Philippines Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced he will visit France to coordinate with authorities regarding Senator Loren Legarda and former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who are currently in the country amid their ongoing cases in the Philippines. Remulla stressed that France should not be a "safe haven for plunderers and ill-gotten wealth."
Political dynasties are set to extend their influence into the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliament as over half of the candidates in Tawi-Tawi province have ties to local political families. This highlights a persistent trend of hereditary power in the region's elections.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte enters a new phase with the presentation of new witnesses concerning Article 1, which alleges misuse of confidential funds. A police document examiner is set to testify.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte enters its 23rd day with continued witness testimonies regarding alleged misuse of confidential funds. The prosecution is set to present a handwriting expert to argue that payees on receipts are fictitious.
Police in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, arrested 10 individuals for alleged illegal gambling activities, including playing 'tong-its' and mahjong. Authorities vow to continue intensified operations against illicit gambling.
Search and rescue operations are ongoing for a man missing since September 3 in Kapangan, Benguet, Philippines. Local residents and authorities are collaborating and appealing for information.
Laoag City in Ilocos Norte, Philippines, has begun distributing multipurpose vehicles to its 80 barangays, aiming to bolster their capacity to respond to emergencies and community needs.
The Philippines is pushing Japan for zero tariffs on banana exports, a move that could significantly boost the country's dominant share in the Japanese market, which already accounts for about 80% of imports. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque expressed the goal of duty-free access, with negotiations ongoing for a revised Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).
Manila Water is set to complete the reconstruction of its San Juan Reservoir by the end of 2026, aiming to enhance water supply resilience against earthquakes and extreme weather. The upgrade is crucial for Metro Manila's infrastructure.
Electric cooperatives in Eastern Visayas have warned of potential power interruptions affecting nearly one million consumers following red and yellow alerts issued by the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) for the Visayas grid. Tight power supply is attributed to the unavailability of coal-fired plants and reduced imports from Mindanao.
Senator Panfilo Lacson stated that critics accusing President Marcos of weak leadership should be silenced following the arrest of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez on plunder charges. Romualdez allegedly received P7.44 billion in kickbacks from government projects between 2022 and 2025.
The Philippine National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) indicated that Senator Alan Peter Cayetano might be included as a respondent in recommended charges over alleged irregularities within the Philippine Southeast Asian Games Organizing Committee (Phisgoc) for the 2019 SEA Games. The NBI is set to recommend charges against Phisgoc officials in the coming days.
The municipal government of Sta. Lucia in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, stated it will not tolerate unauthorized or environmentally harmful dredging within its territorial waters. Aiming to protect marine ecosystems and coastal livelihoods, it will coordinate with relevant agencies to ensure regulatory compliance.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has implemented a five-layered validation system to prevent fraudulent claims in its voucher programs, following a corruption scheme exposed last year. This includes cross-checking student data and conducting audit visits to private schools.
The Philippines has enacted Republic Act No. 12325, strengthening universal access to quality tertiary education. The new law enhances subsidies, particularly for impoverished students, to cover not only tuition but also the actual costs of education, including books and food.
Four men were arrested in Pampanga, Philippines, after authorities intercepted a truck carrying an estimated P48.9 million worth of suspected smuggled cigarettes. Officials highlighted that illicit trade deprives the government of revenue and disadvantages legitimate businesses.
The Nueva Vizcaya provincial government is racing to get a P905.6-million infrastructure program back on track after projects were hit by election restrictions, permit delays, typhoons, failed bidding, and soaring construction costs. The program covers roads, bridges, and hospital buildings, with the province also planning a satellite office to bring services closer to communities.
Senator Mark A. Villar has filed a bill mandating a minimum of P650 daily hazard pay for media personnel working in conflict-ridden and calamity-stricken areas in the Philippines. The proposed legislation also includes provisions for additional compensation for overtime and night shifts, and enhanced insurance benefits.
A Philippine lawmaker is pushing to maintain the education budget at 4% of GDP for the upcoming year, deeming proposed cuts "unacceptable and alarming." The call emphasizes the need to support teachers and address the nation's ongoing learning crisis.
A Philippine congressman has proposed engaging reputable foreign and top-tier local contractors for large-scale infrastructure projects to prevent delays, substandard work, and ghost projects.
A Philippine lawmaker has urged the House of Representatives to approve a proposed P1-billion government subsidy for African Swine Fever (ASF) vaccines. The initiative aims to support small-scale hog raisers and stabilize the country's pork supply, following the approval of commercial ASF vaccine sales.
A Philippine court administrator has confirmed that a bond is a mandatory requirement for any injunction that suspends a minimum wage increase. This clarification is crucial for ongoing legal challenges affecting workers' pay.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has launched a P150-million feasibility study to transform the Candaba Swamp in Pampanga into a large-scale canal system. The project aims to mitigate flooding while developing it into a hub for irrigation, agricultural transport, and aquaculture.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was hospitalized after suffering a cardiovascular event and a panic attack. Concurrently, an arrest order was issued for him over alleged receipt of P7.44 billion in kickbacks. Authorities are monitoring his health while proceeding with legal procedures.
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III urged the 2026 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Filipinos awardees – teachers, soldiers, and police officers – to use their talents for the betterment of others and the nation, not just personal success. Their exemplary service highlights the crucial role of individual contributions to national progress.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been arrested on plunder charges. He is accused of receiving P7.44 billion in kickbacks from flood control and infrastructure projects between 2022 and 2025.
Vice President Sara Duterte urged supporters not to be swayed by her impeachment trial and criminal cases, claiming President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. controls the Senate, prosecutors, judges, and police. She expressed feeling more pressure from her inability to alleviate public suffering than from her own legal battles.
The Philippine Senate has approved on final reading five international resolutions concerning aviation security, criminal justice cooperation, space activities, higher education, and taxation. These resolutions aim to strengthen the nation's participation in international agreements and support its economic, educational, and security interests.
A budget watchdog has raised concerns that the Department of Education’s (DepEd) proposed spending plan for next year is becoming a "discretionary, centrally pooled" budget, potentially reducing transparency and civil society oversight.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has been hospitalized as authorities moved to serve an arrest warrant against him on plunder charges. The warrant from the Sandiganbayan stems from allegations of repeatedly receiving illicit commissions and kickbacks.
Police in Maguindanao del Norte, Philippines, have recovered an estimated P600,000 worth of smuggled cigarettes. The regional police force vows to intensify efforts against smuggling and strengthen community partnerships.
National Artist for Literature Dr. Resil Mojares, a renowned writer, historian, scholar, and educator, has passed away at the age of 83. The Cebu provincial government has ordered the Philippine flag flown at half-mast in tribute to his significant contributions to Philippine literature, history, and culture.
Sections of the national highway in Castillejos, Zambales are impassable to light vehicles due to flooding from continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon. A total of 261 families or 899 individuals have been evacuated.
The chief of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) advised Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez to surrender, stating it would be better than facing arrest, as plunder charges have been filed against him and others over alleged flood control anomalies.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division has issued arrest warrants against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, and two others over plunder charges for allegedly receiving over P7.44 billion in illicit gains. The offense is non-bailable.
The Department of Education (DepEd) announced a shift away from the practice of sharing textbooks across multiple batches of students, aiming to provide one textbook per learner. This move encourages students to write in and take their textbooks home, intending to improve access to learning materials and enhance educational quality.