A Filipino worker died and another was injured in a drone attack on a Saudi Arabian oil facility. The incident is part of a series of assaults linked to the Yemen conflict, highlighting urgent concerns for the safety of Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom.
Rising smartphone costs in the Philippines risk widening the digital divide, prompting industry leaders and financial experts to call for public sector intervention, including tax incentives and regulatory frameworks for secondhand devices. Escalating device prices could hinder access to modern technologies like AI and reduce national digital productivity.
A recent poll reveals that six in 10 registered voters in the Philippines believe the nation's overall condition has worsened over the past decade. Slowing economic growth and rising inflation are contributing to a pessimistic outlook among the populace.
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has advised the Marcos administration to temporarily halt the release of allocations under the 2026 budget that are covered by a Supreme Court ruling, as it prepares to challenge restrictions on unprogrammed funds.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Oriental Mindoro served a dismissal order against Baco Mayor Allan Roldan, issued by the Office of the Ombudsman. Vice Mayor Eric Castillo automatically assumed the mayoral position following the order.
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is pushing for the introduction of a market maker system to enhance stock market liquidity and price discovery. This initiative aims to invigorate trading and unlock the value of companies.
The municipal government of Tampakan in South Cotabato has established a task force to prepare for the potential impacts of a Super El Niño, including drought, water shortages, and agricultural damage. The mayor has ordered a swift response to the El Niño phenomenon.
The National Food Authority (NFA) in Negros Occidental has intensified its palay procurement to address a critically low buffer stock, now at a one-day supply, raising concerns about food security in the province.
The Philippines faces a potential annual loss of up to P603 billion, nearly 3% of its GDP, due to money mule fraud, according to a joint report. This highlights a significant financial risk and potential erosion of trust in the country's financial systems.
Dengue-related fatalities in Negros Occidental have risen to 23, with total infections reaching 4,208. Despite a year-on-year decrease in cases, the situation remains a significant public health concern.
A recent survey by Social Weather Stations (SWS) revealed that fewer Filipinos closely followed the impeachment trial of former President Rodrigo Duterte compared to past impeachment proceedings. Only 42 percent of respondents indicated they followed the trial "very or somewhat" closely.
The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) has announced its intention to challenge a specific Supreme Court (SC) ruling, labeling it as ‘judicial overreach.’ This move highlights potential tensions in the separation of powers between the judiciary and the executive branch.
The municipality of Del Carmen on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, has received national recognition for its "Farm-to-Spoon" program, a food security and climate-adaptation initiative, by being named one of the 10 outstanding local governance programs at the 2026 Galing Pook Awards.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. expressed satisfaction with the ongoing investigation into the 521-kilogram suspected "shabu" shipment intercepted in Laos. He emphasized the priority on solidifying evidence to ensure legal accountability for those involved.
The Philippine Army conducted a medical mission in Munai, Lanao del Norte, offering free medical consultations and medicines to local residents. The initiative aimed to alleviate the burden of rising healthcare costs for families with limited means.
Undersecretary David Almirol of the Department of Information and Communications Technology maintains there was no conflict of interest in the P1.55 billion in e-government contracts investigated, stating the deals went to PLDT group firms with decades of service. Opposition lawmakers allege preferential treatment for companies linked to his relatives.
Former Senate President Franklin Drilon has called on Congress to provide a clear explanation regarding the Supreme Court's ruling on unprogrammed appropriations, urging transparency particularly on provisions that might infringe upon the legislature's constitutional authority in budgeting.
In response to recent earthquakes and flash floods in Mindanao, Latter-day Saints Charities Southeast Asia Inc. donated humanitarian aid and disaster response equipment to military reservists, bolstering their capacity to assist affected communities.
Typhoon Rosal has slowed its movement and is projected to weaken into a severe tropical storm by Saturday, according to the state weather bureau. This development may mitigate its impact on affected areas.
An expert from the University of the Philippines Resilience Institute urged authorities to base El Niño preparedness on scientific forecasts and historical data, emphasizing the need for specific, data-driven measures to mitigate its impact.
Quezon City has issued advisories for visitors to Bagbag and Novaliches cemeteries, reminding them of the 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. visiting hours and prohibiting unnecessary items. These measures aim to ensure a safe and orderly observance of All Saints' Day (Undas) for citizens to honor their ancestors.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has delisted 50 party-list groups, organizations, and coalitions for failing to participate in the last two elections or securing less than two percent of votes, aiming to maintain the integrity of the party-list system.
Senator Mark Villar has filed a bill aiming to reduce the costs associated with securing essential pre-employment documents for indigent Filipinos, proposing discounts and fee waivers to remove financial barriers to employment.
The Philippine Supreme Court has ruled that unprogrammed appropriations are constitutional. The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) welcomed the decision but announced it will seek clarification and partial reconsideration of specific safeguards imposed by the court.
Education Secretary Sonny Angara stated that classroom construction strategies and allocations must be data-driven, prioritizing areas with the most severe shortages. This aligns with the Department of Education's commitment to educational equity.
The leadership of the House of Representatives has not discussed recalling the P7.2-trillion spending bill passed by the chamber last week, according to Senior Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez. The bill has already been transmitted to the Senate.
Heat index reached 41°C in Talisay, Batangas and 40°C in Calamba City, Laguna on Thursday. Local disaster councils are advising residents to take precautions against the extreme heat, urging hydration and limiting outdoor activities.
The Philippine Department of Finance (DOF) aims to file a general tax amnesty bill in Congress by year-end. The ministry is finalizing the draft and gathering more information to ensure the program's success, particularly regarding additional taxes.
Batangas police have filed murder charges against eight suspects in the killing of village chief Dennis Austria, who was found dead at his residence on October 15. The provincial police office announced the charges on October 21, following an investigation.
Philippine stocks retreated after a five-day rally as investors took profits, with a weaker peso and higher oil prices fueling market jitters ahead of the central bank's policy decision.
The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), a prominent business group, has formally requested the Senate to restore the P1.756 billion budget for the EDSA Busway, which was allocated zero funding in the proposed 2027 national budget. In a letter to Senator Mark Villar, the group highlighted the project's importance for easing traffic congestion and boosting economic activity.
Philippine Information and Communications Technology Undersecretary David Almirol Jr. denied allegations of conflict of interest involving government contracts exceeding P1.5 billion awarded to a company he founded. He broke his silence a day after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered his six-month preventive suspension.
The Philippine government’s budget deficit remained nearly flat in September, reaching P248.9 billion, a marginal 0.33% increase from the same month last year. Stronger revenues offset higher expenditures, yet the cumulative deficit for the first nine months of the year still exceeded the target.
A Philippine lawmaker has urged local government units (LGUs) to collaborate with state universities and colleges (SUCs) in producing electric vehicles (EVs) for public transport, aiming to combat high fuel prices and align with the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA Law).
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has opened its 29th Negosyo Center in Magsingal, Ilocos Sur, enhancing access to business development services for local entrepreneurs and MSMEs and fostering economic growth.
Schools in Pangasinan, Philippines, are considering class suspensions or shifting to alternative learning modes due to extreme heat from the El Niño phenomenon. The Department of Education is empowering school heads to make localized decisions based on actual conditions.