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.
Researchers have detected the bacteria causing leptospirosis in Estero de Paco, Manila, amid concerns of outbreaks following heavy rains, which are known to drive transmission of the disease.
The General Santos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed support for the proposed joint venture between South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) and IGNITE Power. The chamber believes the venture can address SOCOTECO II's operational challenges, provided member-consumer-owners' rights are protected.
Tycoon Manny Villar and his family expressed confidence in addressing graft charges related to PrimeWater's service issues, stating they have yet to receive the formal complaint but will respond appropriately within the legal process.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has asked the APO Production Unit, Inc., responsible for printing Philippine passports, to defer a proposed fee increase from P950 to P1,500 until 2028. This decision considers the upcoming launch of next-generation passports.
A University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman committee has condemned the Philippine National Police (PNP) for allegedly violently dispersing a rally protesting Pax Silica, calling it a violation of the right to free assembly and speech.
Aznar Shipping, a prominent Philippine shipping company, has filed for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to break the 'third-generation curse' of family businesses, aiming for sustained growth and intergenerational longevity.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has urged the public to refrain from sharing graphic videos and unverified information related to the school shooting incident in Banga, South Cotabato, emphasizing respect for victims and their families.
A Catholic priest and environmental advocate in Quezon, Philippines, has called on the Department of Energy (DOE) to conduct a new, thorough review of a proposed 1,200-megawatt coal-fired power plant along Lamon Bay, citing environmental concerns.
Local oil firms in the Philippines are planning a significant price hike for diesel, potentially reaching up to P10.50 per liter next week, citing escalating geopolitical conflicts. This increase is expected to impact consumers and logistics costs.
Child rights advocates in the Philippines have welcomed the House of Representatives' approval of a bill aimed at enhancing online safety for children, but expressed concerns regarding provisions on parental consent and short-form video restrictions.
A Grade 5 pupil drowned and three companions remain missing after being swept away by rampaging floodwaters while fishing in Kabacan, Cotabato. Four others were rescued. Search operations for the missing boys are ongoing.
Seventeen people have died from dengue-related complications in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City this year. The Provincial Health Office confirmed 11 deaths in the province, while Bacolod City reported five. The surge raises concerns about the spread of the mosquito-borne disease.
Philippine military and police lauded the support of Muslim, Christian, and non-Moro indigenous communities in maintaining security during the September 14 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections. Despite some election-related incidents, the exercise was deemed largely successful.
A YouTube video falsely claiming former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has stage 4 cancer has been debunked. Medical findings at the time of his arrest cited cardiovascular issues and anxiety, not cancer.
Five lawyers and a physician from the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been elected as members of the Bangsamoro regional parliament. They will commence their roles on October 30, aiming to advance peace and sustainable development in the region.
The Office of the Ombudsman has launched an investigation into an alleged 'ghost internet' scheme involving the government's IT system, where substandard or fake software may have been used, leading to potential overpayment by the government.
Baguio City artist Adelaida Guia has set a Guinness World Record for single-handedly crocheting a massive mandala with a total area of 29 square meters. The achievement highlights Filipino artistry and perseverance.
Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio urged Filipinos to continue upholding the 2016 arbitral ruling regarding the West Philippine Sea, amidst rising Manila-Beijing tensions over the country's exclusive economic zone. He stressed that there should be no compromise on national territory and sovereign rights.
The Philippines' Office of the Ombudsman has launched a fact-finding mission into 'ghost internet' projects worth billions of pesos, suspecting outdated or fake software was installed in government-purchased hardware, leading to potential overpricing.
Students across several Philippine universities are planning walkouts to protest government corruption and significant budget cuts projected for 2027, highlighting concerns over declining investment in education and misuse of public funds.
The Philippines' DOJ Opinion No. 16 could accelerate farmland reconsolidation and conversion, potentially displacing up to 3 million households and increasing reliance on food imports. Rice production may fall by 25%, affecting up to 1.5 million hectares.
Philippine Senator Sherwin Gatchalian proposed that senators should take public transportation at least once a week to better understand the plight of commuters. The Secretary of Transportation affirmed the continuation of this policy, highlighting the importance of firsthand experience.
Amidst social media speculation about a change in spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte, it has been clarified that lawyer Michael Wesley Poa did indeed step down as spokesperson but continues to serve as her legal counsel and defense team's spokesperson in her impeachment trial.
Aznar Shipping Corp., a Philippine ferry and cargo services firm, plans to raise P737 million through an Initial Public Offering (IPO) to fund its fleet expansion and a proposed shipyard project.
The Philippine peso weakened against the US dollar, reversing three days of gains, as the US Federal Reserve hiked interest rates and local concerns about rising fuel prices emerged. The stock market also declined, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.
Philippine shipping firm Island Water has banned electric and hybrid vehicles from its passenger vessels. This follows a September 9 fire incident on a ship that killed 77 passengers, with the company implementing the ban as a safety measure. This is the second shipping company to issue such a prohibition.
The Philippine Ombudsman has launched a preliminary investigation into alleged graft and administrative complaints against members of the Villar family, executives of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., and local water district officials. The probe centers on allegedly disadvantageous joint venture agreements and unpaid obligations concerning water services.
A school shooting in the southern Philippines' South Cotabato province resulted in the deaths of three students, including a 16-year-old suspect who took his own life. Eight others were injured. The provincial governor urged parents to keep firearms away from minors.
Philippine shares closed lower, with the PSEi falling to the 5,800 level due to FTSE index rebalancing and concerns over rising fuel prices. Investors are closely monitoring the impact of higher energy costs on corporate earnings and market sentiment.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has requested an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste and several others implicated in an alleged plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. The NBI is pursuing a complaint for qualified human trafficking against them.
A Philippine watchdog group, the People's Budget Coalition (PBC), has identified P970 billion in 'red flags' within the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, citing risks of political patronage, waste, and unvetted infrastructure. The group urges greater transparency and public scrutiny of the budget proposal.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) supports the development of an expeditionary navy capable of missions beyond home waters, aiming to protect sovereignty and national interests across its vast maritime domain.
Philippine lawmaker Terry Ridon clarified his recent statements regarding the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte were meant to explain the proceedings to the public, not to influence the court. Ridon submitted his reply to a show-cause order issued by the impeachment court.
A groundbreaking flood control system developed by St. John Cathedral in Dagupan City, Pangasinan, which drains rainwater into an underground cistern, is being eyed for nationwide replication. The Secretary of Public Works intends to promote this successful model across the country.
The Philippine Ombudsman's office has initiated a preliminary investigation into members of the Villar family, PrimeWater executives, and local water district officials for alleged violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Numerous water districts are reportedly under scrutiny.