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Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte‘s statement downplaying his city government’s contracts with Gencorp is seen by the prosecution as a potential “smoking gun,” strengthening the need for him to testify.
Detained Senator Rodante Marcoleta explained the perceived silence of his religious sect, Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), on his imprisonment, stating it reflects respect for due process and a test of faith. The INC had endorsed Marcoleta's senatorial bid.
Adult Filipinos expecting the economy to improve in the next 12 months rose to 33% in June from 25% in March. This figure surpasses those expecting conditions to remain unchanged (32%) and significantly exceeds those anticipating a worsening economy (24%). The Net Economic Optimism score climbed to +10, marking a substantial recovery from the previous survey.
The Philippine Embassy in France has issued a warning to the Filipino community against engaging in illegal gambling and cockfighting, following alerts from French authorities. Cockfighting is considered animal cruelty in France and carries severe penalties.
The Philippine Congress has ratified a bill expanding the education voucher program to include students from kindergarten to Grade 6. This move is expected to alleviate overcrowding in public schools and enhance learning opportunities.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to finalize a clear roadmap for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP) to ensure its long-term success. Concerns were raised over the delayed route rationalization studies.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) estimates that approximately P160 billion annually will be needed over the next decade to develop about 1 million hectares of remaining irrigable agricultural lands in the Philippines. However, the proposed 2027 budget only allows for the development of 5,000 hectares, highlighting the significant funding gap for achieving full irrigation coverage.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) plans to leverage its proposed P195.2-million budget for 2027 to enhance engagement programs for the Filipino diaspora. Key focus areas include youth development, anti-human trafficking efforts, and stronger partnerships.
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) filed six criminal complaints against an importer, a customs broker, and Customs personnel for allegedly misdeclaring thousands of sacks of onions and boxes of carrots as "chicken lollipops." This action is part of the Philippines' crackdown on agricultural smuggling.
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has proposed a P11.9-billion budget for 2027, a 9.6% increase from the previous year. The funds are earmarked for prison operations, facility upgrades, and enhanced rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) intercepted four Filipinos at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) suspected of being victims of human trafficking, as they were recruited for work or military service in Russia. Authorities urge overseas job seekers to verify offers through legitimate channels.
The teen suspect in a fatal school shooting in Banga, South Cotabato, was an honor student aspiring to be a doctor. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla suggested the suspect was influenced by insidious groups on the deep dark web and had turned to Satanism and the glorification of mass murder.
A Philippine lawmaker has raised concerns over a significant budget cut to the Department of Education's (DepEd) School-Based Feeding Program, warning it will shorten implementation and impact children suffering from malnutrition.
During the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, evidence emerged that GenCorp. Industries, Inc., a declared business interest of the VP, was awarded over P33 million in government contracts. Prosecutors argue this potentially violates the constitutional prohibition against officials engaging in government contracts.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will hold a special election for the lone congressional district of Batanes within 60 to 90 days following the death of Representative Ciriaco B. Gato, Jr. at age 66, to fill the vacant seat.
The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CoMP) has condemned the killings of environmental defenders, supporting a Global Witness report naming the country Asia's deadliest. The organization emphasized adherence to responsible and sustainable mining standards.
Ministers of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) have agreed to commence work on a comprehensive review of the free trade deal starting in 2027, aiming to adapt to evolving global trade dynamics. The meeting was held in Manila.
The Philippine government has declared November 16 to 18, 2026, as special non-working days in the National Capital Region (NCR) to ease traffic congestion and ensure the safety of participants during the ASEAN and related summits.
The European Union (EU) and the Philippines have reportedly achieved a significant breakthrough in their Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations. While specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, expectations are rising for strengthened economic ties between the two parties.
Philippine Finance Secretary Frederick Go has signed a resolution to suspend excise taxes on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene, a move aimed at mitigating the impact of rising fuel prices amid escalating Middle East tensions.
The Philippine government has secured a AU$45-million (approximately P2 billion) grant from Australia to fund initiatives aimed at creating more economic opportunities and fostering sustainable growth through the 'PROGRESS' (PROGRESS) program.
An earthquake struck northern Cebu in the Philippines. Details regarding the extent of damage and the epicenter are currently being confirmed, raising concerns for the impact on residents.
The Philippine Department of Finance has issued detailed guidelines for the Enhanced Deductions Regime (EDR) for Registered Business Enterprises (RBEs). This provides investors with clearer understanding of eligibility and reporting requirements for tax incentives. However, certain deductions have been restricted.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court has summoned Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte to appear in the impeachment trial of his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte. The mayor is also ordered to produce records of contracts with Gencorp Industries Inc., a company the Vice President declared she was a stockholder of.
Northern Mindanao police are strengthening a comprehensive defense system involving the community to ensure student safety, prompted by recent school shootings nationwide. Commanders have been ordered to increase police visibility around campuses, especially during school openings.
The House of Representatives has approved a P975.96-billion budget for the Department of Education (DepEd) for fiscal year 2027. However, concerns have arisen over significant cuts to the School-Based Feeding Program (SBFP), potentially reducing its duration and scope.
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines has reported that several 'hard-to-fill' positions remain vacant due to a scarcity of qualified applicants and other contributing factors, particularly affecting roles like guidance counselors and special education/science teachers.
Malacañang reiterated the rule of law amid testimonies from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding Vice President Sara Duterte's business interests, stating that no one is above the law, especially concerning her alleged continued directorship after her election.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines is maintaining its stance of prioritizing four-wheel electric vehicles (EVs) for incentives to avoid investment redundancy, though it remains open to future incentives for electric motorcycle and tricycle manufacturers. This comes amid criticism from the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) regarding the P60-billion Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS).
A Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) official testified that he has no personal knowledge of companies listed in Vice President Sara Duterte's Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN). The agency also lacks access to public officials' SALNs.
Vice President Sara Duterte's camp asserted that a corporation's non-declaration of dividends is not illegal under Philippine law. Defense lawyer Justin Nicol Gular cited the Revised Corporation Code during cross-examination of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) witness.
An 18-year-old man has been arrested in Zamboanga City, Philippines, for allegedly killing his 27-year-old brother. The victim's severely dismembered body was discovered, and police are investigating the full circumstances of the incident.
The Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) and Davao City Mayor confirmed that Gencorp Industries received more contracts than initially reported by Rappler, with the company linked to Vice President Sara Duterte.
An entrepreneurial development workshop was held for elderly Blaan entrepreneurs in Tampakan, South Cotabato, aiming to boost productivity and foster economic growth. The initiative is expected to contribute to the community's sustained peace and development.
Vice President Sara Duterte's declaration of GenCorp. Industries Inc. as a business interest in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) constitutes an admission against her interest and should carry greater evidentiary weight, the House prosecution panel stated. The company secured government contracts while she was Vice President.
Newly elected lawmakers in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines, are urging residents to unite and foster reconciliation following the September 14 polls, which have fragmented the region politically. They emphasize the need for collective support for peace and sustainable development programs.