President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has called on Filipinos to help defend the nation's maritime rights and interests, emphasizing a peaceful assertion of claims under international law. He highlighted the importance of educating the youth and stressed the need for transparency and accountability in governance amid rising tensions in the South China Sea.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts heavy monsoon rains in western parts of the country over the next four days. The ongoing monsoon and tropical cyclones have already caused 33 deaths and affected 8.8 million people, with significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture.
Senator Panfilo Lacson claims over P3.7 billion in infrastructure projects linked to alleged illegal reclamation along Laguna Lake in Taguig City may have been wasted. The projects, handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways, include flood control and multi-purpose initiatives, some of which are suspended due to plan revisions. Senator Alan Peter Cayetano, however, defends the reclamation area's development potential.
A Philippine senator has called for the government to expedite the repair of agricultural infrastructure damaged by recent typhoons. He expressed concern over the impact on food supply and urged the swift utilization of funds, with reported damages exceeding P2.32 billion.
The Supreme Courts of the Philippines and Brunei have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance judicial training collaboration, addressing emerging legal issues like AI, cybercrime, and climate-related disputes. The partnership aims to strengthen judicial systems through expertise exchange and joint training programs.
The Philippine Presidential Palace condemned the theft of critical components from Metro Manila's pumping stations, warning of legal action against perpetrators. This act jeopardizes flood mitigation efforts, potentially worsening the impact of heavy rains on public safety and property.
The Presidential Palace defended President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s honorary Doctor of Laws degree, clarifying that such awards recognize significant contributions, not traditional academic study. Officials highlighted his efforts in national issues, including defending Philippine interests.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has handed over the Imus retarding basin to the provincial government of Cavite, a crucial project aimed at mitigating severe flooding in the region. The facility will temporarily store floodwaters during heavy rainfall, gradually releasing them to reduce flood damage.
The water level at San Roque Dam in Pangasinan breached its spilling level on Monday, but the National Power Corp. (NPC) stated all spillway gates remain closed with no plans to open them. Dam managers are closely monitoring the rising water and inflow.
The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division has dispatched two additional units to bolster security for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections on September 14, aiming to ensure a safe and credible electoral process.
Oil companies in the Philippines are set to implement price reductions for gasoline, diesel, and kerosene starting September 1. Diesel is expected to see a substantial rollback of around P3.80 per liter. Conversely, LPG prices are anticipated to increase by approximately P3 per kilogram due to rising shipping costs and a weaker peso.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture has proposed geofencing approximately 3 million hectares of agricultural land to prevent conversion into solar farm sites, prioritizing food security. In collaboration with the Department of Energy, the initiative aims to balance food and energy security.
The Philippine Guarantee Corp. (Philguarantee) aims to support an additional 10,000 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) this year through its loan guarantee program, with growth expected to mirror that of partner banks' MSME lending.
The Philippine government achieved a budget utilization rate of 94.6% by the end of July, surpassing last year's pace. This indicates that P2.956 trillion of the P3.126 trillion allocated to the national government, local government units, and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) was utilized.
The Philippines' agricultural producer price index (PPI) declined in Q2 due to favorable weather boosting supply. However, recent typhoons raise concerns of reduced production and higher food inflation in Q3 onwards, prompting calls for government intervention.
In August, the Philippines saw the spread of misinformation including out-of-context quotes regarding Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, scams about government subsidies, and false claims about the International Criminal Court. Experts are clarifying the truth and urging caution.
An aspiring youth leader in Biñan City, Laguna, is facing criticism for branding rescue boats used for flood relief with her name and photo, an act deemed 'epal' or self-promotion. The Department of Interior and Local Government has previously issued directives against such practices.
The Philippines' Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) warns that persistent food inflation and shrinking agricultural land are jeopardizing food security, urging Congress to pass long-delayed national land use legislation.
Filipina entrepreneur Carmel Limcaoco co-founded Kita, an AI platform revolutionizing loan processing. By deciphering complex and informal financial documents, Kita aims to alleviate backlogs for lenders and expand credit access, particularly for those outside traditional banking.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasts that southwest monsoon rains will affect parts of Luzon and Western Visayas on Wednesday. Thunderstorms and localized flooding are possible in some areas.
The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Cordillera has warned of potential landslides and flash floods in 106 barangays due to continuous heavy rains from the southwest monsoon, urging local governments to prepare for possible evacuations.
During the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, former special disbursing officer Gina Acosta's repetitive 'canned answers' have frustrated court officials. Prosecutors question the credibility of her testimony, with some criticizing it as 'blind loyalty.'
The Philippines is intensifying preparations for the monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility through a Pre-Disaster Risk Assessment (PDRA) involving government agencies and local units, with a focus on warning residents in vulnerable areas.
A newly constructed eight-classroom building at Rawis Integrated School in Legazpi City is set to eliminate shifting class schedules, improving the learning environment for nearly 1,000 students and staff.
Typhoon Saudel is forecast to strengthen the southwest monsoon, locally known as 'habagat,' upon entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday. Meteorologists warn of potential widespread impact.
A UN agency is revitalizing the traditional pandan mat weaving industry in the Sama-Bajau community of Basilan, Philippines. The provision of a drying facility is significantly improving production efficiency and product quality.
President Marcos has approved a framework for establishing the Philippines' critical minerals industry, potentially transforming the mining sector through the privatization of public assets and immediate revocation of dormant permits.
The Philippine government, through the Solicitor General, has asked the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision that declared round-the-clock monitoring of commercial fishing vessels illegal. The government argues that policies must prioritize the right to a sustainable livelihood for ordinary citizens over the interests of a few operators.
A former special disbursing officer of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) provided testimony described as a 'smoking gun' by a congressman, potentially proving the misuse of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte. The lawmaker highlighted the testimony's significance in the ongoing investigation.
Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula described school shootings as a "tragedy" and called for a "united action" with deeper understanding of the "struggles of our young people," following the second campus violence incident.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has placed its quick response teams on full alert for Severe Tropical Storm Saudel, expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Monday. While landfall is unlikely, the agency is preparing for potential impacts.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is considering the adoption of modern mountain technologies to address persistent landslide issues in the Cordillera region, acknowledging that old methods are no longer sufficient and aiming for sturdier, longer-lasting solutions.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) will intensify its campaign against electricity theft and pilferage by collaborating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and power firm Manila Electric Co. (Meralco). The aim is to build strong cases against offenders and mitigate widespread losses.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a show-cause order to the operator of a jeepney whose driver was caught on video two months ago counterflowing amid Quezon City traffic. This action underscores the agency's push for enhanced road safety and public transport regulation.
Poverty incidence in the Philippines has dropped to a record low of 9.7% in 2023, from 15.5%, according to Philippine Statistics Authority data. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) attributes this success to President Marcos' administration's poverty alleviation programs.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has warned of potential ashfall from Kanlaon Volcano, following observations of eruptive activity. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that the volcano emitted ash at 11:23 a.m., prompting the advisory.