The Philippine government is moving to increase the bioethanol blend in gasoline from 10% to 15% to curb pump prices. The Departments of Agriculture and Energy are exploring cheaper domestic feedstocks, such as sugarcane derivatives and corn, to boost local production and reduce import dependence.
Senator Joel Villanueva has strongly urged the management of North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) to consider waiving or refunding toll fees for motorists stranded for hours due to severe flooding. The senator highlighted infrastructure vulnerabilities and inadequate emergency response measures.
Philippine House leaders celebrated Speaker Faustino Dy III's 65th birthday, commending his 'steady, inclusive, and results-driven leadership' in strengthening and restoring public trust in the lower chamber.
A 9-year-old boy, swept away by strong currents in Pampanga's Guagua town three days prior, was found dead by rescuers. The incident occurred while the boy was with his family in an area under evacuation advisories.
A Philippine congressman urged defense officials to ensure adequate and sustainable funding for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program during a recent budget briefing, emphasizing its progress and financial needs.
The municipal government of Lubang, Oriental Mindoro, has initiated a research and documentation project to preserve the history, movements, music, costumes, and cultural significance of 'Balsehan ng Lubang,' a traditional cultural practice tied to the town's Mayohan Festival.
The proposed P16 billion for farm-to-market road projects in the Philippines' 2027 budget is insufficient to cover the thousands of kilometers needed, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel. This shortfall could impact agricultural distribution and farmer incomes.
Occidental Mindoro Rep. Leody Tarriela met with DPWH and DENR officials to address environmental concerns delaying the Victoria-Sablayan Bypass Road Project. The congressman emphasized the project's importance for regional development while ensuring environmental protection.
The prosecution's case against Vice President Sara Duterte regarding the alleged misuse of confidential funds from 2022 to 2023 is nearing its end, with prosecutors expecting to rest their case next week.
An Armed Forces of the Philippines witness testified that each youth leadership summit cost between P30,000 and P60,000, during the Vice President's impeachment trial. The testimony raises questions about the Department of Education's budget.
A van lost its brakes and crashed in Zamboanga del Sur, killing six people and injuring several others. Authorities are investigating potential vehicle maintenance issues as the cause.
Subsidiaries of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) and Aboitiz Power submitted the lowest bids in a recent auction for Manila Electric Co.'s (Meralco) 200-megawatt (MW) power supply, highlighting intense competition among major energy players in the Philippines.
A fisherman in Samar voluntarily surrendered two green sea turtles caught in his net to authorities. The act is lauded as a contribution to conservation efforts and is expected to raise awareness for marine wildlife protection.
Sulfur dioxide emissions from the Philippines' Mayon Volcano have more than doubled their average levels since August 5, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) to warn of potential renewed eruptive activity.
The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has refunded P19 billion in loan payments to over 700,000 members as of end-August, under its 'Balik Ginhawa' program. The initiative is on track to exceed P20 billion by its October deadline, aiming to recirculate funds to members.
The Philippines' Social Security System (SSS) anticipates generating P71.4 billion in investment income by the end of 2026, with its portfolio projected to reach P1.441 trillion. The state-run pension fund aims to balance security with higher returns by increasing investments in equities and exploring overseas opportunities, while maintaining a cautious approach.
Philippine stocks snapped a four-day losing streak, reclaiming the 6,000-point level, as bargain hunters stepped in following an improvement in manufacturing PMI, despite continued foreign outflows. Investors seized on attractive valuations.
The Philippine peso has hit a new historic low, closing at 62.40 to the US dollar. Persistent high oil prices, geopolitical risks, and a strong dollar are pressuring the currency. The central bank faces the challenge of balancing inflation control with economic growth.
The Philippine Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has invited the five most senior associate justices of the Supreme Court to apply for the chief justice position ahead of Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo's retirement on November 6.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified security at flood control facilities in Metro Manila following an increase in theft of parts and equipment, which has disrupted operations amid severe monsoon rains. The Department of Public Works reported that stolen components have hampered the functionality of these critical infrastructure.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) in the Philippines has obtained a court order to freeze 55 bank accounts and four insurance policies linked to an unnamed lawmaker suspected of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. The legislator reportedly continued to receive proceeds from his business while in public office, despite claims of divestment.
The Philippine Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved P10.38 billion to support the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) program, aiming to alleviate hospitalization costs and improve healthcare access. This funding will expand the ZBB implementation in government hospitals nationwide.
The House prosecution panel in the Philippines' impeachment trial may shorten its witness lineup if the remaining testimonies can complete the evidentiary "puzzle" regarding Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged misuse of confidential funds, aiming to expedite proceedings. A similar approach was taken in a previous impeachment trial.
Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) is accelerating flood mitigation efforts on the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), including plans to raise affected pavement sections. This comes in response to extensive flooding caused by recent monsoon rains.
An Army officer testified that the Department of Education (DepEd), then headed by Vice President Sara Duterte, used certifications he issued for the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) to justify the liquidation of millions in confidential funds, a claim he was unaware of its financial purpose.
The Department of Energy (DOE) in the Philippines has ordered a rollback in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, defying industry forecasts. Despite higher international contract prices, consumers can expect a reduction of approximately P4.40 for an 11-kilogram cylinder.
Former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan has been dropped as a co-accused in the plunder and graft charges filed against Senator Jinggoy Estrada and others, paving the way for him to potentially become a state witness.
Thick haze from Indonesian forest fires has blanketed large parts of the Philippines, particularly Luzon and the Visayas, pushing air quality to 'very unhealthy' levels. This has impacted daily life, with some areas suspending in-person classes.
The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) in the Philippines has warned residents along the shores of Laguna de Bay to remain vigilant as the lake's water level has surpassed its critical high-water mark due to persistent heavy rains, posing flood risks especially to low-income communities.
Senator Bong Go has called for the proper and responsible use of public funds, emphasizing that they should translate into tangible services and infrastructure for communities, especially disaster victims. He also urged for an intensified fight against corruption.
Up to 178 cities and municipalities in Luzon, including the entire province of Pangasinan, have been placed under a state of calamity due to severe flooding caused by the southwest monsoon and typhoons. Fatalities have reached 34, with billions of pesos in damages to infrastructure and agriculture.
Philippine manufacturing activity experienced significant growth in August, reaching its strongest pace in nearly a decade since December 2016. The Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rose to 54.9, driven by robust increases in output, new orders, and employment, according to S&P Global.
Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda is appealing to the private sector for assistance in constructing long-term flood control infrastructure within the province, citing the government's heavy workload and the need for private engineering expertise.
The Philippine National Police’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) is intensifying its monitoring against online scammers as the “ber” months, marking the start of the Christmas countdown, have begun. From January to July this year, 323 operations were conducted against illegal sales of financial accounts and online swindling.
The Philippine peso hit a new record low against the US dollar, closing at 62.40. Rising US Treasury yields, tighter Federal Reserve policy, and elevated oil prices are primarily driving the dollar's strength. Overseas remittances may offer some support to the peso.
One of four people missing after their vehicle plunged into a river due to a bridge collapse in Tarlac City has been found in Pangasinan. The search for the remaining three victims is ongoing.