The Wire

GMA Network launched the I-Witness Podcast on World Listening Day, featuring award-winning documentaries from Kara David, Atom Araullo, and other veteran journalists. The podcast includes stories such as 'Ambulansyang de Paa,' which won a George Foster Peabody Award in 2009, and 'Bawat Barya,' a Silver World Medal winner at the 2024 New York Festivals. Hosted by Kara David, Howie Severino, Atom Araullo, Mav Gonzales, and John Consulta, the podcast aims to share unforgettable stories that celebrate the human spirit. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube Music starting July 18, SunStar reports.

Asean ministers are set to call for freedom of navigation in international straits during a week-long meeting in Manila, amid concerns over the US-Iran conflict and energy shortages. The draft communique also includes calls for self-restraint in the Middle East conflict. 'There is a fundamental principle about freedom of navigation that is threatened,' said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Agence France-Presse reports for The Manila Times.

More than 20,000 police officers have been deployed across Metro Manila for security during President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 27. Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities are prepared to respond to any contingencies. Security measures will be heightened in traditional rally areas including Batasang Pambansa, People Power Monument, and Malacañang, Franco Jose C. Baroña reports for The Manila Times.

Defense Secretary Gilbert 'Gibo' Teodoro said Thursday that he is not aware of an agreement China is claiming it has with the Philippines regarding the Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea.

The statement comes amid ongoing tensions over territorial claims in the area, with both countries asserting sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal, GMA News reports.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in the Philippines stated that the country has sovereign rights to construct in Ayungin Shoal, affirming its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf claims. In response to a Chinese crew member injuring a Philippine Navy personnel during an attempted approach to BRP Sierra Madre, which was deliberately grounded in 1999, the DFA reiterated that any RORE missions conducted by the Philippines are within its sovereign rights under international law. China's Deputy Spokesman Guo Wei criticized the Philippine government for vessels illegally intruding into Chinese waters, Bernadette E. Tamayo reports for The Manila Times.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong reaffirmed support for the 2016 arbitral tribunal ruling on the South China Sea during a forum in Manila, emphasizing adherence to international law is critical for regional security and trade. She highlighted Australia's economic ties with ASEAN countries, including significant trade volumes and investments. Additionally, the Philippines and Sweden agreed to expand defense cooperation through maritime security, cybersecurity, and military modernization efforts, BusinessWorld reports.

Despite harassment from China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) completed a fuel subsidy mission for Filipino fisherfolk at Bajo de Masinloc in the West Philippine Sea on Thursday. PCG Spokesperson RAdm. Jay Tarriela stated that CCG actions violated international maritime laws, endangering personnel engaged in humanitarian operations. The operation continued with no reported injuries and ongoing support to Filipino fishermen, PTV News reports.

The Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) used a water cannon near a Philippine vessel in Bajo de Masinloc, sparking tensions in the West Philippine Sea. CCG vessels have been challenging Filipino ships for routine operations, with PCG spokesperson Jay Tarriela stating that the water cannon was not directed at the BFAR vessel but targeted it from 13 nautical miles away. Despite the confrontation, the BFAR and PCG completed their mission of providing supplies to fisherfolk in the area. This incident follows rising tensions between Beijing and Manila over disputed waters, GMA News reports.

70% of Filipinos say Vice President Sara Duterte must answer impeachment charges, according to the latest Social Weather Survey (SWS). The survey, conducted from June 20 to 29, 2026, found that 13% were undecided and 17% disagreed. This marks a net agreement score of +52, up by 5 points from March 2026 (+47). In September 2025, the score was at +56, while in June 2025 it was +48. The survey also showed that 74% of adult Filipinos were aware of the impeachment case against Duterte, GMA News reports.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. dismissed China's accusation that alleged Philippine construction activities aboard BRP Sierra Madre violated a provisional arrangement between Manila and Beijing, stating that 'they really have no right to be there.' Teodoro also rejected China's account of the latest confrontation in Ayungin Shoal, accusing Beijing of fabricating the incident, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports.

Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has strongly criticized China over recent incidents in the West Philippine Sea, stating 'They have no shame. I'm no longer holding back!'. He accused Beijing of making up stories and entering restricted areas, saying they should not meddle in Philippine affairs. Teodoro also slammed China's claim that the South China Sea is a 'shared home', calling it a fabrication given their aggressive actions, Izel Abanilla reports for The Manila Times.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) honored 10 provinces as champions of the West Philippine Sea during a summit on Thursday. Each province has established a West Philippine Sea Council through an ordinance, resolution, or executive order to support coastal communities and fisheries. DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian de Leon announced that these provinces will receive cold storage facilities from the United Nations to aid in their efforts. Pangasinan Governor Ramon Guico III emphasized the importance of safeguarding the seas for the livelihood of thousands of Filipino fishermen, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro rejected China's claim that construction activities on the BRP Sierra Madre violated a provisional arrangement governing Philippine resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal. Lazaro said, 'No, there is no mention of that undertaking in the provisional understanding,' during a press briefing at the 59th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Foreign Ministers' Meeting. The Philippines clarified that the 2024 agreement does not require permission from China for rotation and resupply missions to Ayungin Shoal and does not recognize any Chinese authority over Philippine waters, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports.

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has denied claims by China that a 2024 provisional understanding does not involve permission-seeking for resupply missions or inspections. The DFA stated the agreement aims to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations during routine operations at Ayungin Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, Bea Cupin reports for Rappler.

According to a July 2026 Tugon ng Masa Survey conducted by OCTA Research, 71% of Filipinos prefer that the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte be based on law and evidence rather than political considerations. The survey, which was fielded from July 4-11 with 1,200 respondents, indicates a strong public expectation for due process and impartiality in the Senate proceedings, GMA News reports.

Filipinos Are Fed Up With China — And the Numbers Prove It

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified that the Philippines does not need China's approval for missions to Ayungin Shoal, stating that the 2024 provisional arrangement with Beijing does not recognize any Chinese authority over Philippine waters. The DFA said, 'The Provisional Understanding is a set of principles and approaches observed by both sides in order to avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation in the conduct of the Philippines' routine rotation and resupply missions for daily necessities to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.' This clarification comes after questions were raised about whether Manila needs to coordinate with or seek approval from China before sending missions to the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded Philippine Navy vessel stationed at Ayungin Shoal, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. visited two Philippine Navy personnel injured in an encounter with the China Coast Guard at Ayungin Shoal on Thursday, July 23, 2026. He conferred them the Order of Lapu-Lapu and provided each with P100,000 financial assistance. The President condemned the incident and summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to discuss matters of national security. 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. said, 'Their bravery is a testament to our commitment to protecting our territorial interests,' according to the Presidential Communications Office, GMA News reports.

Speaking on House of Representatives, a Palace official rejected the suggestion that the administration rebukes Defense Secretary Gilberto Tiodoro for repeatedly calling China untrustworthy, saying the two officials operate in different roles.

"That's the opinion of Secretary Tiodoro being the defense secretary, and that's his baseline from the facts he receives," the official said, acknowledging the messaging appears inconsistent. "But when the president talks to the representative of another country, we cannot say, 'I will not speak with you because you are lying.' So the situation is different." The official stressed that good faith negotiation does not require believing the other party's claims are true.

Speaking on House of Representatives, a Palace official said President Marcos did not raise the International Criminal Court in yesterday's meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, even as the administration acknowledges the issue is sensitive.

The official said Marcos opened the discussion by emphasizing the depth of US-Philippines relations. Ambassador Babe Romualdez separately told the State Department that the ICC and Philippines' obligations are a sensitive matter and mentioned residual cooperation with Interpol, the official said. The State Department representative replied that the US "understands the sensitive issue" in the Philippines, according to the Palace account.

A Palace official pushed back on criticism of the administration's split messaging on China, arguing that Defense Secretary Gilberto Tiodoro's public warnings about Beijing's trustworthiness do not contradict President Marcos's willingness to negotiate. "The concern is that the messaging is confusing," a journalist noted, citing Tiodoro's repeated public statements that China cannot be trusted. The Palace official responded that Tiodoro and the President operate in different roles: "The Defense Secretary can make his own statements based on the facts he receives. But once the President talks to the representative of another country, we cannot say, 'I will not talk to you because you are lying.' The President's state is different. The Defense Secretary's state is different." The official stressed that negotiation requires assuming good faith, even when concerns exist about the other party's credibility.

The mood during President Ferdinand Marcos's private discussion with China's ambassador was tense, a Palace official told House of Representatives, but both participants appeared satisfied when it concluded. "In a way it was an intense discussion," the official said of the Tuesday meeting. "After the discussion, when the ambassador came out, the ambassador was smiling, and when we saw the President, the President was also positive." The official did not elaborate on the substance of the talks but said it was a successful engagement where "they understand each other."

The Palace acknowledged contradictory public signals from President Marcos and Defense Secretary Gilberto Tiodoro on whether China can be trusted, but defended both positions as consistent with good-faith negotiation.

A reporter asked how the administration could credibly pursue a 'reset' with Beijing when Tiodoro has publicly stated China is not trustworthy and cannot be relied upon. The Palace spokesperson, speaking on House of Representatives, said Tiodoro's view represents his professional assessment as defense secretary, but that the president's willingness to engage with China does not require disbelief in Chinese intentions.

"Once the president talks to the representative of another country, [the president does] not think that representative is lying," the spokesperson said, adding: "But that doesn't mean when we negotiate, we won't believe them."

A Palace spokesperson pushed back implicitly against Defense Secretary Gilberto Tiodoro's public statements that China cannot be trusted, saying both sides must negotiate in good faith. When asked how the Marcos administration could remain confident in Chinese compliance given Tiodoro's repeated warnings that Beijing is unreliable, the official said negotiation requires assuming the other party acts honestly. 'Kapag nakikipagusap tayo, nakikipagnegoti tayo, na yung taong kausap natin ay also in good faith,' the spokesperson said ["When we speak, when we negotiate, the person we're speaking with must also be in good faith"]. Asked whether the Palace rebuked Tiodoro's stance, the official said the defense secretary was entitled to his view but it did not reflect the president's approach to talks with China.

President Ferdinand Marcos told the Chinese ambassador he seeks a comprehensive reset of Philippine-China relations covering all bilateral matters, not only disputed waters, the Palace said on the broadcast. When asked whether the reset applied solely to South China Sea tensions, a Palace spokesperson said Marcos wanted to improve relations on every issue between the countries. 'Anumang issue meron ang China at ang Pilipinas, gusto niya magkaroon ng reset,' the official said ["Whatever issue exists between China and the Philippines, he wants a reset"].

The Malacañan Palace said it has no information about a July 2024 arrangement between Manila and Beijing that Chinese Ambassador Jingpo cited as the basis for China's objections to Philippine construction work on BRP Sierra Madre.

When asked about the ambassador's claim that the Philippines violated the arrangement, a Palace spokesperson said the DFA had provided no details about what the accord contained. "Hindi ko po masasabi kung may arrangement dahil hindi po kailangan po sa kanyang mangaling muna," the spokesperson said ["I cannot say if there is an arrangement because it needs to come from him first"], adding that the Palace would seek clarification from the Chinese ambassador about the terms he referenced.

The Palace said it cannot confirm whether a July 2024 provisional arrangement between Manila and Beijing exists because the only source of that claim is Chinese Ambassador Jingpo himself, the spokesperson said at a Malacañang briefing aired on House of Representatives.

"Hindi ko po masasabi kung may aron dahil... kailangan po sa kanya mangaling muna," she said. ["I cannot say whether it exists because it needs to come from him first."]

Asked directly whether the Palace is denying the arrangement, the spokesperson stopped short of a flat denial, saying any written agreement would have to be obtained from the ambassador. She noted the last arrangement publicly discussed — a secret deal barring Philippine vessels from BRP Sierra Madre — was not made under President Marcos Jr.

A Palace spokesperson said she has no information on a July 2024 arrangement that Chinese Ambassador Jingpo cited on Tuesday when alleging the Philippines violated terms by conducting construction work on BRP Sierra Madre.

Speaking at Malacañan Palace, the spokesperson said the ambassador had not provided written proof of such an arrangement. "Hindi ko po masasabi kung may arrangement dahil hindi po, kailangan po sa kanyang mangaling muna. Ano arrangement po yung sinasabi nya?" she said ["I cannot say whether there is an arrangement because I need him to provide it first. What arrangement is he referring to?"].

The ambassador claimed Philippine Navy personnel were doing construction work on the reef, which he said was prohibited under the arrangement. The Palace spokesperson said the last known agreement was a secret deal from a previous administration — not from President Marcos's term. She asked that Ambassador Jingpo produce the written text of any July 2024 agreement.

President Ferdinand Marcos maintains confidence in the armed forces even after the National Bureau of Investigation named active military personnel as persons of interest in an alleged plot to assassinate him, a Palace official said.

The official confirmed that information about the alleged threat had been passed to the President's security team. When asked whether Marcos's trust in the military remains intact following the NBI director's testimony before the impeachment court, the official said: "Ang tiwala ng Pangulo ay nandun pa rin po sa ating mga kasandaluhan" [The President's trust remains with our armed forces].

The official stressed that if any military officials are found to have violated their mandate or the Constitution, the President must be informed of their identities. Security arrangements remain under review in light of the alleged threat to the President's life, the official added.

The Department of Budget and Management has identified 12.37 billion pesos from 22.79 billion pesos in total government savings announced this week for distribution as assistance to families in need, a Palace official said during a press conference at Malacañan on Wednesday.

The savings, drawn from Budget Circular directives 602 and 603, are being allocated to uplift interventions across multiple agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy and other programs, with priority given to those affected by the Middle East crisis, the official said.

When asked whether remaining government funds are sufficient to cover costs related to the Middle East crisis and humanitarian responses, the official said information so far does not indicate the budget is inadequate.