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The Philippines faces a significant challenge in early childhood literacy, with approximately 10% of Grade 1-3 students struggling to read and only half performing at grade level, according to 2025-2026 data.
The Philippine Senate has set the impeachment trial schedule for Vice President Sara Duterte from September to November. The trial will run concurrently with deliberations on the 2027 national budget.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expressed strong concern over a nearly 50% cut in funding for the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program under the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program. The agency warned this reduction might hinder its ability to maintain past support levels.
The Philippines saw an improvement in its 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) scores across reading, mathematics, and science, climbing out of the bottom ranks. Despite this progress, Filipino students still lag significantly behind OECD averages, underscoring the need for continued education reforms.
Philippine Congressman James "Jojo" Ang Jr. pleaded not guilty to two graft charges related to contracts with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). The Sandiganbayan had ordered his arrest, citing alleged involvement in contracts worth P214 million.
Vice President Sara Duterte's defense counsel invoked the constitutional right against self-incrimination, opposing the prosecution's intent to call her as a witness in her impeachment trial. The defense maintains Duterte is adequately represented by her lawyers and will formally respond to any subpoena requests.
The Philippine peso has fallen past P62 to the US dollar for the first time, marking a record low. This depreciation poses risks of higher import prices, increased inflationary pressures, and potential negative impacts on public welfare and economic growth.
The Philippine House of Representatives has approved a bill extending the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four to five years, postponing the next elections until 2028. Some lawmakers have raised concerns about perpetuating political patronage and the bill's constitutionality.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court will begin hearing Article II of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, concerning alleged unexplained wealth, on September 14. This follows the House prosecution's withdrawal of witnesses for Article I, related to the misuse of confidential funds.
The Philippine peso hit a new all-time low against the US dollar, closing at P62.625:$1. The depreciation is attributed to strong expectations of sustained high US interest rates and rising global oil prices, which increase the country's import bill.
Results from the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) reveal that Filipino learners report disruptions in Philippine classrooms due to noise and lack of attention, despite high levels of teacher support. The findings highlight the need for improvement in the overall learning environment.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) released the mugshot of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who is hospitalized and under arrest for alleged plunder charges.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) returned the arrest warrant for former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who faces plunder charges, to the Sandiganbayan. Romualdez remains hospitalized and has not appeared in court.
The Philippine Supreme Court has declared a government regulation mandating electronic tracking of commercial fishing vessels unconstitutional, deeming it overly broad and violating constitutional protections. The ruling, aimed at combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUUU) fishing, raises questions about the balance between fisheries management and individual rights.
The spokesperson for the Philippine impeachment court indicated that oral arguments may be held if Vice President Sara Duterte is subpoenaed to testify in her own impeachment trial. This follows the prosecution's intention to call her as a witness to confirm her claims of innocence, though a subpoena has not yet been requested.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is set for elections with 13 regional parties and nearly 700 candidates competing for 80 seats. While this signals broader political participation, heightened party rivalries and dynastic politics raise security concerns.
The Social Security System (SSS) has expanded its microloan program, SSS LoanLite, to the UnionDigital Bank (UD) mobile application, allowing members to apply for loans up to P20,000 without employer certification, enhancing convenience and security.
In the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, the prosecution has withdrawn its remaining 15 witnesses concerning alleged misuse of confidential funds. The prosecution stated that the presented evidence and testimonies are sufficient.
The Philippines' unemployment rate surged to 6% in July, a four-year high, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. This marks a significant increase from the previous month and raises concerns about the pace of economic recovery, particularly for young workers.
Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has been appointed as the lead convenor of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) with the rank of Cabinet secretary by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Pacquiao, a former congressman and senator, will now spearhead the administration's poverty alleviation efforts.
Lawyer Mark Vinluan is a member of Vice President Sara Duterte's defense team in her impeachment trial, notably leading cross-examinations concerning 'grave threats.' Vinluan specializes in litigation, dispute resolution, and corporate law.
During the 23rd day of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, prosecutors demanded she take the stand to explain the disbursement of P612.5 million in confidential funds. The defense countered, arguing it would violate her constitutional right against self-incrimination, prompting the court to consider the next steps.
The office of Malabon Representative Antolin "Lenlen" Oreta III has debunked a viral social media claim that the congressman wished death upon Vice President Sara Duterte. The claim, rated FALSE, was spread following Duterte's remarks about her safety concerns after being arrested and posting bail for grave threats charges.
More than 12,000 barangays across Luzon, Visayas, and Metro Manila are at risk of landslides and floods due to the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat), according to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). The agency urged vigilance based on rainfall forecasts from September 8 to 11.
PCIJ has investigated records of school infrastructure contractors registered with the Philippines' Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). While personal details and signatures are redacted, the non-disclosure of some contractor information raises transparency concerns.
Vice President Sara Duterte's counsel clarified her statement of distrust in the courts, explaining it stemmed from concerns about her safety during bail proceedings and was contextualized by the presence of law enforcement, not a breach of the sub judice rule.
Agricultural damage in the Philippines has reached P4.38 billion due to the enhanced southwest monsoon and several tropical cyclones. Over 99,000 farmers and fisherfolk were affected, with rice suffering the most significant losses.
Former Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Jesus Fernandez pleaded not guilty to graft charges before the Sandiganbayan. The charges involve alleged receipt of P14.7 million in relation to ambulance procurement.
The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) and SMDC have partnered to offer preferential pricing on select housing units in Metro Manila and Pampanga, aiming to make homeownership more accessible for qualified borrowers.
The Philippines achieved its highest-ever mean scores in reading, mathematics, and science in the 2025 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The nation was recognized as the fastest-improving country in reading performance globally.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been arrested on charges of P7.4-billion plunder. He is currently under hospital 'detention' due to alleged health issues. Prosecutors indicate further charges may follow.
Philippine prosecutors accused former House Speaker Martin Romualdez of using part of an alleged P7.44-billion kickback haul from flood control projects to acquire assets through shell companies. Romualdez denies any wrongdoing.
The Philippine Department of the Interior and Local Government plans to ask the court to transfer former House Speaker Martin Romualdez from a private hospital to the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital. Romualdez's camp cites serious medical conditions for remaining at a private facility, but the government asserts the PNP hospital can manage his care.
The Philippines achieved its highest scores in reading, mathematics, and science in the 2025 PISA, showing the fastest improvement in reading comprehension among OECD countries, though scores remain below the OECD average.
The impeachment trial against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is nearing the end of its evidence presentation for Article I, concerning corruption allegations. The prosecution has dropped its remaining witnesses, suggesting they intend to call the Vice President herself to the stand. Meanwhile, for Article II, related to unexplained wealth, a deadline has been set for the defense to respond to requests for admission. The trial's focus is now shifting to the interpretation of the number of votes required for conviction.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is urging Congress to restore P800 million in capital outlay for the upkeep and renovation of its care facilities, some over 50 years old. The proposed budget cut for 2027 could impact the living conditions of vulnerable sectors.