The Philippines' Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is advancing disaster preparedness by leveraging AI and modern technologies to save lives even before disasters strike. This initiative aims to improve disaster prediction accuracy and enable rapid information sharing, contributing to public safety.
A student who killed two classmates and wounded six others in a school shooting in South Cotabato had planned the attack for over a month, reportedly due to family and personal issues, with friends aware of his intentions.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned a Chinese Coast Guard vessel's harassment of a Philippine civilian vessel conducting humanitarian activities in the South China Sea. It cited the act as a violation of international law and urged China to de-escalate regional tensions.
The House prosecution panel is set to present witnesses this week to testify on Vice President Sara Duterte's declared business interests, government contracts, and registered firearms. Witnesses from bodies like the Civil Service Commission and Securities and Exchange Commission are expected to shed light on her ventures and potential government dealings.
US investment giant KKR has sold its entire stake in Philippine power firm First Gen for approximately P25.8 billion. The new major shareholder, Angsana Finance, a subsidiary of Gateway Holdings, is expected to influence First Gen's strategic direction.
Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) of the Philippines has secured two prestigious awards at The Asian Banker Global Transaction Finance Awards 2026 for its excellence in cash management and supply chain finance, solidifying its standing as a leading provider of corporate financial services.
Philippine payment gateway PayMongo has improved its system reliability, resolving 75% of incidents before they impact merchants and reducing average service restoration time from hours to minutes. This helps businesses mitigate risks of lost sales and transaction disruptions due to payment delays.
The state-run Land Bank of the Philippines has received the Karlsruhe Sustainable Finance Award for Outstanding Sustainable Project Financing, recognizing its significant contributions to the country's energy security and clean energy transition. The bank has already mobilized financing for over 2,000 megawatts of renewable energy capacity.
Amidst digital transformation in the Philippine financial sector, the importance of in-person customer relationships is being re-emphasized. Security Bank is pursuing a strategy to transform branches from mere transaction points into hubs for expert advice and relationship building.
Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) is urging the government to include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and gasoline-powered cars in new Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) slots. Current regulations restrict these slots to EVs (BEVs, PHEVs), but TMP argues that the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) classifies HEVs as EVs, advocating for broader options.
Philippine banks' total assets expanded by 10.7% to P30.72 trillion in July, driven by sustained lending and deposit growth. This indicates a robust domestic economy, with loans and investments showing significant year-on-year increases.
The Philippines' Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry is confident of achieving its $42 billion revenue target this year, buoyed by increasing interest in Global Capability Centers (GCCs). Developing an AI-enabled workforce and improving infrastructure are seen as key to future growth.
The Philippines' unemployment rate rose to 6% in July, but the government anticipates an improvement in the second half of the year driven by better economic activity and increased infrastructure spending. However, second-quarter economic growth slowed to 2.3%, with persistent inflation remaining a concern.
The Philippine Coast Guard has completed evidence gathering from the ferry M/V June Aster, which caught fire off Coron, Palawan. The investigation aims to support maritime safety and crime inquiries.
Movem Electric Inc. has partnered with Filinvest Group to launch an electric vehicle (EV) charging facility at Festival Mall in Muntinlupa, aiming to make charging more accessible and support the country's shift towards cleaner mobility. This initiative aligns with the government's push for EV adoption.
The province of Cebu and the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Center in the Philippines have signed a memorandum of agreement to develop a pipeline of PPP projects, aiming to accelerate infrastructure and development initiatives.
Four suspected terrorists linked to the local group Dawlah Islamiya were killed in an encounter with security forces in Cotabato, Philippines. The suspects were reportedly extorting "protection money" from residents, bringing a sense of relief to the local community.
The Philippine Army announced the enlistment of 293 new privates who have completed four months of basic military training, enhancing the nation's defense and operational capabilities.
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in the Philippines has increased its emergency loan assistance for flood victims in Luzon and Mindanao to nearly P8 billion, covering areas affected by the southwest monsoon and several typhoons.
East West Banking Corp. of the Philippines has partnered with financial comparison platform Moneymax to expand personal loan offerings through an online channel. This allows consumers to more easily compare and apply for loans.
The Philippines' current account deficit surged by 51.7% to $15.44 billion in the first half, primarily due to import bills outpacing export growth, pushing the deficit to 6.4% of GDP.
The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) administration has approved the use of "lived names"—names individuals use in daily life rather than their official legal ones—for this year's commencement exercises, following student calls. This is seen as a significant step towards promoting diversity and inclusion.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) will equip all airport personnel with body-worn cameras following a human trafficking incident at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). This measure aims to enhance transparency and accountability in officers' transactions and deter misconduct.
Philip Morris International (PMI) has expanded its global business services hub in Makati, Philippines, enhancing its capacity to deliver high-value services across finance, IT, HR, and supply chain. The company aims to leverage AI for efficiency and talent development, accelerating its global growth.
Haze from ongoing forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, has reached the Visayas and Mindanao regions of the Philippines, with some areas recording 'very unhealthy' air quality. Authorities are advising residents to wear masks and limit outdoor activities.
Three municipal police chiefs in Cavite, Philippines, face administrative charges for neglect of duty following a shooting incident where a policeman and a mayor's aide were killed. The incident allegedly involved a corporal who fatally shot two individuals during an argument.
A police corporal in Quezon City has been relieved from his post for driving a motorcycle without a license plate. The district police director emphasized the importance of law adherence, reiterating the mandate for all officers to comply with traffic laws.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Philippines has recommended a lifetime ban for an e-taxi driver accused of sexually assaulting a passenger. The driver and the vehicle's owner have been summoned for a hearing.
The annual Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession in Naga City, Philippines, has been rescheduled from its usual late-afternoon slot to Saturday night due to critically low water levels in the Naga River, ensuring the safe passage of the pagoda carrying religious images.
The Philippine weather bureau forecasts heavy rains in Metro Manila and parts of Luzon on Saturday afternoon, driven by localized thunderstorms and the southwest monsoon. Residents are advised to monitor weather updates.
Two fishermen remain missing after departing for a fishing trip off Occidental Mindoro waters. The Philippine Coast Guard Station Occidental Mindoro is appealing to the public for any information that could help locate the missing individuals.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano claimed that those opposing Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson might become targets of his investigations, particularly concerning alleged ghost infrastructure and reclamation projects in Taguig City, Cayetano’s political turf.
Dianne Tacazon Tolentino from Ilocos Sur topped the August-September 2026 Philippine Nurses Licensure Examination (PNLE). A magna cum laude graduate, her achievement has brought immense pride to her home province.
A police officer surrendered after allegedly shooting a barangay councilor dead in Palapag, Northern Samar, on Friday afternoon. The victim, 50, was found near a waiting shed. The motive is under investigation.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Banga National High School in South Cotabato on Saturday, a day after a shooting incident on campus claimed the lives of three students and wounded several others. He met with teachers, parents, and school officials.
The distribution of a P12/liter fuel subsidy for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers in the Philippines has been suspended due to an election ban on social services spending ahead of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Drivers are expressing frustration, calling for increased subsidies or fare hikes.