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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.
Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR) has maintained the Philippines' long-term debt rating at 'A-' with a stable outlook, citing robust domestic demand-driven economic growth and ample foreign exchange reserves. However, sluggish public investment and weakening household spending were noted as factors slowing economic expansion.
The Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) anticipates the country's exports will surpass government targets this year, citing strong performance in the first half, particularly in electronic products.
Major oil companies in the Philippines announced a price rollback effective Tuesday, September 1, bringing relief to motorists after two consecutive weeks of price hikes.
In the first week of September, the Philippines saw diesel and kerosene prices drop by over P3 per liter, with gasoline also experiencing a slight decrease. These adjustments are attributed to factors including US efforts to secure trade through the Strait of Hormuz. LPG prices also saw a reduction.
Agricultural damage in the Philippines has reached P2.84 billion due to the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay, and Neneng. The disturbances have affected 72,803 farmers and fishers, with significant losses reported in rice, high-value crops, and fisheries.
The Philippine Army spokesperson affirmed that no funds from Vice President Sara Duterte's offices were used for the youth leadership summits conducted by the Army. This statement was made during the resumption of Duterte's impeachment trial.
The Philippine peso hit a new record low against the US dollar, trading at 62.35 pesos per dollar. The currency's weakness is attributed to broad US dollar strength and rising oil prices, with the central bank's recent rate hike having a limited impact.
Conservation officials are intensifying efforts to protect the endangered Samar rafflesia in Samar Island, Philippines, following signs of illegal logging and human disturbances near its habitats. Local government collaboration is also underway.
A Philippine congressman questioned the large allocation for 'confidential funds' in the Office of the President's proposed budget. Calls for transparency arose as the committee swiftly approved the budget.
The Sandiganbayan has acquitted former Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) officials and several entrepreneurs of graft charges related to alleged garlic price manipulation, citing the prosecution's failure to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has distributed over P618.3 million in humanitarian aid to individuals affected by recent floods in Central Luzon. The assistance includes food packs, non-food items, and cash aid to support recovery efforts in affected provinces.
Over 20,000 kilograms of tilapia and bighead carp have died in Laguna de Bay, affecting more than 30 fish cages in Jala-jala, Rizal. Fisherfolk groups estimate initial losses at P700,000.
Amidst widespread flooding due to heavy rains in the Philippines, a video allegedly showing President Marcos serenading his wife drew criticism. The Presidential Palace clarified that the serenade occurred after his official duties, not during the peak of the rains or floods.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is requesting a special provision of P500 million for the palm oil industry in its 2027 budget to reduce import dependency. The goal is to significantly boost domestic production, aiming for 300,000 hectares and considering seed supply and organizational reforms.
The Sandiganbayan, the Philippines' anti-graft court, has dropped former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan as a co-accused in a plunder and graft case involving Senator Jinggoy Estrada. Bonoan will now testify as a state witness, a decision based on prosecutorial discretion to uncover the full extent of the alleged kickback scheme.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is appealing to Congress to restore its proposed P52.66-billion budget for 2027, citing preparations for the 2028 national and local elections. Budget cuts could compromise poll body's readiness.
Senator-judge Vicente "Tito" Sotto III stated before the impeachment court that a name is fake if there is no real person behind it. This remark was made in the context of the Vice President's alleged misuse of confidential funds, questioning the validity of names on acknowledgment receipts.
Uswag Ilonggo party-list Rep. James “Jojo” Ang pleaded not guilty to graft charges before the Sandiganbayan. The lawmaker faces a total of 14 counts for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Presiding Officer Francis Escudero has declared a viral image allegedly showing Office of the Vice President Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio wearing an earpiece during the Vice President's impeachment trial as fake, stating it was AI-generated.
On Day 20 of Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, the prosecution presented Armed Forces of the Philippines Colonel Manaros Boransing II as a witness. His testimony focuses on whether the Department of Education provided financial assistance to the AFP.
The House of Representatives committee on appropriations concluded the budget briefing for the Office of the President's (OP) 2027 proposed budget in under an hour. Despite objections from some minority lawmakers, the process was completed as part of parliamentary courtesy, with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto presenting the P10.156 billion budget.
During Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, an ear piercing of an aide was mistakenly identified as an earpiece in viral photos, leading to accusations of manipulation. The presiding judge denied the earpiece claim, clarifying the visual discrepancy.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its deployment and monitoring of roads and expressways to assist stranded motorists amidst flooding and traffic congestion, with the PNP chief emphasizing the need to prevent citizens from being left to fend for themselves.
Philippine Army Colonel Magtanggol Panopio testified he was "surprised" that a certification he issued in December 2023 was used to justify the Department of Education's (DepEd) P15.5 million confidential fund spending. He stated the certification did not attest to the propriety of the funds used for informant rewards.
Lindon Bacquel, a senior associate at a prominent law firm, is drawing attention as one of the defense lawyers for Vice President Sara Duterte in her impeachment trial before the Senate. His role is seen as potentially influential in the proceedings.
The upcoming first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on September 14 are threatened by heightened political polarization and risks of localized violence. Election watchdogs urge immediate measures to address these challenges despite generally strong preparations.
Several areas in the Philippines have suspended classes on Wednesday, September 2, due to the effects of the southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat. The suspensions cover public and private schools from preschool to senior high school.
The defense team of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte asserted there was "no irregularity" in the Department of Education's (DepEd) use of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) certifications for confidential fund liquidation. Prosecutors presented evidence alleging misuse of DepEd funds for AFP youth summits, but the defense argued the certifications served a valid legal purpose.
Philippine Senate Finance Committee Chairperson JV Ejercito announced that no funds will be allocated for new flood control projects in the 2027 budget. The focus will instead be on completing unfinished infrastructure and addressing flood mitigation gaps, particularly in Luzon, following past anomalies.
Atty. Reynaldo Robles, a private lawyer assisting the House prosecution panel, is drawing attention in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. Robles, a veteran litigator, is set to lead witness examination on the 20th day of the trial.
Malacañang stated that public officials should be judged by their performance and service, not by their attire, following criticism of local executives seen in designer clothing during disaster relief efforts. Officials were urged to be sensitive during calamities.
Tropical Depression Pilandok has intensified into a tropical storm, bringing heavy monsoon rains to four areas in northern Philippines. Scattered rain is also expected in other regions, including Metro Manila.