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.
The Philippine National Police urged cause-oriented groups to conduct their activities peacefully and within legal bounds following a clash that injured both police officers and activists in Bonifacio Global City. Five paralegal officers were arrested and face multiple charges.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) plans to widen drainage inlets on major roads in the National Capital Region (NCR) to mitigate flooding during heavy rains. The initiative aims to triple drainage capacity by adopting designs similar to those on EDSA.
Four former bodyguards of ex-congressman Zaldy Co were arrested in San Juan City, Philippines, on cyberlibel charges. The individuals, ex-Philippine Marines, are among 18 respondents in the case and were released after posting bail.
A dawn fire in Cagayan De Oro City, Philippines, has left 106 families homeless. No casualties were reported, though narrow roads hampered firefighting efforts.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is initiating structural reforms, including raising ground levels and using sturdier materials, to protect ports from heavy rains and strong waves. This move addresses the urgent need to enhance port resilience in the Philippines, ranked as the country most prone to disaster risk by the World Risk Index.
The Department of Health reported that 762,136 children, or 57.1% of the 1.33 million target, in Calabarzon have been vaccinated against measles and rubella (MR) following a recent immunization drive, marking a significant public health achievement for the region.
A Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) executive has accused Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) examiners of extorting businesses, stating that kickbacks often exceed the actual taxes owed. The accusation highlights ongoing corruption within the tax agency.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court has invited four retired Supreme Court justices to provide expert opinions on the vote threshold needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte. They will serve as 'amici curiae,' offering legal perspectives.
Philippine Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has urged former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to "man up" and "face the music" regarding his bid to extend hospital confinement. Remulla stressed that the law must be applied equally to everyone.
Pangasinan Polytechnic College is grappling with a high dropout rate among its indigent scholars, primarily due to financial difficulties in covering daily living expenses and the need to contribute to family income, despite free tuition. The college is implementing measures like a free lunch program to retain students.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered its Maritime Group to assist the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the search for 87 individuals still missing following a ferry fire off Palawan. The PNP will also aid in the investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.
Rescuers recovered 30 more bodies from a burned-out ferry in Palawan, Philippines, on Friday, bringing the death toll to 35. The fire, which began Wednesday night, was hampered by efforts to extinguish it, complicating search operations.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag announced that senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano, who are under investigation for alleged irregularities in the 2019 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc), are expected to return to the Philippines this weekend. Authorities are monitoring their movements.
Labor groups in the Philippines protested a proposed P60 wage increase, demanding inclusion in National Wages and Productivity Commission (NWPC) meetings. They decried the reduction from an initially approved P85 hike as a "historic rollback."
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) announced a P0.0409 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) rate reduction for September, marking the second consecutive monthly decrease. This will translate to an estimated P8 savings for residential customers consuming 200 kWh, attributed to lower government taxes and ancillary service charges.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez will be confined indefinitely at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) before his impending detention. The court ordered an independent medical examination to determine his fitness for confinement.
The Supreme Court has dismissed an administrative case against seven Court of Appeals (CA) justices who reversed the suspension of officials in Antique. The case, filed by the former Ombudsman, was dismissed for "lack of merit" and for being "judicial in nature."
The Sandiganbayan ordered House Speaker Martin Romualdez to transfer to the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital for independent tests. Separately, the Philippines demanded China immediately vacate Panganiban and Zamora Reefs in the West Philippine Sea.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has called for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s resignation, accusing him of being a liar and abusive, and blaming him for the cases filed against her. This escalates the rift between the two leaders.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez requires four to six weeks before he can be safely transferred to another medical facility due to his health condition, his cardiologist told the Sandiganbayan, potentially impacting his detention proceedings.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has established the Education Philippines (EduPhil) Program to attract foreign students seeking higher education, research, and training. The initiative aims to strengthen academic cooperation, research collaboration, and innovation partnerships, facilitating the entry and education of international students.
Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) has temporarily suspended its mandatory uniform policy to address extreme heat, prioritizing the health and safety of students and staff. A local mayor also redirected funds for air-coolers in classrooms, emphasizing student comfort.
The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) of the Philippines has stated its readiness to regulate online platforms and streaming services if Congress expands its mandate. Senator Erwin Tulfo highlighted concerns about the impact on children, urging for regulatory measures.
In the Philippines, Vice President Sara Duterte's arraignment has been deferred. She also criticized the Department of the Interior and Local Government over the arrest of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Oil prices are expected to rise next week.
Senator Pia Cayetano clarified her stay in Singapore was to support the Philippine Padel National Team ahead of the Asian Games, denying any intention to hide. Her and her brother Senator Alan Peter Cayetano's departure from the country was confirmed. Investigations into the 2019 SEA Games hosting and Taguig City's reclamation project are ongoing.
Malacañang questioned Vice President Sara Duterte's state of mind when she called for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s resignation. A Palace spokesperson suggested her criticisms might stem from "sleepless nights and anxiety," and countered by referencing her own corruption allegations and family's drug use.
Philippine low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific will increase its hand-carry baggage allowance from 7kg to 10kg on select flights starting September 15, 2026, aiming to enhance passenger convenience and ensure on-time departures.
The House impeachment team welcomed the participation of former Supreme Court justices in the debate over the voting threshold for conviction in the Duterte impeachment trial, with plans to also consult deliberations from the 1986 Constitutional Convention.
Vice President Sara Duterte has dismissed the arrest of former Speaker Martin Romualdez as 'drama.' Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla claims Duterte's camp sought a dramatic arrest and urged her to focus on more pressing matters.
The Philippine Coast Guard declared the fire aboard the ferry MV June Aster out on Friday. Authorities confirmed the observation of burnt bodies during firefighting efforts, with many passengers and crew still unaccounted for. Recovery and identification operations are underway.
The arraignment of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte on grave threats charges has been deferred by a court pending a Supreme Court ruling on jurisdiction. The Department of Justice stated it respects the court's decision.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is monitoring two low-pressure areas (LPAs) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). One LPA, located in the West Philippine Sea, has a medium chance of developing into a tropical depression but is unlikely to directly impact the Philippines. Meanwhile, the weakening southwest monsoon has reduced the risk of widespread heavy rainfall.