A former Sandiganbayan presiding justice testified that failing to separately declare cash on hand and cash in bank in a public official’s Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN) violates the law. This emerged during a trial concerning the SALN of Vice Presidential candidate Sara Duterte.
Abdul Rauf Adiong, nephew of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr., is poised to win the 3rd District seat in the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, leading by a significant margin with 92.38% of election returns counted.
Physician Princess Pala Gandamra, matriarch of the influential Gandamra political dynasty, has secured an overwhelming lead in the race for the parliamentary seat representing Marawi City and Lanao del Sur's first district in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), indicating her strong grip on regional politics.
Vice President Sara Duterte's defense counsel cross-examined former Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang on her political leanings regarding Impeachment Article II, which concerns Duterte's alleged unexplained wealth. The defense lawyer pressed Tang on her relationship with former President Rodrigo Duterte and any potential anti-Duterte sentiments.
Sugpon, Ilocos Sur Mayor Daniel Lano Jr. highlighted how long-standing boundary disputes and unclear jurisdiction between his town and Kibungan, Benguet, complicate efforts to eradicate marijuana cultivation in mountainous areas. The issue transcends drug enforcement, demanding inter-town cooperation and jurisdictional clarity.
During the trial concerning alleged unexplained wealth of Sara Duterte, a former Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice testified that investigations can extend to assets of spouses and minor children, clarifying the scope of probes into public officers' hidden wealth.
Motorists in the Philippines are bracing for a significant price increase, with gasoline set to rise by approximately P5.68 per liter and diesel by P4.31 per liter starting Tuesday, according to the Department of Energy.
A subpoena for former Sandiganbayan presiding justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang was served through the office of House prosecutor and Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno to shield her from potential harassment during Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, sparking debate over trial procedures and witness protection.
The first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) proceeded on Monday, despite "isolated incidents" of violence, including fatalities in Cotabato City and the discovery of pre-shaded ballots in Maluso, Basilan. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) downplayed the events, asserting that the broader electoral process remained on track.
The Philippines' Department of Health has sounded the alarm on rising obesity rates, particularly among children. In response, the government is considering an increase in excise taxes on sweetened beverages to promote public health and curb consumption.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines announced the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on system loss charges in electricity bills, expected to ease the burden on consumers. The measure takes immediate effect.
The Philippine government plans to increase the solicitation of airport development projects from the private sector through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives, aiming to modernize regional airports and boost tourism and local economies.
The Philippines has indefinitely suspended exports of fresh purple yam (ube) to address a shortage of planting materials for domestic cultivation, aiming to scale up commercial production and meet local demand.
The Philippines' foreign debt service bill rose 3.02% year-on-year to $7.298 billion in the first half, primarily due to increased principal payments, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The external debt burden as a share of GDP remained at 3%, while outstanding external debt reached a new record high.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) has signed an MOA with the DPWH for four farm-to-market road (FMR) projects in Concepcion, Tarlac, worth P71.52 million with a combined length of 5.43 kilometers, advancing them to the bidding stage.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. discussed a long-term rice supply contract with Vietnamese President To Lam to stabilize food prices. The two nations have already agreed on a rice trade mechanism through April 2027.
Philippines' September inflation is projected to accelerate to 6.5%, driven by elevated oil prices, a weak peso, and weather-related supply pressures. This strengthens the case for a potential 25-basis-point rate hike by the central bank in October.
The Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that the planned Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) development in Cavite is projected to generate P150 billion in direct investments and an indirect economic impact of P500 billion. Indian infrastructure firm GMR Group has expressed renewed interest, while collaboration with India on digital payment infrastructure modernization is also progressing.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez stated he 'respects' the Sandiganbayan's order to transfer him to the New Quezon City Jail. He has been confined at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) since Saturday and maintains his innocence against plunder charges.
The Philippine National Federation of Hog Raisers disputes the USDA's 2027 pork production forecast of 1.06 million metric tons, estimating actual output closer to 1.32 million tons. The industry argues excessive imports are hurting domestic farmers.
The Philippines is partnering with the United States to develop an AI chip manufacturing hub. The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) will sign a master agreement with a US partner, emphasizing compliance with Philippine laws. This hub, located in New Clark City, will specialize in semiconductor manufacturing.
Following the implementation of the new CREATE MORE Act in the Philippines, the period during which export-oriented enterprises (EOEs) can claim VAT refunds has been clarified. This allows for VAT charged during the certification wait period to be refunded, though strict procedures apply.
The first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) were disrupted by pre-shaded ballots and election-related violence, prompting the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to take control of Cotabato City and Maluso, Basilan.
The Sandiganbayan ordered former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez transferred from Philippine General Hospital to New Quezon City Jail Male Dormitory, as doctors deemed him clinically stable and no longer requiring hospitalization. He faces plunder charges.
A P60 minimum wage hike in the Philippines' National Capital Region (NCR) offers immediate relief to workers, but a legal dispute over a prior P85 increase remains unresolved, leaving workers seeking full compensation. Analysts view the new order as a temporary measure.
The Philippines' Department of Health (DoH) has backed a higher tax on sweetened beverages amid rising rates of overweight and obesity among the population. The move aims to curb consumption and prevent non-communicable diseases, with proposals for increased rates adjusted for inflation.
A retired justice of the Sandiganbayan stated that ill-gotten wealth for public officials is not confined to public funds, and can include private funds if the illegally amassed amount exceeds P50 million, potentially constituting plunder.
The Philippines' Department of Transportation announced that India has expressed keen interest in funding key railway projects, particularly the long-delayed Mindanao Railway Project. This comes as the Philippines seeks alternative funding sources after withdrawing its official development assistance loan request from China.
A recent OCTA Research survey reveals that 64% of Filipinos are satisfied with the performance of their district representatives, a figure significantly higher than trust in the national legislature.
The Philippine Senate has approved a bill extending the term of village (barangay) and youth (Sangguniang Kabataan) council officials to five years and postponing the elections to November 2028. This move is expected to impact local political participation and policy implementation.
The Philippine Senate has approved the ratification of the ASEAN Treaty on Extradition (ATE), establishing a regional framework for the extradition of fugitives among member states and strengthening efforts against transnational crime.
Baguio City is advancing socialized housing projects on five new sites to address housing shortages and the growing informal settler population. Delays in existing projects also pose a challenge.
The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) in the Philippines has successfully blocked a P2.6-billion rate increase sought by its former power suppliers. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) approved the withdrawal of the proposed adjustment, sparing consumers from a significant burden.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) seized an estimated P40.8 million worth of suspected shabu and several firearms, arresting three individuals during a drug buy-bust operation in Taytay, Rizal early Monday. This incident highlights ongoing drug enforcement efforts in the Philippines.
The Sandiganbayan has ordered the transfer of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to the New Quezon City Jail in Barangay Payatas, following testimony from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) director.
Former Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez is expected to be committed to the Quezon City Jail for plunder charges related to P7.2 billion in alleged kickbacks. Romualdez maintains his innocence and vows to prove his integrity in court.