The Philippines is experiencing heavy rainfall due to the Southwest Monsoon, with Baguio City and Quezon City recording two months' worth of average rainfall in just 18 days. This has led to widespread floods and landslides, causing numerous casualties and affected individuals.
A recent Octa Research survey reveals that approximately 10.3 million Filipino families, or 39%, considered themselves poor in the second quarter of 2026, indicating a widening economic hardship across the nation.
Tropical Depression Neneng has weakened into a low pressure area (LPA) and exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). This has led to a weakening of the southwest monsoon. However, the possibility of redevelopment remains.
Following a fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, the Bukidnon Police Provincial Office has ordered all personnel to properly secure their firearms out of reach of children to prevent similar incidents and ensure safety.
A viral social media claim alleging the arrest of a 71-year-old corn vendor in Matag-ob, Leyte has been debunked by local police and the mayor. Authorities confirmed no such incident occurred, with the mayor suggesting the false report was politically motivated.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) announced that Filipinos at risk for leptospirosis can avail of free preventive medicine (doxycycline) through its YAKAP program, with expanded hospitalization benefits.
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has provided over P91 million in technology assistance to more than 1,200 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Mimaropa region. This initiative aims to boost productivity and strengthen local enterprises, fostering competitiveness and sustainable growth.
An executive from Ateneo de Zamboanga University (AdZU) stated that reports of the Grade 8 student involved in the recent school shooting having previously threatened to "shoot the school" remain unverified. The information was disclosed during a Senate hearing on women and children.
Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez will file a supplemental counter-affidavit with the Ombudsman, including sworn statements from 25 former drivers and security aides of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, as part of his defense against corruption allegations.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez has submitted a supplemental counter-affidavit to the Ombudsman, including testimonies from 25 individuals, in response to an ongoing probe into alleged bribery. The submission aims to cast doubt on the credibility of the accusations.
Sea trips in parts of Batangas and Mindoro provinces were suspended on Thursday due to the combined effects of tropical depression Neneng and the southwest monsoon, affecting numerous passengers and cargo.
Five fishermen from Santa Cruz town in Occidental Mindoro have been reported missing after failing to return from a fishing trip off Barangay Poblacion on Tuesday. The Coast Guard has launched a search operation.
The Philippine government defended its P180 million allocation per region for evacuation center construction, assuring robust monitoring mechanisms are in place. Officials vowed to prevent 'ghost projects,' a recurring issue in past administrations, and emphasized budget transparency.
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) will transition to online classes and remote work starting September 9 to accommodate the 2026 Bar examinations. Parts of the campus will be restricted during the exam period.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has issued 155 show cause letters to companies for alleged failure to recycle their plastic waste, a move to monitor compliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Law.
Businessman and former congressman Michael “Mikee” Romero has retired from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserve Force amid controversy over his military awards. The AFP is currently reviewing its policies regarding reserve personnel.
Senator Panfilo Lacson expressed no surprise at Orly Guteza's recantation of cash delivery allegations against Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez, suggesting Senator Rodante Marcoleta coached the witness. Guteza claims he was pressured to fabricate accusations in exchange for money and scholarships.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) reported that water levels in five out of nine monitored dams across the country increased over the past 24 hours. This indicates a potential easing of water shortage concerns with the onset of the rainy season.
Philippine defense and anti-crime agencies on Thursday denied claims by the Chinese Embassy that Chinese workers were selectively targeted during a raid on a steel firm. The agencies asserted that the operation was based on compliance with Philippine laws, not nationality, and criticized the embassy's stance.
Following a fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos is advocating for a complete ban on the online gaming platform Roblox, citing concerns about violent content and its potential influence on young perpetrators.
The Philippine Presidential Palace stated that masterminds behind false testimonies should face charges. This follows the recantation of a witness who allegedly provided false testimony, raising concerns about potential attempts to destabilize the nation.
Police in Maguindanao del Norte seized an estimated P7 million worth of smuggled Indonesian-made cigarettes from a truck at a checkpoint. Two individuals were apprehended, and customs authorities are validating the value of the confiscated goods.
Senator Risa Hontiveros is pushing for the urgent passage of an amended Anti-Online Sexual Abuse and Exploitation of Children (OSAEC) law. The bill aims to protect children from nihilistic violent extremism (NVE) threats beyond online sexual exploitation.
Philippine Representative Perci Cendaña has warned of legal action against online detractors who mock his facial features, a result of a stroke he survived. The lawmaker emphasized the need for respect towards individuals with disabilities and vowed to stand up for those facing similar attacks.
The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group has handled 74 cases linked to nihilistic violent extremism (NVE) and rescued 42 minors, officials reported. Concerns are rising over foreign extremist ideologies influencing youth and the spread of violent content online.
Former lawmaker and Philippine Air Force Reservist Michael “Mikee” Romero has formally resigned from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Reserve Force, effective August 19, following allegations concerning his military awards. The resignation comes less than a week after his promotion to brigadier general was confirmed by the Senate Commission on Appointments.
The number of Filipino families considering themselves poor rose to 10.3 million in July 2026, an increase of 1.1 million families since March, according to OCTA Research. The survey also indicated a rise in families experiencing involuntary hunger.
Philippine cybercrime officials alerted Meta within minutes of a live-streamed school shooting in Zamboanga City, but the platform took nearly ten more minutes to remove the video. Authorities cited a lack of jurisdiction over platforms as a reason for the delay in takedown.
Former Commission on Elections (COMELEC) commissioner Rowena Guanzon has strongly criticized ex-Marine Orly Guteza, who recanted his corruption testimony. Guteza initially implicated Speaker Martin Romualdez but later withdrew his statement, claiming Guanzon was offered as his legal counsel. Guanzon questioned Guteza's credibility and called for perjury charges.
The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) will establish media monitoring centers in Cotabato City and Marawi City to ensure the safety of journalists covering the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on September 14.
Recantations by former security aides of congressman Zaldy Co could impact the Ombudsman's graft probe against Martin Romualdez. However, the Ombudsman's office downplays the developments, stating they have more witnesses prepared to testify.
The water level at La Mesa Dam in Quezon City remained below its overflow status on Thursday morning, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). The dam's water level was recorded at 79.87 meters.
Philippine Senator Erwin Tulfo has called for greater collaboration among parents, schools, and communities to prevent youth violence, citing recent school shootings. He urged parents to prioritize communication with their children, emphasizing that neglect contributes to fragility.
Following a shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City, the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO9) has cautioned the public against sharing unverified social media accounts and posts allegedly linked to the shooter and his family, citing potential interference with the investigation.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts improving weather on Thursday as Tropical Depression Neneng and the southwest monsoon (habagat) weaken. Some areas may still experience rain and strong winds.