOS and is increasing its monitoring efforts.
Samante has expressed a commitment to prioritizing national interest over personal glory, signaling a dedication to the country's goals and leadership.
The Philippine national team has secured a bronze medal in sepak takraw at an international competition. This victory may contribute to the sport's promotion and boost national morale.
The Philippine government has mandated oil companies to submit monthly reports on the cost components of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene as part of the review for the excise tax suspension. This aims to ensure swift reflection of savings for Filipino households.
The Philippine stock market declined for a second consecutive day, impacted by soaring crude oil prices and rising US Treasury yields. Investor sentiment remains subdued, with all sectors closing in negative territory.
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the Philippines' largest power distributor, has initiated an auction for a 15-year contract to secure 900 megawatts (MW) of baseload power, set to commence in February 2031. This move follows the Department of Energy's issuance of a certificate of conformity for the power supply agreements (PSA).
A survey by Ericsson reveals that 60% of mobile users in the Philippines demand constant 5G connectivity from their network providers and are willing to pay a premium for it. The increasing adoption of AI tools is expected to further drive this demand.
A push for a data residency law in the Philippines, mandating local storage of government and private sector data, is gaining momentum. The aim is to boost investment in data center construction and enhance regional competitiveness, despite concerns over power and water consumption.
The Philippine government plans to borrow P892 billion from the domestic market in the fourth quarter, spreading out issuances amid geopolitical tensions and a widening budget deficit. This marks a significant increase compared to the same period last year.
In the Philippines, flag-raising ceremonies serve as a significant ritual symbolizing national pride and patriotism. These events reinforce historical events and reaffirm loyalty to the nation.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honored 10 recipients of the Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos Award for 2026, urging them to continue inspiring and setting good examples in their respective fields. The awardees, spanning education, military, and police sectors, highlighted the importance of citizen contributions to nation-building.
Security Bank of the Philippines announced a significant leadership overhaul involving over a dozen senior executives, including the departure of its retail banking head in December. The restructuring aims to align management responsibilities with strategic priorities and enhance accountability.
Smuggled cigarettes worth P1 million were seized from an ambulance in Lanao del Norte, Philippines. The driver and his helper were arrested, and the vehicle was found registered under a local government. Another large seizure of smuggled cigarettes occurred in Negros Occidental.
The Department of National Defense (DND) has requested the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe a circulating fake letter allegedly from DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr. to a CIA official. The DND states this is part of foreign malign influence efforts to discredit the government's assertion of national sovereignty.
Air France will resume its direct flights between Manila and Paris three times weekly starting October 19. This move restores a direct air link from the Philippines to Europe, anticipated to cater to increased holiday season demand.
Alternergy Holdings Corp. has successfully raised P2 billion from its inaugural fixed-rate notes issuance, signaling strong investor confidence in the Philippines' renewable energy sector. The funds will fuel the pre-development of awarded projects and bolster the nation's energy security and clean energy transition.
A motorized boat caught fire shortly after departing Zamboanga City, injuring one person and leaving four survivors. The incident, believed to be caused by an engine spark, resulted in an estimated P600,000 in property damage.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has introduced rules for structured warrants, a new financial product for investors. This move aims to modernize and diversify the Philippine capital market, aligning it with ASEAN peers.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture has lifted its temporary import ban on poultry and related products from Albania and the US state of Indiana following the resolution of their respective high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) outbreaks. This move aligns with regionalization agreements that restrict imports only from areas with active disease cases.
The Sandiganbayan has denied Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr.'s second plea for Associate Justice Karl Miranda to inhibit himself from his malversation case, citing lack of merit. Justice Miranda is ordered to proceed with his duty.
The Philippine government has raised P84.9 billion from its latest retail Treasury bond (RTB) offering, exceeding initial investor demand by over six times. The 2.5-year bonds, issued at a 6.875% coupon rate, highlight their role in providing citizens with savings avenues and financing government needs.
Senator-judge Erwin Tulfo has urged Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to personally investigate his chief-of-staff and the city’s deals with GenCorp Industries Inc., a company reportedly linked to his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte.
The Bureau of Customs has requested an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against 13 individuals, including nine customs officers, suspected of involvement in the smuggling of onions and carrots worth P17.5 million. This action follows the discovery of misdeclared agricultural products and the lack of mandatory import clearances.
YCO Cloud and Singapore-based Aolani are partnering to deploy over 10,000 NVIDIA AI units in the Philippines by Q1 next year. This initiative aims to significantly enhance the nation's AI capabilities, foster local innovation, and boost economic productivity.
The Philippine financial system's total resources surpassed P38 trillion in July, a nearly 10% year-on-year increase, driven by bank expansion. Despite a slight month-on-month dip, experts view the growth as a sign of economic vitality and system resilience.
The widespread proliferation of counterfeit cigarettes in the Philippines, particularly in Mindanao, is reportedly funding local terrorist groups, according to industry stakeholders. UN reports mention several armed factions.
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has adopted new rules for electronic filing, service of documents, and videoconferencing proceedings to streamline its operations. This digitalization aims to expedite the enforcement of the Philippine Competition Act and enhance market transparency. The new rules take effect on October 3.
The National Police Commission (Napolcom) in Bicol, Philippines, has identified procedural lapses and neglect by police in their investigation of a fatal road accident in Naga City that resulted in a teacher's death. Issues included insufficient witness interviews and delayed submission of evidence.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating a robbery incident in Forbes Park, Makati City, where a 76-year-old woman was targeted. The suspect, a 25-year-old pedicab driver from Taguig, is also linked to a series of past burglaries.
Wick Veloso, president and general manager of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in the Philippines, has been honored as 'Asia's Modern Hero' for his contributions to public service and financial leadership. His tenure has seen the strengthening of the pension fund and expansion of services for government workers and pensioners.
The Philippines' housing shortage is seeing progress as its housing program shifts from unrealistic initial targets to a more pragmatic strategy. Under the new housing secretary, diversification of supply methods and strengthened partnerships with private developers are facilitating housing for low-income families and improving public satisfaction.