The Philippine Senate impeachment court has invited three retired Supreme Court justices as amici curiae to provide expert opinions on the voting threshold in the impeachment trial of the Vice President. This addresses the interpretation of the "two-thirds of all members" requirement for conviction amidst absent senators. Retired Chief Justices Artemio Panganiban and Reynato Puno, along with retired Associate Justice Adolf Azcuna, will participate, and former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. will also submit a legal memorandum.
A passenger ferry caught fire off Coron, Palawan, Philippines, resulting in five deaths and 86 missing individuals from a total of 134 on board. The Coast Guard has not ruled out the possibility of more victims trapped inside.
The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano have left the country. Their departure comes amid ongoing investigations into alleged public works anomalies, sparking public scrutiny.
The Philippine Department of Justice aims to complete its review of documents related to the US extradition request for Apollo Quiboloy within two weeks. Quiboloy faces sex trafficking charges in the US and is currently detained in the Philippines for qualified human trafficking and child abuse cases.
A recent survey reveals that 64% of Filipinos believe Vice President Sara Duterte should return P73.28 million in confidential funds, as ordered by the Commission on Audit (COA). Younger generations showed strong support for the directive.
President Marcos has ordered Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to bring back fugitive Zaldy Co from France "at all costs." Remulla plans to travel to France to secure an Interpol Red Notice against Co, a move criticized by Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David for its lack of discretion.
Del Monte Pacific Ltd. (DMPL) reported a near threefold increase in net profit for the July quarter, driven by strong international market sales. However, due to substantial liabilities and negative equity, dividend payouts are impossible, and the company is exploring asset divestment to improve its financial standing.
The US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) have signed an agreement to modernize security screening at the Philippines' main gateway, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). This initiative is part of NAIA's ongoing upgrade, aiming to enhance passenger safety and align with international aviation security standards.
Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows into the Philippines decreased by 17.8% to $3.38 billion in the first half of the year, despite a rebound in June. This decline was primarily driven by reduced intercompany borrowings and reinvested earnings by foreign firms.
Transport cooperatives in Northern Mindanao have begun lobbying congressional representatives for sustainable funding for the public transport modernization program. Despite significant investments in modernization, they are struggling with rising operating costs and substantial financial obligations.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) closed below the 6,100 mark due to soaring global oil prices and rising inflation concerns, dampening investor sentiment and hindering further capital inflows.
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy's camp has filed criminal and libel complaints against Senator Risa Hontiveros and other lawmakers for allegedly calling him a "sex offender." The move follows statements made in connection with a US extradition request for the pastor.
The Civil Service Commission has announced significant road closures along Roxas Boulevard and Padre Burgos Avenue for the upcoming Lingkod Bayani Run on September 13. The charity run aims to raise funds for programs supporting civil servants and their bereaved families.
A leading think tank urges the Philippine government to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve public services, strengthen oversight, and protect public resources, building upon the E-Governance Act. AI is expected to enhance efficiency and transparency.
The Philippine military is bolstering security for the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary election by deploying attack helicopters, tanks, and additional troops to Lanao del Sur. This move aims to deter violence and intimidation from armed elements, following statements from a Moro Islamic Liberation Front leader.
The Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) initiative, led by the Philippines, has welcomed the European Union (EU) and Spain as new partners. This expansion aims to boost infrastructure investment, strengthen supply chains, and enhance the Philippines' position as an investment hub, with over $20 billion in investment opportunities available to the private sector.
Robinsons Supermarket, a major Philippine retailer, has opened its first store in Panglao, Bohol, a popular tourist destination. The expansion aims to improve access to quality groceries for locals and tourists, while also contributing to the local economy.
Japanese apparel giant Uniqlo is set to open three new stores in the Philippines to strengthen its presence, marking a continued commitment to the market as part of the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan friendship.
Labor unions in the Philippines are decrying the newly issued P60 daily wage increase order in Metro Manila as 'deceptive.' They are demanding explanations from authorities regarding the opaque decision-making process, especially while a previous P85 wage hike remains under court injunction.
Electric vehicle (EV) sales in the Philippines are projected to grow by 11% this year, driven by high fuel costs and government incentives, indicating a stronger traction for EVs compared to the overall automotive market.
Asian Terminals Inc. (ATI) has deployed six new rubber-tired gantry (RTG) cranes at Manila South Harbor, enhancing its cargo handling capacity. This upgrade boosts the port's annual capacity to two million TEUs, contributing to the recovery of Philippine logistics.
The Philippines' Department of Public Works and Highways attributed the collapse of Agana and Aquino bridges in Tarlac to decades of neglect, advanced age, and strong river currents from heavy rains. Agana Bridge is targeted for reopening next week.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) proposes regulatory easing and temporary incentives for banks to issue sukuk, an Islamic financial instrument. This aims to diversify funding sources and channel more capital into productive sectors.
Philippine transport group Manibela announced a nationwide transport strike on September 14 to protest repeated oil price hikes by the Department of Energy. The ongoing war between Iran and the United States is impacting soaring crude oil prices.
The Philippine peso's decline, making it the worst-performing currency in Asia, may diminish the appeal of the country's bonds to foreign investors. Rising currency risk could offset yield advantages, prompting investors to demand higher risk premiums.
Security Bank Corp. of the Philippines aims to achieve a 12% return on equity (ROE) by 2029, pivoting its strategy from balance sheet expansion to enhancing profitability and efficiency. The bank targets increasing its current ROE of around 8% to double digits by the end of 2027, and to 12% by 2029.
The Department of Health (DOH) has allocated 425 hospital beds in Metro Manila's public hospitals to accommodate a potential surge in leptospirosis cases due to continuous monsoon rains. Currently, 287 patients are admitted, leaving 138 beds vacant.
The Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF) and Alaminos City have launched Project RESHORE to strengthen vulnerable coastal communities. This initiative combines environmental restoration with livelihood support, engaging 30 fisherfolk in the rehabilitation of a mangrove park.
Twenty-nine electric cooperatives (ECs) in the Philippines have signed 15-year power supply agreements (PSAs) with companies led by three major business magnates. This secures a stable supply of 565.5 megawatts for Luzon and the Visayas, expected to reduce the risk of power interruptions for millions of households.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced a two-day wellness break for public school teachers on September 14-15. This aims to ensure rest before the second school term and is part of efforts to improve the quality of education.
Atlas Consolidated Mining and Development Corp. has appointed former transportation secretary Jaime Bautista as an independent director. The move comes as the company undergoes a major restructuring and ownership change, with Bautista expected to contribute his extensive experience.
Butuan City in the Philippines is facing a dual water crisis: a shortage in supply and the risk of contamination from rationed water. The city is urging residents to ensure safe water handling and storage.
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) is preparing to take custody of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez from the Philippine National Police (PNP). This follows a commitment order from the Sandiganbayan, with the BJMP coordinating personnel and instructions for the transfer.
Former Speaker Martin Romualdez has been ordered transferred to jail amid plunder charges related to P7.4 billion in alleged kickbacks. The BJMP is ready for transfer but awaits medical clearance from his doctors. He will not receive special treatment and will be housed in standard cells for high-profile inmates.
A Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight bound for Vancouver, Canada, was diverted to Anchorage, Alaska, due to an issue with its cabin pressurization system. All passengers and crew are safe, and PAL is arranging alternative flights and accommodation.
A 61-year-old father in Batangas City, Philippines, stabbed his 35-year-old son in the chest during an altercation fueled by the son's intoxication. The father transported his son to the hospital but was later arrested by police. The investigation into the circumstances is ongoing.