Senator JV Ejercito acknowledged benefiting from his political clan's support but reiterated his backing for an anti-political dynasty law, a day after the Supreme Court ordered Congress to enact such legislation based on the 1987 Constitution.
Palace press officer Claire Castro stated that Vice President Sara Duterte appears "clueless" about administration programs due to her camp's lack of attention. This comes amid the appointment of Duterte's new spokesperson.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) issued a thunderstorm advisory on Thursday afternoon, Sept. 17, warning of heavy to intense rains due to localized thunderstorms over Metro Manila and 11 other areas in Luzon.
The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) is fast-tracking the drafting of safety regulations for the maritime transport of electric vehicles (EVs) following the tragic fire aboard the MV June Aster. Current rules do not explicitly prohibit EV transport, prompting the DOE to coordinate with industry bodies for specific guidelines.
In the case of missing sabungeros (cockfighting enthusiasts) in the Philippines, only one sister of a victim continues to attend hearings, with other families allegedly having been paid off. The case involves allegations of prominent figures.
Several roads in Manila City will be closed on Monday, September 21, for activities commemorating the 54th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, according to the Manila Police District.
Philippine Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson reaffirmed his unwavering stance against corrupt officials, stating his tolerance for corruption is extremely low from law enforcement to the Senate, and he will relentlessly pursue them.
Following a fatal ferry fire in Palawan last week, major Philippine shipping company Montenegro Shipping Lines (MSLI) has banned all electric and hybrid vehicles from its vessels due to safety concerns. The prohibition applies to critical routes, including Calapan-Batangas.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong stated that Vice President Sara Duterte is the "last person" who should ask President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resign due to a "conflict of interest." He pointed out that her seeking the President's resignation creates a conflict with her own position.
House prosecutors on Thursday suggested that the sub judice rule, applied by the Senate impeachment court, should also extend to recent statements made by Vice President Sara Duterte, particularly those questioning the court's integrity.
The Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) has voiced support for the revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. This move signals a potential re-evaluation of a plan once championed by the Marcos administration as a long-term solution to the nation's growing power demand and reliance on imported oil.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta stated he will not seek temporary release to vote on the 16-vote conviction threshold for the Vice President's impeachment trial, potentially impacting the impeachment proceedings.
Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez and three co-accused face plunder charges involving P7.44 billion in alleged kickbacks from government projects funded under the 2022-2025 national budgets. The Bureau of Immigration has enforced a hold departure order, with two individuals reportedly already abroad.
The Philippine government is considering more localized rules for suspending and resuming classes to reduce unnecessary disruptions to learning, as nearly three-fourths of public schools have experienced cancellations this school year, prompting calls for swifter action.
The Commission on Audit (CoA) has flagged P31 billion in discrepancies in the National Irrigation Administration's (NIA) property accounts and P22.8 billion in assets lacking supporting records. Deficiencies and nonoperational irrigation projects were also identified.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs expressed concern that Israel's E1 settlement plan and rising settler violence in the West Bank threaten the prospects for a Palestinian state and broader Middle East peace. The department urged all parties to refrain from actions that could undermine international law.
A long-stalled anti-political dynasty bill in the Philippines is facing significant hurdles in Congress, despite a Supreme Court order mandating its passage. While the President supports the measure, lawmakers cite numerous pressing matters, leaving its timeline uncertain as the Senate version remains pending.
A proposed P14.1-billion budget cut for the Philippines' Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) could diminish its capacity to implement labor and employment programs, including worker training and inspections. Concerns are raised about its ability to address rising unemployment, with a significant portion of the cut affecting TESDA.
Online gaming platform Roblox has expressed openness to appointing a local representative in the Philippines, a move discussed as part of efforts to strengthen the SAGIP Bata Act, aimed at preventing online sexual abuse and exploitation of minors. The company already has channels for coordinating with Philippine law enforcement and is integrating age and identity verification for Filipino users.
The Department of Justice (DoJ) clarified that the obstruction of justice complaint against Senator Robinhood Padilla is separate from any International Criminal Court (ICC) proceedings. The complaint stems from allegations that Senator Padilla assisted Senator Ronald dela Rosa in evading authorities.
Emirates has signed an MOU with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to provide support and repatriation assistance for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). The partnership will cover welfare, CSR, travel, and reintegration support.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) faces intense scrutiny from the Philippine Senate over its P233.85 billion budget proposal for fiscal year 2027, a 260% increase from the previous year. Senators questioned the agency's ability to utilize existing funds, demanding a more realistic budget request.
Abdulraof A. Macacua is expected to remain as the chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following the election of new lawmakers. The Bangsamoro Federalist Party, his party, has secured a significant number of seats, paving the way for his nomination.
The Philippine Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) will resume the distribution of electronic titles (e-Titles) to landowners on September 21, following concerns raised by a senator about a slowdown. Typhoons and processing delays were cited as reasons for the reduced pace.
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) has denied reports of a drone escape plot by a South Korean inmate, asserting that prison facilities are no-fly zones with robust surveillance.
Taiwan's trade promotion chief suggested the Philippines could play a key role in complementing Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain, potentially boosting bilateral trade and technological cooperation.
Veronica “Kitty” Duterte voiced support for her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, as he made his first in-person appearance at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his drug war trial preparations. She expressed "unapologetic" pride, while the former president attended the status conference ahead of his November 30 trial.
The Philippine Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) supports the House of Representatives' decision to defer budget hearings due to unresolved safety issues with Meta Platforms, Inc., particularly concerning child sexual exploitation. The DICT urges Meta to take more responsible action.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta allegedly solicited P20 million from businessman Aristotle Viray, a donor implicated in a P75-million corruption case, an Ombudsman investigator testified before the Sandiganbayan on Thursday. The testimony is part of the ongoing trial concerning alleged illicit fund diversions.
The Philippines anticipates attracting up to $324 million in investments through 14 newly signed energy service contracts, a move aimed at enhancing energy independence and reducing reliance on imported petroleum products.
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR) anticipates a 9-10% year-on-year decline in third-quarter gross gaming revenue (GGR), projecting it to fall to the mid-P80 billion range. Escalating Middle East tensions are cited as a source of market uncertainty.
The Philippines and other Asian upper-middle income countries (UMICs) face a difficult climb to high-income status due to geopolitical fragmentation, AI, and climate risks, according to the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI). Unlike past transitions, external support is minimal, necessitating a self-driven shift to a service-based economy.
The Philippines' Department of Transportation (DoTr) announced a rebid for the engineering and consultancy contract for the MRT-7 project after the initial auction failed. While the MRT-7 is slated to open next year, this delay raises concerns about potential impacts on the project timeline.
The Department of Agriculture inaugurated a P74.4-million rice processing facility in Cabanatuan City. Equipped with a state-of-the-art mill and dryers, it aims to support over 4,000 local rice farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase incomes.
Approved building permits in the Philippines fell 1.2% year-on-year to 15,890 in July, reaching a three-month low. High material and financing costs are cited as dampening property demand and construction starts.
The Philippines recorded 12 killings of land and environmental defenders in 2025, making it Asia's deadliest country for the 13th consecutive year, according to a watchdog report. Violence is linked to government counterinsurgency programs and extractive projects.