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Parts of Mindanao in the Philippines are experiencing 'very unhealthy' air quality due to haze from ongoing forest fires in Indonesia. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities and wear masks.
Philippine bank lending grew 10.4% year-on-year in July, reaching a two-month high. Business loans bolstered the rebound, offsetting a slowdown in consumer credit, signaling economic recovery. However, weak household confidence remains a concern.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported a nearly 42% decrease in nationwide crime volume for August compared to the same period last year, with significant drops observed in car theft, rape, and motorcycle theft.
Microfinance lender OnePuhunan in the Philippines has secured over P1.5 billion (approx. $26 million USD) from Citi and German development finance institution DEG to expand lending to women entrepreneurs. The funds will support female borrowers aiming to improve business productivity and increase incomes.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced a 41.77% decrease in focus crimes nationwide from January to August 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Notable drops were recorded in vehicle theft and rape, with the PNP attributing the success to sustained police efforts.
The Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) is promoting training for abaca school bag production in Leyte, aiming to revitalize the local economy and create new livelihoods, particularly in the provinces of Southern Leyte and Leyte, which are major abaca producers.
The proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) reveals budget cuts for two flagship programs of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD): the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). This reduction raises concerns about the impact on essential poverty alleviation efforts.
The Office of the President will provide P46.4 million in a 'finisher fund' to 2,320 graduating college students in Bukidnon. Each student will receive P20,000 for tuition, transportation, and learning materials.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is requesting nearly P1.5 billion for infrastructure projects under its proposed P242.53-billion budget for 2027, aiming to repair and improve police stations and facilities affected by recent weather events.
The Philippine Senate will convene a Committee of the Whole to deliberate on the Pax Silica initiative, addressing concerns over its environmental, economic, and social impacts. This move underscores the urgency and significance of the project.
A 21-year-old nursing scholar was found strangled to death at her home in Nueva Ecija, Philippines. A relative who discovered the body has been arrested and confessed to the crime, reportedly stemming from a dispute over a loan.
The Sandiganbayan, the Philippines' anti-graft court, has ordered former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to appear on Thursday, September 10. Romualdez faces a non-bailable plunder case and is seeking continued hospital confinement.
All lanes on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) near San Simon, Pampanga, have reopened after floodwaters from heavy monsoon rains receded. Joint government and private sector mitigation efforts expedited the clearance, with long-term solutions like detention basins planned.
A dolphin stranded in shallow waters off Calubian, Leyte, was successfully rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard and local responders on Monday and safely returned to the sea. The dolphin sustained a minor injury but was otherwise in good condition.
The Sandiganbayan has ordered former Speaker Martin Romualdez to attend a hearing on September 10, 2026, regarding his motion for continued hospital confinement. Romualdez is currently hospitalized after an arrest warrant was served in connection with a P7.4 billion plunder case.
The Philippines' unemployment rate rose to 6.0% in July, with 3.14 million Filipinos jobless, marking the highest rate in over four years and indicating a worsening youth employment situation. Politically, moves are underway to revisit impeachment trial voting thresholds, subpoena Vice President Sara Duterte as a witness, and appoint an anti-poverty czar.
The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board-National Capital Region (RTWPB-NCR) approved a P60 daily wage increase under Wage Order No. 28. However, the implementation of an earlier P60 wage hike under Wage Order No. 27 remains tied up in a legal dispute, creating ongoing confusion.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) plans to ask the Sandiganbayan to place former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, who faces plunder charges, under formal custody and transfer him to the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital. Romualdez is currently receiving medical treatment.
The impeachment trial of the Philippine Vice President has been shortened as the prosecution panel dropped its witnesses. However, the Senate impeachment court will now hear oral arguments and consult legal experts on the voting threshold required for conviction.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. denounced China's actions as "coercion, bullying, and aggression" after receiving a note at an international forum in Seoul reiterating Beijing's refusal to acknowledge the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling. He questioned China's stance as a UNCLOS signatory.
The Philippine House of Representatives has approved on final reading a bill postponing the village and youth elections from 2026 to November 2028, extending the term of incumbent officials to five years. Some lawmakers voiced opposition, citing potential constitutional violations.
Agricultural damage from tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon in the Philippines has reached P4.38 billion, affecting over 99,000 farmers and fisherfolk, with rice and high-value crops suffering the most. The government is implementing aid measures.
All lanes at the San Simon Interchange and Tulaoc on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) have reopened following flood mitigation efforts. NLEX Corp. stated its commitment to ensuring the safety and accessibility for motorists and affected communities.
Fourteen Filipino seafarers who survived an attack in the Strait of Hormuz are set to arrive in Manila with assistance from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Repatriation procedures for the two deceased seafarers are also underway.
The Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity have launched a 10-year strategic roadmap to enhance the management, protection, and conservation of ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs). This initiative includes strengthening the Philippine AHP network.
The Social Security System (SSS) has partnered with UnionDigital Bank (UD) to make its microloan program, LoanLite, available on UD's mobile app. This move aims to provide qualified members with more convenient and secure access to short-term financial assistance.
Over 24 million Filipinos have used their national ID to open accounts on the e-wallet platform GCash, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This marks a significant step in improving financial inclusion, particularly for the unbanked population.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested four Chinese nationals in Muntinlupa City for alleged involvement in cyber fraud. The operation targeted suspected Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO)-related activities, uncovering immigration law violations.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has obtained a court order to forfeit 10 bank accounts, totaling approximately P3.5 million, linked to individuals involved in illegal drug trafficking. This action is part of broader efforts to protect the financial system and enhance community safety.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro vehemently criticized China for its rejection of the South China Sea arbitral award, stating, "Of course, you lost," after receiving an unsigned note at a defense forum in Seoul. He reiterated the illegality of China's claims and called for adherence to international law.
Philippine National Police reported arresting 50,766 individuals and seizing an estimated P11.51 billion worth of illegal drugs nationwide from January to August 2026, following 43,383 anti-drug operations. In August alone, 6,044 arrests and P599.89 million in drug seizures were recorded.
Philippine Senate President Pro Tempore Francis Escudero announced the schedule for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, covering proceedings for September and October, as the Senate deliberates on the proposed 2027 national budget.
The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) has launched a new coalition to attract foreign Global Capability Centers (GCCs), aiming for $50.5 billion in annual revenue and 2.14 million jobs by 2028.
A survey by the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC) indicates that 43% of European Union (EU) firms are interested in expanding their operations in the Philippines. While this figure surpasses last year's, it lags behind other ASEAN nations like Vietnam and Indonesia.
An Australian delegation of institutional investors is exploring investment opportunities in the Philippines' energy and infrastructure sectors. The visit, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of diplomatic ties, aims to leverage the investors' A$1.4 trillion in assets under management to contribute to the Philippines' development plans.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has deemed former Speaker Martin Romualdez a flight risk despite his existing health conditions. The DILG plans to implement strict containment measures following the issuance of an arrest warrant for corruption charges.