At least 30 bodies have been recovered from the MV June Aster ferry after a fire that engulfed the vessel off Coron, Palawan, was extinguished. The confirmed death toll has reached 35, with around 60 passengers and crew still missing. An investigation into the cause and liability is underway.
Vice President Sara Duterte has called for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to resign, citing alleged corruption and abuse of power. The demand comes amid legal cases filed against her and her family, escalating political tensions in the Philippines.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, India, and met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He presented the Philippines' priorities as ASEAN chair and sought to deepen the strategic partnership with India.
The death toll from a ferry fire off Coron, Palawan has climbed to 35, with 53 individuals still unaccounted for. The Philippine Coast Guard provided the latest figures as investigations into the cause of the blaze continue.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was transferred to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) on September 11 for an independent medical assessment to determine his fitness for transfer to a detention facility. He had been confined in a private hospital since his arrest on September 7.
The Philippine General Hospital (PGH) has pledged to conduct an objective and professional medical review of former Speaker Martin Romualdez's health, following an order from the Sandiganbayan. Romualdez is facing corruption charges and is seeking hospital confinement on medical grounds.
National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag stated that Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, currently under investigation for alleged irregularities in the 2019 SEA Games hosting, are expected to return to the Philippines this weekend. Matibag commented on the timing of their foreign travel.
Following Vice President Sara Duterte's dismissal of impeachment complaints against her as baseless, the prosecution panel has strongly urged her to attend her trial. They plan to present evidence regarding alleged unexplained wealth.
Maynilad and Manila Water will implement a rate hike in the fourth quarter due to approved foreign currency differential adjustments (FCDA). The increase, reflecting peso fluctuations against foreign currencies, will vary based on customer consumption levels.
The Philippines is bracing for another fuel price hike next week, with gasoline potentially rising by up to P5 per liter and diesel by P2.50. This surge is attributed to escalating Middle East tensions impacting oil flows and strong Asian demand, adding further pressure on consumers and the transport sector.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed a disbarment case against a former congressman and four lawyers implicated in an alleged 'honey trap' plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. The former congressman claims the case is 'oppression and harassment' by the administration.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed an executive order establishing the 'Education Philippines' (EduPhil) program to promote the country as a destination for international higher education, research, and training, aiming to facilitate the entry, stay, and education of foreign students.
Charred bodies discovered on a ferry that caught fire off Palawan are expected to increase the death toll beyond the initial five fatalities. Search and rescue operations continue as investigations into the cause are underway.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is urging families to increase their engagement in children's education, following an international PISA report revealing a decline in Filipino students discussing school activities and concerns with their parents. The percentage of students talking to parents about school problems has notably decreased since the previous survey.
The arraignment for Vice President Sara Duterte in her grave threats case has been indefinitely postponed. However, following her court appearance, she resumed her strong verbal attacks against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., signaling a deepening political rift.
Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan emphasized the need to reform the country's electoral process and professionalize the bureaucracy to achieve faster economic growth and catch up with Southeast Asian neighbors, especially with the 2028 national elections approaching.
The Philippines is bracing for substantial increases in gasoline and diesel prices next week due to a weakening peso and instability in the Middle East. Consumers are expected to face increased financial pressure.
Indigenous communities in Benguet, Philippines, displaced decades ago for dam construction, now face severe flood risks due to river siltation. Local authorities are urging government intervention to address the escalating threat.
Negros Occidental province is setting aside a P411-million disaster fund for 2027 to prepare for a "super, super El Niño" expected to intensify from October. Meanwhile, Butuan City is grappling with severe water shortages.
The Sandiganbayan's Third Division has ordered Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez transferred to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) from Cardinal Santos Medical Center, where he is currently confined. The court's decision comes after reviewing medical testimonies presented by the congressman's defense.
Robinsons Retail Holdings Inc. (RRHI) has opened its first supermarket in Panglao, Bohol, highlighting significant growth potential for large retailers outside Metro Manila, where small neighborhood stores still dominate the food retail landscape.
Negros Occidental mourns the loss of acclaimed historian and journalist Modesto Sa-onoy, 88, who passed away on Thursday. Known for his extensive works on the Negros revolution and founding community papers, Sa-onoy's contributions significantly impacted the region.
Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez, arrested in a P7.44-billion plunder case, was transferred to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for an independent medical examination. The court seeks a report on his health status and the necessity of continued confinement.
As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) prepares for its historic parliamentary elections on September 14, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is conducting final tests and sealing of vote-counting machines (VCMs). This crucial step ensures the machines' accuracy and integrity, marking a significant milestone in the region's peace process and transition to self-governance.
The Philippine peso has fallen to a new record low against the US dollar, breaching the 62-per-dollar mark. Lingering inflation fears from the prolonged Middle East conflict are bolstering the greenback, while domestic inflation risks and anticipated US interest rate hikes are accelerating the peso's decline.
The US views the Philippines' Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) as a potential template for infrastructure development and investment across Southeast Asia, with its expanding multilateral partnership being a key to its unique success.
The Philippine economy is counting on a recovery in public construction to meet its growth targets for the latter half of the year. Progress in corruption allegations is seen as crucial for restoring public trust and boosting investment.
Nickel Asia Corp. of the Philippines has finalized a $30-million deal to acquire a 20% stake in a company holding rights to the Karchiga copper mine in Kazakhstan. This move allows the company to expand its exposure to the copper market without greenfield development risks and aims to strengthen its earnings base.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Philippines is proposing stricter regulations for crowdfunding, aiming to enhance retail investor protection. The new rules would increase fundraising limits while mandating clearer risk disclosures and more stringent fund management for intermediaries.
The Philippines' Department of Finance is preparing to seek the resumption of excise tax suspension on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) due to surging global oil prices. This measure aims to provide relief primarily to lower-income households.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was transferred from a private hospital to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for a public medical assessment, following an arrest warrant. Romualdez, facing plunder charges, will have his need for confinement evaluated by PGH doctors as per court order.
The Philippines has honored Nunelucio Alvarado, a social realist painter, and Teodoro Hilado, a pioneer in theater lighting design, as National Artists for 2025. Their significant contributions to Philippine art and culture have been recognized.
Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) is planning to spin off its international operations and potentially list them on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This move will allow investors to independently assess the profitability and growth potential of its overseas businesses, putting its global expansion strategy to the ultimate test.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was transferred to the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for an independent medical assessment, potentially to avoid detention. An arrest warrant has been issued for corruption charges, with his health status being a key factor in the court's decision.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has arrived in New Delhi, India, to attend the 18th BRICS Summit as the ASEAN Chair and an invited outreach country. He aims to present the region's priorities, including peace and inclusive growth, to BRICS members.
A businessman, related to a political candidate, survived a shooting incident by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Lamitan City, Basilan. Authorities are investigating the motive and perpetrators, with no clear link yet to the upcoming regional elections.