Forensic financial analyst Alex Cabrera testified before the Senate impeachment court that Vice President Sara Duterte's undeclared wealth could reach P1.5 billion. His estimate includes confidential funds and increased ownership stakes in corporations.
The Philippine House of Representatives has approved on final reading a bill that bans children under 13 from social media and online gaming platforms, enhancing protections for minors. Users aged 13-17 will require parental consent and face advertising restrictions.
The Philippines' Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is closely monitoring the situation in Saudi Arabia following missile and drone strikes, but has not yet imposed a deployment ban. Economic activity continues, with attacks described as targeted, and efforts are underway to assist those injured.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) of the Philippines has denied the accreditation bids of GrabBike and RiderKo for failing to meet required standards, citing non-compliance during previous pilot programs.
Henry Rhoel R. Aguda has resigned as Secretary of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). The resignation, reported over the weekend, is reportedly linked to allegations of ghost internet projects, with President Marcos yet to name a replacement.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced it is coordinating with law enforcement agencies to implement a Supreme Court directive for the release of former Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. (FNI) Chairman Joseph C. Sy. The order does not resolve questions surrounding his Philippine citizenship.
The Philippine Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will launch a centralized online system for government agencies to submit and monitor budget execution requests starting November 3. This initiative aims to streamline transactions, reduce paperwork, and enhance transparency.
Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio expressed concern over President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s remarks on alleged Chinese funding, stating the administration has viewed her as a security risk since 2023. The statement could also create uncertainty for Philippine trade with China.
Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte submitted a sworn statement to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), denying allegations of cash deliveries and challenging the agency's authority to investigate him. This comes as the former House Speaker's camp also denies the claims, drawing attention to the unfolding investigation.
The Office of the Vice-President (OVP) will launch an information campaign to educate the public on the impacts of El Niño and provide practical guides for households and agricultural workers, aiming to raise awareness and enhance resilience to climate-related risks.
Philippine senators have backed a bill to increase the monthly Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA) for government workers from P2,000 to P5,000, aiming to address rising living costs and adjust an allowance unchanged for over 15 years.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) expects to reopen the northbound lane of Dimasalang Bridge before the 'Undas' holidays, as rehabilitation works are being expedited.
A critical shortage of guidance counselors in Philippine public schools has prompted lawmakers to raise concerns. The Department of Education aims to fill 10,000 counselor associate positions by 2026, but qualification requirements and recruitment processes present challenges.
The Philippines' Ombudsman announced the establishment of a dedicated reporting channel for local and foreign investors to report corruption and regulatory abuse by public officials. This initiative aims to attract foreign investment and eradicate graft hindering economic growth.
The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Cagayan province has deployed five mobile solar-powered irrigation pumps to combat water shortages affecting farms. This initiative aims to stabilize farmers' incomes and bolster food security amidst drought conditions.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has committed up to $65 million to an infrastructure debt fund managed by BlackRock, targeting energy transition projects across Southeast and South Asia. The Philippines is among the key investment markets.
The Philippines' Department of Agriculture has proposed raising pork import tariffs to Congress, citing a widening gap between farmgate and retail prices that threatens local hog raisers. The price difference has grown 38% since 2021, impacting farmers' viability.
The Philippines' Department of Transportation is developing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems for Iloilo, Bataan, and Pangasinan provinces, aiming to modernize public transport networks and meet demand in these regions.
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) signed a supplemental agreement with Global Aerospace Technology Philippines, Inc. (GATPHI) to expand its aerospace parts manufacturing operations in Batangas, strengthening the Philippines' integration into the global aerospace supply chain.
Philippine National Bank (PNB) is considering an early 2027 bond issuance to support its lending expansion. While the specific amount, currency, and tenor are yet to be determined, the bank stated it has no immediate funding needs for the rest of 2026. This move reflects the growing economic activity and financial market outlook in the Philippines.
Forensic financial analyst Atty. Alexander Cabrera, an expert witness for the prosecution in the trial involving Vice President Sara Duterte, stated Monday he has no fear or concern regarding potential confidentiality violations when examining her financial records. He asserted this during cross-examination by the defense counsel.
The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines announced that approximately 49% of public schools nationwide are now equipped with CCTV cameras. This initiative follows an increase in school-related violence, aiming to bolster safety measures. Funding for these cameras comes from various sources, including school operating expenses, local government units, and PTA donations.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that the easterlies, warm and humid winds from the Pacific, are bringing rains to Metro Manila and over a dozen other areas, increasing the risk of floods and landslides. A monitored tropical depression remains outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Another 100 freshly laid sea turtle eggs were collected Sunday morning along the shores of Tayabas Bay in Sariaya, Quezon. This brings the total number of eggs gathered during the current nesting season to 195, with more expected.
The Philippine Ombudsman has urged the Supreme Court to revisit the 2016 plunder doctrine, arguing it makes apprehending 'the biggest syndicates' exceedingly difficult. The call was made during the Ombudsman's first annual report.
During the impeachment trial of the Vice President in the Philippine House of Representatives, the defense team questioned the qualifications of forensic financial analyst Alexander Cabrera, a witness, regarding his assessment of VP Sara Duterte's Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net worth (SALN) violations, citing his lack of government service.
A short video allegedly showing suitcases inside the Forbes Park residence of former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was presented in court during a bail hearing for his plunder case. The court permitted the showing of the 13-second clip during witness testimony.
The Philippines' Ombudsman has criticized the Supreme Court's 'main plunderer' doctrine, arguing it hinders the prosecution of large-scale corruption. He urges a review of the doctrine through legislative or judicial means.
Motorists in the Philippines will face mixed fuel price adjustments starting Tuesday, with gasoline set to increase by P1.56 per liter while diesel will see a rollback of approximately P3 per liter, reflecting global crude oil market shifts.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is drafting rules to mandate a one-year repair or replacement warranty for refurbished smartphones, aiming to enhance consumer protection and curb illicit trade.
The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte saw a heated exchange between the defense and prosecution over the testimony of financial forensic analyst Alexander Cabrera. The defense called his testimony 'erroneous,' while the prosecution moved to strike the statement, asserting it was out of order.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is studying special bus routes between Antipolo City and Manila to offer commuters an alternative during Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) congestion or service disruptions. The proposed routes would connect Antipolo and Recto Avenue with designated stops.
South Cotabato province is intensifying preparations for a projected 'super' El Niño, ensuring water facilities, disaster funds, and relief supplies are ready amid concerns of prolonged severe dry conditions impacting farms, livestock, and public health. The governor highlighted the importance of early preparedness.
Two traditional Moro leaders, actively involved in community peacebuilding, were killed in separate gun attacks within 24 hours in Maguindanao del Norte province, Philippines. The incidents have sent shockwaves through the community and heightened security concerns.
S&P Global Ratings forecasts the Philippine residential property market will not regain significant momentum until late 2027. Excess supply, rising costs, and high interest rates are constraining buyer demand, leading to subdued sales for major developers.
The Philippine House of Representatives has approved the proposed P7.2 trillion national budget for fiscal year 2027 on its final reading. The budget emphasizes a 'people-centered' and 'Super El Niño-ready' approach, though some lawmakers raised concerns about transparency in its formulation.