Members of the House prosecution team in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte maintained that their public statements were limited to procedure and summaries of what had already been discussed, not the merits of the case, thus not violating the sub judice rule. The Senate impeachment court had previously directed counsels and senator-judges to refrain from commenting publicly on the case's merits.
Senator Robin Padilla announced his withdrawal from public office aspirations, citing a desire for a peaceful Islamic life and his young children. He stated he is not suited for politics. This comes amid recent legal scrutiny regarding obstruction of justice allegations.
A Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel ran aground near Hasa-Hasa Shoal in the West Philippine Sea while distributing fuel subsidies. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) conducted a rescue operation, during which a China Coast Guard (CCG) aircraft was observed conducting aerial surveillance.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Philippines will continue preparations for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) while awaiting the passage of a law to postpone the polls. Approximately P8 billion has been spent so far, with preparations ongoing to ensure readiness should the bill not pass or face a Supreme Court restraining order.
The upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO) of GCash's parent company, Mynt Inc., is expected to significantly boost the Philippine capital market. With a user base of 49 million, the company could facilitate greater stock market participation by broadening access to digital financial services for Filipinos.
The Philippines is bracing for a significant fuel price hike next week, with diesel expected to surge by over P10 per liter and gasoline by P4.50-P5 per liter. The increase is attributed to the drone attack on Saudi Arabia's oil pipeline, which has driven up global crude prices.
Philippine telco Smart Communications has launched its new LiveSmart App designed to help users save money amid rising costs. The app offers loading, bill payments, and access to exclusive deals, addressing the needs of Filipinos facing economic pressures.
Following a Supreme Court ruling that lawmakers have a constitutional duty to enact an anti-political dynasty law, Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David urged Congress to pass the legislation promptly. He denounced the 39-year legislative inaction as "grave abuse of discretion" and expressed concern that lawmakers' personal interests could impede its passage.
The Philippine Economic Development Council has approved changes to five development projects, including two public-private partnerships (PPPs) for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA), signaling progress in infrastructure development.
Amid the US Federal Reserve's first interest rate hike since 2023, analysts predict the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will adopt a measured approach, aiming to avoid market jitters and increased financial volatility.
The Philippine Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved over 26,000 new positions for the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Notably, 5,703 positions are allocated to bolster the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), aiming to enhance social welfare service delivery.
The Philippine government has canceled the planned 2026 coal auction as it revises awarding rules for coal contracts. This decision exacerbates the existing anxieties at Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC), the country's largest coal producer, which heavily relies on coal for its power generation.
The Philippines is set to propose the establishment of a center of excellence for the creative economy, aiming to become a hub for the region's $300-billion sector. The plan will be presented during the ASEAN summit in November, with a dedicated site planned for Pasay City.
Electrified vehicles are rapidly gaining traction on Philippine roads, driven by rising fuel costs that make gasoline cars increasingly expensive to operate. Government incentives and a growing consumer interest are fueling this shift towards cleaner transportation.
The Bouncing Checks Law (BP 22), once described as "defanged" in 2007, is set for stricter enforcement following a Supreme Court circular. This renews concerns over criminal penalties for issuing bounced checks, creating ripples in the business community.
The upcoming Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Mynt Inc., the parent company of leading Philippine digital wallet GCash, is anticipated to invigorate the domestic capital market by potentially drawing millions of its 49 million users into stock market investing. Amidst concerns of slowing economic growth, the IPO offers a new investment avenue, especially for retail investors outside the capital region.
The Makabayan bloc in the Philippines warns that the pending antidynasty bill in Congress may not fully implement the Supreme Court's directive to prohibit relatives from holding public office simultaneously, potentially only regulating such appointments.
A low pressure area (LPA) is impacting Palawan, triggering thunderstorms in the Visayas and other regions, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Meanwhile, Severe Tropical Storm Dujuan is being monitored at a distance.
Fuel prices in the Philippines are expected to surge next week, with gasoline potentially rising by P5/liter, diesel by P10/liter, and kerosene by P7/liter. Escalating Middle East tensions are heightening concerns over crude oil supply disruptions, impacting the global petroleum market.
In Ilocos Norte, the Marcos family maintains political dominance through a "political project" rooted in regional development, shared identity, and emotional connection, rather than mere regionalism or blind loyalty.
The Philippine presidential palace urged groups planning rallies on September 21, commemorating the anniversary of the martial law declaration, to ensure peaceful demonstrations and avoid violence. Authorities will exercise maximum tolerance.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) ranks as the second worst performer in Southeast and East Asia, with revised economic growth forecasts for 2026 further dimming prospects. Despite a brief rally driven by foreign buying, the market's weakness is attributed to persistent domestic structural issues.
Philippine President Marcos has ordered the swift release of updated guidelines for class suspensions during weather disturbances and calamities to prevent confusion among parents and students and ensure learning continuity.
The prosecution team from the House of Representatives in the Philippines' impeachment trial stated that the evidence presented against Vice President Sara Duterte is sufficient for conviction. The trial's focus has shifted to the debate over the required votes for conviction, currently two-thirds of the Senate as per the constitution.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court has ordered a congressman and a private prosecutor to explain alleged violations of the sub judice rule through public statements regarding the pending case. Prosecutors argue the same standard should apply to the Vice President.
A viral video purportedly showing former President Rodrigo Duterte thanking supporters after his appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has been confirmed as AI-generated.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in the Philippines will go on full alert status, deploying over 15,700 police personnel in anticipation of protests on September 21, the anniversary of Martial Law. The focus is on maintaining public safety and protecting infrastructure.
The Philippine Supreme Court has issued a landmark ruling compelling Congress to enact a law banning political dynasties, a prohibition enshrined in the Constitution for 39 years, demanding the legislature fulfill its constitutional duty.
The Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations Inc. (Confed) unanimously re-elected Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr. as president for Crop Years 2026-2027 and 2027-2028. This marks Valderrama's fifth and sixth crop years as Confed president, making him the longest-serving in the federation's history.
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced that its Mimaropa Regional Statistical Services Office has been recognized as the top regional office in the 2025 PSA Awards, marking the second time the office has achieved this distinction.
Vigan City, Philippines, hosted an exhibit celebrating its cultural heritage and arts as part of the World Heritage Cities Solidarity and Cultural Celebration and Tourism Week. Held at Balay Bigueño along Calle Crisologo, the event showcased traditional crafts and artworks.
Two individuals, identified as alleged members of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG), have surrendered to authorities in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. One yielded a firearm and ammunition, with police hoping for more surrenders.
Senator JV Ejercito vowed to eliminate further delays in the construction of the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) and the Metro Manila Subway, key infrastructure projects for the Philippines. He inspected the sites with the Transportation Secretary to confirm progress and address issues.
The People's Budget Coalition (PBC), a budget watchdog, urged greater scrutiny of Congress's spending plan for 2027, as deliberations for the legislature's own budget concluded without floor questions. They emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Ilocos distributed 100,000 tilapia fry to fisherfolk during the 70th Fishery Industry Forum, aiming to boost fish production and support livelihoods in the region.
Duero Mayor Al Cadorniga Taculad stepped down on September 16 following an Ombudsman order for his dismissal due to grave misconduct stemming from his financial interest in municipal projects awarded to his construction firm. The vice mayor has assumed the mayoralty.