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The Office of the Ombudsman has dismissed all administrative charges against the mayor of Santa Maria, Laguna, related to alleged lapses in securing ballot boxes during the 2022 elections. Mayor Ma. Rocelle “Cindy” Carolino has been cleared of grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and serious dishonesty.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed P553.89 million in financial aid to over 53,000 sugarcane farmers and farm workers in Negros Island, who were affected by the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) infestation.
A prosecution witness testified before the Sandiganbayan, stating they personally saw four suitcases in the office of a businessman who later became a member of the House of Representatives. The testimony relates to allegations of bribery.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte announced that the city is now debt-free, marking a significant financial achievement in her eighth year as mayor. She highlighted the local government's strong financial standing and commitment to sustainable fiscal management since taking office in 2019.
The United States celebrated its 250th anniversary with commemorative events held in Cebu, Philippines. The events showcased American history and culture, reaffirming the friendly relations between the two nations.
Philippine Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian emphasized the need to bolster the military's modernization and cyberwarfare capabilities during a hearing on the Department of National Defense's 2027 budget. He stated that the Armed Forces of the Philippines must be prepared for evolving security threats.
A 19-year-old man was arrested in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, for allegedly selling marijuana. A buy-bust operation led to the seizure of marijuana and a revolver. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of drug abuse among youth in the country.
The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) has condemned the alleged harassment of reporter Ernest Cruz by police officers during a farmers' protest, demanding accountability. The union warns such actions threaten press freedom.
Manila Water is maximizing the capacity of its Cardona Water Treatment Plant to ensure a reliable water supply for its East Zone customers, bracing for a potentially strong El Niño expected to last until the first semester of 2027. The company is focusing on water conservation and supply resilience.
The Department of Health (DOH) plans to vaccinate over 2 million girls in Grades 4 and 5 nationwide against the human papillomavirus (HPV) as part of its school immunization program.
The Philippine Army's 4th Infantry Division honored over 1,500 military and police personnel killed or wounded during the five-month siege to liberate Marawi City from IS-aligned militants, nine years after the conflict.
A former New People's Army (NPA) leader, wanted for multiple offenses in Surigao, was arrested in Butuan City following a joint police and military operation. The suspect, known by aliases, was ranked fourth on the province's most wanted list.
A landmark tree, known for its vibrant yellow blooms each summer along the national highway in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, Philippines, was uprooted Monday afternoon by heavy rains and strong winds from localized thunderstorms. Local disaster management personnel responded to the incident.
Philippine candle prices are expected to remain stable despite anticipated demand for 'Undas' (All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day) on November 1 and 2. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is monitoring prices of essential goods, including candles.
The Commission on Audit (CoA) flagged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for P1.93 billion in unliquidated fund transfers in 2025. The agency also noted P521.26 million in uncollected revenues and the buyout of reforestation projects worth P5.61 million.
President Marcos Jr. announced initiatives to address the Philippines' nursing shortage, including improving nurse-to-patient ratios, filling vacant positions, and expanding training opportunities. The administration is also increasing allowances for healthcare workers and introducing new educational programs.
A recent OCTA Research survey for the 2028 Philippine senatorial elections shows Senators Raphael T. Tulfo and Robinhood Ferdinand C. Padilla, Senator Alan Peter S. Cayetano, and Pasig City Mayor Victor Ma. Regis “Vico” N. Sotto tied for the top four spots. The survey reflects voter preferences for a hypothetical candidate list, indicating no statistically clear leader at this stage.
The Philippines has formally protested remarks by China's ambassador suggesting Beijing could easily win a military confrontation. The Department of Foreign Affairs deemed the comments provocative and undermining trust-building efforts. Despite hopes for improved ties, calls for the envoy's persona non grata status are growing.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) in the Philippines has expanded its fuel marking inspections to 10 regions as part of its crackdown on illicit fuel trade. As of October 13, 41.3% of tested fuel stations failed field tests, affecting approximately 900,000 liters of fuel.
Gasoline prices in the Philippines are expected to drop by over P4 per liter as supply concerns ease due to Middle East developments. Diesel prices, however, are projected to increase by P2.60, reflecting global market movements and improved supply in Asia.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture has proposed a P61.99-billion plan to mitigate the impact of El Niño on food production and rural livelihoods. The proposal includes already released funds for ongoing support programs.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano stated that a contractor's error caused the misplacement of coordinates for a flood control project intended for Taguig City, which mistakenly pointed to Leyte. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is investigating the incident.
US investment firm KKR is exploring financing opportunities for the Luzon Economic Corridor projects with the Department of Finance. KKR expressed interest in expanding its investment portfolio in the Philippines, highlighting potential in infrastructure and digital sectors. The Philippine government is committed to improving the investment climate to attract further partnerships.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Region 9 in the Zamboanga Peninsula has ordered the implementation of crop diversification and administrative reforms to mitigate the effects of El Niño on farmers. Proactive measures are being taken to support agricultural communities.
Police in Northern Mindanao seized nearly P480,000 worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes in operations in Iligan City and Misamis Occidental, with authorities confiscating 597 reams of illicit tobacco.
AboitizPower of the Philippines has been lauded by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for its significant contributions to the region's energy sector, particularly in nuclear energy cooperation, information sharing, and capacity building. This highlights progress in regional energy collaboration.
Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano have accused the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) of showing "special interest" in projects within Taguig City, questioning its focus on inspections despite the city's jurisdiction outside the LLDA's primary mandate.
Senator JV Ejercito is calling for a detailed accounting of the P90 billion allocated for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program. He specifically wants to scrutinize fund releases, obligations, expenditures, and project implementation.
The Senate finance subcommittee has approved the proposed 2027 budget for the Department of National Defense (DND) and its attached agencies. The budget is now set for plenary consideration, subject to potential adjustments.
House Speaker Faustino Dy III honored the late former Speaker Pro Tempore Raul A. Daza for his over five decades of public service. Dy highlighted Daza's commitment to the Filipino people.
Banga National High School in South Cotabato has gradually resumed face-to-face classes under heightened security measures following a shooting incident on September 18 that left three students dead. The school has also banned smartphones on campus to foster more student interaction.
Pisompongan Integrated School in Zamboanga del Sur conducted a two-day emergency response training for teachers, students, and community volunteers to enhance first response capabilities during disasters, recognizing the vulnerability of schools in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas.
GoTyme Bank, a digital bank in the Philippines, has raised its year-end customer target to 12.5 million from 12 million, citing a surge in monthly customer additions. The bank currently has approximately 11.5 million customers.
Philippine Senator Rodante Marcoleta has been suspended for 90 days by the Sandiganbayan Third Division in connection with a plunder case involving an alleged P75-million donation, temporarily barring him from his legislative duties.
The Philippine peso has fallen below 63 to the US dollar, marking a new record low. This sharp depreciation raises concerns about its impact on the domestic economy and foreign investment trends.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) is offering discounts of up to 60% on premium cabin fares, a move likely aimed at boosting domestic travel and competing in a recovering aviation market.