The Commission on Audit (CoA) flagged the Office of the Vice-President (OVP) for unliquidated livelihood aid amounting to P2.055 million and documentation gaps in grants to civil society organizations in its 2025 Annual Audit Report, raising concerns about transparency and accountability.
The Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stated that a price freeze on bottled water is unnecessary, as supply remains stable despite anticipated increased demand due to El Niño. Discussions with manufacturers and retailers confirmed no supply issues.
The Bureau of Customs (BoC) in the Philippines has established the Customs Local Affairs Office (CLAO) under the Commissioner's office to centralize coordination with government agencies, LGUs, and private sector stakeholders, enhancing domestic engagement and partnerships.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in the Philippines' Ilocos Region is expanding and maintaining irrigation systems, including solar-powered facilities. These projects aim to boost crop yields, improve farmer livelihoods, and enhance food security across the region.
Workers in Ilocos Sur, Philippines, are demanding a daily wage increase of P90 to P190, citing strained family budgets due to rising prices and disaster losses. The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board will consider worker concerns alongside economic data for wage adjustments.
A Philippine senator has called for enhanced software and hardware capabilities for national security and defense agencies to counter espionage, advocating for increased budgets and technological upgrades.
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) views Artificial Intelligence (AI) not as a threat but as a strategic opportunity for responsible harnessing. AI is expected to upgrade domestic industries and boost productivity, though its impact on employment hinges on proper management.
The Philippines is facing over P6.8 billion in agricultural damage due to dry spells and water shortages linked to the El Niño phenomenon. Concerns are rising over food security as crop production, particularly rice and vegetables, is significantly impacted.
The Philippine Senate aims to finalize its version of the P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 by the second week of December, facing scrutiny over House-approved spending changes and a tighter schedule due to an impeachment trial.
US President Donald J. Trump is confirmed to visit Manila for the ASEAN summit in November. The visit may coincide with ongoing negotiations between the Philippines and the US for a multibillion-dollar technology hub in New Clark City.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has appointed 339 School Counselor Associates (SCAs) to be deployed in the National Capital Region (NCR), marking a significant step towards bolstering mental health support for students.
The Philippine financial industry is facing a growing need for AI-powered countermeasures against increasingly sophisticated scams. With rising fraudulent transactions via online gaming and e-wallets, industry-wide information sharing and collaboration with regulators are deemed essential.
Logistics giant UPS welcomes the Philippine government's investment initiatives in high-tech manufacturing, free trade zones, and economic zones. At the launch of its new international hub in Clark, the company expressed support for investments that contribute to economic development and job creation.
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has filed administrative charges against six firms and their officers, accused of forming an "onion cartel" that artificially inflated onion prices to as high as P800 per kilogram in late 2022, signaling a crackdown on market manipulation.
A joint maritime law enforcement operation off Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur, intercepted suspected smuggled cigarettes worth approximately P2.3 million and led to the arrest of four individuals, highlighting intensified efforts against illegal goods in the region.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines will conduct Exercise Surigao Sentinel 2026 from October 20-25 off the eastern seaboard of Mindanao. This marks the country's first territorial defense drill in this strategic maritime area, aiming to bolster its defense capabilities.
The Philippine government is studying measures to mitigate the impact of the peso's depreciation on the lives of its citizens. While specific details remain undisclosed, the administration is moving towards economic stabilization.
Efforts are underway to preserve Philippine music history, transitioning valuable archival data from digital formats to hardcover books. This initiative aims to ensure the legacy of the nation's musical heritage is passed on to future generations.
Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced an upcoming increase in electricity rates for October, citing elevated fuel costs. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian expressed concern over the hike amid the ongoing inflation surge, warning of its impact on household budgets.
An international competition hosted in the Philippines features a total prize pool of P1.5 million (approximately $25,000 USD). The event aims to promote sports development and international exchange within the country.
Two buildings at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman campus were temporarily evacuated after an alleged threat posted on social media prompted the closure of Palma Hall and Malcolm Hall. Police investigated but found no suspicious items, and the situation returned to normal.
The Lucban municipal government in Quezon province, Philippines, is urging residents to conserve water due to critically low levels in traditional spring sources caused by the El Niño phenomenon.
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced the results of the recent computer-based licensure examination for optometrists. Gabriell Jace Mart Legaspi Tangaran, a graduate of Davao Doctors College Inc., achieved the highest score with 92.11%.
A recent Pulse Asia survey reveals that Filipinos continue to prioritize controlling inflation and eradicating government corruption. The September 2026 Ulat ng Bayan survey indicates these issues are the primary concerns for the majority of the population.
Camarines Sur province received a special national citation from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) for its efforts in promoting a business-friendly environment, attracting investments, and generating jobs.
Face-to-face classes have been suspended in seven schools in Bulalacao, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines, following an reported armed encounter between the Army and an armed group. The local government aims to ensure student safety by extending the suspension until the situation stabilizes.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) demonstrated a bucket-based water filtration system to ensure access to safe drinking water ahead of the anticipated impacts of Super El Niño, a measure to address potential water scarcity and contamination.
The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Sandiganbayan over P11.8 million in cash advances for officials' foreign trips in 2025 due to incomplete documentary requirements. COA stated that missing documents like invitation letters and airfare quotations hinder the verification of the expenses' validity.
The Philippine Supreme Court ruled that senior citizen discounts cannot be combined with other promotions, acquitting a hotel manager. This clarifies that elderly discounts are not absolute and can only be availed once per transaction.
An individual identified as Tolosa has criticized the decision to drop charges against the Vice President, calling any attempt to revisit the case a "waste of time and resources." This statement highlights concerns about political maneuvering and the efficiency of judicial processes.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture (DA) is awaiting confirmation from several tollway operators regarding a rebate program for agricultural trucks, aimed at mitigating the impact of rising fuel prices. Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) has already reinstated its program, and the DA seeks similar initiatives from others.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a significant drop in sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from Taal Volcano. Over the past 24 hours, emissions measured 223 metric tons with a gas plume rising 750 meters, maintaining the volcano's current alert level.
Malacañang stated that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. listens to the public's legitimate concerns regarding his governance, following the release of recent trust and approval ratings. The Palace highlighted specific calls for fare hikes and lower electricity rates, emphasizing the administration's commitment to balancing various factors for public welfare.
The Ministry of Labor and Employment in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has identified 64 more minors as beneficiaries of its anti-child labor program, providing them with school supplies and cash assistance.
The Philippine peso fell past the 63-per-dollar mark for the first time on Thursday, despite a retreat in the US dollar from an 18-month high. Higher-than-expected US inflation data is cited as a key factor, intensifying downward pressure on the peso and raising concerns about the stability of the Philippine economy.
Residents in Maguindanao del Sur, Philippines, have surrendered 34 firearms, including grenade and rocket launchers, to the Army's 90th Infantry Battalion as part of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Management Program in Central Mindanao.