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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has proposed a P35.173-billion budget for 2027 to sustain its operations in national security, diplomacy, and consular services. This figure slightly exceeds the 2026 allocation and includes provisions for enhanced support to overseas Filipinos and the issuance of next-generation passports.
A father died and his seven-year-old son remains missing after their carabao-drawn cart was swept away by strong river currents in Botolan, Zambales, amid heavy rains. Local authorities are continuing search operations.
Some Philippine senators are pushing to revisit the 16-vote threshold required for conviction in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Concerns are being raised about the threshold's validity due to the ongoing absence of several senators.
A bomb threat was reported at the National University–Mall of Asia (NU-MOA) in Pasay City, Philippines. Police received the report and are currently investigating the incident.
Lawyers for former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan have asked the Sandiganbayan to release him from custody, a move made during the arraignment hearing of his co-accused, Senator Jinggoy Estrada, for graft charges.
Authorities in South Cotabato are investigating suspected illegal treasure hunting within the protected Mt. Matutum following reports of excavation activities in Polomolok town. The probe aims to address unauthorized digging in the ecologically sensitive mountain.
Malacañang asserted that no laws are being violated despite several Cabinet officials serving in an acting capacity. Senator Imee Marcos had criticized this situation, calling it a constitutional violation with only two years left in the current administration.
A Philippine Marine sergeant sustained serious injuries after being accidentally shot by a subordinate in Cotabato City. The bullet, fired while the subordinate was reportedly fixing his belongings, penetrated a thin wall and hit the victim in the upper left torso. The incident raises questions about unit discipline and safety protocols.
The Commission on Audit (COA) is conducting fraud audits on nearly 50 flood control projects as part of its investigation into alleged irregularities in government infrastructure projects, with a primary focus on Bulacan province. This province accounts for approximately 18% of the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) flood control project spending from 2022 to 2025, amounting to about P98 billion.
Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada declined to enter a plea to graft and plunder charges against him, prompting the Sandiganbayan to enter a not guilty plea on his behalf. Estrada appeared in court using crutches due to an injury to his right leg.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division has approved Senator Rodante Marcoleta's request for a one-day medical furlough for a check-up. His camp cited stage two hypertension and prostate enlargement as reasons for the motion.
Metro Manila has seen a 18% decrease in leptospirosis cases and deaths compared to last year, yet the disease remains a significant threat with nine cities exceeding epidemic thresholds, largely due to recurrent flooding and exposure to contaminated sources.
Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III announced plans to dredge major rivers in the province as a measure to mitigate seasonal flooding. The initiative aims to address the silting of waterways, which contributes to widespread inundation.
The Commission on Audit (COA) has stated that its fraud audits on flood control projects in Bulacan found no link to Senator Joel Villanueva. The audits are focusing on the implementation by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and COA intends to continue its investigations.
Four centenarians in Valencia City, Bukidnon, each received P50,000 in cash incentives and food packs from the provincial government, bringing the total registered beneficiaries to 56.
A month-long dragnet operation in the Northern Mindanao region of the Philippines led to the arrest of 286 fugitives in August, including several high-profile suspects who had been sought by authorities for years.
The Sandiganbayan has ordered the release of former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan from hospital detention. Bonoan will serve as a government witness in flood control-related cases after being removed from the list of accused in multi-million peso corruption cases.
The Sandiganbayan has affirmed its denial of Senator Jinggoy Estrada's motion to fix bail in his P573-million plunder case. The anti-graft court stated that claims of no flight risk do not overcome the primary issue of whether the evidence of guilt is strong.
The Philippine Department of Justice has commenced a preliminary investigation into the deaths of two student-athletes who drowned during a team-building activity for Ateneo de Manila University. The probe focuses on charges of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide, with university officials named as respondents. Allegations under the Anti-Hazing Act are being pursued separately.
Prosecutors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte have received copies of her bank and tax records, along with those of her husband and their businesses. This marks a significant step in presenting evidence for the 'unexplained wealth' article of impeachment.
The Office of the Ombudsman's P1.66-billion request to fill 1,247 vacant positions faced Senate scrutiny. Lawmakers questioned the agency's capacity to absorb the funds, citing a 51% vacancy rate and concerns about its ability to effectively utilize the proposed budget.
Classes at all levels in public and private schools in Subic and Castillejos towns in Zambales, and in Olongapo City, were again suspended on Thursday, September 3, due to continuing inclement weather brought by the tropical depression "habagat." This comes after some municipalities in Zambales had resumed classes a day prior following a brief respite.
ROXAS, Isabela – A sea turtle hatchling was released along the coast of Ivana town in Batanes province, as part of an ongoing conservation and protection program for sea turtles by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).
Face-to-face classes from preschool to Grade 12 in Baguio City and Benguet province were suspended on Thursday due to bad weather, impacting the mountain city that has been affected for weeks.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is considering a review of flood control master plans from previous administrations. The goal is to update and integrate existing plans, also considering responses to climate change.
Nationwide school safety drills were conducted across the Philippines in response to recent shooting incidents. Students and staff practiced procedures including intruder response, evacuation, and first aid to enhance emergency preparedness.
The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines reported to the Senate that 35 cases related to a multi-billion-peso flood control corruption scandal are currently pending in courts. Thirty-one of these cases are with the anti-graft court Sandiganbayan, while the rest are in various regional courts.
Persistent power and water supply issues are significantly impacting Oriental Mindoro's tourism industry, according to a 2026 survey. These deficiencies affect accommodation quality and tourist experiences, hindering the region's economic growth.
Following a fatal landslide in Zambales, a coalition of environmental and community groups has petitioned Malacañang for an independent probe and a broader review of major development projects in the Subic Bay Freeport.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta posted P90,000 bail over alleged violations of Presidential Decree 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts, stemming from his acceptance of a P75-million donation while serving as a party-list representative. He will remain detained due to a pending non-bailable plunder case.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced that four tropical cyclone-like vortices (TCLVs) are likely to form within the next week, with one potentially developing into a tropical cyclone. Two existing tropical cyclones are outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility, while new vortices require monitoring despite low development probabilities. The threat of tropical cyclones is expected to persist for the next two weeks.
The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines will establish a special investigative team to probe alleged corruption in waste management contracts nationwide. The Ombudsman highlighted the existence of 'garbage kings' who control waste collection and hauling, allegedly profiting from substantial public funds.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta claimed the P75 million donation he received in 2025 was part of his 'personal funds,' a Commission on Elections (Comelec) official testified in court, in relation to a plunder charge against the senator.
Dozens of public transportation projects proposed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) in the Philippines may go unfunded in 2027, as the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved only 30 out of 179 projects. Projects worth P387 billion are at risk of lacking funding in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), including major rail lines and transport hubs.
Tropical Storm Krovanh (locally named Pilandok) has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), but the southwest monsoon continues to bring heavy rainfall to parts of Luzon, increasing flood risks. Another tropical storm, Saudel, remains under monitoring.
The Philippine Senate has finally passed a bill prohibiting relatives of public officials, up to the fourth civil degree of consanguinity, from engaging in government contracts and procurement. The measure aims to enhance transparency and fairness in government contracting.