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.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is set for its first regular parliamentary elections on September 14, marking a pivotal moment where decades of peace efforts are expected to translate into a democratic mandate. Former combatants are participating as candidates, signifying the region's transition towards democratic political engagement.
A survey of 176 CEOs from major Philippine corporations reveals that over 80% are optimistic about revenue growth in the next 12 months and three years. Growth drivers have shifted from infrastructure development to domestic consumption, with investments in digital transformation, including AI, identified as top priorities.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in the Philippines is seeking an P8 million budget for a special committee crafting policies for the LGBTQIA+ community in 2027. However, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has not approved this, with the current budget reportedly under P2 million, leading to concerns from lawmakers about its low priority.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has focused on allegations that recipients of confidential funds used aliases. Testimony from the Philippine Statistics Authority confirmed names not found in civil registry records, making this a key point in the proceedings.
The remains of a 29-year-old man missing since September 3 were recovered on September 7 in Kapangan, Benguet. Found near a river, authorities are investigating the possibility of a drowning incident.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) affirmed strong military ties with Malaysia, despite concerns raised by the Malaysian Prime Minister regarding a US-Philippines Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) site in Palawan. The AFP highlighted the importance of bilateral engagement given their geographic proximity.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) has assured that retail rice prices will remain stable despite the recent surge in fuel prices, citing sufficient domestic inventory and minimal impact from recent typhoons.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is set to proceed with the testimony of a reserved witness regarding alleged misuse of confidential funds. The witness is expected to provide details on receipts submitted by the Department of Education and the Office of the Vice President. The trial marks a significant step in the proceedings.
In the Philippines, the AI legal research tool Intellegal is analyzing complex property foreclosure disputes. Lawyers can now quickly and accurately grasp past precedents and laws using AI, streamlining litigation strategy development.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) stated that recent Chinese claims over Batanes are part of a 'malign influence campaign' synchronized with other territorial assertions in the South China Sea, aiming to manipulate public perception and sow confusion.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed that a Chinese fighter jet intercepted a Philippine government aircraft during a maritime patrol over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) in the South China Sea, with its targeting crosshairs locked onto the Filipino plane. The Philippines views this as a provocative act by China and intends to strengthen cooperation with allies like the US to uphold international law.
The Sandiganbayan has scheduled a hearing for September 10 to determine the necessity of hospital arrest for former Speaker and incumbent Leyte 1st District Representative Martin Romualdez. This follows the filing of plunder charges amounting to P7.4 billion against Romualdez and others.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has launched an investigation into P1.9 billion worth of flood control projects in the district of Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, which were awarded exclusively to Genesis88 Construction, Inc. The NBI noted the contractor's long-standing acquaintance with the Dutertes.
Celebrating its 64th anniversary, Metrobank, a leading Philippine bank, continues to evolve with Filipinos by adapting to digitalization and changing customer needs, promoting financial education, and contributing to communities. The bank maintains its capacity to support customers through uncertain times, underpinned by strong capital and risk management.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. strongly criticized China for disrespecting international law and the hosts at a security forum in Seoul. Using a note handed to him by China as evidence, he labeled Beijing's actions in the South China Sea as 'bullying'.
A heated exchange occurred between the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary and a party-list representative over a suspended wage hike in the National Capital Region (NCR). The representative moved to defer DOLE's budget, but the motion was rejected.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced that the southwest monsoon, or "habagat," will bring rains to parts of Luzon and the Visayas. Zambales and Bataan are expected to experience heavy rainfall, raising concerns about localized flooding and potential landslides, impacting infrastructure.
Stratworks, a Philippine marketing agency, has secured multiple accolades at the 22nd Philippine Quill Awards. The wins, particularly for collaborative campaigns with Jollibee and PLDT, highlight the agency's success in fostering deep brand connections and delivering tangible results.
Senator Loren Legarda has extended her medical leave for the fifth time, coinciding with an ongoing graft investigation. The Ombudsman has criticized her prolonged absence and suggested international cooperation, while the senator denies the allegations.
Joan Viñas, a 17-year-old survivor of a school shooting in Tacloban City, is scheduled for another surgery this week. Her family is struggling to cover the costs and is appealing for financial assistance. The incident had previously raised concerns about school safety.
A House of Representatives panel has approved a bill proposing a total ban on social media use for children under 13 and restrictions for those aged 13 to 18, aiming to protect young people from harmful online content.
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines faces a potential hiring freeze for over 14,000 new teachers as its recruitment budget for 2027 has been slashed to zero in the proposed National Expenditure Program. The agency's ability to expand its teaching force hinges on Congress restoring the requested funds.
Diesel and gasoline prices in Metro Manila have surpassed P100 per liter, driven by escalating Middle East tensions and a depreciating peso. This surge significantly impacts household budgets, prompting the government to accelerate efforts to bolster fuel reserves and stabilize supply chains.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court announced it will hold oral arguments on September 23 regarding the voting threshold required to convict the Vice President. With several senator-judges absent, the interpretation of the constitutional "two-thirds of all Members" is at issue.
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced red and yellow alerts for the Mindanao grid on September 8 due to dwindling energy reserves. Power shortages are anticipated, particularly during afternoon peak hours.
Two Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineers in Pampanga, Philippines, have been dismissed following the death of a man who fell into an open drainage canal. The incident highlights concerns over safety measures during the monsoon season.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has activated an online precinct finder for the upcoming Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, allowing voters to easily check their designated polling stations by providing their full name, birthday, and place of registration.
Despite easing inflation, many Filipino businesses and households face weak demand and capital access challenges. Global Dominion and Go Negosyo are addressing this through 'Trabaho at Negosyo,' a program offering business mentorship, employment, and income-generating opportunities.
ABS-CBN Corporation has received P2 billion from investors as part of its P6 billion rescue package, providing crucial liquidity while awaiting final regulatory approvals for its recapitalization plan.
Focus crimes nationwide declined by 41.77% in August 2026 compared to the same month last year, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Tuesday. A total of 1,497 fewer incidents were recorded across eight categories, including murder, robbery, and theft. The PNP chief urged continued vigilance despite the positive trend.
The Philippines has incurred over P4.3 billion (approximately $78 million USD) in damage and losses to its agricultural sector due to the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) and four recent tropical cyclones, affecting nearly 100,000 farmers and fisherfolk.