A UNODC report identifies Mindanao as a key hub for illicit cigarette smuggling, financing, and distribution. Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) seized approximately ₱12.63 billion worth of contraband between January and August, with illicit cigarettes accounting for about ₱9.78 billion.
Political tensions in the Philippines escalate as Vice President Sara Duterte calls for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s resignation. Meanwhile, former Speaker Martin Romualdez is set for hospital transfer, and Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano are expected to return.
Occidental Mindoro province has temporarily banned the entry of live hogs from other provinces following the confirmation of an African Swine Fever (ASF) case in Oriental Mindoro. The executive order aims to prevent the spread of the highly contagious disease and mitigate its impact on the hog industry.
The House prosecution team has accused Vice President Sara Duterte of being the alleged mastermind behind the misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds for the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). Prosecutors presented evidence tracing fund movements, claiming they lead back to Duterte's instructions.
Eighty-four people remain unaccounted for after a ferry fire off Palawan. Rescue teams have reportedly found suspected charred remains aboard the vessel, MV June Aster.
The Philippines has expressed serious concern over China's 'unilateral and illegal actions' in the South China Sea, which it states infringe upon Philippine sovereignty and maritime rights. Manila is seeking a peaceful and diplomatic resolution based on international law.
British philanthropist Jonathan Michael Sterling has donated school supplies, food packs, and rain gear to approximately 600 kindergarten students at public elementary schools in Metro Manila. The donations are part of his ongoing charitable efforts aimed at supporting educational opportunities for children from impoverished families.
Senator Loren Legarda is advocating for reforms to enhance the skills of over 2.25 million government workers and improve government efficiency, including free master's degree tuition and performance-based evaluation systems. These initiatives are expected to boost civil servant morale and public service delivery.
The Philippine stock market's main index, the PSEi, fell below 6,100 on Friday due to rising global oil prices and a weakening peso, fueling inflation concerns. Continued foreign selling also contributed to cautious market sentiment.
The Philippine peso hit a new record low against the US dollar, closing at 62.68 on Friday. Persistent inflation concerns and the prolonged Middle East conflict are bolstering the greenback, increasing market uncertainty.
The remains of two Filipino seafarers who died in an incident in the Strait of Hormuz on August 31 have been repatriated to the Philippines. The government has pledged assistance to the families and is investigating the incident.
Philippine Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that negotiations with individuals harboring Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa are progressing, suggesting that authorities are nearing his apprehension. The operation is in response to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The Philippine government has released its list of holidays for 2027. The anniversary of the 1986 EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25 will be observed as a special working day. Major holidays and special non-working days are set as usual.
European customer service software firm Pleased.com has opened its headquarters in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Philippines, aiming to hire over 100 local tech talents in the next year. The company cited BGC's infrastructure and talent pool as key factors.
Maria Editha Requina Regalado, a respected figure in Philippine media, has passed away at 63. She was known for her extensive reporting, particularly in Davao City, and was deeply admired by many.
Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano are expected to return to the Philippines this weekend from Singapore, amid an ongoing investigation into alleged corruption surrounding the purchase of cauldrons for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
The Philippine Supreme Court has overturned the conviction of former First Lady Imelda Marcos on seven counts of graft, citing insufficient evidence. However, the ruling has sparked public questioning of judicial decisions, given previous Supreme Court findings that the Marcos couple's hidden wealth was ill-gotten.
The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs has demanded that China cease its 'illegal occupation and activities' at Panganiban (Mischief) Reef and Zamora (Subi) Reef in the South China Sea. Manila asserts that both reefs are within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and cannot be subjects of sovereignty claims under international law. This demand follows an incident where Chinese forces reportedly fired flares at a Philippine aircraft.
Residents of Candaba, Pampanga have urged the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to probe alleged irregularities in P1.4 billion flood control projects, with contracts reportedly awarded to firms linked to the mayor. Meanwhile, floodwaters persist in nearby Bulacan.
Philippine real estate developer Arthaland Corp. is reducing its planned preferred share offering to P2.5 billion from an earlier target of P4 billion. The offer period has also been extended, signaling a revision in its fundraising strategy that could impact its projects and investors.
Nickel Asia Corp. (NAC) has acquired a 20% stake in a copper mine in Kazakhstan through its Singapore subsidiary. The move aims to strengthen earnings and diversify its portfolio amidst high copper prices and rising demand, while mitigating greenfield development risks.
Australian-backed renewable energy firm Philippine Aurion Solar Technologies will invest over P3.3 billion in a solar cell manufacturing plant in Batangas. While primarily targeting US and European markets, the facility is expected to boost the Philippines' renewable energy sector and facilitate the transfer of advanced manufacturing expertise.
Honda Philippines Inc. (HPI) has achieved a significant milestone by producing its 10 millionth motorcycle at its Batangas facility. This achievement highlights the brand's trust among Filipino consumers and its role as a key production base in the company's global strategy.
The Philippine stock market and the peso experienced a sharp decline due to soaring oil prices and a record-low peso. Concerns over accelerating inflation have worsened market sentiment, prompting investors to adopt a risk-averse stance.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in the Philippines has ordered the implementation of a secondary price cap on electricity spot rates in the Visayas and Mindanao. This move is expected to bring down prices from nearly P20 per kWh in August to below P9 per kWh.
Despite easing inflation in the Philippines, the central bank (BSP) may still consider further interest rate hikes due to persistent risks from El Niño and volatile oil prices, with differing views among banks on the necessity of further tightening.
A ferry fire off the western Philippine island of Palawan has resulted in five deaths and dozens of missing passengers. The Philippine Coast Guard is expanding its search operations for survivors, but thick smoke and explosion risks continue to hamper rescue efforts.
Following Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla's claims of judicial misconduct, analysts are urging for evidence based on specific case records, rather than appellate reversal numbers. The Supreme Court also stated it cannot act on broad allegations without concrete proof.
An area in Maasim, Sarangani has been designated as a special economic zone by President Marcos, to be known as the Malbang Industrial Ecozone, aimed at boosting economic growth and investment.
PNB Holdings Corp. (PHC) may tap investors for a follow-on offering as early as next year, contingent on improved market conditions and alignment with major projects or acquisitions. The company is set to list on the Philippine Stock Exchange on September 25.
MUFG Bank's Manila branch has officially commenced operations as a universal bank on September 1, following an upgrade of its banking license approved by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). This upgrade grants the branch broader powers, including investment banking activities and investments in non-banking businesses.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed a disbarment complaint against former lawmaker Jacinto Paras and four other lawyers before the Supreme Court, accusing them of involvement in a honey trap plot targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. This action is separate from human trafficking charges.
Air quality in many parts of the Philippines has improved, even as forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, continue to rage. PM2.5 levels across the country are largely recorded as 'good,' though some areas remain 'unhealthy for sensitive groups.'
The Department of Transportation announced the securing of 4,465 square meters of land for the construction of the LRT-1 Las Piñas station, part of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Project. Land donation from local stakeholders is expected to accelerate construction and save public funds.
The construction of a new international airport in the Philippines is raising hopes for economic revitalization outside of Metro Manila, aiming to decentralize economic activity. However, challenges such as infrastructure development and flood mitigation remain significant, raising questions about its ultimate impact on local residents' livelihoods.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines has launched dedicated X-ray inspection lanes at key international airports to expedite customs processing for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This initiative aims to reduce waiting times and enhance convenience for returning and departing OFWs.