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Former Department of Education (DepEd) Chief of Staff Michael Poa testified as a witness in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Prosecutors called Poa to testify on Article I of the impeachment articles concerning alleged misuse of confidential funds.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has appointed lawyer Sheila Sison as her lead defense counsel as she faces Senate impeachment proceedings over allegations of misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth, bribery, and grave threats. Sison is a partner at a law firm with a history of representing Duterte in various legal challenges.
The Philippine Senate's impeachment court is considering adjusting the impeachment trial schedule for Vice President Sara Duterte to prioritize deliberations on the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027. The move aims to expedite proceedings while ensuring timely budget approval.
The Senate impeachment court has ordered a Commission on Audit (COA) employee and two others, including a former Department of Education (DepEd) official and a police officer, to testify in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The hearings are scheduled from September 7 to 9.
Former DepEd Undersecretary Michael Poa testified that the Commission on Audit (COA) has yet to reverse its clearance of the Department of Education's (DepEd) P75-million confidential fund spending for the first half of 2023. This was revealed during the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.
Atty. Michael Poa, former chief of staff of the Philippines' Department of Education (DepEd), has denied any involvement in the confidential funds during the term of Vice President Sara Duterte as Education Secretary. Poa testified that the handling of the funds was entrusted to other officials.
Malacañang defended the Office of the President's proposed P4.56 billion confidential funds for 2027, stating that past expenditures were supported by "bulks of receipts." This defense comes amid the impeachment trial of the Vice President, where the misuse of confidential funds is a key issue.
The Philippine Senate unanimously approved a bill prohibiting relatives of public officials up to the fourth civil degree from entering into government contracts. Violators could face imprisonment, fines, and permanent disqualification from public office.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. stated that the Philippines is now implementing a flood control master plan that has existed for decades. This comes after recent infrastructure damage caused by the monsoon, with plans for dam construction and dike development also in progress for Central Luzon.
The Philippine peso weakened further, falling below 62.5 per dollar to a new record low on Wednesday. Renewed Middle East hostilities are driving up oil prices and boosting demand for the dollar as a safe haven. This exacerbates inflation concerns, with the peso remaining Asia's 'weakest link' despite recent central bank rate hikes.
The Visayas grid in the Philippines has been placed on red alert due to the continued offline status of several large coal power plants, raising concerns of potential power interruptions. The situation signifies a risk of supply failing to meet demand.
Filipino consumers may see the 12% VAT on system loss charges removed from their electricity bills as early as November. However, eliminating system loss itself will require significant investments and considerable time.
The prosecution team in the impeachment trial against Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte is considering dropping the bribery charge against her, citing a desire to expedite the proceedings and avoid lengthy hearings.
The Philippine government is not slow in addressing flood control, citing decades of institutional neglect as the cause of current issues. President Marcos is working to update mitigation plans for 18 major river basins in response to climate change.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported that the stunting rate among children under 2 years old in the Philippines decreased to 21.1% in 2025 from 22.5% in 2023. However, the country remains distant from its targets. Progress on nutrition plans, as well as challenges in immunization, water supply, family planning, HIV, tuberculosis, and mental health, were also highlighted.
The Philippine Senate is considering adjusting the impeachment trial schedule for Vice President Sara Duterte to prioritize deliberations on the proposed 2027 national budget. Draft trial dates for October and November have been presented, indicating a move to accommodate legislative priorities.
The Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has directed NLEX Corporation to provide three-hour advance advisories for flood-related closures, aiming to ensure motorist safety and minimize traffic disruptions.
During the impeachment trial of the Philippine Vice President, a former Undersecretary of the Department of Education testified that he did not inquire whether rewards paid to informants using confidential funds had led to successful information gathering. He stated he had answered audit observations but lacked detailed knowledge of the fund's usage.
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has identified lower bids from San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Aboitiz Power (AP) for its 600MW baseload power tender, signaling potential stability and competitiveness in the Philippines' power supply.
Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC) plans to spin off its international operations into a separate entity to be listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). This move is expected to allow for clearer valuation of its domestic and international businesses.
The Department of Health (DOH) is targeting the completion of 176 primary care facilities by 2027, with a proposed budget of P506 million. The plan also includes the status of existing super health centers and the establishment of a centralized call center for hospital inquiries and complaints.
The Presidential Palace distanced itself from the Sandiganbayan's decision to drop graft cases against former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, emphasizing judicial independence. This comes amid the administration's stated commitment to combating corruption.
A fire broke out in the Office of the Vice Mayor at Manila City Hall on Wednesday morning. Firefighters responded swiftly to contain the blaze. Investigations into the cause and any casualties are ongoing.
NLEX has waived toll fees for vehicles traveling between Pulilan and San Fernando due to severe flooding that rendered parts of the expressway impassable. The move aims to alleviate heavy traffic congestion caused by the inundation.
Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan is clinically stable and his hypertension is controlled with medication while under hospital arrest, the Philippine National Police General Hospital said. He is expected to be discharged from charges as a state witness.
Michael Poa, defense counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte and former Chief of Staff of the Department of Education, is set to testify on Wednesday in the impeachment trial. He will be called by the prosecution panel.
While the Philippines' Data Privacy Act of 2012 allows personal data to be stored abroad, Executive Order No. 119 of 2026 mandates domestic storage for government-related data, creating a divergence in data residency regulations.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is monitoring three weather disturbances, issuing a heavy rainfall warning for several areas in Luzon due to the southwest monsoon. Risks of flash floods and landslides are elevated.
The Department of Health (DOH) expects tuberculosis (TB) drugs and related commodities to be delivered by late October or November, following a suspension in procurement that led to allegations against the former Health Secretary.
Haze originating from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia, has been observed across the Philippines, including the National Capital Region. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is urging the public to take precautions due to potential health impacts.
Tropical Storm Pilandok has slightly weakened as it moves east-northeast over the Philippine Sea, while the southwest monsoon (habagat) continues to dominate Luzon and Visayas. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasts continued rain and strong winds in affected areas.
During the impeachment trial of the Philippine Vice President, intense clashes erupted between prosecution and defense counsels during witness testimony. Senate President Escudero appealed for understanding and patience from the public and fellow judges to maintain order and protect the witness's rights.
A Philippine Army officer testified that the military received no funds from the Office of the Vice President (OVP) or the Department of Education (DepEd) for youth programs, which DepEd later cited to justify confidential fund spending.
The Philippine peso hit a record low, joining other Asian currencies under pressure from a global bond market rout and rising oil prices due to renewed geopolitical tensions involving Iran. This trend raises concerns about its impact on the domestic economy.
Former Education Undersecretary Michael Poa testified that purchasing information with confidential funds does not necessarily guarantee success in information gathering. He also touched upon reporting obligations to the Commission on Audit and the acquisition of military certifications for the use of these funds.
Heavy traffic has paralyzed the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) in the Philippines due to flooding caused by days of torrential rains. Many drivers were stranded for hours over the weekend, with some netizens lamenting the experience as akin to 'going abroad.' Pampanga province has seen widespread inundation.