Japan's Rating and Investment Information Inc. (R&I) has affirmed the Philippines' A- credit rating with a stable outlook. However, the agency warned that infrastructure spending delays and elevated energy prices could dampen domestic activity, leading to slower economic growth this year.
Insurance penetration in the Philippines climbed to 1.96 percent in the second quarter from 1.79 percent a year earlier, driven by substantial increases in premium collections. This indicates rising public awareness of financial protection and growing confidence in the insurance industry.
Misinformation on social media and lingering fears from the 2017 Dengvaxia controversy are slowing the measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in the Eastern Visayas region of the Philippines. Health officials are urging parents to protect their children.
The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has reminded employers that workers injured due to inclement weather while on duty are entitled to compensation under the Employees’ Compensation Program, emphasizing worker safety and financial support.
The Philippine Army's 10th Infantry Division has launched an investigation into reports of armed extortionists targeting indigenous communities near the South Cotabato–Davao del Sur border. Troops from the 39th Infantry Battalion are currently operating in the area.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded workers that those who suffer job-related injuries or accidents due to bad weather may be entitled to benefits and support under the Employees’ Compensation (EC) Program. This includes accidents during commute.
Three weeks of monsoon rains in Bataan province, Philippines, have resulted in P56.53 million in crop losses and P542.7 million in infrastructure damage, affecting 2,490 farmers and fisherfolk.
Two young sisters, aged 8 and 7, drowned while swimming in a river in Lucena City, Philippines. Police confirmed the children had received permission from their parents.
Japan's R&I has affirmed the Philippines' 'A-' credit rating with a stable outlook, citing the country's robust economic base and expectations of recovery, despite temporary disruptions from corruption issues, and hopes for improved governance.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro has ordered the police to implement heightened security measures in all schools across the province following the arrest of a 21-year-old man for an alleged online threat, prioritizing the safety of students.
A 31-year-old woman and her two children, aged 9 and 4, were found dead with gunshot wounds inside an abandoned vehicle in San Rafael, Bulacan. The incident occurred on August 20, and police are investigating.
A man, listed as the top most wanted person in the Philippines' Eastern Visayas region for five counts of qualified rape of a minor, was apprehended during a manhunt operation in Leyte. The suspect, a construction worker, resided in Samar.
The Philippines' poverty rate fell to a record low of 9.7% in 2025, lifting 6.5 million Filipinos above the poverty line. However, millions remain vulnerable to slipping back into poverty due to unforeseen crises.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has pledged to deploy personnel and resources to support the Department of Education's (DepEd) nationwide active-threat school drill on August 25. This initiative follows recent school shootings in Tacloban and Zamboanga City, aiming to enhance the safety of students.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has declared special non-working days in three municipalities across Quezon, Cagayan, and Sultan Kudarat provinces this August. This move aims to allow residents to celebrate significant local occasions.
Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon will coordinate with the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) to investigate social media posts containing fake quotes attributed to him. Following lawyer Michael Poa's clarification that the quotes were false, Ridon aims to work with the CICC to prevent the spread of disinformation.
While the Philippines promotes Filipino as its national language, 40 out of its estimated 135 indigenous languages are endangered, raising fears of losing invaluable cultural heritage and knowledge.
Tropical cyclone Saudel, monitored outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), intensified into a severe tropical storm on Friday. While direct landfall in the Philippines is unlikely, it may enhance the monsoon, potentially causing heavy rains in parts of the country.
A 19-year-old fishing crew member died aboard a vessel in Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. The Coast Guard is investigating the cause of the incident, raising renewed concerns about safety measures for fishing industry workers.
The Philippines' poverty incidence dropped to a record-low 9.7% in 2025, lifting 6.5 million Filipinos out of poverty, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This achievement, three years ahead of the Philippine Development Plan target, was driven by a nominal income increase of approximately 22%, surpassing the inflation rate.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) will hold a week-long promotional seat sale from August 24 to 30, covering both domestic and international routes. The airline will offer discounted fares and additional perks. Meanwhile, fuel surcharges are set to decrease slightly due to fluctuating global jet fuel prices.
The Philippines and Iceland have signed an air services agreement allowing for seven weekly flights between Manila and the Nordic region, aiming to boost tourism, trade, and investment.
Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez claimed that lawyer Levito Baligod urged 25 former security aides of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co to join the cause of the '18 bodyguards.' The former aides maintained they did not deliver cash in suitcases.
An 11-year-old boy drowned in a river in Tanay, Rizal, on Thursday, Aug. 20, while reportedly going to fetch water. Police confirmed the incident, noting the victim had informed his mother before heading to the river.
Philippine telco giant Globe is bolstering efforts to block access to online content depicting extreme violence and child sexual abuse. The company stated its commitment to protecting children and young people by investing in advanced filtering systems and collaborating with government agencies and international organizations.
The Philippines commemorates Ninoy Aquino Day on August 21, honoring former Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. His assassination fueled protests against the Marcos regime, paving the way for democracy.
The Federation of Urban Poor (FED-UP) marked the 43rd death anniversary of former Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. by urging public officials to uphold integrity and moral renewal, reflecting concerns over declining ethics and corruption.
Close to 100 members of the Federation of Urban Poor (FedUP) gathered in Bacolod City to commemorate the 43rd death anniversary of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. Waving Philippine flags and yellow ribbons, they laid flowers at his statue, calling for peace and justice.
Bataan Province has declared a state of calamity following widespread flooding caused by monsoon rains, which have inflicted severe damage to homes, farms, and infrastructure.
A fraudulent claim circulating in the Philippines promises P5,000 cash aid and rice subsidy to all Filipinos under the UPLIFT program. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has debunked this as false information, clarifying the program is for eligible beneficiaries only.
The entire province of Zambales has been placed under a state of calamity due to widespread flooding, landslides, and damage to infrastructure caused by the enhanced southwest monsoon and recent tropical cyclones, facilitating swift recovery efforts and aid distribution.
Former employees of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co accused lawyer Levi Baligod and others of offering them money to link ex-Speaker Martin Romualdez and the former House appropriations chairman to alleged huge cash deliveries.
Following the shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, the Archbishop of Manila urged the public to create safe spaces where youth can speak without fear about their silent struggles. The incident resulted in two student fatalities and shook the sense of safety in schools.
Vice President Sara Duterte has called for concrete government action to support terrorism victims, emphasizing that remembrance should go beyond commemorations and moments of silence. Citing the reality of terrorism's impact in Mindanao and other regions, she stressed the need for justice, policy enforcement, and comprehensive rehabilitation.
Fewer dams across the Philippines reported an increase in water levels over the past 24 hours, attributed to the weakening southwest monsoon, according to the state weather bureau's latest update on Friday.
The Philippine Department of Energy has introduced new rules simplifying the installation process for household solar panels. This aims to promote renewable energy adoption and reduce electricity costs by eliminating prior clearances and inspection fees from distribution utilities.