Senator Mark Villar is pushing for a bill to mandate free Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) coverage for government employees, aiming to protect them and their families from the financial burden of health emergencies. The proposal emphasizes ensuring the health and welfare of public servants.
Philippine House prosecutors are prepared to submit evidence against Vice President Sara Duterte in an impeachment trial. The panel stated they will await a formal subpoena before handing over the files, a move potentially linked to corruption allegations from the previous administration.
Military live-fire war games are set to take place this week in Melgar Bay, off the Dinagat Islands, with the provincial government's endorsement. The governor has issued an executive order urging provincial employees to support and participate in the drills.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over six areas in northern Luzon due to the approach of Super Typhoon Rosal. The typhoon is currently moving northwest over the waters east of the Philippines, with heavy rains and strong winds expected in some regions.
The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for approximately 400,000 beneficiaries receiving excess payouts from the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, but the DSWD maintained no funds were wasted and most issues have sound explanations.
The Philippine Presidential Palace expressed hope for the restoration of the Bureau of Customs' (BOC) proposed budget for the 2027 national budget, which was drastically cut from P29.9 billion to P5.9 billion. Officials emphasized the original allocation's necessity for strengthening anti-smuggling operations.
GCash's parent company, Mynt, has debuted on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) following the largest-ever initial public offering (IPO) in the country. The offering raised approximately ₱60.9 billion, promising new investment opportunities and benefits for Filipinos in digital financial services.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported a decline in nationwide cases of dengue and leptospirosis. Dengue cases saw a 2% decrease in the latest two-week reporting period compared to the previous one.
Philippine stocks edged higher on Tuesday, with bargain hunting lifting the benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) above the 5,800 resistance level. Meanwhile, GCash parent Mynt Inc. ended its market debut flat.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is seeking cooperation from Laos authorities in its investigation into an attempted smuggling of P3.5 billion worth of illegal drugs into the Philippines, with political figures reportedly involved.
The Philippines may see a 10.7 percent surge in peak electricity demand next year due to intensified summer heat from the El Niño phenomenon. However, the Department of Energy assures sufficient supply with new power projects coming online. Meanwhile, the agriculture sector highlights a significant funding gap for El Niño mitigation efforts.
A former district engineer of the Philippines' Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) testified that kickbacks, referred to as 'commitments,' for former congressman Zaldy Co and former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo increased from 20% to 25% during the speakership of Martin Romualdez. This percentage was determined by Co during past budget deliberations.
Philippine President Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi discussed defense, security, energy cooperation, and coordination for the upcoming ASEAN Summit during a phone call. The two nations, having elevated their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, aim to deepen regional collaboration.
The Philippine government stated it cannot force an apology from Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan for his remarks suggesting China could easily win a conflict with the Philippines. However, some lawmakers are calling for the ambassador's expulsion.
Former Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno has announced her bid for a Senate seat in 2028, positioning herself as a 'disruptor' against traditional politics. She aims to tackle complex issues in healthcare, education, industrial policy, and food security without relying on patronage or vast funding.
Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated there is no evidence linking the Duterte family to the 512-kilo shabu shipment seized in Laos, while noting the alleged drug financier has long been a political ally of the family.
Super Typhoon Rosal (international name Champi) has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), bringing potential rainfall to some regions. The Coast Guard has raised alert status in affected areas.
The Office of the Vice President's (OVP) proposed budget for 2027 was approved by the Philippine Senate committee in just 16 minutes. Vice President Sara Duterte was absent, attending the inurnment rites of her city planner instead of the hearing.
Philippine tax authorities and experts support a review of the country's bank secrecy laws, believing it will enhance their ability to combat tax evasion and illicit financial flows. However, they also call for safeguards against arbitrary investigations and information misuse.
The Philippine Sugar Millers Association, Inc. (PSMA) has urged the Department of Finance (DOF) to reconsider a proposed sweetened beverage tax hike, warning it could further weaken the local sugar industry already struggling with rising costs and declining production.
Vehicle sales in the Philippines fell 6% year-on-year in September, but sales of electric vehicles (xEVs) quadrupled, driving market growth. xEVs also showed significant increases year-to-date, indicating a shift towards sustainable mobility.
A Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) director is suing the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chairperson over a new 10-year term limit for broker-directors, arguing it infringes upon shareholder rights.
Businessman Enrique Razon's Prime Oil & Gas Inc. is set to acquire a 30% stake in a natural gas operation in the West Philippine Sea, consolidating the tycoon's energy portfolio. The deal is subject to due diligence and regulatory approvals.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) extended its winning streak to four sessions, surpassing the 5,800 mark, buoyed by the historic market debut of Mynt Inc., the parent company of GCash. While investors anticipated Mynt's listing, some sectors experienced declines.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture is considering implementing quantitative restrictions on pork imports by November to protect the local hog industry, potentially suspending import clearances for certain pork cuts temporarily.
Amid fears of water scarcity due to the El Niño phenomenon, Metro Manila's two main water concessionaires, Manila Water and Maynilad, are reportedly in discussions to enter into a water-sharing agreement for emergency supply. Both companies currently draw water primarily from Angat Dam.
Leading Philippine e-wallet GCash is exploring the possibility of obtaining a digital banking license. Its parent company, Mynt, fresh off a major IPO, is strengthening its lending and payment products to expand access to financial services.
Tycoon Enrique Razon Jr.'s power business has secured a partnership with South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco 2) through a consumer vote, paving the way for modernization and improved services in Mindanao's electricity infrastructure.
Philippine broadband provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. plans to invest at least P5 billion to expand its data center network into Cavite and Laguna. The move anticipates rising demand for AI computing, with plans for the company's largest 80-megawatt data center.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced the completion of printing 120,720 official ballots for a plebiscite to convert Naga City in Camarines Sur into a highly urbanized city. Printing for a special election in Batanes will also resume.
Ninety-nine overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have returned to the Philippines from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, according to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Their repatriation highlights the ongoing need to protect and support workers facing difficult situations abroad.
Malacañang defended the appointment of Zofia Canlas as Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) commissioner, citing President Marcos' emphasis on honesty, competence, and dedication. The Palace stated that her ability to perform her duties, rather than her age or travel history, is the key consideration.
A Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) official revealed that top Philippine companies like ICTSI, San Miguel, and Ayala are being courted for listings on foreign exchanges such as Hong Kong and Singapore. This move could impact the Philippine Stock Exchange's (PSE) revenue, prompting the SEC to consider reforms to revitalize the PSE.
The Philippines is witnessing a rapid expansion of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing, with financial institutions and corporations promoting sustainable business practices. Capital is increasingly flowing into renewable energy, gender equality, and climate action, addressing local challenges while aligning with global sustainability trends.
The Philippines' Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is unlikely to revise its revenue collection targets for 2026. While the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) faces collection challenges, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) remains on track. Resumption of infrastructure spending is seen as key to revenue improvement.
The Philippine Coast Guard anticipates approximately 1.5 million sea travelers heading to the provinces for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. Over 17,000 personnel will be deployed nationwide to ensure safety and provide assistance at ports.