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The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is set for its first parliamentary elections on September 14, following four postponements. Senators are urging for a peaceful and orderly conduct, calling for impartiality from electoral participants and authorities, and emphasizing the need for neutral security rather than excessive military presence.
The provincial government of Isabela, Philippines, is intensifying its response to the El Niño phenomenon as prolonged dry conditions have affected over 118,000 farmers and fisherfolk, threatening approximately 31,000 hectares of farmland. Measures include improving irrigation, introducing alternative crops, and providing fisheries support.
The African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in Isabela, Philippines, has spread to 18 towns and 85 villages, affecting 120 hog raisers. Provincial authorities are intensifying containment measures, posing a severe threat to small-scale farmers.
The Philippines' outstanding external debt reached a new record of $154.93 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2026, driven by new borrowings from the national government and the private sector. The debt-to-GDP ratio rose to 31.6%. The central bank maintains that the debt remains broadly manageable.
The Philippine government is reviewing an industry proposal to extend the zero import duty on electric vehicles (EVs) and their components beyond 2028, aiming to accelerate the domestic market's shift to EVs and align with the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (EVIS).
The Philippines' Department of Economic Planning and Development anticipates an employment rebound in the fourth quarter, driven by a partial resolution of construction sector slowdowns and seasonal hiring for the Christmas period. Concerns about AI's impact on jobs are also noted.
Philippine pork production is projected to rise 4.4% to 1.06 million metric tons in 2027, while beef output is expected to remain largely unchanged from its 2026 estimate, according to the US Department of Agriculture. Increased pork production is attributed to government repopulation efforts and biosecurity measures, though El Niño poses a potential risk.
Subsidies to Philippine government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) fell 30.52% year-on-year to P6.76 billion in July. However, the cumulative total for the first seven months surged 94.98% to P121.34 billion, nearing 39.3% of the full-year budget.
The Philippines is expected to maintain its coal consumption this year, continuing its reliance on coal-fired power plants for baseload electricity needs, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Increased demand from neighboring countries also contributes to this trend.
The Philippines' Bureau of Customs is promoting its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade facilitation and build trust between customs and businesses. The country is also pursuing Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) with ASEAN and China, aiming to strengthen international competitiveness.
Taal Volcano recorded seven volcanic earthquakes and a prolonged tremor in the past 24 hours. However, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) maintained Alert Level 1, citing weak sulfur dioxide emissions and no observed volcanic smog.
A boat operator was arrested in Mindoro, Philippines, for allegedly hiring unlicensed fishermen. Fishing gear and catch worth an estimated P940,000 were seized. The arrest is in connection with violating a law that prohibits commercial fishing vessel operators from employing unlicensed fisherfolk or crewmen.
The Philippine Coast Guard has expanded its search for survivors of a ferry fire off Palawan to the coastal areas of Mindoro. 41 more bodies were recovered, bringing the total death toll to 76.
The Marcos administration has released P154 million directly to 770 barangays in Cavite to fund public safety, development, and scholarships for college students, aligning with the President's view that education is key to poverty alleviation.
Bulacan province in the Philippines has recorded five deaths from leptospirosis, with cases nearing 400, attributed to ongoing flooding. Coastal towns are particularly affected, and authorities are distributing prophylactic medication to curb the spread.
A 40-hectare former landfill in Carmona, Cavite, Philippines, has been transformed into a multi-purpose public complex focusing on disaster preparedness, food security, environmental rehabilitation, and clean energy, with the Marcos administration aiming to make it a model for local government units nationwide.
As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) approaches its first regular parliamentary elections, stakeholders are confident of a peaceful, orderly vote with high turnout. Over 2.3 million voters will elect the region's first parliamentary government, a key milestone.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has warned of 'chaos' due to overlapping wage hike orders in Metro Manila, urging the Department of Labor and Employment for clear guidance.
The final day of the 2026 Philippine Bar Exams took place nationwide on Sunday, September 13. The exams saw a record number of examinees, including mothers who recently gave birth and persons with disabilities, highlighting diverse backgrounds.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has summoned the operator of a passenger bus involved in a multi-vehicle collision in Manila that resulted in one fatality and eight injuries, demanding an explanation for why its Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) should not be suspended or revoked.
First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos conveyed her affection for President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on his 69th birthday, calling him her "favorite person." The President marked his birthday while attending the BRICS Summit in India as an outreach participant.
Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano have returned to the Philippines following their trip to Singapore. While Pia cited supporting the national team at a Padel Tour event, Alan Peter's reasons remain undisclosed. Alan Peter is currently under investigation for alleged irregularities during his past public service, making his return a focal point.
Authorities in Pangasinan, Philippines, seized an estimated P17.6 million worth of smuggled cigarettes from a van. The two individuals aboard failed to present valid documents, leading to an investigation for alleged violation of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, aligning with the Philippine National Police's directive to curb illicit trade.
Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies and local officials to tighten enforcement of construction and building standards, aiming to build more disaster-resilient infrastructure against earthquakes and floods. The administration will enhance surveillance of substandard materials and companies violating standards.
Malacañang wished President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. good health and divine protection as he turns 69. The Presidential Communications Office urged Filipinos to support the administration and disregard misinformation, as Marcos attends the BRICS Summit in India.
Three town mayors in Maguindanao del Sur have surrendered six high-powered firearms, including a caliber .50 machine gun, collected from their constituents. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security in the province, particularly ahead of upcoming elections.
The death toll from a ferry fire off Coron, Palawan, has risen to 76 after 41 more bodies were discovered. Authorities have commenced the painstaking process of identifying the victims, many of whom are believed to have perished quickly due to the rapid spread of the fire from the cargo hold.
Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano have returned to the Philippines after a trip to Singapore. Alan Cayetano's departure had drawn attention due to an ongoing investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the 2019 Southeast Asian Games organizing committee he chaired.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ordered former chairman Sheriff Abas, who is running for Congress, to explain vote buying allegations after photos circulated showing cash attached to his sample ballots. Abas denies the claims, calling them "fake news."
A rare golden-crowned flying fox, an endangered species, has been documented in the forests of Apayao province, highlighting the region's rich biodiversity and potentially bolstering conservation efforts for the Philippine eagle's habitat.
The Philippine Ombudsman is traveling to France to lay the groundwork for the extradition of a former congressman and a sitting senator facing corruption charges. Both are reportedly seeking asylum or residing in France, presenting challenges due to the absence of an extradition treaty.
The ferry fire off Palawan, Philippines, has confirmed 35 fatalities, but the identification process for the charred remains is proving difficult, raising fears of a higher death toll. Of the 132 people on board, 54 remain missing.
Frequent class suspensions in the Philippines due to monsoons and typhoons are causing concern over learning loss. Senator Gatchalian has proposed a bill to allow localized, flexible decisions on class resumption and suspension based on regional conditions.
Philippine transport group Manibela announced a nationwide strike on September 14-15 to protest impending fuel price increases. The group criticizes consecutive hikes attributed to the Middle East conflict and alleged non-payment of government fuel subsidies.
Senator Loren Legarda has sought moral support from her colleagues amid plunder allegations over incomplete solar energy projects and her health issues, according to Senator Panfilo Lacson. Legarda is reportedly in Paris on an extended medical leave.
The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) will conduct an objective and professional health examination of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is facing plunder charges. The court ordered an independent assessment to verify his medical condition after his arrest.