The Philippines' Department of Finance has sought the suspension of excise taxes on LPG and kerosene, citing rising global oil prices. However, relief for diesel and gasoline is being withheld due to concerns about benefits disproportionately favoring higher-income consumers and a potential P12 billion monthly revenue loss.
Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla admitted he was mistaken about former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's asylum application, stating it is currently 'in limbo.' Roque faces arrest warrants for qualified human trafficking and is seeking asylum in Austria.
The Philippine stock market extended its losing streak to four straight days, falling below the 5,800 mark due to prevailing negative sentiment on the country's economic growth, geopolitical uncertainties, and rising local treasury yields.
A joint report by IDfy Philippines and CIBI Information Inc. estimates that the Philippines could lose P603 billion annually to digital fraud, urging financial institutions to enhance identity checks and information sharing.
The Philippines' trade deficit in the first half of 2026 widened to a record $31.36 billion, as import growth outpaced exports, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This marks a 28% increase compared to the same period last year.
Philippine FinTech giant Mynt is attracting interest from global institutions like the IFC and BlackRock ahead of its IPO, a development seen as potentially impacting the valuation of major shareholder Globe Telecom.
The Philippine economy experienced weaker-than-expected growth in the third quarter, raising downside risks to the full-year GDP growth forecast of 3.3%. Delays in public investment execution are a particular concern, while elevated inflation and unemployment are also dampening household consumption recovery.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Calabarzon region is evaluating over 79,000 families as potential beneficiaries for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). These families were identified as poor through the 2024 Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS).
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur – The Magsaysay Bridge in Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, will temporarily close again starting October 1 for necessary repairs due to its aging structure. The bridge, a vital artery for nearly seven decades, is expected to impact local commuters and the flow of goods.
A barangay captain was shot and killed while riding his motorcycle home in La Libertad, Negros Oriental, Philippines. Unidentified assailants are suspected, and police are investigating. The incident raises concerns about the security situation in the region.
SM Prime Holdings is enhancing its cultural and tourism appeal at the SM Mall of Asia Complex with the launch of Museo del Galeón, the Philippines' first experiential maritime museum. The museum offers immersive exhibits detailing the history of the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade.
Former Philippine President Leni Robredo has formally endorsed Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen for the position of Chief Justice, succeeding Alexander Gesmundo who retires on November 6. Robredo cited Leonen's proven competence, independence, probity, and integrity, highlighting his ability to resolve complex conflicts, including the framework agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
President Ferdinand Marcos lauded the progress of the Metro Manila subway project during an inspection, highlighting the 'breakthrough' of a tunnel boring machine. The project is currently about 60% complete and aims for full operation in 2032.
Parañaque City has been named a finalist in the Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) Awards, City Level 1 category, by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). This recognition highlights the city's efforts to improve administrative services and foster a business-friendly environment.
The Philippine Department of Justice will continue pursuing cases related to missing cockfight enthusiasts, despite reports that some complainants, relatives of the missing, have also disappeared and are no longer cooperating with authorities.
Police are hunting a couple involved in a road rage incident in Antipolo City that left an 8-year-old girl injured. The altercation reportedly began over a traffic violation.
La Trinidad, Benguet has established a specialized task force to combat vegetable smuggling and protect local farmers. The task force will monitor smuggled vegetable inflows, investigate price discrepancies, and coordinate with relevant agencies.
The Philippines is facing severe electricity shortages across the nation, with power supply becoming increasingly unstable, particularly in areas outside Luzon. The Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) has seen unprecedented price spikes, significantly impacting daily life and economic activities. The government is exploring a range of short-, medium-, and long-term solutions.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines has issued implementing rules for electronic invoicing ahead of the December 31 deadline. This marks a significant step towards the digitalization of invoicing and tax administration nationwide, with mandatory e-invoicing for large taxpayers and e-commerce businesses.
JTI International Asia Manufacturing Corp. (JTI-AMC) has invested an additional P2.1 billion into its Batangas plant in the Philippines, inaugurating a new dry ice expanded tobacco (DIET) plant and doubling the capacity of its controlled atmosphere (CA) treatment facility. This move underscores the company's confidence in the Philippines' economic potential.
Meat imports in the Philippines rose by 7.6% to 1.14 million metric tons in the first eight months of 2026, driven by significant increases in pork and chicken. Beef imports, however, saw a decline. This trend is attributed to population growth and rising demand.
The Philippines plans to significantly reduce the volume of its planned retail treasury bond (RTB) sale this year, citing inflation concerns and the exploration of other funding avenues. The issuance is expected to be less than half of last year's, aiming to maintain investment opportunities for domestic investors while mitigating interest rate hike risks.
Calls are mounting to preserve the Plaza Cuartel, a World War II massacre site in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. Civic groups and former US servicemen oppose the city government's plan to convert it into an open-air amphitheater, urging action from both the US and Philippine governments.
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) has condemned violence and killings against environmental defenders, pledging respect for human rights and sustainable mining. This comes after a report identifying the Philippines as the deadliest country in Asia for environmental activists, with the industry emphasizing its responsible stance.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and S&P Global Ratings have lowered their economic growth forecasts for the Philippines, citing the prolonged impact of the Middle East crisis and weaker investments. Both institutions point to rising inflation pressures and delayed public investment as factors weighing on domestic demand.
The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) projects that Mindanao could face a depletion of power reserves by 2028, echoing concerns of a repeat of the 2012 energy crisis due to increasing alert levels in recent years.
DragonFi Securities Inc. has become the first Philippine broker-dealer authorized to offer local investors access to global equities and ETFs through a depositary receipt model, incentivizing participation in the domestic capital market.
The Philippine government has declared November 16-18 as special non-working days in Metro Manila to ensure the safety of ASEAN Summit participants and alleviate traffic congestion during the event.
Philippines' largest port operator, ICTSI, has secured a $1 billion 10-year loan from BDO Unibank to fuel its global expansion plans. The funding will support capacity enhancements at existing terminals and the development of new ones.
Vice President Sara Duterte will participate in her impeachment trial with extreme caution and with all her rights reserved, her defense counsel Sheila Sison said, following the Senate impeachment court's decision to lower the conviction threshold.
The Philippine Presidential Palace reiterated on Wednesday that the country is not yet inclined to rejoin the International Criminal Court (ICC), following a call by the US President for member nations to leave the body. The palace cited the need for domestic legal frameworks.
The first export shipment of frozen whole steamed Saba bananas from the Davao Region in the Philippines has reached Australia, boosting hopes for increased agricultural exports and farmer income.
Three armed men, allegedly drunk and causing trouble, fired at responding police officers before surrendering in Rosario town, Batangas. Police confiscated firearms and are conducting further investigations.
Former Vice President Leni Robredo, now Naga City Mayor, has nominated and endorsed Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen for the next Chief Justice position. The endorsement was made in a letter dated September 11, 2026, addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Iligan City in the Philippines is bracing for the impacts of the projected "super" El Niño on the region's agriculture and electricity supply. City officials discussed mitigation measures during a disaster risk reduction and management council meeting.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) warned of heavy rains from localized thunderstorms affecting Metro Manila and several areas in Luzon on Wednesday afternoon. Expect intense showers with lightning and gusty winds.