Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has stated she will not resign despite facing an impeachment trial. Malacañang (the Presidential Palace) indicated that her decision to stay in office is hers alone and will not be interfered with, while dismissing her call for the President's resignation as 'utter nonsense'.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has recommended to the Department of Justice (DOJ) the filing of graft charges against public works officials and officers of a construction company involved in P7 billion worth of flood control projects in Davao City from 2018 to 2024, citing alleged irregularities and undue benefits.
A lawyer for Vice President Sara Duterte accused House of Representatives member Lorenzo Matibag of being politically biased against the Vice President. The statement comes after Matibag repeatedly criticized the VP.
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) announced that electricity rates will increase by P0.3191 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in October. The hike is primarily attributed to higher generation costs, meaning a typical residential customer consuming 200 kWh will see their monthly bill rise by approximately P64.
President Marcos' trust rating saw a slight increase in September, according to the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. Former President Duterte continues to maintain a high trust level, reflecting the current political sentiment in the Philippines.
Philippine palay (unhusked rice) production in the third quarter of 2026 is estimated to fall by 17.2% to 3.10 million metric tons, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). This decline is primarily attributed to a reduction in harvested area. Corn production is also projected to decrease, raising concerns about food security.
The Presiding Justice of the Sandiganbayan, the Philippines' anti-graft court, has called for a review of a Supreme Court doctrine that makes proving plunder by public officials more difficult, highlighting challenges in the fight against corruption.
A P42 daily minimum wage hike in the Philippines' Central Visayas region took effect on October 14, expected to benefit over 450,000 workers. The monthly wage for domestic workers also increased.
A third 'maleta boy' testified at the bail hearing for the plunder case against Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, claiming to have delivered cash, allegedly project kickbacks, to four properties linked to the ex-Speaker between 2023 and 2024.
Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed a bill to establish a recognition program for public officials who voluntarily undergo drug testing, aiming to promote integrity and raise awareness about drug issues.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts a 10% increase in the Philippines' soybean meal imports to 3.85 million metric tons in the 2026-2027 marketing year, driven by robust demand from its poultry sector. The Philippines remains a top export market for U.S. soybean meal.
The Sandiganbayan, the Philippines' anti-graft court, acquitted former Health Secretary Janette Garin and four others of graft and technical malversation charges related to the P3.5 billion procurement of Dengvaxia vaccines in 2015, which were later suspended due to safety concerns.
The Philippine Supreme Court has dismissed indirect contempt charges against former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, who criticized a ruling on the Vice President's impeachment case. The high tribunal cited freedom of speech in its decision.
The Philippine Department of Justice plans to enhance capacity-building workshops for prosecutors on the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Law. This initiative aims to strengthen the prosecution of agricultural smuggling syndicates and secure the law's first conviction.
In the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Philippines, 46 parliament members have formed a coalition, with Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua vowing to pursue an inclusive government that transcends electoral divisions. This marks a significant step towards establishing the region's first fully elected parliamentary government.
Philippine Senate President Escudero made a swift ruling on a surprise move by the prosecution. His rapid decision is seen as stemming from his experience in legislative proceedings and his understanding of the importance of legal processes.
Former US President Donald Trump is confirmed to visit the Philippines to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit, with specific details regarding his schedule and the purpose of his visit remaining undisclosed by the Palace.
A Pulse Asia survey reveals that 51% of Filipino adults believe Vice President Sara Duterte should testify in her impeachment trial. However, 34% disagree, with opinions divided across regions and socioeconomic classes.
The Philippine House of Representatives has approved on final reading a bill renewing the franchise of Cebu Air Inc., operating as Cebu Pacific, for another 50 years. This ensures the airline's continued contribution to the nation's air transport network.
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) is bolstering ube (purple yam) production in the Cagayan Valley region to enhance global export capabilities. This initiative aims to stimulate regional economic growth and improve farmer incomes.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts cloudy skies with scattered rains and thunderstorms for Visayas and Mindanao on October 14 due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). Residents are warned of potential flash floods or landslides from heavy rainfall.
Philippine Catholic bishops have warned that the transition to green energy must not come at the expense of indigenous communities' rights and the environment, expressing concerns over ancestral lands and resources.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has defended its data on approximately 3,400 deaths during the drug war, stating analysts manually reviewed records after former president Rodrigo Duterte's defense questioned their reliability. The trial is scheduled to commence on November 30, 2026.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has rejected a request from former President Rodrigo Duterte's defense team to limit prosecution evidence to 10,000 items in his crimes against humanity case. The court cited concerns about disclosure obligations and urged the defense to provide search terms to help locate relevant materials.
Wholesale price growth for building materials in Metro Manila slowed to its lowest rate in three months as of October 2026, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. This moderation may reflect the impact of government inflation control measures and seasonal demand fluctuations.
The recent decision to drop some articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte is not unprecedented, as a similar move occurred during the 2012 impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona, where prosecutors withdrew several articles citing sufficient evidence.
New licensing rules in the Philippines' agricultural research sector may restrict foreign researchers, raising concerns about innovation and international collaboration in the nation's agri-tech advancements.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that 1,349 members and supporters of the New People's Army (NPA) were neutralized from January 1 to October 8 this year, through surrenders, arrests, and combat operations.
The Department of Agriculture-Bicol is encouraging backyard vegetable farming and the adoption of low-water alternative crops to mitigate supply constraints and price hikes caused by the severe El Niño. Meanwhile, the National Food Authority is intensifying palay procurement to support farmers and replenish government buffer stocks.
Western Visayas in the Philippines will be placed on Blue Alert starting October 11 in preparation for the projected impacts of a 'super' El Niño. Authorities are mobilizing resources and convening emergency meetings to strengthen preparedness measures.
Inflation rates in Pangasinan and La Union provinces accelerated in September compared to August, primarily driven by rising food prices, especially vegetables, and increased road transportation costs. The government is implementing measures like farmer support and direct selling programs to mitigate the impact.
The Social Security System (SSS) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) have signed a memorandum of agreement to cover approximately 2,000 job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) workers under social security. This move grants these previously excluded workers access to benefits such as sickness, maternity, and retirement.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) declined on Tuesday, snapping a two-day rally as investors engaged in profit-taking. The Philippine peso, meanwhile, closed nearly unchanged against the US dollar. Lower foreign direct investment inflows also contributed to market sentiment.
The Philippine Commission on Elections (Comelec) has issued notices to delist 50 party-list groups for failing to participate in the last two national elections or for not securing at least 2% of the votes cast, thus failing to win seats. This move aims to revitalize the party-list system and ensure genuine representation.
Negros Occidental province in the Philippines has begun distributing rice aid to poor and near-poor households through the Local Government Support Fund - Financial Assistance, funded by the national government. The province purchased PHP170.99 million worth of rice, targeting 125,735 households across all its municipalities and cities.
The Philippine government will shoulder the employee's share of PhilHealth premiums for employed solo parents, regardless of income, once their membership records are updated, the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) announced Tuesday.