Malnutrition incurs an annual economic cost of approximately $8.5 billion, or 3% of GDP, for the Philippines, underscoring the economic rationale for increased investment in nutrition, according to a World Bank advisor. Challenges include expanding school feeding programs, harmonizing regulations, and coordinating interventions.
Police in Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, have apprehended three individuals, including the province's 4th and 5th most wanted persons, in separate operations. The arrests are expected to bolster community safety.
A Philippine congressman argued that the country's anti-drug policy needs to go beyond mere enforcement, emphasizing prevention and rehabilitation during a sponsorship speech for the Dangerous Drugs Board's 2027 budget.
Senator Bam Aquino urged the government to develop a Filipino-made artificial intelligence (AI) model, warning that reliance on foreign alternatives could influence the nation's culture, language, and perspectives. He raised this concern during a budget hearing for the 2027 spending plan.
Leyte Representative and former speaker Martin Romualdez pleaded not guilty to plunder charges involving P7.4 billion in kickbacks from flood control projects. The Sandiganbayan allowed his arraignment via video conference and denied his request for transfer to a tertiary hospital.
A former Supreme Court justice has warned that a changeable vote threshold in Philippine impeachment trials could be easily manipulated by ruling political factions, potentially leading to the abuse of power and unconstitutional outcomes.
Senate President Francis Escudero has issued show-cause orders against several members of the House prosecution panel for alleged violations of the sub judice rule in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Escudero also approved the issuance of a subpoena for Mayor Sebastian Duterte, the Vice President's brother.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ruled to continue the detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Judges found a high likelihood of the former president absconding or obstructing proceedings, citing no significant change in circumstances. This move comes as Duterte faces trial for crimes against humanity related to his war on drugs.
Heavy rains in late August caused flooding on a section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), affecting millions of Filipinos. NLEX attributes the incident to infrastructure limitations and climate change impacts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive basin-wide solutions rather than single-party blame.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte appeared before the International Criminal Court (ICC) for the first time in 18 months to face murder charges related to his war on drugs. The court urged for a swift trial due to his age and health.
Philippine senators expressed concern over abrupt flight cancellations during bad weather, urging aviation authorities for earlier decisions and better communication. They highlighted the significant inconvenience to passengers, especially those who travel to the airport only to find their flights canceled.
Cash remittances to the Philippines rose 1.9% to $3.24 billion in July from a year ago, according to the central bank. For January-July, remittances increased 2.3% to $20.4 billion.
Two Cotabato residents voluntarily surrendered 12 rescued wildlife species to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office, highlighting growing community initiative and adherence to wildlife protection laws.
Philippine lawmakers are divided over the proposed inclusion of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as a member of the Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB). The debate arose during budget deliberations, highlighting differing views on balancing human rights with anti-drug efforts.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has warned of potential river flooding and landslides across Western Visayas due to rains and thunderstorms from the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), urging residents to take precautions.
A temporary Bailey bridge has opened in Santa, Ilocos Sur, Philippines, serving as a temporary crossing for residents, commuters, and motorists following the closure of the damaged Calungbuyan Bridge due to continuous rains.
On the 26th day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, four retired Supreme Court justices testified as amici curiae. Three former chief justices offered opinions on the voting threshold required for conviction.
Three boys aged 8 to 11 have died from dengue fever in Silay City and Bacolod City, Philippines. Local health authorities are intensifying measures against the mosquito-borne disease.
Four retired Supreme Court justices have stated that the Philippine Senate possesses the "sole power to try and decide all cases of impeachment," a crucial legal point in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Rains are expected over parts of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao on Thursday, Sept. 17, due to the prevailing intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), the state weather bureau said. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) also noted the possibility of a tropical depression forming.
Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte can testify before the Senate Impeachment Court regarding dealings between the local government and companies where his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, is listed as a stockholder, a member of the prosecution panel said.
In response to widespread flooding in Pangasinan, Philippines, Manila Water subsidiaries have provided safe drinking water to evacuees. A state of calamity has been declared in affected municipalities, with aid efforts underway.
The Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) is strengthening its efforts to make senior high school graduates job-ready by partnering with over 170 institutions. This initiative aims to equip young Filipinos with practical skills and facilitate their entry into the workforce, contributing to economic growth.
The new spokesperson for Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte dismissed claims he was appointed to counter Palace Undersecretary Claire Castro, stating Castro's remarks are "hard to take seriously." This exchange highlights underlying tensions between the Vice Presidential office and the Presidential Palace.
Arguments by former Supreme Court chief justices on reducing conviction thresholds in impeachment trials benefit the prosecution, according to Batangas Rep. Gerville Luistro. This statement was made during discussions on the necessary vote count for conviction when senator-judges are absent.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines has heightened its alert against illicit vape and tobacco products, anticipating an increase in consumer activity during the 'Ber' months leading up to Christmas. The agency is intensifying its enforcement efforts to curb the influx of these contraband items.
The Philippine Senate has approved on third reading the proposed Child Tourist Safety Act (SB 1926), aiming to bolster safety standards, emergency preparedness, and access to medical assistance for child tourists. The bill is also known as "Sandy's Act."
The Pamitinan Protected Landscape (PPL) in Rizal, Philippines, will reopen to the public on September 19, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Calabarzon. Ecotourism activities are set to resume.
Senator JV Ejercito pledged to ensure funding for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) and the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) to prevent further delays. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, he vowed to guarantee budget allocation for these crucial infrastructure endeavors.
A total of 202 new police recruits in the Caraga region of the Philippines formally took their oath of office, marking the commencement of their careers in the Philippine National Police. This initiative is part of the 2026 Attrition and Regular Recruitment Program, aiming to bolster regional public safety.
A bus has fallen into a 70-meter-deep ravine in Diadi town, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines. The vehicle was en route from Santiago City to Dagupan City when it reportedly experienced mechanical issues on a steep incline. Multiple casualties are feared.
The Philippine Coast Guard rescued two fishermen from a fishing boat that was on the verge of sinking off the coast of Atimonan, Quezon. They were discovered during a pre-departure inspection of a passenger vessel.
Families of two men killed in an armed encounter between government troops and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members arrived in Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, to claim their remains. The incident highlights the ongoing conflict with communist rebels in the Philippines.
The Philippine House of Representatives has deferred deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) due to ongoing concerns over Meta's (Facebook's parent company) insufficient action against online harms, including child sexual exploitation. Meta is urged to strengthen measures against harmful content endangering Filipino youth and cooperate with authorities.
The municipal government of Tinglayan, Kalinga has advised tourists to postpone travel to seven barangays due to an ongoing tribal dispute, potentially impacting the region's tourism, known for its traditional tattooing.
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) fell below the 6,000 level on Wednesday, driven by investor concerns over sluggish domestic economic growth and escalating geopolitical tensions, signaling a downturn in market sentiment.