The House prosecution panel in the Philippines is considering presenting around 25 witnesses to prove allegations of unexplained wealth against Vice President Sara Duterte, with bank officials and a former senator among those expected to testify.
Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) is advocating for the decentralization of education governance as a strategy to address the persistent learning crisis, proposing greater authority for local governments and communities to respond to diverse needs.
The Philippine Supreme Court has canceled trademark registrations for 'Lido Cocina Tsina' and others, settling a long-standing dispute over the name of the 90-year-old Chinese restaurant chain. However, the ultimate ownership of the 'Lido' name remains undecided.
The Philippines has significantly improved its rankings in reading, mathematics, and science in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). However, alongside academic gains, an increase in student bullying has also been highlighted.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts that the El Niño phenomenon, expected to persist until the first half of 2027, could cause drought in Camarines Sur and dry conditions/spells in 61 other provinces, raising concerns for agriculture and water resources.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has prepared a room at the PNP General Hospital for former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, should he be allowed hospital detention following his arrest on plunder charges. Prosecutors intend to strongly oppose any motion for hospital confinement.
The Philippines saw improved scores across reading, math, and science in the PISA 2025 assessment for 15-year-olds. However, significant gaps persist compared to OECD averages, with a majority of students still below proficiency, indicating an ongoing learning crisis.
An organization of trial court judges has expressed grave concern over online harassment targeting a judge who issued an arrest warrant for Vice President Sara Duterte, stressing the need for judicial independence and public trust in the rule of law.
Philippines' unemployment rate climbed to 6% in July, its highest since the pandemic era, as new graduates struggled to find jobs. The Department of Economic Planning and Development urged intensified efforts to attract investments.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Nicolas Torre III has taken a monthlong leave after admitting to violations, including using the EDSA Busway lane reserved for public transport and emergency vehicles. Torre has apologized and paid a fine, facing scrutiny over his conduct.
The camp of Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, is considering refiling a complaint with the Ombudsman regarding the disclosure of their bank records by lawmakers. The prosecutor's office dismissed the case, citing the acts were done in relation to public office and not inherently immoral. Carpio's camp argues the dismissal was technical and did not address the merits of the allegations.
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) has appointed lawyer Paolo Panelo as the new spokesperson for Vice President Sara Duterte, replacing Ruth Castelo. Panelo also serves as legal counsel to the Vice President.
Over 9.6 million people have been affected in the Philippines due to the enhanced southwest monsoon and four tropical cyclones. The NDRRMC reported 44 deaths, 18 injuries, and five missing, with significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
The first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on September 14 faces a risk of low voter turnout. Increased violence and voter uncertainty about the new political system could hinder the targeted 70-75% participation, indicating that challenges the peace process aimed to overcome persist.
Philippine Airlines flight PR116 bound for Vancouver was diverted to Anchorage, Alaska, due to a potential issue with its cabin pressurization system. All passengers and crew are reported safe, and PAL is providing assistance and arranging onward travel.
Global Dominion, a leading Philippine non-bank financier, and Lamudi Philippines, a major online property marketplace, have partnered to streamline the home-buying process. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between property discovery and financing, making home ownership more accessible and addressing the country's housing backlog.
The enhanced southwest monsoon, or 'habagat,' and four tropical cyclones have caused P4.38 billion in agricultural damage nationwide, affecting over 99,000 farmers and fisherfolk. Rice and high-value crops sustained the most significant losses.
Metro Manila's wage board has approved a P60 daily minimum wage increase, intended as the first tranche of a P85 hike currently tied up in court. This new order, however, risks complicating ongoing litigation and may lead to further confusion between labor and employer groups.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced that the southwest monsoon (habagat) is expected to bring moderate to heavy rain to over 20 areas, primarily in Luzon, within the next 24 hours. The risk of floods and landslides remains.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court will now allow both prosecution and defense to cross-examine Vice President Sara Duterte's security officers, reversing a previous ruling. This decision marks a significant development in the impeachment proceedings.
Widespread class suspensions were announced across the Philippines on September 9 due to heavy rains and flooding from the southwest monsoon (habagat). Many local government units opted for online classes or alternative learning arrangements to ensure student safety.
A pattern has emerged in the Philippines where high-profile officials facing arrest warrants, often for corruption charges, are hospitalized citing illness just before their detention. At least eight government officials in the past two decades have invoked medical conditions to delay or avoid arrest and detention.
Prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte are considering summoning her as a witness. However, the defense is citing the constitutional right against self-incrimination, with the 2012 precedent involving former Chief Justice Renato Corona becoming a key point of contention.
Vice President Sara Duterte has appointed lawyer Paolo Panelo as her new spokesperson. This appointment comes amid ongoing impeachment proceedings and a grave threats case against the Vice President.
The Mindanao power grid in the Philippines will be under a yellow alert on September 9, from 1 PM to 9 PM, due to the unavailability of several coal-fired power plants. This situation reduces the operating margin and increases the risk of power outages.
Quezon City prosecutors recommended the dismissal of a complaint filed by Atty. Manases Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, against several House members and government officials. The prosecutors ruled that the respondents' actions were related to their official duties and not performed in a private capacity.
The Philippine government unveiled a $34.4-billion master plan to attract AI infrastructure investments and catch up with established Asian peers. The plan heavily relies on private capital to develop data centers and other facilities by 2033.
The Philippine peso hit a new record low against the US dollar as investor caution builds ahead of US inflation data and increasing bets on a Federal Reserve rate hike. Despite the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas' own rate increases, structural pressures, including high energy prices, are weighing on the currency.
The Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) is launching a new round of green energy auctions (GEA-6) for 160 MW of biomass power capacity. Aiming for delivery between July 2027 and December 2030, the initiative seeks to accelerate the country's renewable energy targets.
The Philippines' 'Green Lane' program is accelerating the processing of permits for strategic and nationally significant investments, reducing processing times by an average of 11 days. As of August, the project pipeline reached P6.36 trillion, dominated by renewable energy initiatives.
The SM Group, a leading Philippine conglomerate, has been recognized with 15 Philippine Quill Awards for its communications initiatives. SM Foundation and BDO Unibank were particularly lauded, each receiving four awards, including three Excellence Awards. This achievement highlights the group's successful engagement with communities, customer service, and financial education through effective messaging.
The Philippine Stock Exchange Index (PSEi) is projected to trade between 6,241 and 6,487 by the end of 2026, as persistent economic headwinds weigh on the local market. Inflation, a weak peso, and slowing economic growth are key concerns.
The Office of the Ombudsman has stated it will "strongly oppose" a motion for hospital detention by former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who faces P7.4 billion in plunder charges. Prosecutors will seek an assessment by government doctors, and if his conditions can be managed outside a hospital, they will push for transfer to a regular detention facility.
The Philippines' Department of Tourism (DoT) is shifting its branding direction for the 'Love the Philippines' campaign to boost domestic tourism. The proposed budget allocates funds for branding campaigns, with a focus on overseas marketing.
The Philippines is looking to leverage the launch of the first nonstop flights between Tel Aviv and Manila in early 2027 as a catalyst for a free trade agreement with Israel, according to Israeli airline Arkia.
The Philippine House of Representatives has finally approved a bill allowing former non-career government employees to continue their membership with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) through voluntary premium contributions, potentially aiding those who fall short of retirement benefit qualifications due to short tenures.