San Lazaro Hospital in Manila has reported a surge in leptospirosis fatalities, reaching 31 deaths this year. Nationwide cases are also on the rise, prompting calls for enhanced tropical disease prevention measures.
The European Union (EU) has pledged approximately P10.9 million (150,000 euros) in humanitarian assistance to victims of severe flooding caused by monsoon rains in Luzon, Philippines. The aid is expected to benefit over 32,000 individuals in heavily affected areas like the Ilocos region, Central Luzon, and Metro Manila.
California-based public safety technology firm NGA 911 received an international award for bringing a world-class emergency response system to the Philippines. The Philippines is the first country in Southeast Asia to adopt this system, serving as a model for neighboring nations.
Two Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) are under investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged involvement in illegal recruitment and human trafficking. One officer has been relieved, while a job order worker was terminated.
The US Department of Agriculture forecasts that the Philippines' chicken imports will reach 780,000 metric tons next year due to rising demand from the manufacturing and food service sectors. Brazilian chicken is expected to dominate the market due to its price competitiveness, while domestic production is also projected to increase.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is broadening its inquiry into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2019 Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games), extending the probe beyond the P55 million cauldron to encompass event organization, supplies procurement, ticket sales, and other financial dealings. Thirty additional individuals are being summoned for questioning and document submission.
The Philippine National Police's plan to deploy over 15,000 officers for the 54th anniversary of martial law declaration is an 'overkill' and a 'show of force' to stifle protest rights, according to a University of the Philippines Diliman committee.
Air quality in Mindanao, Philippines, has returned to "very unhealthy" levels due to ongoing forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Soccsksargen region is particularly affected, prompting health advisories.
The Philippine Stock Exchange Inc. (PSE) has approved the IPO application of Mynt Inc., the parent company of e-wallet giant GCash. This move is poised to make Mynt's IPO the largest in Philippine history, significantly bolstering its role in the nation's digital finance landscape.
Infrastructure and transport researchers in the Philippines are urging the government to strip the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) of its power to grant tollway extensions, arguing its authority should be limited to regulating toll rates. This call stems from concerns that the TRB's decisions on large-scale projects may conflict with the Department of Public Works and Highways' capacity and could lead to industry concentration.
The Philippines' Economic Development Council has approved changes to the operational and maintenance plans for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the public-private partnership (PPP) for the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). These adjustments aim to attract private investment and accelerate infrastructure development.
The Philippines and Canada are on track to conclude free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations this year, which would mark the Philippines' first FTA in North America. The deal aims to strengthen economic ties with a focus on sustainable development and digital transformation.
As the Philippines faces energy supply constraints exacerbated by Middle East tensions, Malaysian state-owned energy giant Petronas has reaffirmed its interest in supplying liquefied natural gas (LNG). This potential cooperation could help address the Philippines' growing demand for reliable fuel.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will implement dredging, deploy mobile pumps, and construct water detention basins to alleviate severe flooding in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, in coordination with local government units.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stated that strict European Union (EU) privacy rules are hindering its ability to obtain information on the asylum cases of former lawmaker Zaldy Co and ex-presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, both facing charges and reportedly seeking refuge in Europe.
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in the Philippines is offering nearly P8 billion in emergency loans to over 317,000 members and pensioners affected by recent typhoons and monsoon-induced flooding, aiming to support their recovery.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI) are intensifying their probes into personnel allegedly facilitating illegal recruitment flights. The investigations follow the arrest of an NBI agent involved in a modus operandi similar to the pastillas scheme, raising questions about official complicity.
A shooting incident at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, Philippines, has left four students injured. Social media footage from Friday afternoon showed students being transported for medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation.
A woman's body was discovered inside a refrigerator in an apartment in Rodriguez, Rizal, Philippines. The landlord found the body, and police have launched an investigation, suspecting foul play.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation into the school shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato, which resulted in three student fatalities and several injuries. He also called for enhanced preventive measures.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in Makati City has launched the Micro and Small Taxpayers Assistance and Mentoring Program (MS-TAMP) to support micro and small taxpayers. This initiative shifts the agency's focus from strict enforcement to assistance and voluntary compliance.
Extensive flooding occurred in Metro Manila on Friday afternoon, September 18, due to localized thunderstorms. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported that some areas, particularly in Quezon City, experienced water levels up to 8 inches, causing traffic disruptions.
A Philippine lawmaker has filed a resolution seeking an investigation into Meta's online safety efforts, with a potential ban on its services in the country if found ineffective against scams and fake content. The resolution also calls for Meta executives, particularly Mark Zuckerberg, to appear before the House of Representatives.
The IPO of GCash's parent company, Mynt Inc., has been approved by the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) anticipating it will enhance market access and business growth for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through digital payments.
Philippine senators have strongly condemned the shooting at Banga National High School in South Cotabato that left at least three students dead. The incident, the latest in a series of school shootings, has prompted calls for comprehensive measures addressing mental health, gun access, and online radicalization.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian flagged P295 million in commitment fees paid by the government for delayed or unfunded foreign-assisted transport projects. The issue was raised during the Senate finance subcommittee hearing on the Department of Transportation's budget, highlighting concerns over fund management and project efficiency.
A significant oil price hike is anticipated in the Philippines next week. Developments in the International Criminal Court (ICC) case involving former President Rodrigo Duterte, where his defense team seeks the removal of eight alleged killings, are also among the top stories.
The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly condemned the China Coast Guard's (CCG) aggressive actions leading to a collision with a Philippine civilian vessel in the West Philippine Sea, stating there was "no justification." The DFA highlighted the CCG's actions as violations of international law and urged China to de-escalate regional tensions.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is considering filing complaints against the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) for alleged misuse of up to P10 billion in funds for the 2019 SEA Games. The agency is weighing whether to bring the case to the Department of Justice or the Ombudsman.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed confidence that no riots would occur during the expected protest actions on September 21. The PNP spokesperson stated that proactive preparations and intelligence gathering would ensure peaceful demonstrations.
Civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Philippines have flagged limited access and late notice in the House of Representatives' deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget, echoing similar concerns from previous years and raising fears of tokenistic participation.
The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) has approved the listing application of Mynt, the parent company of mobile payment giant GCash. This IPO, expected to be the largest in Philippine history, is anticipated to boost market reach for MSMEs and accelerate the digitalization of the Philippine economy.
The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed hope for Mindanao's unified progress following the conclusion of the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections, urging leaders towards inclusive development.
Mynt Inc., the operator of the Philippines' leading mobile wallet GCash, has received approval from the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) for its initial public offering (IPO). This move positions the company for one of the largest listings in the country, signaling significant growth in the Philippine digital finance sector.
Three students were killed in a shooting incident at Banga National High School in South Cotabato. The suspect, a Grade 9 student, reportedly warned his friends beforehand that he might do something bad. The firearm used is believed to have belonged to his father.
Despite a steady increase in the use of modern contraceptives, 14.1 percent of Filipinos still rely on traditional family planning methods like withdrawal and the calendar method, according to the Commission on Population and Development (CPD). This highlights ongoing challenges in public health and population policy.