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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.
New questions arise regarding the role of the auditing firm in the accounting reversal for Villar Land's massive profit, intensifying scrutiny on financial gatekeepers. Investors are demanding transparency on how such a dramatic shift occurred.
The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) has fully reopened all lanes following the completion of emergency flood mitigation works by the Department of Public Works and Highways. Reinforced sheet piles have been installed to prevent river overflows onto the tollway, ensuring protection against rising water levels and high tides.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts heavy rains in parts of Luzon on Wednesday, warning of increased flood and landslide risks in already saturated areas after days of rainfall.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration defended its proposed P240 ($4) border charge on international travelers, calling it the 'cheapest' compared to global counterparts. The fee aims to fund the modernization and maintenance of the country's border management system.
The Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) decision to significantly increase the minimum wage has drawn criticism from employer groups, who argue it distorts the tripartite wage-setting process. Concerns include economic conditions, impacts on SMEs, and wage distortion.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration defended its proposed P240 ($4) border security fee for international travelers, arguing it is the "cheapest" compared to charges abroad. The bureau stated the fee is for a service charge necessary for modern border management systems.
The Philippines' budget for cash assistance programs has significantly increased to protect vulnerable families from economic shocks. However, concerns are rising among some lawmakers about an over-reliance on handouts instead of job creation, questioning the effectiveness of poverty alleviation strategies.
A Philippine lawmaker is advocating for increased honoraria for election workers, primarily teachers, citing their long hours and difficult working conditions. He urged the Commission on Elections to commit to these raises in the 2027 budget deliberations, emphasizing the need for fair compensation regardless of election postponements.
The Philippines' foreign exchange reserves reached a five-month high in August, primarily driven by increased valuation of the central bank's gold holdings and gains from overseas investments. This bolsters the nation's resilience against international market volatility.
NLEX Corp. announced the completion of Tulaoc River dredging on its section, eliminating rainwater pooling on the expressway shoulder. Work continues upstream, supported by flood mitigation measures like pumps and barriers.
The Hataman political clan is aiming to secure two of the four parliamentary seats in Basilan province for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections, signaling a potential consolidation of their influence in the region.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is emerging as a key destination for China's clean-tech exports, with the Philippines showing significant growth in purchases of energy storage batteries and solar panels. The region's total spending is up 50% year-on-year, solidifying Southeast Asia as a crucial market for Chinese clean-tech following Europe and North America.
Aquaculture stakeholders in Pangasinan are demanding to be included in consultations for development projects, citing massive flooding this year that led to significant losses and potential impacts from upland developments.
The San Roque Dam in Pangasinan, Philippines, has ceased its water discharge operations after a temporary increase due to heavy rainfall. The dam's water level is now within safe limits, and future rainfall and its impact on the region are being closely monitored.
Philippine bank lending accelerated in July, with stronger growth in business loans offsetting a slight slowdown in consumer credit. This indicates robust demand supporting economic activity despite central bank rate hikes aimed at curbing inflation.