Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the student behind the Banga National High School shooting incident was a "good kid" who became exposed to the deep web and Satanism, suggesting a potential cyber influence behind the crime.
A Philippine congressman has slammed the proposed P37.5 billion budget for Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (FALGU) in 2027, labeling it 'President's LGU pork.' Concerns are raised over the allocation and transparency of these funds.
A high-value drug suspect was arrested in Estancia, Iloilo, with suspected methamphetamine (meth) worth P2.8 million seized. Police consider the bust a significant development in anti-drug efforts.
The Philippine government is actively pursuing individuals influencing students to carry out shooting sprees in schools. The Interior Secretary stated they are close to apprehending one of the masterminds, revealing that four terror plots have been foiled.
No bettors won the jackpots in the Ultra Lotto 6/58, Super Lotto 6/49, and Lotto 6/42 draws on Tuesday, September 22. The combined jackpots are expected to reach hundreds of millions of pesos for the next draw.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared November 16 to 18, 2026, as special non-working days in the National Capital Region (NCR) for the upcoming 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and Related Summits. The summit itself is scheduled to take place from November 10 to 12.
Philippine Finance Secretary Frederick Go has signed a resolution to remove excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene, aiming to alleviate the burden of rising fuel costs for citizens.
Philippine Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla admitted error in stating that former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque's asylum application was denied. He clarified that the bid remains pending, with no decision yet after nine months, exceeding the usual six-month processing period.
Philippine transport group Manibela has issued an open letter to the government, urging immediate action to support jeepney drivers and operators amidst persistent oil price hikes. They call for concrete measures from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue's (BIR) one-time Abatement Program for Micro Taxpayers has received 6,234 applications in its first two months, with 5,000 already approved. The approved applications cover ₱84.5 million in tax liabilities.
The Philippines and the European Union have reportedly achieved a 'breakthrough' in their free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. This development could mark a significant step towards strengthening economic ties between the two regions.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced that emergency cash transfers (ECT) to small-scale sugarcane farmers and workers affected by red-striped soft scale insects (RSSI) are expected to reach P1.9 billion by the end of the year, as part of relief efforts on Negros Island.
The Philippines' Department of Health (DOH) announced an additional P27.41 billion allocation for the Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients (MAIFIP) program, expected to benefit approximately five million families. However, some medical groups have called for MAIFIP's abolition, advocating for the funds to be integrated into the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth).
A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey reveals that 33% of Filipinos anticipate economic improvement within the next year. While optimism has risen, with the 'net economic optimism' score improving to +10, pessimism persists in Metro Manila.
The Philippines and the European Union are poised to sign a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) next year, following the conclusion of negotiations. The pact is expected to boost trade and investment, create jobs, and support sustainable development between the two regions.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in the Philippines will intensify cyber patrols to combat online "grooming" and recruitment activities that expose minors to violence or criminal behavior. This includes enhanced engagement with platforms like Reddit and Discord.
Vice President Sara Duterte has denied any interest in GenCorp Industries Inc. since assuming office in 2022. Her brother, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte, defended the city's transactions with the company, stating they were aboveboard and that no evidence links the Vice President to GenCorp. The city has engaged in contracts worth over P33 million with the firm.
The Philippine government announced it will not increase public transport fares for the time being, despite a sharp surge in fuel prices driven by the volatile Middle East situation. The administration aims to maximize subsidies and other support measures to cushion drivers and commuters from the impact.
Vice President Sara Duterte secured 49 government contracts worth P35 million while in office, with the majority being with the Davao City government where her brother is mayor, a witness testified. Malacañang emphasized adherence to the rule of law.
The Department of Health reported 10,936 leptospirosis cases as of September 16, a 38% increase from the previous year. Floodwater exposure is cited as the primary cause amid persistent rains.
The Supreme Court of the Philippines confirmed that Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen will serve as acting chief justice pending the appointment of a new head of the court, following Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo's mandatory retirement. This marks President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s first appointment to the top judicial post.
The Philippine House of Representatives swiftly approved the P785.2-million budget for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) for 2027. This represents an 11.69% decrease from the current year's allocation. The budget sponsor attributed the smooth approval to concerns being addressed in prior committee hearings.
A company linked to Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio received 49 government contracts totaling P35.9 million after her assumption of office in 2022, a procurement official testified before the Senate impeachment court. The contracts were awarded by the Davao City government, PhilHealth Region XI, and OWWA Region XI.
The Philippine government has not set a timetable for deciding on fuel excise tax cuts or suspensions, despite oil prices exceeding the threshold for relief. This comes as pump prices have sharply increased for a third consecutive week, raising public concern.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture expects to finalize guidelines for geofencing approximately 3 million hectares of farmland by December. Despite delays in data validation due to natural disasters, the policy aims to prevent land conversion and boost agricultural productivity.
Despite lower import tariffs, rice prices in the Philippines remain high, with officials and economists citing higher import costs due to a weak peso, elevated farmgate prices, and possible anti-competitive practices by grain traders. The government has requested an investigation by the Philippine Competition Commission.
The trough of a tropical depression will continue to bring rains to the Visayas and Mindanao on Wednesday, September 23, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). Thunderstorms are also expected in some areas.
A Grade 9 female student critically wounded in a shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato is showing signs of recovery after undergoing surgery, raising concerns about school safety.
A multi-stakeholder dialogue was held in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, organized by the Archdiocese and Samdhana Institute, to address growing concerns over the proposed Pax Silica mining project. Participants included citizens, experts, and government representatives.
The Philippines and Australia have begun identifying projects, particularly in renewable energy and the digital economy, for a A$45-million grant aimed at boosting the Southeast Asian nation's economic growth over the next five years. The initiative underscores a commitment to public-private partnerships to support sustainable development.
A bill seeking to remove system loss charges incurred by electric providers from consumers has reached the Senate floor in the Philippines. Senator Erwin Tulfo sponsored the bill, raising expectations for lower electricity bills.
The Philippine government plans to allocate over P4 billion for the construction of five rainwater impounding facilities in Metro Manila, part of a larger initiative to address perennial flooding in the capital region.
House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy urged barangay officials in Quezon City, Metro Manila's largest local government unit, to continue strengthening their communities through "honest, responsive, and compassionate leadership." The message was delivered during the 31st Quezon City Barangay Day Celebration.
The Philippine local currency bond market saw slower growth in the second quarter, despite declining yields, according to an Asian Development Bank report. This trend contrasts with the central bank's ongoing rate-hiking cycle.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) in the Philippines has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Reddit and Discord to establish offices or designate local representatives, as part of the government's push to enhance child protection and counter extremist ideologies.
The Department of Education (DepEd) expressed gratitude for the House of Representatives' approval of its proposed P975.96 billion budget for 2027, which represents 13.55% of the national budget.