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The Philippine government is requesting a seven-fold increase in the budget for the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Program (EVIDP) to approximately P229 million by 2027, aiming to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and transition to cleaner transportation.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the Philippines is proposing a P20 billion realignment within its P643.95 billion budget for 2027. These funds are intended for critical infrastructure projects, primarily flood control and drainage improvements. Concerns about budget centralization were also raised by lawmakers.
The Philippines has recorded its lowest fertility rate ever. The Commission on Population and Development calls for expanded access to family planning and contraception, yet many women continue to face difficulties obtaining necessary reproductive health services and methods.
As of the first quarter of 2026, an estimated 288,000 people are living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Philippines, but only 56% (159,997 individuals) have been diagnosed, according to the Department of Health (DOH). This indicates a significant number of infections remain undiagnosed, potentially missing out on treatment and prevention opportunities.
A Philippine congressman has revealed that approximately P311 billion in state funds allocated to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) remain unreleased. The disclosure came during the deliberation of the 2027 health sector budget, highlighting concerns over unreleased obligatory funds from sources like sin taxes.
Philippine government officials are defending social media restrictions, stating that protecting lives takes precedence over the continuous availability of platforms like Reddit and Discord, whose bans have now been lifted.
Audit findings question the use of P168 million in disaster relief funds by the Philippine Office of the Vice President (OVP), citing unidentified or undocumented beneficiaries, and drawing parallels to past controversies involving the office's confidential funds. Congress seeks explanations.
Ayala President and CEO Cezar Consing expressed optimism about Mynt's (GCash operator) upcoming IPO, calling it an "exciting story," despite some views labeling it a "liquidation IPO." The success hinges on GCash's strategy to deepen user engagement and expand its ecosystem.
The Philippine stock market fell to a 10-month low as downward revisions to economic growth forecasts weighed on investor sentiment. Downgrades to growth projections by S&P Global Ratings and the Asian Development Bank are dampening market sentiment.
GCash's parent company, Mynt Inc., has secured P36.5 billion ($581.3 million) from cornerstone investors for its upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO). This commitment covers 40% of Mynt's target IPO proceeds and signals strong investor confidence in the e-wallet giant's fintech capabilities and long-term prospects.
Tropical Storm Queenie entered the Philippine area of responsibility, affecting parts of Mindanao. Lake Sebu, an upland lake town in South Cotabato, experienced one of its heaviest downpours in recent days on Thursday afternoon.
The Philippine Senate faces a critical juncture that could define its future, as it grapples with a proposal to lower the conviction threshold in impeachment trials. This issue raises fundamental questions about judicial independence and the separation of powers, drawing significant public attention.
The Philippine Commission on Audit (COA) has again flagged transactions of the Office of the Vice President (OVP), this time concerning its 2025 Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund. A lawmaker sarcastically noted the OVP's 'consistency' in such findings, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.
Philippine ice cream brand Carmen's Best is experiencing continued success even after its founder, Francisco Magsaysay, stepped down from management and the namesake daughter moved to the US. Since Metro Pacific Agro Ventures acquired a majority stake in 2022, sales have surged by over 100%.
A mother who lost four sons to separate killings in Davao City is set to testify before the independent civilian Truth Commission, with the incidents allegedly serving as a template for former president Duterte's drug war.
Aboitiz Economic Estates was named Best Industrial Developer, and Ajoya Cabanatuan received the Best Masterplanned Development award at the 2026 Philippines Real Estate Awards, highlighting the company's commitment to industrial development and sustainable community building.
The Insurance Commission (IC) in the Philippines has appointed Nikolai Buncio, a veteran banking executive, as its new deputy commissioner to lead the Financial Examination Group. Buncio's appointment is expected to bolster the regulator's oversight capabilities.
The Philippine Senate has approved a new 25-year franchise for Enrique Razon Jr.'s Bohol Light Co. Inc. to operate in Tagbilaran City. Meanwhile, MORE Electric Power Corp.'s expansion into areas near Iloilo City also advanced with Senate approval, moving closer to becoming law.
The Bureau of Customs in the Philippines has replaced the chief of its Intelligence and Investigation Services as part of efforts to strengthen anti-smuggling operations. The new director aims for a more aggressive campaign against smuggling and promotion of fair trade.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is reviewing its information security measures amid renewed discussions on strengthening the country's defenses against espionage. This comes as the House of Representatives has approved a proposed New Espionage Act, aiming to bolster legal frameworks for protecting classified information.
Philippine Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian will attend a dialogue with the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC). Discussions will focus on the Senate's 2026 legislative agenda, the national budget, economic recovery, and five priority concerns facing citizens.
Amid rising school violence incidents, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) is pushing for a school caravan to address youth mental health issues. The initiative targets students, parents, and educators, aiming to promote awareness, stress management, and digital citizenship.
Philippine sugar industry groups have urged Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines (CCEAP) to prioritize the use of local sugar and domestic production, expressing concerns over the bottler's plans to import some finished products. They fear a negative impact on the local industry.
The Philippine National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced the confiscation of over P254.8 million worth of illegal drugs in Metro Manila over a 30-day period, highlighting a significant bust in Las Piñas City.
A condominium manager survived an ambush in Makati City after motorcycle-riding assailants fired multiple shots at her vehicle. The victim sustained several gunshot wounds to the thigh but managed to reach a police outpost for help. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in urban areas of the Philippines.
The Philippines' national government posted a budget deficit of P161.3 billion in August, a 90.2 percent increase year-on-year, primarily due to a surge in public spending driven by nearly P60 billion in support for PhilHealth, while revenue collections declined.
The Philippine government will offer at least P30 billion in 2.5-year Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs) starting next week, targeting individual investors seeking safe havens amid market volatility. The minimum investment is P5,000, with availability on the GCash platform.
The US Trade Representative (USTR) has allocated an additional 9,151 metric tons raw value (MTRV) quota for raw sugar exports to the United States for the Philippines. This brings the country's total annual export quota to 154,386 MTRV. However, concerns over declining domestic production may cast doubt on the ability to fulfill this quota.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has partnered with 38 local government units (LGUs) to build three-story school buildings, funded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor), aiming to enhance educational infrastructure nationwide.
A Philippine consumer group, CitizenWatch Philippines, has endorsed the establishment of national rules for shared underground fiber conduits, aiming to reduce damages from connectivity disruptions for consumers and businesses and provide more reliable service.
An Army soldier and three others have been arrested in Catanauan, Quezon, in connection with a grocery store robbery incident in Cavite. Firearms and the vehicle used in the crime were recovered.
Former Iriga City Mayor Madelaine Alfelor has surrendered to authorities after an arrest warrant was issued for her in connection with a malversation case involving approximately P30 million in public funds. Bail has not been recommended.
A bill extending the term of barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK, youth council) officials in the Philippines from three to five years has been transmitted to the President for his signature. This effectively postpones the elections originally scheduled for November.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian stated that Senator Mark Villar's vote to allow more flexibility in convicting Vice President Sara Duterte does not signal his defection to the Senate majority, as Villar was the sole minority bloc member to vote in favor.
The Department of Education (DepEd) in Pagadian City has ordered a permanent enhancement of campus security across local schools following a reported online threat, which has since been deemed fake. Authorities are prioritizing the revalidation of safety measures and the well-being of students and staff.
The Philippines' Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) has apologized for the inconvenience caused by its temporary ban on Discord. The move drew backlash from online gamers and virtual assistants, with the government agreeing with Discord to enhance threat actor monitoring and child protection measures.