The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) supports the Supreme Court's proposed alternatives to detention, including house arrest, medical confinement, and community-supervised release, particularly for elderly and seriously ill prisoners, aiming for humanitarian considerations and prison decongestion.
Senator Loren Legarda has urged the Philippine government to implement stronger climate resilience and disaster preparedness policies, including four legal reforms: science-based vulnerability identification, expedited emergency funds, local government support, and accelerated low-carbon development, citing the nation's severe vulnerability to climate change impacts.
A P30-billion irrigation project is underway in the Philippines' northern Ilocos Region and Abra, aiming to provide a stable water supply to 14,000 hectares of farmland. Expected to benefit approximately 14,000 farmers, the project targets enhanced productivity and includes integrated hydropower and solar power facilities, with completion slated for 2031.
A Philippine lawmaker has filed a bill proposing higher excise taxes on luxury vehicles and other non-essential goods like yachts. The measure aims to enhance tax progressivity and boost government revenue by increasing the tax burden on the wealthy. Perfumes and toilet waters are proposed to be removed from the taxable list.
A Philippine senator has urged the Department of Justice and the National Bureau of Investigation to demonstrate that large-scale agricultural smugglers are not above the law, citing stalled or dismissed cases due to missing documents. The Justice Secretary affirmed the rule of law and pledged enhanced inter-agency cooperation.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture has secured a P6.2 billion Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) to aid farmers and fisherfolk affected by El Niño, covering fertilizer and fuel assistance, and investments in irrigation projects.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has begun piloting a Document Tracking and Management System (DTMS) aimed at improving the handling of official documents. This system will enable tracking of document location, status, and custody, with the expectation of enhancing taxpayer services.
The Philippines has secured an additional 9,151 metric tons raw value (MTRV) of raw cane sugar quota for the US fiscal year 2027. This allocation is part of the unallocated portion under the US' tariff-rate quota (TRQ) system. The Philippines has requested an extension before formally committing to export, citing the need to monitor and verify domestic production.
Former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez has asked the Supreme Court to void a ruling by the Senate impeachment court in the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, challenging the constitutional voting threshold for conviction.
Senator Francis Pangilinan has urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to go after "untouchable" agricultural smugglers, citing their disruption of food security. He highlighted how smuggled goods are overwhelming the market, discouraging farmers, and leading to higher food prices for consumers.
Tropical Storm Queenie has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), with forecasts indicating a potential development into a typhoon over the weekend. While direct impacts are not expected immediately, strong winds are anticipated in certain regions.
The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) stated its intent to independently continue the investigation into the missing cockfighting enthusiasts (sabungeros) cases, even without active cooperation from the victims' families. Criminal proceedings against the accused individuals have advanced to the trial stage.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) will fund the construction of 456 classrooms for public schools across 38 local government units (LGUs) in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), addressing the persistent classroom shortage.
The Philippine Congress has passed a bill extending the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four to five years, postponing the scheduled November 2026 elections to 2028. The bill is now awaiting the President's signature.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced the arrest of an individual linked to a school shooting incident in South Cotabato, which resulted in three deaths and eight injuries. Authorities were pursuing a suspect allegedly inciting the violence.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) anticipates the termination of the southwest monsoon (habagat) within two weeks, signaling a shift to the cooler, drier northeast monsoon (amihan). This transition comes as the nation recovers from widespread flooding caused by heavy August rains.
Faculty and staff from Philippine State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) are protesting a proposed 2.42% budget cut for the 2027 fiscal year, warning it will worsen the nation's education crisis and demanding increased funding.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has earmarked P61.02 billion for public school operations under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP), a slight increase from P60.89 billion in 2026. Per-learner operational funding is also set to rise. DepEd is implementing the Simplified Normative Funding Formula (SNFF) to streamline budget allocation.
A woman sustained injuries when two unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen fired shots at her vehicle along Chino Roces Avenue in Makati on Thursday morning. Police are investigating the incident.
Tropical Storm Queenie is expected to traverse waters far from the Philippines, with no direct impact anticipated on the country's landmass. However, its extended cloud system may bring rain to certain areas.
The Philippines' budget deficit widened year-on-year in August, but the government stated it remains within the target of keeping the deficit at 3% of GDP by 2026. Increased government spending is seen as the primary driver.
A Malaysian company is exploring the use of coconut shells from Davao, Philippines, as an alternative fuel source, potentially offering new revenue streams for local farmers. The Philippine government is also pushing for initiatives to boost the coconut industry.
Two motorcycle riders died in a road accident in Antipolo City on Wednesday morning after the vehicle reportedly failed to negotiate a curve, police said. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Philippine economy's weak industrial base is limiting the creation of stable, productive, and better-paying jobs, according to the Ibon Foundation. The think tank warns that the economy's overall failure is contributing to rising youth unemployment.
San Jose del Monte City in the Philippines continues to grapple with severe water supply issues, despite changes in its water operator. The city government is in the process of selecting a new operator, but residents remain concerned about the ongoing scarcity.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte could face contempt charges if he fails to appear at his sister Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, but Senate President Win Gatchalian stated that the reason for absence would be considered first.
Hua Siong College of Iloilo (HSCI) in Iloilo City, Philippines, has suspended classes for all levels due to a reported 'security concern.' This precautionary measure comes amid heightened campus security worries following recent deadly school shootings in Mindanao and Tacloban City.
A funding gap exceeding P5.3 billion is projected for the Philippines' free higher education program in state universities and colleges (SUCs) by 2027. To address this shortfall, an increase in student tuition fees is being considered.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed that flood control projects worth P7 billion in Davao City, awarded between 2018 and 2024, were concentrated with a single contractor. The NBI, in coordination with the Commission on Audit, has issued subpoenas for documents as part of its intensified investigation into the matter.
Security has been tightened around schools in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines following the discovery of a threat letter at Biliran Province State University (BiPSU). Authorities are on heightened alert for campus violence after recent school shootings in Tacloban City and South Cotabato.
The planned University of the Philippines (UP) Freedom Memorial Museum faces procurement delays due to unresolved site arrangements. Bidding has yet to commence, with no contractor or definite opening date set, according to the Human Rights Violations Victims’ Memorial Commission (HRVVMC).
The Philippine stock market and the peso experienced a decline, influenced by concerns over economic growth. Market observers are closely monitoring future economic trends.
A former member of the Philippine Constitutional Commission has stated that the impeachment court's decision to exclude detained senators from the voting threshold is constitutional. This effectively alters the number of senators considered for the conviction threshold.
The Gencorp scandal involving Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is escalating as contradictions emerge between her asset declarations and corporate records. Explanations regarding city contracts awarded to the company have also shifted, fueling political turmoil.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering a nationwide rapid alert system to expedite emergency reporting and response in schools, following a series of security incidents. The PNP chief stated the system is crucial for ensuring the safety of students and staff.