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The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) has urged media organizations to exercise restraint in covering school shooting incidents, appealing for the avoidance of details that could inspire copycat acts. This call follows a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, emphasizing the need to protect the dignity and privacy of minors and bereaved families.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced the release of an additional P1.855 billion for the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). The funds are designated for supporting medical services and advancing the Zero Balance Billing (ZBB) initiative, aiming to alleviate healthcare costs for Filipinos.
The Department of Education (DepEd) aims to hire 48,000 school counselor associates nationwide, but its 2026 budget only covers 10,000 positions, highlighting a significant shortfall. This initiative is part of efforts to bolster student mental health support amid rising school violence incidents.
Philippines is scrutinizing the online game 'Roblox' for its potential influence on youth violence, questioning its safety measures and parental controls. The government highlights risks of in-game grooming, while Congress investigates the platform's role.
Two junior high school students were killed in a shooting incident at the elite Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City, Philippines. The casualties included the shooter, raising renewed concerns about school safety measures.
Vice President Sara Duterte visited the wake of a Grade 10 student killed in a shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University. The incident resulted in two deaths and one injury, with bullying and online influence under investigation.
Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson expressed concern over the proposed P107.4 billion for flood control in the 2027 budget, citing past significant spending with unclear results. He also questioned the uniform P180 million allocation for regional flood control funds.
Former Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno urged lawmakers to resist the temptation to politically alter the administration's draft 2027 national budget, emphasizing adherence to the President's proposed P7.2-trillion plan and constitutional prohibitions.
Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, former military aide to Vice President Sara Duterte, remains in an "unassigned status" amid questions over his handling of P125 million in confidential funds. The issue was raised during the Vice President's impeachment trial.
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the preventive suspension of two former chiefs of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for alleged grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service related to the use of an old IT system. The decision highlights issues with the LTO's IT infrastructure and its impact on public service.
The Office of the Ombudsman has flagged Senator Loren Legarda's extended medical leave as 'suspicious' amid plunder and graft complaints against her and her son. The office also expressed concern over potential disruptions to public service during her absence.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasts continued heavy rains in western Philippines, including Metro Manila, through the weekend. This is due to a tropical depression and a low-pressure area enhancing the southwest monsoon. Advisories urge caution.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed four counts of sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness charges against Marikina Rep. Marcelino "Marcy" Teodoro, based on allegations from two policewomen who were part of his security detail. Teodoro's camp denies the accusations.
Vice President Sara Duterte's legal team stated that Ramil Madriaga could become a "star witness" for the defense in an impeachment trial, expressing confidence in their ability to challenge his testimony based on evidence from perjury complaints filed against him.
Personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have collected 1,255 sacks of garbage from 27 waterways in Metro Manila following heavy rains that caused widespread flooding. This effort aims to clear blockages and reduce flood risks.
Philippine media giant ABS-CBN announced a P6 billion (approx. $100 million) recapitalization through new share issuance, but details and the primary investor were largely absent from its annual shareholder meeting. This move is crucial for the company's post-franchise loss restructuring, yet significant information gaps remain for shareholders.
A Land Transportation Office (LTO) employee involved in a drunk driving hit-and-run incident in Rizal has been fired and permanently banned from driving. The LTO chief emphasized strict penalties and the need for public servants to set an example.
Baguio City is considering piloting a technology using Wolbachia bacteria to curb dengue transmission by mosquitoes, as other cities like Tacloban intensify containment efforts amid rising infections.
The Department of Education (DepEd) is considering hiring counselor associates with psychology degrees to bolster student support following a fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University. This move aims to address a shortage of professional counselors and enhance teacher oversight of students.
Filipinos are increasingly discussing emigration online as the nation grapples with persistent floods and a high cost of living. Concerns over medical expenses, in particular, are fueling anxieties about the country's systems.
Nearly 3,000 barangays across the Philippines have been warned of potential rain-induced landslides and floods. The national weather bureau forecasts continued rainfall due to the southwest monsoon and Tropical Depression Neneng, urging vigilance.
A bill has been filed in the Philippine House of Representatives proposing hazard pay, on-call compensation, and free medical care for work-related injuries for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) workers. The initiative aims to recognize their dedication during disasters and ensure their safety and well-being.
Metro Manila experienced widespread flooding on Wednesday, August 19, following a red rainfall warning issued by the state weather bureau. Several cities reported submerged roads, impacting transportation.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is monitoring three tropical depressions, one within and two outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. Tropical Depression Neneng, located east of Batanes, is not expected to directly affect the country. However, the southwest monsoon continues to bring intense rains to Luzon, prompting PAGASA to warn of potential flooding and landslides.
The Philippine Congressional Policy and Budget Research Department (CPBRD) forecasts inflation to remain above government targets through 2026, potentially exceeding 7% in the latter half of the year. Key drivers include rising food and energy prices and global geopolitical instability.
The Philippine government is confident in meeting its P101.5-billion privatization revenue target for next year, driven by the sale of the Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric facilities and the planned divestment of the Agus-Pulangi complex, potentially raising up to P126.27 billion.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is proposing to mandate regular fitness and propriety assessments for directors and officers of financial institutions, beyond initial election or appointment. The central bank also considers board reconstitutions for firms with deteriorating financial conditions, aiming to enhance depositor protection and oversight.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in the Philippines has proposed a new regulatory framework for market makers, aiming to enhance liquidity and price discovery in the domestic capital market. This initiative is expected to improve market transparency and efficiency.
SM Prime Holdings Inc. anticipates robust corporate demand for its Premier Suites, driven by companies increasingly utilizing entertainment venues for client and employee engagement. The premium suites are gaining traction as venues for business events and stakeholder relations.
Zamboanga City suspended classes and declared a Day of Mourning following a shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University that resulted in the deaths of two teenage students, with the alleged shooter dying by suicide. Police are investigating the incident as premeditated.
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) in the Philippines has slammed Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro's remarks regarding the Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting incident, calling them insulting to educators. ACT criticized the statements for failing to motivate teachers already burdened by low salaries and heavy workloads, and called for increased funding for school violence prevention and enhanced teacher protection.
Widespread flooding hit Iloilo City due to intense rains enhanced by the southwest monsoon (habagat), affecting over 3,200 residents across 65 barangays. Hundreds of families remain in evacuation centers.
Following a deadly shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, Catholic educators in the Philippines have called for compassion and restraint, urging the public to avoid speculation and respect the grieving school community. The incident highlights the urgent need for investigation and prevention measures.
The Philippines will implement alternative work and learning arrangements on August 19 in Metro Manila and 17 other areas due to heavy rains and flooding from the southwest monsoon. Vital services will continue.
The Philippine government has called on former Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson to present evidence supporting his claims that the Convergence and Special Support Program (CSSP) could be used for scams. The Palace asserted that the CSSP is a regular, transparent program, not an undisclosed budget item.
Senator Panfilo Lacson criticized the Philippines' flood control program, lamenting that despite nearly P2 trillion spent since 2011, the country remains vulnerable to devastating floods, citing a lack of a clear, integrated master plan.