Philippine Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian stated that senators do not need to seek permission for foreign travel if it is for personal reasons, raising questions about transparency and accountability in such trips.
A ferry caught fire off Coron, Palawan, resulting in five fatalities and 42 rescues. The Coast Guard is conducting search operations and investigating the cause.
The Sandiganbayan (anti-graft court) in the Philippines has ordered the detention of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez at the New Quezon City Jail following a non-bailable plunder charge. Romualdez had sought continued hospital arrest due to health reasons, but the court denied his request.
Net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the Philippines for the first half of 2026 fell by 17.8% year-on-year to $3.382 billion. Declines in net investments in debt instruments, indicating lower intercompany borrowings, and reinvestment of earnings contributed to the slump. June alone saw a decrease from the previous month, with net equity investments turning negative.
The attending physician in the hospital confinement of Philippine Representative Martin Romualdez has testified that the situation was 'unusual,' raising questions about the special treatment of the detained lawmaker.
The House of Representatives will implement a work-from-home (WFH) arrangement starting Thursday noon due to the effects of the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat). This measure, in compliance with a Palace circular, applies to all officials and employees except those whose physical presence is critical.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has filed a complaint against Batangas Representative Leandro Leviste and six others for an alleged plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. The Department of Justice is currently evaluating the complaint for preliminary investigation or dismissal.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that Chinese forces fired flares at an unarmed PCG aircraft conducting a routine maritime domain awareness flight over the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea. This action is condemned as a violation of international law and a threat to flight safety.
The Philippine Embassy in Hanoi has strongly advised Filipinos visiting Vietnam to secure travel insurance for medical emergencies, citing recent food poisoning incidents in the country.
As the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) gears up for its first parliamentary elections on September 14, Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, a major national political showdown, is conspicuously absent from campaign discourse. Local politicians are largely adopting a 'play safe' approach, with voters and candidates viewing the trial as separate from the regional elections.
The Bureau of Immigration confirmed Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Pia Cayetano have left the Philippines. This comes as the National Bureau of Investigation probes alleged irregularities in the country's hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.
A ferry fire off Palawan island in the Philippines has resulted in five deaths and left over 80 people missing from a total of 134 passengers and crew. The Coast Guard is conducting rescue operations and investigating the cause.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) continues its pursuit of Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, with ongoing negotiations reportedly underway with individuals allegedly protecting him. The PNP maintains that operational details remain confidential to safeguard the mission and all involved parties.
Tensions erupted between protesters and police in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. attended an investment forum co-hosted by the Philippines, US, and Japan. Rallyists attempted to voice their dissent, leading to a confrontation with law enforcement who were securing the venue for the Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum.
The Philippine Presidential Palace has directed Metro Manila (NCR) and 13 areas in Central and Southern Luzon and the Visayas to implement alternative work and learning arrangements on September 10 due to the ongoing effects of the southwest monsoon (habagat), prioritizing public safety and disaster response.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed that Senators Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano have departed the Philippines. The BI stated that there were no hold departure orders or derogatory records against the two senators that would legally prevent their departure. Citing the Data Privacy Act of 2012, the BI declined to disclose specific travel details.
Philippine banks experienced a rise in nonperforming loans (NPLs) in July, with consumer credit segments like credit cards and auto loans showing increased delinquencies due to persistent high inflation straining household budgets. While banks slightly reduced provisions, overall sector health remains intact.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. has once again received an 'A-' grade from Global Finance magazine's annual report card, recognizing his performance in taming inflation and sustaining economic growth. This marks the third consecutive year for the high rating among central bank governors worldwide.
Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) is considering listing its international business unit (JFCI) on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Analysts suggest JFCI, which might be perceived as small in the US market, could achieve a higher valuation as a mid- to large-cap stock in Hong Kong.
Thailand's Gunkul Engineering and the Philippines' SunAsia Energy are set to build a $1 billion floating solar power project on Laguna de Bay in Laguna province. The project, targeting 1,000 megawatts, is poised to be the largest in the region and will contribute to the Philippines' renewable energy expansion.
Philippine media giant ABS-CBN is seeking shareholder approval to triple its authorized capital, paving the way for a P6 billion equity infusion. The move aims to bring in a new major investor and reduce the company's debt.
Global payments giant Visa is more than doubling its office footprint at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA) Complex as it expands its Philippine operations, establishing a new 24/7 solution center.
Chinese auto giant BYD has surpassed its entire 2025 sales record in the Philippines by August this year, selling 28,399 units. Soaring fuel prices have significantly driven demand for electric vehicles (EVs), positioning BYD to potentially become the country's top-selling EV brand.
The Sandiganbayan has issued a commitment order for former Speaker Martin Romualdez to be detained at the New Quezon City Jail on plunder charges amounting to P7.4 billion, denying his plea for continued hospital confinement.
The Philippines faces a heightened risk of flooding and landslides as the southwest monsoon brings intense rainfall, particularly to Zambales, with widespread showers expected across the country in the next 24 hours. While no tropical cyclones are being monitored, a low-pressure area is forecast to develop, potentially affecting monsoon intensity by the weekend.
The family of a Philippine Navy trainee who died in July has requested a reinvestigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) due to the prolonged nature of the Navy's own inquiry. The Navy maintains its investigation is ongoing but has not provided significant updates to the family.
Three suspects linked to the 2023 killing of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo have been convicted in separate cases involving illegal possession of firearms and explosives. The decision is welcomed as a step towards truth and justice.
A bill extending the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to five years and postponing the November elections has passed the Senate on second reading. Critics argue it violates the constitution and denies citizens their right to choose leaders.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) predicts up to three tropical cyclones may enter or develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) this month. Rainfall is expected to decrease due to the El Niño phenomenon.
A debate is ongoing in the Philippine Senate regarding the voting threshold for convicting or acquitting Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial, particularly concerning the number of votes needed with absent senators. Some senators are proposing that the Supreme Court resolve this complex issue.
The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office has recommended the dismissal of a bank secrecy law violation complaint filed by Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte. Prosecutors ruled the respondents' actions were related to their public office and not private in nature.
The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio for the Philippine banking industry rose to 3.35% in July, reflecting the ongoing strain of high borrowing costs and inflation on households and businesses. Experts, however, suggest this does not indicate a broader problem for the financial system.
The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has warned that while the Commission on Elections is technically ready for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections, five political and security risks could lead to disputes over the legitimacy of the polls.
Three individuals have been convicted for illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives, in cases linked to the assassination of former Negros Oriental Governor Roel R. Degamo, marking a step towards justice and the rule of law.
A passenger ferry carrying over 100 people caught fire off Coron, Palawan. Four fatalities have been confirmed, and 42 individuals have been rescued. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
Villar Land in the Philippines temporarily recorded P1.3 trillion in paper gains through fair-value accounting after acquiring land from related parties. However, the accounting treatment was later reversed, raising concerns about market integrity.