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.
Following a school shooting incident in the Philippines, Cardinal Jose Advincula of the Archdiocese of Manila urged society to go beyond security measures and address the challenges faced by young people, including loneliness, anxiety, bullying, and academic pressure.
Motorists in the Philippines are bracing for significant fuel price increases next week, with diesel and gasoline expected to rise due to escalating Middle East tensions. Jetti Petroleum estimates diesel could jump by P1.75 to P2.25 per liter, and gasoline by P1 to P1.50 per liter.
Senator Raffy Tulfo is pushing for mandatory checks of firearm owners' storage facilities before issuing a License to Own and Possess Firearms (LTOPF), as part of a call to revisit existing gun ownership laws.
Four operators of a drug den were arrested in Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines, following tip-offs from annoyed local villagers. The arrested individuals are reportedly relatives of prominent clans in the province.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Ninoy Aquino Day urged Filipinos to draw courage and conviction from the legacy of the late senator in fighting for the country's freedom and pushing for a progressive nation. The President stated that Aquino's legacy serves as a reminder of the Filipino people's bravery in upholding their beliefs and contributing to the nation.
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has significantly reduced technical losses in its power distribution system by deploying more efficient transformer technologies. The company aims to lower system losses to 5.85% in 2025, surpassing regulatory targets and offering long-term benefits to consumers.
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines will conduct a nationwide simultaneous safety drill next week, simulating responses to active attack incidents. This initiative follows recent fatal school shootings and aims to enhance preparedness and safety measures for students and staff.
The Philippines faces risks from continued trade with Iran following US President Trump's declaration of "economic warfare." Philippine exports to Iran increased in 2024, making future developments a focal point.
On the 43rd anniversary of former Sen. Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr.'s assassination, Senators Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan and Paolo Benigno "Bam" Aquino IV stated that the late opposition leader's struggle for a better Philippines remains unfinished, vowing to carry on his legacy.
Amidst a backdrop of school shootings, concert director Paolo Valenciano expressed his heartbreak over a "hard conversation" with his nine-year-old daughter about emergency protocols. He shared his profound sadness and helplessness as a parent while explaining safety measures to his child.
The Department of Health (DOH) in Mimaropa has vaccinated 109,371 children, or 35.03% of its target, for measles-rubella as of August 19. The region aims to vaccinate a total of 312,191 children.
The Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) has confirmed that reports circulating on social media about the abolition of Grades 11 and 12 starting June 2027 are false. The K-12 program remains in effect as mandated by law.