Go’s Malasakit team distributed relief to 146 fire-hit families in Pasig on July 18, providing financial aid, grocery packs, and other essential items. Senator Bong Go emphasized the urgency of immediate support after sudden property loss and refiled bills aimed at enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities.
Go stated, 'To the families affected by the fire, I sympathize with you. What is important now is that you are safe and have support as you slowly recover.' He also noted that these incidents underscore the need for permanent evacuation facilities and improved fire-response capabilities, Javier Joe Ismael reports for The Manila Times.
The Civil Service Commission (CSC) has issued qualification standards for newly created school counselor positions in public schools, aimed at supporting mental health services in basic education. According to CSC Chairman Marilyn Yap, the qualifications are set under Republic Act 12080 and will ensure that qualified mental health professionals are deployed in schools, reinforcing the government's commitment to the well-being of Filipino learners. Applicants for these positions must meet specific educational and experiential requirements, Arlie O. Calalo reports for The Manila Times.
Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Thursday that the Philippine National Police is actively pursuing Sen. Ronald dela Rosa, who has been missing since May 14 and is evading arrest on charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court. 'We are on track. It’s an ongoing operation,' Remulla stated, noting that the senator's law enforcement background makes him one step ahead due to his familiarity with standard police procedures, Franco Jose C. Baroña reports for The Manila Times.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is proposing to lower the price ceiling for power reserves traded in the spot market to P9 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), aiming to provide relief to consumers. ERC Chair Francis Saturnino C. Juan said this adjustment would encourage greater participation in ancillary services procurement agreements, which offer a more stable and predictable alternative to reserve market transactions. The proposal maintains the floor price at P0 per MWh to ensure a fair and efficient electricity market, BusinessWorld reports.
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino fully supports the planned construction of the Pax Silica hub in New Clark City, Capas, Tarlac, citing its potential to generate nearly 1 million jobs. Tolentino said, 'Do we support this? Definitely, 1,000 percent,' during a press briefing on Wednesday. The project, spanning 1,600 hectares and backed by the US, aims to establish secure supply chains in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing. Tolentino emphasized that the initiative aligns with the interests of younger Filipinos pursuing careers in IT, engineering, and computer-related fields, Dan Madrazo reports for The Manila Times.
Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and former congressman Michael Defensor pleaded not guilty during their arraignments at the Sandiganbayan on July 22, 2026. Marcoleta withdrew his motion to junk the plunder case against him, while Defensor faced charges of violating Presidential Decree 46. The court set marking of evidence and pre-trials for both cases, with Marcoleta's camp seeking earlier schedules due to humanitarian considerations, Ghio Ong reports for the Philippine Star.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that the Philippines' undernourishment prevalence reached a new low of 3.4% in 2025, down from previous years. This marks a significant improvement, as it was the lowest since FAO began tracking this metric in 2000-2002 and is below regional and global averages, BusinessWorld reports.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to lift its moratorium on new online lending platforms (OLPs) under a new regulatory framework that analysts say should strengthen consumer protection, improve industry standards, and promote responsible lending. However, the effectiveness of these rules hinges on consistent enforcement according to industry experts.
Analysts noted that while the strengthened safeguards could boost consumer confidence and encourage legitimate lending platforms, their success will depend on effective implementation. John Paolo R. Rivera from the Philippine Institute for Development Studies stated, 'Strengthened safeguards raise accountability and reinforce consumer protection as the online lending market continues to grow.' Jonathan L. Ravelas of Reyes Tacandong & Co. emphasized that penalties should be severe enough to discourage abusive practices, adding, 'The success will ultimately depend on consistent and credible enforcement.' BusinessWorld reports.
The Supreme Court has ruled that kidnappers cannot avoid conviction by claiming ransom money disappeared, affirming the conviction of Jose Olbato and Police Officer III Clayton Patingan for kidnapping for ransom. The court emphasized that the crime is complete once a victim is abducted to extort money, regardless of whether the ransom cash is recovered. In the case of Genevieve Ong Sy, who was forcibly taken while driving one morning, both the Regional Trial Court and the Court of Appeals found the accused guilty despite their argument that the marked ransom money was lost in police custody, William B. Depasupil reports for The Manila Times.
The Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) and the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) have stepped up efforts to combat illegal adoption and child trafficking, crafting an interagency framework to protect Filipino children. During a meeting, CFO Chairman Dante Ang II highlighted preventive measures against online sexual abuse and illegal adoption schemes that could facilitate human trafficking. The agencies aim to strengthen cooperation among relevant departments through a joint memorandum circular, focusing on referral systems, information sharing, and case coordination, Bernadette E. Tamayo reports for The Manila Times.
US President Donald Trump has vowed to destroy Iranian infrastructure in response to the Houthis' threat to block the Red Sea artery, raising tensions amid ongoing conflicts. Seven tankers have altered course since the Houthis warned they would target Saudi oil exports, pushing global oil prices higher. An Iranian military source stated that Tehran would retaliate against regional infrastructure if threatened, GMA News reports.
NBI Director Melvin Matibag testified in the impeachment trial against Vice President Sara Duterte, revealing that soldiers and members of the VP's security group are among 20 persons of interest in the investigation into a plot to kill President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Matibag stated that while there is no certainty yet on the identity of the person contracted, the threat remains active. He also emphasized that Duterte’s public admission of hiring an assassin constitutes a betrayal of public trust, regardless of further investigations, Catherine S. Valente reports for The Manila Times.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) announced that the government’s P20-per-kilo rice program has reached about 12 million beneficiaries, with plans to target 15 million households by year-end. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated in a Filipino-language statement: 'Our target is to reach low-income groups, especially PWDs, 4Ps beneficiaries, single parents, and senior citizens.' Despite looming effects of El Niño, the agency assured food security with an ample supply, Allen Limos reports for The Manila Times.
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rolls-Royce to power nine additional Airbus A350-1000 aircraft with Trent XWB-97 engines, as part of its long-haul fleet expansion. PAL Holdings President and COO Lucio C. Tan III stated, 'This investment manifests our confidence in the future of Philippine Airlines.' The agreement also includes Rolls-Royce’s TotalCare service for health monitoring and maintenance support, BusinessWorld reports.
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag announced that the agency has narrowed down the list of persons of interest in its investigation into Vice President Sara Duterte's alleged threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to fewer than 20 individuals. 'Our investigation reveals that there are indeed existing leads,' said Matibag, adding that they have already begun questioning families and acquaintances of these suspects. 'We have narrowed the list to fewer than 20 people, and we already have their names,' he added, Catherine S. Valente reports for The Manila Times.
Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered the Land Transportation and Franchising Board (LTFRB) to initiate consultations on pending fare hike petitions, amid rising oil prices. He also directed an expansion of fuel discount programs to balance drivers' welfare with commuters' concerns. 'This move follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to study how to manage inflation,' Lopez said, Arlie O. Calalo reports for The Manila Times.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) faces challenges in maintaining policy credibility amid twin inflation shocks from a weakening peso and record-high wage hikes, according to GlobalSource Partners. Principal Advisor Diwa C. Guinigundo noted that the Philippines is experiencing two simultaneous inflation pressures: a larger-than-expected wage increase and renewed external pressures from volatile oil markets and a weaker peso. The BSP expects headline inflation to stay above its 3% target through 2028, with forecasts of 6.4% in 2026, 4.5% in 2027, and 3.1% in 2028. Governor Eli M. Remolona Jr. acknowledged that the NCR wage increase was larger than anticipated, posing a significant inflationary risk. He stated, 'The BSP is still assessing the impact of the NCR wage hike, as well as potential similar moves by other regions, on the country’s inflation.' BusinessWorld reports.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at Malacañang Palace to reaffirm the deep ties between the two allies, addressing recent tensions in the South China Sea. Rubio highlighted the need for enhanced cooperation on issues such as regional peace and stability, while Marcos acknowledged 'interesting times' ahead. 'It doesn't sound like a curse, but it turns out that it is,' Marcos said during the meeting, referring to the ongoing challenges.
Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez added that both countries expressed gratitude for their long-standing partnership and discussed ways to strengthen ties in defense and economic matters. China was mentioned briefly as a topic of discussion but not extensively, Alexis Romero reports for the Philippine Star.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated during an ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference that Washington will not allow Iran to control the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing it as a critical principle for freedom of navigation. 'At its core, it’s very simple. Iran demands the right, which they do not have under any existing legal mechanism, to control the transit of traffic through the Straits of Hormuz,' Rubio said. The US is willing to engage with Iran but highlights Tehran's lack of commitment in agreements. ASEAN ministers expressed serious concern over the situation and called for self-restraint from both parties, Pia Lee-Brago reports for the Philippine Star.
Retired Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel have renewed their appeal for the Supreme Court to resolve a P1 billion back pay case, staging a rally outside Camp Crame. Lawyer Goldelo Rivera Galapon said the group won previous court rulings but faces a government motion for reconsideration that has kept the decision unresolved. 'We hope the Supreme Court will finally resolve the pending motion so that these retired police personnel can receive the benefits that have long been due to them,' Galapon stated, Franco Jose C. Baroña reports for The Manila Times.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. distributed P3.4 billion worth of projects and assistance to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on July 22, 2026, at Camp Siongco in Maguindanao del Norte. Despite the significant funds, he did not address the peace process or mention his appointment of Mel Senen Sarmiento as a concurrent chair of the government’s Peace Implementing Panel. Marcos emphasized the 'Bawat Barangay Makikinabang' (BBM) Program and the upcoming 1st Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections on September 14, aiming to achieve a duly elected parliament in BARMM, Carolyn O. Arguillas reports for MindaNews.
Vice President Sara Duterte has urged Filipinos to donate blood during National Blood Donors Month, calling them 'silent heroes.' She encouraged eligible donors aged 18-65 who weigh at least 50 kilograms and have normal blood pressure. Meanwhile, Rep. Bienvenido Abante Jr. accused her of making a mockery of the Senate impeachment court by traveling abroad while her trial is ongoing.
In a video statement, Duterte said, 'Every day, thousands of hospital patients rely on the kindness of blood donors to overcome emergencies, surgeries and serious illnesses.' She added, 'Through your response, you bring hope and renewed strength to families facing their most difficult trials.' Kristina Maralit reports for The Manila Times.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said his leadership will focus on fortifying the country’s territorial defense and strengthening alliances with strategic partners. In a speech during the change of command ceremony, Nafarrete emphasized the importance of credible capability, sustained readiness, and the resolve to defend the nation's interests. He also vowed support for the modernization of the armed forces and ensuring a safe, orderly election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Izel Abanilla reports for The Manila Times.
Corruption has emerged as the top issue for Filipinos, according to a recent Pahayag survey, with 29 percent of registered voters citing it as the administration’s most urgent priority. Economic concerns followed, receiving only 7 percent support. The survey also highlighted that corruption remains a significant household concern, with 18 percent of respondents reporting witnessing corrupt practices in local government offices and public agencies, Franco Jose C. Baroña reports for The Manila Times.
Duterte's legal team has informed that Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Charlito Mendoza may recommend to President Ferdinand Marcos the authorization to open Vice President Sara Duterte and her husband Manases Carpio's tax records, Bella Cariaso reports for the Philippine Star.
Vice President Sara Duterte and Sen. Bong Go emerged as the top choices for president and vice president in a recent Pulse Asia survey, with 49 percent of respondents supporting her for president. The survey, conducted from June 28 to July 6, also found that Go received 27 percent support for vice president. The results were released amid ongoing impeachment proceedings against Duterte, Janvic Mateo reports for the Philippine Star.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Rear Admiral Jay Tarriela rejected Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan's claim that Philippine activities were triggering tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Tarriela stated, 'If there’s one country that’s driving tension not just in the West Philippine Sea, but the entire South China Sea, that will be the Chinese government.' He also questioned recent developments involving China, including a series of incidents and alleged propaganda efforts, suggesting they might be part of a coordinated script. The PCG official emphasized continued diplomatic engagement with China despite ongoing confrontations, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reports.
During the Senate impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and NBI Director Melvin Matibag faced off over alleged jurisdictional anomalies in the bureau's investigation of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. Cayetano questioned why the NBI was expanding its jurisdiction beyond its mandated crimes, while Matibag defended the bureau’s role as the primary investigating body. Additionally, Sen. Panfilo Lacson accused Cayetano of ghost projects in Taguig worth P6.79 billion, linking them to kickbacks and potential corruption, Mark Ernest Villeza reports for the Philippine Star.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent during an ASEAN meeting in Manila, citing potential global repercussions. 'If we create a precedent where a nation-state can decide to control an international waterway, charge a toll, and blow up your ships if you don't pay, we have created a very dangerous precedent that will repeat itself,' Rubio said. The comments came as the US Central Command continued strikes against Iranian targets for the 11th consecutive night. Rubio also stated that Iran does not have the legal right to control traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation, Agence France-Presse reports for The Manila Times.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio committed to further strengthen the Philippines-US collaboration during a courtesy call at Malacañang on Wednesday. The President discussed areas of cooperation including responses to the Middle East conflict, new technologies like artificial intelligence, defense and security, and economic partnership. According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the two leaders also addressed peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific, trade and business, and disaster response. The Philippines and the US have maintained strong diplomatic ties since 1946, with the US being the country’s oldest treaty ally, The Manila Times reports for The Manila Times.
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