The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recorded a sharp increase in sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions from Mayon Volcano, raising concerns about potential renewed eruptive activity. Emissions reached a high rate of 8,393 tonnes per day.
The southwest monsoon will continue to bring scattered rains over parts of Luzon and the Visayas on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Amid severe flooding across the Philippines due to the Southwest Monsoon, First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos' announcement of a birthday sabbatical on social media has drawn public criticism. The Palace acknowledges the public's sentiment while explaining the post's intent.
False claims circulating on social media allege that a COA auditor who testified in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte was arrested and cited in contempt by the Senate. While a heated exchange occurred during questioning, no arrest or contempt citation took place.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is monitoring two low-pressure areas (LPAs) and one tropical depression as the southwest monsoon continues to affect Luzon and the Visayas, bringing intense rainfall to several areas. Flood risks are elevated in urban and low-lying regions.
A gun issued by the Bureau of Customs to the father of the shooter in the Ateneo de Zamboanga University incident was used in the attack that killed two students. The father is a district commander at the Port of Zamboanga.
The Philippines' Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is targeting a September 2026 start for a major drainage improvement project along España Boulevard in Manila. The initiative aims to tackle recurring flooding by constructing four cross-drainage facilities to channel rainwater directly to the Pasig River, replacing outdated systems.
The Office of the Ombudsman has flagged the two-month travel authority secured by Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste and the extended medical leave of his mother, Senator Loren Legarda, as "suspicious" amid an ongoing investigation into alleged undelivered solar power resources.
The Ombudsman has placed two former Land Transportation Office (LTO) chiefs under a six-month preventive suspension without pay for allegedly causing the government an additional P13.3 billion in computer fees due to the continued use of the STRADCOM-operated IT system. Both officials maintain their innocence.
Following a shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga, the Department of Education (DepEd) urged the public to refrain from sharing sensitive materials related to the event, emphasizing compassion for victims and their families, while psychological support is being provided.
Two top Philippine transportation officials, LTFRB Chairman Vigor Mendoza II and OTC Chief Teofilo Guadiz III, have been suspended for six months over their roles in the continued use of an older IT system alongside a newer one for the Land Transportation Office (LTO), costing motorists billions.
A quote card circulating online suggesting Senator Pia Cayetano might resign over a spliced video and flood control projects in Taguig is false, Rappler's fact-check revealed. Cayetano has not officially commented on these allegations.
The Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) BRP Gabriela Silang has returned to the Philippines after participating in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026 Exercise in Honolulu, the world's largest international maritime military drill. The PCG highlighted its active participation, not just as an observer, showcasing the Philippines' maritime capabilities and contributions to regional peace.
Metro Manila experienced widespread flooding due to heavy rains from the Southwest Monsoon. The incident highlighted the crucial role of the weather bureau's tiered warning system in prompting community preparedness and evacuation.
A former special disbursing officer testified before an impeachment court that Vice President Sara Duterte personally ordered the release of P125 million in confidential funds to her security chief in December 2022. The testimony raises significant questions about fund management and transparency within the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has filed another perjury complaint against Ramil Madriaga, her alleged former aide. The complaint spans approximately 1,000 pages.
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano was again marked absent on Monday from both the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte and the plenary session, with no explanation from his office. Senate Secretary Renato Bantug confirmed the absence, raising questions about his participation and the reasons behind it.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) reported an increase in China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea) despite a decline in People's Liberation Army-Navy (PLAN) and militia vessels, suggesting a shift towards law enforcement operations.
The Philippines has confirmed over 27 deaths as the southwest monsoon, or 'habagat,' continues its third week of heavy rains. The weather bureau is monitoring a low-pressure area east of Northern Luzon. Metro Manila is not among the areas with reported fatalities.
Four former bodyguards of ex-Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who had alleged kickbacks in flood control projects, may face charges after recanting their statements. The Ombudsman's office questions the credibility of their recantations.
Philippine Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino filed a motion for reconsideration to lift a court injunction against the first tranche of the minimum wage hike in the National Capital Region (NCR), potentially paving the way for increased worker earnings.
A Philippine House lawmaker has pointed out a pattern of 'padding' in certain budget items within past National Expenditure Programs (NEP), suggesting it may have been a tactic to conceal congressional insertions during the budget revision process.
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered a thorough investigation and strengthened safeguards following a shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University that resulted in two student deaths and the perpetrator's suicide.
Fuel prices in the Philippines are set to increase by as much as P5 per liter on Tuesday, August 18. Gasoline will see a P2.49 per liter hike, diesel P3.84, and kerosene P5.01. The Department of Energy cited stalled diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran as a factor in global oil price volatility.
The Philippine Senate has approved on final reading a bill that prohibits the detention of patients and their relatives in hospitals due to unpaid medical bills, strengthening patient rights.
Malacañang, the Philippine presidential palace, stated it could neither confirm nor deny reports that Vice President Sara Duterte sought a private meeting with President Marcos to discuss her political future, fueling speculation.
A shooting incident at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga, Philippines, has resulted in two fatalities. The perpetrator reportedly used a high-powered firearm and a .45 caliber pistol, with parts of the incident believed to have been livestreamed online.
Twenty people were rescued after a passenger boat, the MB Stella Gwen 2, capsized off Calatrava, Romblon, on Monday afternoon. Strong waves are believed to have damaged the vessel's outrigger, causing it to lose stability.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that over 5.1 million people have been affected by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) and cyclones Luis and Maymay. Total damage to infrastructure and agriculture reached P4.5 billion.
The influx of imported meat into supermarkets and malls in Kidapawan City, North Cotabato, is hurting the local hog and meat industry, a meat vendors’ association stated. Local producers are facing unfair price competition.
Following a shooting incident at San Jose National High School in Tacloban City, approximately 1,100 students received transparent backpacks. The initiative aims to enhance school security and restore students' sense of safety.
Digital payments constituted 64.7% of total retail transactions in the Philippines in 2025, an increase from the previous year, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). This figure surpassed the BSP's target, indicating progress in financial inclusion and the country's digital economic transformation.
Philippine domestic oil and fuel prices are set to increase again this week after two weeks of rollbacks, driven by the Middle East conflict's impact on global oil supply. The price adjustments, effective August 18-24, are expected to affect household budgets and logistics costs.
Remittances to the Philippines are slowing, weakening their support for household consumption. With inflation eroding real purchasing power, consumption reliant on remittances is becoming less potent than in prior years, potentially impacting foreign reserves.
Remittances to the Philippines from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) recorded their slowest growth since February 2022, rising 1.7% year-on-year to $3.04 billion in June. Coupled with high inflation, this slowdown raises concerns about its diminishing support for household consumption.
Tropical cyclone "Habagat" has brought heavy rains and flooding to the Philippines, reigniting concerns about food inflation due to potential damage to agricultural crops. The government is expediting countermeasures as damage in key agricultural regions is anticipated.