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The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has invited five senior associate justices of the Supreme Court (SC) to apply for the chief justice post, which will become vacant in November. This selection process, overseen by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., highlights the executive's influence on the judiciary.
Amid ongoing heavy rains and flooding, Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered government agencies and local government units to strictly enforce climate-related regulations, particularly 'no-build zones,' suggesting past failures in law enforcement may have been due to political connections.
Transboundary haze from forest fires in Kalimantan, Indonesia has worsened air quality in Metro Manila, Philippines, to "very unhealthy" and "acutely unhealthy" levels. Government agencies are advising residents to limit outdoor activities and wear masks.
Following widespread flooding in the Philippines due to successive typhoons and monsoon rains in August, senators have filed resolutions demanding a review of flood control projects and disaster resilience measures. Infrastructure damage is estimated at P5.1 billion, with calls for a science-based national policy and a public database tracking flood control spending.
The Philippines' National Maritime Council (NMC) rejected China's claims regarding Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin Shoal) and the grounded BRP Sierra Madre, reaffirming the nation's stance based on international law. The NMC emphasized that the shoal lies within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), citing the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the 2016 Arbitral Award.
The Philippine House Committee on Appropriations approved the P10.16-billion budget for the Office of the President for 2027. Despite calls for greater scrutiny from some lawmakers regarding confidential funds and controversies, deliberations were shortened due to parliamentary courtesy.
During the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, military witnesses testified that no confidential funds from the Department of Education were used for youth programs. Duterte-Carpio's camp had presented military activity certifications to justify fund usage, which the military personnel denied.
Over 1.1 million workers in Metro Manila have lost an estimated P2.5 billion in wages due to the stalled implementation of a minimum wage increase, labor groups reported. They highlighted daily losses of around P66 million and urged authorities to enforce the wage order.
The Philippine Senate has approved on final reading the Condominium Redevelopment Act, a measure aimed at protecting unit owners and occupants by streamlining the redevelopment process for aging condominium buildings and offering tax incentives.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) warned that a P9-billion cut from its 2027 budget could jeopardize the 2028 national elections, citing potential shortages in voting machines and increased voter queues.
The Philippine Palace stated there is no concrete proposal yet for building a data center outside New Clark City under the Pax Silica framework. Any investment project must strictly comply with government regulations, including environmental impact assessments.
The camp of Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez rejected the Ombudsman's assertion that witness recantations strengthen allegations against him, arguing instead that these reversals weaken the case and raise questions about the original testimonies' credibility.
The Philippine Supreme Court ruled that affidavits of desistance from victims, especially minors, in human trafficking cases are "highly suspect" and cannot be grounds for dismissal. This strengthens victim protection by preventing coerced or influenced retractions by perpetrators.
PNB Holdings Corp. reported an 85.3 percent surge in its first-half net income, driven by increased revenues from its property portfolio, ahead of its planned stock market listing. This performance signals a strong financial footing for pursuing growth opportunities.
The Senate impeachment court is expected to decide on September 2 whether to approve a proposal to adjust the schedule of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, aiming to hasten proceedings. The court spokesperson indicated that the schedule might be retained, moved entirely to the afternoon, or become a mix of morning and afternoon sessions.
Months before his scheduled trial, former President Rodrigo Duterte's legal team has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to order the prosecution to refile the charges against him, arguing the current indictment is unfit for its purpose.
Michael Poa, spokesperson for Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte and part of her defense team in an impeachment trial, will testify as a prosecution witness. This move is tied to the trial concerning allegations of misuse of confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) announced a delay in the rollout of the P20-billion Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (AnCEF) from next year to 2028. This postponement is due to the need to comply with new General Appropriations Act (GAA) rules, requiring organizational charts, staffing plans, and approval from the Department of Budget and Management.
Moody's Ratings identifies energy security constraints and unstable power availability as key bottlenecks hindering the Philippines' data center industry from achieving scale compared to regional peers. Rising oil prices due to Middle East tensions have exposed the vulnerability of the country's power supply.
The Philippine Office of the President (OP) is seeking P4.5 billion in confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) for its 2027 budget. Executive Secretary Ralph Recto defended the request, citing national security and law and order. He also highlighted the OP's unmodified opinion from the Commission on Audit (COA).
Philippine economic zones need the right mix of infrastructure, incentives, and investment support to attract data center expansion, according to the World Trade Center Association (WTCA). An expanded portfolio of IT parks and the lifting of a moratorium on IT center applications could boost potential.
The Philippine economy may return to an above 4% growth path in the fourth quarter, buoyed by record employment, stronger exports and remittances, and an expected rebound in infrastructure spending. However, third-quarter growth is projected to remain tepid.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices in the Philippines are expected to decrease by approximately P0.40 per kilogram this month, driven by international market fluctuations and exchange rates. This translates to a P4.40 reduction for a standard 11-kilogram cylinder, offering a modest relief to household budgets. The Department of Energy emphasizes transparent information to aid consumer decision-making.
The Philippine Departments of Agriculture and Energy are exploring cheaper and more diverse feedstocks to support the expansion of bioethanol production. This initiative aims to reduce gasoline prices and potentially increase the ethanol blend rate to 15% in the future.
The Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is preparing to implement a mandatory product certification scheme for plastic pipes. This aims to ensure compliance with safety standards and prevent the distribution of substandard products in the market.
The Department of Transportation (DoTr) announced that the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project is on schedule, with partial operations expected by the first quarter of 2028. The initiative aims to enhance the safety and convenience of public transportation in the city.
The Philippine government anticipates an annual revenue loss of approximately P10 billion due to the removal of the 12% value-added tax (VAT) on electricity system losses. The Department of Finance awaits a policy decision from the Energy Regulatory Commission, driven by the President's aim to reduce consumer burden.
The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) highlights that while investments in education and health are crucial for economic growth, their impact is limited if funds are not used productively. The focus should be on whether spending leads to lasting improvements in human capital and productivity, not just budget size.
Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC), the Philippines' largest fast-food chain, is considering listing its international business on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) as part of a plan to separate its overseas operations. The move aims to broaden access to global and regional investors.
An Armed Forces of the Philippines witness testified that no Department of Education (DepEd) funds were directly channeled to the 2023 youth summit organized by the Office of the Vice President (OVP). The OVP maintains the summit was funded through its own resources.
Local leaders and residents in Datu Odin Sinsuat town, Maguindanao del Norte, voluntarily surrendered 44 unlicensed firearms to the military on Monday as part of efforts to curb loose guns and foster peaceful communities. The surrender involved 25 out of 34 villages in the town.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to conduct training sessions in schools to identify red-flag behaviors and guide adults on how to respond to warning signs involving children, expressing a willingness to collaborate with the Department of Education (DepEd).
Despite the SIM Card Registration Act, nearly all cybercrimes in the Philippines involve SIM cards, according to the Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG). The revelation came after the arrest of a 26-year-old man.
Philippine factory activity in August reached its highest level in nearly a decade, since December 2016, driven by increased new orders and easing inflationary pressures. Production expanded at its fastest pace since 2016, with employment also rising.
An anti-narcotics operation in an upscale residential area in Cagayan de Oro City resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of high-value methamphetamine (shabu). This is part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal drugs in the city.
DMCI Homes is entering the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) market with the upcoming opening of a large-scale convention center in Batangas, Philippines. The venture aims to attract international events alongside domestic tourism, expecting to boost the local economy.