The Philippines marked the 14th anniversary of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), reaffirming its commitment to the Bangsamoro people's self-governance aspirations. While the peace process has progressed with regional parliamentary elections, the focus now shifts to delivering tangible peace dividends to decommissioned combatants and their communities.
The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has provided PHP5,000 cash assistance each to 111 micro, small, and medium enterprise owners, totaling PHP555,000. The aid aims to support business continuity amid rising living costs.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Northern Mindanao is supporting local government units (LGUs) to enhance their Ease of Doing Business (EODB) systems. This initiative aims to expedite business permit renewals and improve transparency in administrative processes.
The Philippine peso further weakened against the US dollar on Friday, hitting a new record low and trading at 63.23 per dollar during morning trade. Expectations of higher US interest rates bolstered the greenback, driving the local currency's decline and raising concerns about increased inflation and import costs.
An PHP80.7-million climate field school has been launched in Siargao, Philippines, to equip farmers and fisherfolk with scientific knowledge and tools to protect their livelihoods from climate change threats, serving as a successful example of funding community-driven adaptation measures.
The Negros Island Region (NIR) is vital to strengthening secondary growth centers for sustained development, following its 5.7 percent economic expansion in 2025, according to a Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) forum. Accelerating infrastructure investment and addressing regional disparities are key.
A politician from Mindanao, identified as the alleged financier of a chartered flight linked to a 521-kilogram shabu seizure in Laos, had prior involvement in illegal drug cases, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Friday. The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) had previously identified the financier as being based in Mindanao.
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) criticized Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan's remarks about China easily winning with force, calling them a "poor choice of words" and a "thinly veiled threat." The two nations are embroiled in a territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking expanded toll rebate programs for agricultural truckers from major tollway operators to cushion the impact of rising fuel costs. Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) has already reinstated its rebates.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to strengthen its capabilities, professionalism, and readiness to address complex maritime challenges during its 125th founding anniversary. The PCG reported significant achievements in vessel inspections and disaster response over the past year.
A housing community in Iloilo City, Philippines, is addressing water shortages and preparing for El Niño by implementing rainwater harvesting systems. Supported by Catholic Relief Services and the Coca-Cola Foundation, the initiative is helping residents secure their water supply.
The Ombudsman has filed a P1.9 billion plunder complaint against Cagayan Rep. Jojo Lara, alleging ownership of construction firms that secured government contracts. Investigators believe Lara failed to divest his stake, with contract funds allegedly flowing into his private bank account.
Construction begins this week to replace a hanging bridge in Balaoan, La Union, Philippines, destroyed by Typhoon Emong in 2025. The provincial government is allocating PHP12 million for the project, targeted for completion in 2027, aiming to improve residents' daily lives and emergency response.
The Baguio City Police Office in the Philippines is developing the 'GUARDLINK' application to streamline incident reporting and coordination between security guards and city police, aiming to enhance emergency response capabilities.
The Office of the Ombudsman on Friday filed three counts of graft against former Pampanga Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr. over alleged links to construction firms that secured Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contracts while he was in office.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has denounced the Chinese ambassador's statement implying force would lead to Manila's defeat as a 'clear threat.' Teodoro suggested the remark might be retaliation for crackdowns on illegal activities within the Philippines, highlighting escalating tensions over the West Philippine Sea.
Northern Samar mourns the passing of Raul Daza, a long-serving politician who held positions as governor and congressman. He is remembered for his public service, democratic principles, and contributions to the province's development.
The Department of Interior and Local Government has identified former Bangsamoro Parliament member Edrieza Rimbang as allegedly linked to an attempted P3.5 billion shabu smuggling from Laos. Rimbang has a background in the PNP Intelligence Group and community leadership.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged to bolster the Philippine Coast Guard's (PCG) capabilities and readiness to address increasingly complex maritime challenges during its 125th founding anniversary. He also urged personnel to remain steadfast in their service.
The Philippine Navy is on heightened alert following the monitoring of Chinese vessels, drones, and aircraft in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), reflecting ongoing tensions in the South China Sea.
A barangay chairman in Naval, Biliran, Philippines, was shot dead early Friday after confronting a man allegedly throwing stones at his residence. Police have arrested a suspect.
Several groups in the Philippines are pointing to increased food imports and the conversion of agricultural land for housing as primary drivers of hunger, urging the government to review its policies amid concerns over declining domestic production.
Cebu FC is maintaining its focus ahead of their upcoming match against Tuloy FC in the Philippines Football League (PFL). The team is diligently training with the aim of securing a victory.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has affirmed the autonomy of the Bangsamoro government, including its democratic institutions and political processes. Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua welcomed the affirmation, calling it a validation of decades of struggle for self-determination.
The Philippine Senate has approved the Department of Education's (DepEd) proposed budget for fiscal year 2027. However, a significant point of contention is the request for an additional P147.93 billion, particularly for the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) Program, which had zero allocation in the initial proposal despite its proven success.
The Philippine government is being urged to strengthen measures to protect Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) facing economic challenges. Experts emphasize the necessity of support programs, recognizing MSMEs as the backbone of the domestic economy.
Vice President Sara Duterte's camp accused the Marcos administration of political persecution, calling the National Bureau of Investigation's probe into her alleged undeclared properties a "shameless smear campaign" and questioning the bureau's findings.
Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, chairman of Ayala Corporation, raised concerns about the Philippines' investment appeal, questioning the nation's readiness in terms of talent, infrastructure, energy, and regulatory environment. He urged an honest dialogue between the private and public sectors.
The Philippine Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) has denied a motion to dismiss a quo warranto petition seeking the removal of Senator Erwin Tulfo over alleged US citizenship issues, allowing the legal proceedings to continue.
Cebu province in the Philippines is promoting multi-island tour packages to revitalize its local economy. The initiative aims to attract more domestic and international tourists by developing new travel routes.
Two jail facilities in Camarines Norte will install water treatment facilities under a government partnership to improve access to safe drinking water for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) and jail personnel. The three-year Project Aqua will provide a water treatment system, a drinking water station, and a backup generator.
Senate President Win Gatchalian accepted the apology of the House prosecution panel for taking wacky photos inside the session hall, but maintained that a warning will still be issued to reinforce the decorum of the chamber.
The Office of the Ombudsman in the Philippines will seek evidence from the prosecution regarding the use of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte, encompassing both the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd), signaling a move towards further investigation and potential charges.
The Sandiganbayan has stated that the Commission on Audit (COA) found the anti-graft court compliant with its accounting policies, following media reports that flagged the court over insufficient documentation for some officials' foreign travels.
The Philippine government announced enhanced measures to protect its fishing rights in the South China Sea, amid growing concerns over increased Chinese activity in the region. The move aims to ensure the sustainability and economic stability of the domestic fishing industry.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported 17 volcanic earthquakes at Taal Volcano in the past 24 hours. Activity continues following a minor phreatomagmatic eruption a week ago. The alert level remains at "Level 1" (Abnormal).