Remarks made by Senator Rodante Marcoleta on a television program were played as evidence in his P75 million plunder case hearing. The statement allegedly suggests Marcoleta received funds from his 'friends,' forming a key piece of evidence in the ongoing trial.
The Sandiganbayan has ordered the commitment of former Speaker Martin Romualdez, accused of plunder involving P7.2 billion in alleged kickbacks, to the Quezon City Jail. His arraignment is scheduled for September 16.
Philippine Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano have raised concerns about alleged threats and intimidation directed at some senator-judges involved in an impeachment trial, hinting at potential pressure on opposition figures.
During Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, the defense invoked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), questioning an expert witness's testimony on the prohibition of business and financial interests. The prosecution objected to the document's authenticity.
The Philippines is holding its first parliamentary election in the Muslim-majority Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This marks a significant step in a decade-long peace process aimed at ending separatist conflict and establishing elected self-government, with nearly 2.4 million voters expected to participate.
A recent OCTA Research survey reveals that 64% of Filipinos perceive their district representative's performance in the House of Representatives as a 'good job,' indicating a level of public satisfaction with elected officials.
As the Bangsamoro region in the Philippines holds its first parliamentary elections, watchdogs are reporting widespread irregularities including pre-shaded ballots, vote-buying, and armed individuals in polling centers, raising concerns about the integrity of the vote.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. returned to Manila after a trip to New Delhi where he represented ASEAN at the 18th BRICS Summit, seeking to strengthen economic ties with India. His visit underscored the importance of regional cooperation and boosted the Philippines' international standing.
The Philippines' Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has removed the 12% value-added tax (VAT) on system loss charges included in electricity bills. This move aims to reduce the burden of electricity costs for consumers, though the system loss charge itself will remain. This is a partial relief as the President had called for the complete removal of the charge.
The Supreme Court ruled that administrative sanctions cannot be imposed on a locally funded employee assigned to a lower court without the Supreme Court's approval, though they may still face contempt charges.
The Philippine peso fell to a fresh record low of P62.86 against the US dollar, marking its second consecutive day of depreciation. Rising global oil prices amid Middle East tensions and sustained local dollar demand are cited as key pressures.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte enters its 11th week with the court set to present evidence for Article II, which accuses her of amassing unexplained wealth and failing to fully declare assets in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN).
The Philippine Senate impeachment court has ordered the Philippine National Bank and UnionBank to submit Vice President Sara Duterte's bank records by September 17. These records are intended as evidence for the impeachment trial concerning "unexplained wealth."
Fuel prices in the Philippines are set for a significant increase starting September 15, affecting gasoline, diesel, and kerosene. The hikes are primarily driven by pressure on international oil markets due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, raising concerns about the impact on daily life.
The Philippines is facing a worsening shortage of tuberculosis (TB) medicines, with health groups urging the Department of Health (DOH) to develop efficient solutions to prevent delays in healthcare delivery. The issue, ongoing since late 2023, is attributed to multiple failed and canceled TB drug bidding processes by the DOH.
Philippines' coal demand is expected to remain stable this year as coal-fired power plants are deemed vital for meeting electricity needs amidst an ongoing energy emergency. The International Energy Agency (IEA) also anticipates rising coal demand across Southeast Asia.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts resilient Philippine coal demand, driven by high load factors of coal plants amidst rising power demand and supply constraints. Coal demand could reach 54 million tons by 2030, a 15% increase.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) approved P216.46 billion in investments from January to August, reaching 72.15% of its 2026 target. Stronger interest from Japanese, Chinese, and Taiwanese investors has boosted expectations, with PEZA potentially surpassing its full-year target and even the historical high.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised its policy rate to 5.0%, keeping further hikes on the table while signaling potential rate cuts in 2027 if inflation aligns with its target. Approximately 70% of surveyed analysts anticipate additional tightening this year.
The lease for Market! Market!, a major commercial complex in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Philippines, has been extended by 12 years and seven months from June 2027, ensuring operations until January 2040. Ayala Land will invest P1 billion to modernize the facility and integrate it with the future Metro Manila Subway.
The Philippine Coast Guard is conducting search and rescue operations for a missing fisherman after his boat was found burning in the waters off Calatagan, Batangas. Local fishermen spotted the burning vessel with no one aboard.
The defense panel for Vice President Sara Duterte questioned former Sandiganbayan Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang on her political affiliations and alleged ties to Leni Robredo's camp during impeachment proceedings. Cabotaje-Tang maintained she is apolitical.
Voting in the Bangsamoro parliamentary polls was delayed in Maluso town, Basilan province, after pre-shaded ballots were discovered in 36 precincts. The Commission on Elections has placed the town under its control and is arranging for substitute ballots.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has dismissed claims that the arrest of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was mere 'political drama,' calling the criticisms an attack against him. Romualdez was arrested on plunder charges related to alleged irregularities in P7.44 billion flood control projects.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. responded calmly to Vice President Sara Duterte's claims of a plot against her and her insults, stating, "You can't force anyone to love you." The remarks highlight growing political tensions.
International technology and outsourcing conglomerate iSON Group plans to invest $375 million in the Philippines over the next decade, aiming to expand its telecommunications network and develop businesses in agrotech, health, and contact centers.
A low-pressure area (LPA) has formed outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), with no direct impact expected on the Philippines on Monday. The state weather bureau reported the LPA is located approximately 3,230 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas.
Four people were killed and 19 injured in pre-election incidents in Cotabato City, including shootings and an explosion, as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections approach. The Commission on Elections has placed Cotabato City under its control.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines has announced the removal of the 12% value-added tax (VAT) on allowable system loss charges in electricity bills. This move is expected to alleviate the financial burden on power consumers.
Ayala Land Inc. has secured an extension of its lease for the Market! Market! commercial property in Taguig City for over 12 years. The company commits P1 billion to modernize the site, integrating it with upcoming mass transit infrastructure.
The Philippines' National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has pledged to prioritize infrastructure development and basic services for communities recovering from protracted armed conflict, aiming to foster peace and development through collaboration with national and local government bodies.
The impeachment court in the Philippines is set to begin presenting exhibits for Article II against the Vice President, who faces charges of betrayal of public trust for allegedly amassing unexplained wealth disproportionate to her lawful income.
Former Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang stated that cash on hand and in banks must be declared separately in a public official's Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN), and cannot be lumped with other properties, as it violates Republic Act No. 6713. This clarification emerged during the impeachment trial of the Vice President.
Fuel retailers in the Philippines announced significant price hikes, with gasoline increasing by over P5.60 per liter and diesel by P4.30. This marks the second consecutive week of major adjustments, raising concerns about the financial strain on households.
Fuse Financing, the lending arm of GCash, has provided safe and accessible borrowing options in the Philippines for a decade, enhancing financial inclusion for many excluded by traditional institutions. Through loan products requiring no IDs or collateral, it addresses needs like living expenses, medical costs, and tuition.
A former Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice, testifying in the Vice President's impeachment trial, asserted her testimony is not for sale, clarifying it concerns anti-corruption laws and not the impeachment allegations themselves.