Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has appointed Robert Joseph M. de Claro, former CEO of the Social Security System (SSS), as the new secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). De Claro's extensive experience in the digital economy is expected to drive project reviews and the advancement of internet infrastructure.
The Philippine House of Representatives has passed on final reading a bill to establish a 30-year infrastructure development masterplan, aiming to guide government spending and coordinate projects. However, concerns have been raised regarding a lack of integration with broader economic development strategies and potential concentration of influence.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.'s trust rating edged up to 36% in September, while Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio maintained a significant lead at 56%, according to a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey. The President's trust saw notable improvement in Mindanao. Both leaders are expected to continue facing public scrutiny.
The Department of Transportation (DoTr) expects the Davao Public Transport Modernization Project to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2028, featuring electric buses and an automated fare collection system.
Philippine business groups are calling for the next president to possess a clear reform vision, prioritizing infrastructure development and the eradication of corruption. Restoring domestic confidence and fostering economic growth are seen as urgent tasks amidst global uncertainties.
The Philippine Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has suspended trading on the reserve market, crucial for stable electricity supply, citing persistently high prices, especially in the Visayas region, and ordered a comprehensive market overhaul.
Philippine labor group Sentro lauded lawmakers who voted against the proposed P7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, arguing it fails to adequately address the needs of Filipino workers and their families. The House of Representatives has already approved the budget.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court approved the prosecution's motion to drop three out of four charges against Vice President Sara Duterte on the 39th day of her impeachment trial, narrowing the focus to the remaining accusation.
Classes in parts of Bulacan province, Philippines, were suspended on Wednesday, October 14, due to water supply interruptions. This follows the shutdown of the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply system by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) for maintenance.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended the driver's license of a Parañaque City employee for 90 days due to accusations of dangerous tailgating and repeated attempts to overtake using the opposite lane.
A public hospital in Bacolod City has issued a warning against the unauthorized use of its official medical certificates and physician credentials. The alert comes amid reports of fabricated and stolen documents being exploited.
Newly appointed Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Lino Cayetano stated that political differences with his siblings will not impede their family's service to Filipinos. He urged supporters of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to unite across political lines and focus on programs benefiting the nation.
The Department of Health (DOH) reported a 46% decrease in leptospirosis cases over a two-week period in September, suggesting a potential easing of the surge. The DOH continues to monitor the situation.
A former bagman turned witness claimed that P10 million was offered for each recantation by the remaining 'maleta boys.' The revelation came during the bail hearing for former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The Philippine agriculture sector is gaining traction, with the government aiming to attract $57.4 million in investments at a UN FAO-hosted forum. This highlights diverse business opportunities extending beyond traditional farming.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) forecasts a cloudy Wednesday across most of the country, with rain showers expected due to the influence of the northeasterly wind flow and warm winds from the Pacific.
Quezon City has disbanded its Task Force Disiplina following the killing of three teenagers by one of its enforcers. Members will undergo strict vetting before potential reassignment.
The Philippine government will develop worker housing on a 14-hectare state-owned land in New Clark City through a new partnership between the Pag-IBIG Fund and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), as part of Pag-IBIG Fund's Expanded 4PH Program.
The Philippine Senate impeachment court has lifted the sub judice rule on three articles of impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, concerning alleged misuse of confidential funds, bribery, and grave threats. This decision potentially opens avenues for further investigation and disclosure of information.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that differences of opinion between the media and the government do not create an adversarial relationship. Speaking at a media group's oath-taking ceremony in Manila, the president emphasized the importance of press freedom and government accountability.
A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey in the Philippines revealed that over a third of beneficiaries who received P5,000 in fuel assistance were not enrolled in any government program, including the Social Security System (SSS) and PhilHealth. This finding raises questions about the targeting of aid and the comprehensiveness of social protection.
The Philippine Coast Guard announced that 60 out of 77 victims from the MV June Aster ferry fire on September 9 have been identified through DNA testing. Efforts to identify the remaining 17 are ongoing.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects the Philippines' economic growth to lag behind that of other countries in the Asia-Pacific region, suggesting a combination of domestic economic challenges and global economic trends.
Malaybalay City launched its City Tourism Week 2026, showcasing a unique blend of Indigenous Peoples' heritage and soil art. This initiative aims to highlight the city's cultural depth beyond its natural landscapes.
Filipino tennis prodigy Alexandra Eala has been eliminated in the early rounds of the Wuhan Open singles tournament. The result marks another step in her journey to gain experience in international competitions.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has been recognized as Asia's Leading Cultural Airline for 2026. This award highlights the airline's contributions to preserving and promoting cultural heritage.
Nearly 2,000 job order and contract-of-service workers at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will now have access to Social Security System (SSS) benefits. This move is expected to generate at least P1.5 million in monthly contributions to the SSS.
Philippine stocks tumbled on Tuesday, with the benchmark PSEi shedding 0.73% as rising inflation and fears of another interest rate hike weighed on the economic growth outlook.
The prosecution in the impeachment trial of Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has asked the Senate impeachment court to drop three of the four impeachment articles, focusing instead on the charge of unexplained wealth, which alleges violations of constitutional asset disclosure requirements.
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the power distributor for Metro Manila and surrounding areas, announced a P0.3191 per kilowatt-hour rate increase this month, primarily due to higher fuel costs and peso depreciation affecting procurement. This will add approximately P64 to the typical household's monthly electricity bill.
An expert financial forensic analyst testified before the Senate impeachment court that Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband Manases Carpio may possess unexplained wealth amounting to at least P1.5 billion. This figure is significantly higher than initial reports.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) vows to intensify its crackdown on agricultural smuggling, with Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno assuring the public of no let-up. This comes after the interception of two cargo vessels carrying approximately P700 million worth of rice from Vietnam, prompting stronger monitoring and inter-agency cooperation to protect local farmers.
Vice President Sara Duterte's response to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s remarks on business dealings with China has caused ripples within the administration. The Presidential Palace suggested her statement indicated deep involvement in business with China.
House prosecutors have dropped three of the four impeachment charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, including allegations of misuse of confidential funds and an assassination plot. The impeachment trial will now proceed on a single charge of unexplained wealth.
The Philippine House of Representatives approved the P7.2 trillion national budget for 2027, enhancing preparedness for El Niño's adverse effects and bolstering support for food security, agriculture, education, health, and transportation.