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A former disbursing officer testified at an impeachment trial that Vice President Sara Duterte ordered the release of P125 million in confidential funds to her security aide in 2022. The allocation reportedly lacked detailed activity plans as required by audit regulations.
Torrential rains from the enhanced southwest monsoon have caused widespread and severe flooding in key areas of Metro Manila, rendering roads impassable and forcing residents into evacuation centers. The event highlights the persistent vulnerabilities in the region's infrastructure.
Over 3,189 residents from 831 families in Pasig City are housed in evacuation centers as of Monday night, August 17, due to heavy rains from the southwest monsoon, locally known as 'habagat,' affecting Metro Manila. Eighteen evacuation sites across 10 barangays have been opened.
A lawyer for the prosecution stated that testimony from a former staffer handling confidential funds has removed all doubt regarding whether former President Duterte ordered the transfer of these allocations to a security official assigned to him. This testimony concerns alleged fund transfers to Vice President Sara Duterte.
Confusion and disagreement persist within the Philippine government over a "provisional arrangement" with China concerning resupply missions to Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal. While the Defense Secretary questions its existence, the President affirms its utility, and the DFA highlights its role in preventing conflict.
The incumbent vice mayor and former mayor of Magalang town in Pampanga, Philippines, face a complaint at the Office of the Ombudsman over an alleged 'ghost' housing project, raising suspicions of misuse of public funds.
In the Philippines, a proposed P57 billion restoration to the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) in the 2027 budget faces uncertainty. This follows the government's 2024 diversion of P107.23 billion from PDIC, with the proposed amount lodged under Unprogrammed Appropriations, contingent on excess revenues. The move raises concerns about PDIC's capacity to protect depositors.
Quezon City, Philippines, has evacuated over 10,000 residents to designated shelters due to heavy rains from the southwest monsoon (habagat). Authorities urge continued vigilance.
Luzon, Philippines is experiencing heavy rains from the southwest monsoon, raising concerns about flooding in some areas. There is also a possibility of a tropical depression named 'Neneng' forming, necessitating caution.
On the 16th day of the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, a former special disbursing officer testified that she was instructed to release P125 million in confidential funds to an OVP security officer. This testimony could significantly impact the trial's proceedings.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the distribution of 10 kilos of rice and cash assistance to 2,230 low-income beneficiaries, including farmers, fisherfolk, vendors, and laborers, in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental. The "Bawat Bayan Makikinabang" program will continue every two months.
MANILA—The University of Santo Tomas Hospital (UST Hospital) on Monday denied reports of depleted doxycycline stocks, stating it has sufficient supply of the antibiotic for prophylaxis and is actively coordinating with its supply chain.
The Philippine government is moving forward with the bidding of the National Power Corp.'s (Napocor) remaining power assets. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of power plants and generate funds for debt settlement. The bidding process is expected to commence between the latter half of 2026 and the first half of 2027.
Manila City will open its health centers for half-day on Tuesday, August 18, to distribute free doxycycline to residents potentially exposed to leptospirosis from wading through floodwaters caused by the southwest monsoon (habagat). This measure aims to protect public health amidst continuous rains.
Senator Panfilo Lacson questioned the effectiveness of the government's flood control spending, highlighting that despite P1.939 trillion allocated to the DPWH's flood management program from 2011 to 2025, floods remain uncontrolled.
Philippine sugar industry stakeholders have agreed to form a national ad hoc committee to coordinate the government's response to the worsening infestation of the Red Striped Soft Shell Insect (RSSI), which is severely impacting sugarcane yield and quality.
Government offices in Ilocos Sur province are implementing alternative work arrangements due to continuous heavy rains from the southwest monsoon. This measure, in line with a presidential directive, aims to ensure employee safety and operational continuity.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) announced the distribution of P177.67 million in agricultural inputs to farmers and fisherfolk affected by the enhanced southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones, including seeds and fertilizers.
The House of Representatives has canceled its budget briefing scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, and will transition to virtual sessions for its plenary and committee meetings due to inclement weather. Officials and employees are instructed to work from home.
North Cotabato vendors are lamenting the influx of imported pork in Kidapawan City, stating it is killing the local hog industry. The price competitiveness of imported meat has led to a sharp decline in demand for local produce, pushing producers to the brink.
In Zambales, Philippines, schools will shift to alternative learning and government offices will adopt alternative work arrangements on August 18 due to heavy rains from the southwest monsoon. Some local government units have also announced suspension of classes and work.
The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has filed a motion seeking to lift a court injunction that halted an P85 wage increase for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila, a move seen as crucial amidst rising living costs.
The water level of Laguna de Bay in the Philippines has risen again to 12.25 meters, nearing its critical high-water threshold and raising concerns for the daily lives of surrounding residents.
The impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has been postponed to Tuesday due to inclement weather forecasts. The court made the decision based on the Presiding Officer's instructions, considering the impact of heavy rains and flooding from the Southwest Monsoon.
A pandesal vendor was shot dead in Datu Montawal, Maguindanao del Sur, despite an ongoing election gun ban. The incident occurred as the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) prepares for historic parliamentary elections.
Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II is promoting the province's tourism potential, citing the prevailing peace and order after decades of insurgency. The stable situation is seen as a key to unlocking new economic opportunities.
Over 1,800 residents in Pasig City, Philippines, have been evacuated to temporary shelters due to persistent heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon (habagat). Fourteen evacuation centers across nine barangays have been opened to accommodate affected families.
Three bridges in Olongapo City, Zambales, reached spilling levels on Monday due to heavy rains from the southwest monsoon. City authorities are continuing to monitor the situation.
Tensions flared on the first day of budget talks for the proposed 2027 spending plan, as Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco questioned why the House of Representatives is not subject to the same scrutiny as other agencies, sparking debate over transparency.
Classes at all levels in public and private schools in Magsaysay and San Jose towns, Occidental Mindoro, have been suspended on August 18, likely due to adverse weather conditions associated with a tropical depression.
The municipality of San Antonio in Zambales has declared a state of calamity due to widespread flooding caused by the southwest monsoon and successive weather disturbances, enabling the immediate use of calamity funds and mitigation efforts.
Ospital ng Maynila announced the temporary closure of its Outpatient Department (OPD) on August 18 due to inclement weather from the southwest monsoon, or habagat, affecting patients.
Senator Mark Villar has filed a bill in the Philippines to extend the validity of Professional Identification Cards (PICs) issued by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) from the current three years to five years. This move aims to reduce the burden on citizens and improve administrative efficiency.
A 31-year-old fisherman, Robin Bondol Trinidad, miraculously survived after drifting for three days in the West Philippine Sea. He set out on August 13 but lost control of his motorized boat due to bad weather, eventually reaching land safely on August 16.
A shooting incident in Taguig City on Monday morning resulted in one fatality and one injury. Police are investigating the incident, with details on the motive and circumstances still emerging. The victim who died was identified as a 40-year-old man.
Philippine stocks opened the week in negative territory, weighed down by a lack of fresh catalysts, lingering Middle East uncertainties, and a weaker peso. Investors maintained a cautious stance, awaiting clearer market direction.