Mary Jane Veloso, who spent nearly 15 years imprisoned, has been granted an absolute pardon by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Meanwhile, a new voting rule for impeachment convictions is facing scrutiny.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday inspected the Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital (FAMH) in Guiuan, Eastern Samar. The hospital was rebuilt with modern facilities after being severely damaged by Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
Former Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Mary Jane Veloso has been freed after 16 years of imprisonment following a pardon by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Meanwhile, China reportedly hindered a Philippine resupply mission in the South China Sea.
Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon vowed to relieve and file charges against officials who approved duplicate, overlapping, or double-funded infrastructure projects flagged in the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) proposed 2027 budget.
Lawyers for former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co made a special appearance during the pretrial proceedings for former House Speaker Martin Romualdez's plunder case. Co is among the co-accused with Romualdez in the case involving alleged kickbacks totaling P7.44 billion.
The Philippine Presidential Palace acknowledged the merit of a proposal to license social media platforms following school shootings attributed to online influences, but stressed the need for further study on its potential impacts. The government warned of decisive action against non-cooperative platforms.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered the cessation of all activities related to the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) following its postponement. This includes the suspension of candidate filings and campaign periods, though printing and procurement of election materials will continue.
A 72-year-old mother whose four sons were killed in Davao City testified before the Truth Commission, recounting alleged threats against her children and her decades-long search for justice. The commission aims to uncover the truth and restore dignity to victims.
The newly opened KABAN Hotel and Casino in Boracay Island, Philippines, is prioritizing local employment, with Aklanons comprising approximately 40% of its workforce, signaling a commitment to community development alongside tourism expansion.
Senator Win Gatchalian has raised concerns over 7,107 projects worth over P251.81 billion in the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) proposed 2027 budget, citing issues like missing station limits, duplication, and reappearing projects. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon pledged to review the flagged projects and pursue cases against erring district engineers.
Davao City has received two nominations for the prestigious Atop Pearl Awards 2026, recognizing its contributions to the tourism industry. This highlights the city's appeal and development efforts on a national level.
The Philippine government has announced an ambitious target to reduce plastic pollution by 85% by 2040, marking a significant step towards marine environmental protection and a sustainable society.
Tropical Storm Queenie has slightly accelerated as it moves west-northwestward over the Philippine Sea, east of extreme northern Luzon. The state weather bureau is monitoring its path.
Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipino worker, has returned to her home country after 16 years of imprisonment. She had been sentenced to death for drug smuggling but was ultimately freed.
Mary Jane Veloso, a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and victim of human trafficking, has been released after 16 years of detention for alleged drug smuggling. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. granted her absolute pardon, allowing her to return home.
Senator Robin Padilla's filing of his counter-affidavit at the Department of Justice has been postponed to November 12 due to missing documents, as part of the preliminary investigation into obstruction of justice charges.
Philippines' ACEN has completed the sale of a portion of its stake in an Indian solar power project to Netherlands-based DIRO, advancing its portfolio restructuring in India's renewable energy sector.
The Philippines has temporarily suspended excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene, its primary cooking and household fuels, in response to surging global fuel costs driven by the Middle East conflict. This measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on consumers, translating to a reduction of approximately three pesos per kilogram of LPG.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced Friday he has signed a pardon for Mary Jane Veloso, who was sentenced to death in Indonesia for drug trafficking. Veloso, who narrowly escaped execution in 2015, returned to the Philippines in December 2024.
The Philippine creative economy has expanded to P2.12 trillion, representing 7.6% of GDP. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is positioning the sector as a key driver for exports, the digital economy, and regional trade, aiming for enhanced international cooperation at ASEAN meetings.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced the launch of new direct flights to Delhi and Mumbai, India, starting December 2026. This move is expected to boost economic and tourism exchanges between the two nations.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure postponing the Barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) elections. The polls are now expected to be held simultaneously with the next national and local elections.
Senator Loren Legarda is undergoing treatment for a lung and autoimmune condition in France, accompanied by her son, Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, according to her spokesperson.
Vice President Sara Duterte stated that her and her brother Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte's attendance at the impeachment trial is "up to them," implying it depends on whether they are summoned. The mayor has already received a subpoena, while the Vice President's camp indicated their lawyers will represent them.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has confirmed granting an absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso, a former overseas Filipino worker who was on death row for drug trafficking. Veloso's execution had been stayed since 2015.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division has cautioned lawyers of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez regarding their media remarks about the court process during his plunder case's pre-trial proceedings, urging them to observe "propriety" and maintain the court's dignity.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon expressed a desire to resign from his post, stating, "I also somewhat don't want to be here anymore," when questioned by a senator about his lapsed appointment. Dizon indicated he would be happy to accept the end of his tenure due to the job's extreme difficulty.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a bill postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to November 2028, extending the term of incumbent officials to five years. The move is justified by the administration as allowing officials to focus on long-term projects and community service, though challenges to the postponement are anticipated.
Two Moro merchants were killed and one wounded in an ambush in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur. Authorities suspect remnants of the defunct Dawlah Islamiya terror group may be responsible for the attack on traders.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an inquiry into claims by a former security detail of ex-House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco, who alleges he delivered over P2 billion in cash to Vice President Sara Duterte on Velasco's orders.
A barangay chairman in Cotabato City, son of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman, was wounded in a gunfight while pursuing motorcycle thieves. Police are investigating to identify and apprehend the suspects.
Amid intensifying global competition, the Davao region in Mindanao is leading the Philippines' durian production. The area's consistent supply of high-quality durians supports the nation's standing in the international durian market.
The Philippines has suspended excise taxes on LPG and kerosene due to soaring global oil prices, offering some relief to households. Gasoline and diesel remain excluded from the tax break, with attention on the broader economic impact.
A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey reveals that 30% of Filipinos believe they can contribute to reducing government corruption. However, a significant 52% feel powerless, highlighting a disparity in public perception and engagement with the issue.
A recent OCTA Research survey on a hypothetical 2028 presidential election matchup in the Philippines shows the tandem of Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Robin Padilla leading the pairing of former Mayor Leni Robredo and former Sen. Bam Aquino by 12 percentage points. The findings suggest potential frontrunners in the country's next electoral contest.
Former Speaker Martin Romualdez will testify in his plunder case before the Sandiganbayan, his lawyer confirmed. The former Speaker aims to defend himself in court, with his legal team considering him their most crucial witness.