Philippine Seven Corp. (PSC), the exclusive licensee of 7-Eleven stores in the Philippines, is on track to reach 5,000 stores by year-end, despite economic pressures. The milestone 5,000th store will open in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, marking a significant expansion just two years after hitting 4,000 stores and 40 years after entering the country.
Despite joining the US-led Pax Silica initiative, the Philippines faces concerns of missing out on tangible benefits due to internal government coordination gaps and insufficient public explanation. Experts warn of a potential missed opportunity if swift action is not taken.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has received its fourth Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, nearing the halfway point of its initial order for nine. This strengthens its long-haul international routes, particularly to North America, and solidifies its position as the sole Southeast Asian carrier operating the A350-1000.
The House of Representatives prosecution panel aims to conclude its presentation of evidence in the impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte for alleged misuse of confidential funds by September 9. The witness list is still being finalized, but the panel seeks a swift conclusion.
The Philippines plans to attract approximately $12.6 billion in investments to regain its position as the world's second-largest geothermal power producer. The Department of Energy is enhancing government support mechanisms to mitigate exploration risks and seeking collaboration with international financial institutions.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) is exploring smart farming technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and close technological gaps. A delegation visited a leading farm in China's Zhejiang province to study digital systems and precision management, recognizing that economic and effective implementation within the Philippines remains a key challenge.
A Philippine bishop urged religious superiors to make the Church a "prophet" that confronts poverty, violence, and injustice, rather than one that maintains the status quo. He stressed the need to defend communities affected by conflicts over land and natural resources, destructive mining, and reclamation projects.
Philippine Representative Antonio Tinio has urged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to release the report on the use of confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) by the Office of the President (OP) since 2023. While a Palace spokesperson cited transparency, the lawmaker insists on specific disclosure.
The House prosecution panel in the Philippines has received copies of bank and tax records belonging to Vice President Sara Duterte, her husband, and associated companies, reportedly in connection with impeachment proceedings against the Vice President.
As the rainy season intensifies in the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) strongly urges residents in flood-prone areas to prioritize early evacuation. A BFP official emphasized the importance of proactive measures to minimize damage during a DILG forum.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced its support for the strict enforcement of "no-build zone" policies in flood-prone and hazardous areas, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call for enhanced safety measures.
Philippine Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla urged the judiciary to undergo 'soul-searching' and be 'closely examined by everyone in government' to address long-standing issues in the justice system. The remarks were made during a Senate hearing on the proposed 2027 budget, highlighting concerns over the system's slow pace and its impact on citizens.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed that steel bars recovered from the rubble of a collapsed building in Angeles City, Pampanga, originated from a steel manufacturing plant currently under investigation. This was revealed during a Senate Committee on Economic Affairs hearing.
The Philippines' global capability centers (GCCs) are projected to employ around 289,000 professionals by 2026, driven by multinational companies expanding into higher-value, technology-driven services. Competition for specialized talent is identified as a potential challenge for future growth.
A lower-than-requested fund for a government agency does not necessarily constitute a budget cut, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) clarified. This statement comes as the Senate begins deliberations on the proposed P7.2 trillion national budget for 2027.
The Philippines' state-run sovereign wealth fund, Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC), more than tripled its capital deployment in the first half of 2026, reaching P18.8 billion and surpassing its total investment for the entire previous year. The fund is accelerating investments in the logistics and power sectors.
The Philippines' Ombudsman has confirmed that cases will be filed against former Speaker Martin Romualdez concerning alleged anomalies in flood control projects, despite some witnesses retracting their statements. The investigation is proceeding.
The Philippine Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is moving 'full speed ahead' to break up collective land titles as the World Bank-financed Support to Parcelization of Lands for Individual Titling (SPLIT) project nears its deadline, aiming to expedite individual titling for landowners.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) aims to launch next-generation Philippine passports by 2028. This initiative is expected to enhance anti-forgery features and expedite issuance, facilitating smoother travel for citizens.
Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim was visibly emotional during a speech by MILF commander Abdullah “Commander Bravo” Macapaar at a general assembly in Maguindanao del Norte. The moment underscored the deep sentiment regarding the progress of the Bangsamoro peace process.
A power supply shortage has triggered red and yellow alerts across the Mindanao grid, raising the possibility of rotational brownouts. South Cotabato Electric Cooperative I (SOCOTECO I) is urging consumers to conserve electricity.
Baguio City, Philippines, celebrated the 81st anniversary of Imperial Japanese Army Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita's surrender, a pivotal event marking the end of the Pacific leg of World War II, despite challenging monsoon weather.
Police in Eastern Visayas, Philippines, conducted 1,012 law enforcement operations in August, arresting 1,145 violators and confiscating contraband and illegal items worth P18.96 million, intensifying efforts against illegal drugs, insurgency, and wanted individuals.
The Department of Education (DepEd) spearheaded the National Simultaneous School Safety Drill to bolster emergency preparedness in public and private schools. The drill aims to enhance multi-agency coordination under active threat scenarios, based on localized school contingency plans, ensuring the safety and psychosocial well-being of students, teachers, and staff.
A month-long environmental crackdown in Western Visayas in August resulted in the arrest of 490 individuals and the confiscation of over P27.3 million worth of illegal catch, timber, and equipment, according to the Police Regional Office 6.
Dengue fever cases in Zamboanga City have reached 2,413 from January 1 to August 29, with 17 deaths reported. Eighty new cases were recorded in the latest week, prompting the City Health Office to urge vigilance.
A grass fire in Hinunangan, Southern Leyte, consumed an estimated seven hectares of agricultural land and vegetation. Firefighters battled the blaze for over 10 hours before it was fully extinguished early Tuesday morning after starting Monday afternoon.
South Cotabato province in the Philippines is intensifying its disaster preparedness for an anticipated strong El Niño event, which threatens prolonged heat and dry conditions impacting agriculture, livestock, and public health. The province is ensuring funds, water facilities, and relief supplies are ready.
The Environmental Management Bureau warned that air quality in Bacolod City and other parts of Negros Occidental has deteriorated to 'unhealthy for sensitive groups,' urging caution for individuals with respiratory conditions.
Metro Cebu is grappling with a dual crisis as a nine-hour red alert over the Visayas power grid has led to extended brownouts, coinciding with acutely unhealthy air quality. This situation has forced hundreds of students and teachers to transition to online learning.
San Miguel Corporation (SMC) President Ramon Ang stated that flooding in Bulakan town, Bulacan province, is caused by low land elevation, narrow and winding rivers, and low bridges, not the New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) central committee has dismissed Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua from his position as chief of its military arm. The move, citing insubordination, also saw the dismissal of over 40 other commanders, signaling a push for stability within the Bangsamoro government.
The House of Representatives’ improved trust and performance ratings are a result of its focus on legislation and public service under Speaker Faustino Dy III, according to Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez. He called it an encouraging sign for rebuilding public trust.
A passenger boat moored off Calayan town in Cagayan province sank due to strong winds and high waves. All crew members were safe, and one worker who attempted to retrieve belongings was also rescued.
Malacañang ordered classes in 16 provinces in Luzon to shift to alternative learning modes on September 4 due to heavy rains from the enhanced Southwest Monsoon and air pollution from Indonesian haze, prioritizing student safety and educational continuity.
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri urged the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to map its programs and assets to enhance emergency response operations, particularly for tourism. This call comes as the Philippines advances the ratification and implementation of the International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue.