A politician from Mindanao allegedly funded a private plane intended to smuggle P3.5 billion worth of illegal drugs from Laos to the Philippines, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). Investigations are ongoing, with potential charges against the politician and accomplices.
An outbreak of Hepatitis A has been confirmed in Valencia City, Bukidnon, Philippines, with 31 individuals testing positive. Health authorities are closely monitoring 59 others to contain the spread of the infection.
The Philippines' National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) has launched the Unified Persons with Disabilities ID System (UPWDIS), featuring a centralized database and QR code verification to prevent fraudulent or duplicate IDs and streamline benefit access for qualified individuals.
A recent Pulse Asia survey reveals Vice President Sara Duterte maintains majority approval and trust, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. faces disapproval and distrust from nearly half of respondents.
The Visayas grid in the Philippines was placed on yellow alert on October 15 due to the unavailability of two major coal power plants and limited electricity imports from Mindanao. A deficit of 645.6 megawatts has raised concerns about power supply.
Candidates for an open Supreme Court seat debated proposals to raise qualifications for national elective posts. Some favored constitutional amendments to toughen requirements, citing the complexity of governance, while others argued against it, emphasizing democratic participation.
Digital payments via QR Ph and InstaPay on the Xendit platform nearly tripled, growing 198% from January 2025 to April 2026 in the Philippines. This indicates a shift towards diverse online payment methods and a gradual decline in cash-on-delivery habits.
A Philippine government official from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) stated that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will complement, not replace, the human workforce. This aims to ease concerns about job losses while highlighting AI's role in enhancing efficiency. The Philippines' digital economy continues to grow.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has ordered the Office of the Sergeant-at-Arms to investigate circulating photos of individuals posing 'wackily' inside the Senate session hall, considering the possibility of AI or Photoshop manipulation.
Small-scale fishermen in Zambales are urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to take action against beach resorts that are blocking their access to the sea, their primary source of livelihood. They assert that coastal areas are public domain and should not be monopolized by the wealthy.
The military is urging residents in Maguindanao del Sur to support the campaign against loose firearms, with civilians surrendering 34 unlicensed guns.
An online threat has led to the evacuation of students at the University of the Philippines Diliman, a premier institution in the Philippines. University authorities implemented temporary measures to ensure safety.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clarified it is not referring to Casas Con Vista when mentioning a property allegedly linked to Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte. NBI Director stated the described property is adjacent to Casas Con Vista, causing confusion.
Vice President Sara Duterte has voiced concerns about the proposed 2027 national budget, suspecting it could be used for political maneuvering in her impeachment trial. The Palace has invited her to bicameral deliberations, stating she has no evidence for her claims.
The Philippine peso weakened further against the US dollar, breaching the P63:$1 mark for the first time and marking its 27th record low this year. Factors contributing to the depreciation include increased expectations of a US interest rate hike, geopolitical risks, and a decline in the country's gross international reserves.
Philippine telecom giant Globe is expanding its network infrastructure and exploring satellite direct-to-cell technology. In the latest NTC tests, it achieved a 99.41% SMS success rate in Metro Manila, becoming the sole provider to meet regulatory standards.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. joined global leaders in expressing support and prayers for Pope Leo XIV's swift recovery following successful surgery to remove a cancerous lung nodule. The event is not expected to have direct political, economic, or security implications for the Philippines.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) announced that a politician from Mindanao allegedly financed a chartered flight intended for a drug shipment from Laos, which was set to carry approximately 521 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte continues to enjoy high trust and approval ratings in recent surveys, despite ongoing impeachment proceedings. She maintains overwhelming support in her home region of Mindanao, while perceptions are divided in the capital region.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has sworn in nearly 300 new school counselor associates in Metro Manila, a move prompted by a series of campus shootings. This hiring is part of a larger plan to fill 10,000 positions aimed at bolstering student mental health support.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clarified its findings on alleged discrepancies in the Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) of Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband, stating they are based on official documents signed by the couple. The NBI highlighted significant differences between declared and market values for properties like Prime Bistro.
Philippine authorities confirmed that a private plane used in an attempted drug smuggling operation from Laos to the Philippines was registered in the United States. The pilots were also licensed by the US Federal Aviation Administration. The incident highlights challenges in the Philippines' anti-drug efforts and aviation security.
San Carlos City in Negros Occidental, Philippines, has secured P179 million in agricultural aid to mitigate the impact of potential drought from the El Niño phenomenon, bolstering support for affected farmers.
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has imposed a record P1.76 billion fine on an onion cartel for alleged anti-competitive practices. This move aims to restore fair competition in the market and address the impact of high food prices on consumers.
The Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) has imposed a record P1.76 billion fine on members of an onion cartel for illegal market allocation in the import, cold storage, and wholesale distribution of onions. The penalties follow a House probe into price manipulation after onion prices surged in late 2022.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) declined due to selling pressure on major stocks and a downgraded growth forecast by the IMF. Meanwhile, the Philippine peso traded sideways against the US dollar.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has reported the completion of widening 111 inlets in Metro Manila within two months, aiming to mitigate flooding during the rainy season and enhance safety for pedestrians and public transport users. Sidewalk expansions along EDSA are also underway.
The Social Security System (SSS) of the Philippines announced that its equity investment portfolio generated over PHP204 billion in realized gains and dividend income over the past 57 years. The statement aimed to address reports of 'paper losses' on certain stocks by highlighting the long-term investment performance.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) approved resolutions aimed at boosting domestic economic growth and attracting investors, urging the government to leverage economic corridors, strengthen key sectors, and ensure good governance.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts that the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will bring rains to various parts of the Philippines on Thursday, with warnings of potential flash floods and landslides in some areas.
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced that its September tax collections grew by 10.9% year-on-year, reaching PHP203.58 billion. This growth is attributed to voluntary tax compliance and proactive taxpayer assistance initiatives by the BIR.
Sandro Marcos, a Congressman, has announced his departure from the party led by his father, former President Ferdinand Marcos, and his subsequent joining of the Lakas-CMD party. This move signals a potential shift in the Philippine political landscape.
Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, in his 8th State of the City Address (SOCA), emphasized a 'solid foundation' for the city's progress. While specific details are limited, the mayor's address reportedly highlighted advancements in governance and development.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag strongly refuted claims by Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte that former President Rodrigo Duterte had questioned his credibility. Matibag dismissed the allegations as 'Marites' or baseless gossip, pointing to his promotion to Cabinet Secretary under the previous administration as evidence against the claims.
False claims circulating on social media allege that Philippine Representative Martin Romualdez has been released from detention and has fled the country. Rappler's fact check confirms the lawmaker remains incarcerated over a corruption case.
The Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) claims that Vice President Sara Duterte's declarations of properties in her Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) are false. The Vice President's office has countered, calling the NBI's actions 'public deception.'