A court stenographer in Tarlac, Philippines, has been dismissed for grave misconduct after allegedly defrauding an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) of P250,000 by providing a fake annulment ruling. The Supreme Court ordered her dismissal and disqualification from government reemployment.
The Department of Health reports that 362,793 children in the Bicol region have been vaccinated against measles and rubella, achieving over 56% of the target for the ongoing supplemental vaccination program in Luzon. This figure was recorded nine days after the program's launch.
Kerwin Max Tan, Chief Financial, Risk and Compliance Officer of Robinsons Land Corp. (RLC), has been honored as CFO of the Year at the Asia Business Leader Awards in Singapore. Tan has been instrumental in RLC's financial strategies since 2016, contributing to the company's growth and market position.
The Philippine government is on track to meet its fiscal deficit target for 2026, with the deficit-to-GDP ratio projected at 5.45 percent, the lowest since the administration's start. This reflects successful fiscal discipline, with further reductions anticipated by 2030.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in the Philippines announced a four-month extension for the suspension of the Green Energy Auction Allowance (GEA-All) collection until December, aiming to alleviate the burden on households facing rising inflation and living costs. Consumers will not be billed for GEA-All charges until then.
A magnitude 5.2 earthquake, identified as an aftershock of a major tremor two months prior, struck Sarangani province and its surrounding areas, with tremors felt across the region.
An anti-corruption and civic watchdog, SAVE Kalinga Inc., is urging the Philippine government to halt the construction of a hydropower plant in Kalinga, citing concerns over indigenous peoples' rights and environmental impact. The group highlights the lack of genuine consensus among affected communities and calls for the revocation of project permits.
Calabarzon, Philippines – Heavy rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as habagat, have caused widespread flooding, displacing 2,947 families in the Calabarzon region. The situation continues to impact local communities.
The town of Nasugbu in Batangas, Philippines, resumed its outdoor tourism and recreational activities on Thursday after a one-day suspension due to unfavorable weather conditions, the municipal tourism office announced. This includes activities such as mountain trekking and guided tours.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Mimaropa, Philippines, has intensified its aid response, with the southwest monsoon and Tropical Depression Neneng impacting over 292,000 individuals across four provinces. Assistance, including food and shelter, is being provided to affected barangays.
The Presidential Palace has released a shortlist of 39 potential sites for the construction of large rain-detention structures aimed at alleviating perennial flooding in the National Capital Region (NCR), signaling a step forward in addressing the long-standing issue.
Classes at Tampakan National High School in South Cotabato were abruptly suspended due to online "shooting threats" against teachers. Police have heightened campus security as authorities coordinate a response.
The Philippines' Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a warning that extremist groups are targeting minors through violent online games, recruiting and indoctrinating them with extremist ideologies. Law enforcement agencies are actively tracking these recruitment activities.
The Philippine presidential palace has ordered law enforcement agencies to pursue charges against the masterminds behind alleged fabricated testimonies of witnesses in the government's probe into a flood control scandal, urging swift investigation and prosecution.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced the suspension of the number coding scheme on Friday, August 21, in observance of Ninoy Aquino Day, a special nonworking holiday. This suspension allows vehicles normally restricted by the scheme to travel freely on this day.
Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez's lawyer is seeking the dismissal of graft charges against him, citing inconsistencies in witness testimonies and a lack of forensic or documentary evidence.
Bohol Governor Erico Aristotle Aumentado has ordered the strengthening of security measures in all schools across the province following a shooting incident at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School campus in Zamboanga City. Increased police visibility and patrols have been mandated.
The province of Bulacan in the Philippines has been placed under a state of calamity due to massive flooding caused by weeks of heavy rainfall. This declaration aims to expedite disaster response and recovery efforts.
Orly Guteza, former security aide of ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co, recanted his affidavit claiming he delivered cash to former Speaker Martin Romualdez. He admitted his false testimony was driven by fear and "sweet promises," expressing a desire for a quiet life.
Orly Guteza, a former aide to congressman Zaldy Co, has retracted his corruption allegations against House Speaker Martin Romualdez. This retraction casts doubt on the Ombudsman's case against Romualdez, highlighting internal political maneuvering.
A key witness has recanted his testimony accusing a former House Speaker of receiving bribes, and has instead accused his former benefactors of coercing him. The situation has sent ripples through Philippine politics. This report details the background and circumstances surrounding Orly Guteza.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has enough evidence in the alleged plot to frame Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, with Directorate Melvin Matibag stating the investigation is nearing its conclusion and resolutions could be out next week.
Self-rated poverty and hunger among Filipino families surged in July, with 10.3 million families identifying as poor and hunger levels rising, indicating widespread economic pressures, particularly outside Metro Manila, according to an OCTA Research survey.
The Philippine Ombudsman stated that 28 witnesses remain cooperative in its investigation into alleged bribery involving former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, despite recent witness recantations. The Ombudsman's office described the recantations as a "pressure tactic" and asserted that the probe would not be derailed.
The Philippine Senate plans to establish an ad hoc committee to spearhead economic recovery measures and support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Senate President Sherwin T. Gatchalian stated the committee will focus on economic revitalization through legislative actions and budget allocations.
The Philippine government defended its proposed P180 million allocation per region for evacuation centers in the 2027 National Expenditure Program, asserting that the projects have an implementation framework despite unspecified locations. Sites will be selected through a legal prioritization process based on disaster risks and community needs.
Makati City is advancing the detailed evaluation of a private proposal for its P17.76 billion electric Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project. This initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce environmental impact within the city.
Following witness testimony that P125 million in confidential funds was transferred under her orders, House prosecutors are urging Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio to attend her impeachment trial to directly address the allegations.
Beverly Lorraine C. Ho, the newly appointed acting president and CEO of the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), has pledged to prioritize efficient benefit disbursement and enhance universal healthcare. Key initiatives include making benefits easier to access, expanding outreach to schools and workplaces, and increasing zero-balance billing at private hospitals.
Manila Rep. Joel R. Chua has called for an overhaul of the 31-year-old charter of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). He highlighted the unclear division of powers and responsibilities among the MMDA, local government units, and national agencies in addressing Metro Manila's traffic, flooding, and waste management issues, advocating for a unified approach and clear accountability.
The Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) in the Philippines has intensified directives for its personnel to properly manage and secure government-issued and privately owned firearms, following tragic shooting incidents where minors accessed firearms belonging to adult relatives. Specific measures include safe storage at home, separate storage of ammunition, and securing firearms in locked locations.
The Philippines' Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is seeking jurisdiction over social media platforms for its anti-cybercrime division to effectively regulate violent content, following a livestreamed shooting incident in Zamboanga. The agency currently relies on platform community guidelines, facing limitations in its response.
Philippine Senator Erwin T. Tulfo expressed concern over the low conviction rate for electricity theft, with only 21 individuals found guilty out of 469 cases since 2022. This 4.48% conviction rate suggests potential issues with the implementation of the Anti-Pilferage Act.
A Philippine lawmaker has urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to secure the P55-billion funding needed for a proposed increase in the Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) for civilian government employees, aiming for implementation in 2027. The call highlights the long-standing stagnation of PERA.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has filed a P2.23-billion tax evasion case against Hongsheng Gaming Technology, Inc., a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) based in Bamban, Tarlac, for alleged underdeclaration of income and VAT, and failure to remit taxes from 2021 to 2023.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) indicated that the value-added tax (VAT) on system loss (SL) charges could potentially be removed through administrative measures, without the need for legislation, contingent on Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) actions.