Manila Bulletin
FOR LOW-COST HOUSING
– The National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC) marked another milestone in Philippine housing finance with the signing of the NHMFC Bonds Eighth Residential Mortgagebacked Securities (RMBS) issuance, valued at approximately ₱1.465 billion, on...
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Food, fuel price surge triggers 7.2% inflation
Growth in consumer price increases, largely driven by elevated cost in food, power, and fuel, prompted inflation to surge in September to 7.2 percent, the fastest acceleration in five months that matched the peak seen early in the United States...
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PBBM assures teachers of better benefits
On National Teachers' Day, President Marcos gave teachers an assurance that his administration will continue to further improve their benefits, career opportunities, and their working conditions. Speaking during the 2026 National Teachers’ Day...
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PH exports surge to 35-year high of $9.11B in August
Philippine merchandise exports reached a 35-year high of US$9.11 billion in August 2026, surging 27.8% from the same month last year and marking the 20th consecutive month of year-on-year growth. The August performance was the country's highest...
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PROTECT THE TREES, ENVIRONMENT
– A banner hangs across the fence of Adamson University campus in Ermita, Manila, on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, calling for the protection of the environment following concerns over the possible cutting of trees to make way for the proposed Southern Access...
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El Niño action plan bared
The government has adopted a sector-based action plan for the expected “super El Niño,” prioritizing food and water while tailoring interventions to the different vulnerabilities of farmers, fisherfolk, households, power operators, and other...
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Gov’t ready for impact of Super El Niño
Malacañang on Thursday, Oct. 1, urged the public to remain calm and prepare for the adverse effects of a severe or Super El Niño and assured that the government is ready to respond to the weather phenomenon and its impact on water supply. Presidential...
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Ateneo leads 6 PH universities in 2027 global rankings
Six Philippine universities were included in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027, led by the Ateneo de Manila University, which retained the country’s top spot for the fifth consecutive year. The London-based THE released...
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Marcos cites ‘gap in leadership’; women remain underrepresented in governance
While President Marcos emphasized women’s leadership is not optional to regional agenda, he cited the gap in leadership as women remain underrepresented in government Cabinets and Parliaments in the region. Speaking at the 4th Association of Southeast...
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SC asked to declare BSKE postponement as unconstitutional
The Supreme Court (SC) has been asked to declare unconstitutional the new law that postponed the Nov. 2, 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to the second Monday of November 2028 and set the next elections every five years...
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Fare hike takes effect today
Starting today, Sept. 28, commuters will have to shell out more for transportation expenses with the full implementation of the fare hike approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTR). The fare hike covers both traditional and modern jeepneys,...
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Resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal aborted over massive Chinese forces
Military and coast guard officials were forced to call off a routine mission to deliver food, supplies, and personnel to the BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, West Philippine Sea (WPS) following a tense encounter with a large...
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Barangay, SK polls reset to 2028
President Marcos has signed a new law postponing the next barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) to November 2028, extending the terms of incumbent local officials and resetting the electoral cycle to five years. Republic Act (RA) No....
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ASEAN Summit security intensified
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up security measures both on the ground and cyberspace for the hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in November. The November summit is one of the series of ASEAN activities that the...
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Impeachment court sets conviction threshold
The Senate impeachment court on Wednesday, Sept. 23, overturned a July 6 ruling requiring 16 votes to convict Vice President Sara Duterte, opening the way for the two-thirds threshold to be based only on senators legally and factually capable of...
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Bus firms ‘bleeding’; gov’t urged to lift fare hike freeze
Bus companies warned that public transportation operations could soon grind to a halt unless the government permits previously approved fare adjustments, citing surging fuel costs, fleet modernization debts, and structural tax inequities that have left...
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PH pushes for stronger ASEAN navies
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. urged navies in Southeast Asia to build closer working relationships and strengthen coordination as the Philippines and Japan opened a maritime security activity involving defense...
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ASEAN wants to sell 11 nations as one single investment hub
The economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are calling for a shift toward coordinated investment promotion to facilitate cross-border projects and sustain the region’s investment appeal. Department of Trade and...
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Swimmers, triathletes begin chase for Asian glory
NAGOYA, Japan – After the symbolic cauldron was officially lit and a spectacular display of fireworks was expectedly showcased on Saturday, the exciting part of the 20th Asian Games Aichi-nagoya 2026 begins Sunday, Sept. 20, across various venues—some...
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Creative economy may top ₱2 trillion in 2026
The value of the country’s creative economy is expected to continue growing this year, fueled by increased demand for animation and game development, according to the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-business Advisory Council...
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Marcos backs SC’S call for anti-political dynasty law
President Marcos fully supports the Supreme Court’s call for Congress to enact a law prohibiting political dynasties, with Malacañang saying the measure remains a priority of the administration. Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary...
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3 retired Chief Justices, another SC Justice air their views
Former Supreme Court Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. told the Senate Impeachment Court on Wednesday, Sept. 16, that the votes needed to convict in an impeachment trial should be based on the number of senators qualified to vote. Davide, pointed this out...
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VP Duterte's declared net worth nears ₱100M in 2025 SALN
Senate impeachment trial respondent Vice President Sara Duterte’s declared net worth rose to ₱98.66 million in 2025, bringing her reported wealth close to the ₱100-million mark, said a witness from the Office of the Ombudsman Tuesday, Sept....
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Gun attacks, blasts mar ‘peaceful’ BARMM polls
Shootings and explosions marred what was classified as a generally peaceful historic parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The violent incidents resulted in the killing of three people and injuries to...
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Ridon, Diokno to lead House prosecutors in ill-gotten wealth case vs VP Sara
House prosecution panel members Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon and Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno (Akbayan) are set to lead the charge as Congress takes up the article of impeachment on unexplained wealth against Vice President Sara...
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LTFRB warns PUV operators vs rejecting PWD, senior, student fare discount
Authorities warned public utility vehicle (PUV) operators against refusal to honor what the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) described as legally mandated 20 percent fare discounts to students, senior citizens and persons...
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Marcos leaves for India BRICS summit
President Marcos left for India on Friday, Sept. 11, to attend the 18th BRICS Summit and meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the Philippines seeks to advance its ASEAN priorities and strengthen engagement with major emerging economies. Marcos...
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Luzon Economic Corridor tagged as strategy for growth
President Marcos called on investors to turn the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC) from a shared vision into concrete investments and projects, as the Philippines, the United States, and Japan jointly pushed for faster implementation of the...
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El Niño outlook worsens
FREE LOVE BUS RIDES – First Lady Liza Araneta-marcos (third from right) is welcomed by Antipolo City Mayor Casimiro ‘Jun’ Ynares III (left) at the inauguration of new units of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Love Bus at the MMDA...
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DILG seeks Interpol help to arrest Zaldy Co
The Philippine government is set to file an Interpol “Red Notice’’ request against former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co in France, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic’ Remulla said on Tuesday, Sept. 8. In a...
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Romualdez, Zaldy Co charged with plunder
The Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) on Monday, Sept. 7, filed before the Sandiganbaya non-bailable plunder charges against former House speaker and incumbent Leyte First District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, resigned Ako Bicol party-list...
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Lacson: Cayetano’s ‘striptease’ remark ‘exposes his ignorance of how investigation works’
Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson assailed Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano’s characterization of the flood control probe as a “striptease” without evidence, stressing that the latter’s remarks only exposed his ignorance of how investigations into...
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VP Sara: ‘I do not feel safe’
Vice President Sara Duterte on Saturday, Sept. 5, expressed fears for her life and the safety of her children following the issuance of an arrest warrant against her in connection with grave threats cases. The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC)...
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Arrest warrant issued vs VP Sara for grave threats case
The camp of Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday, September 4, confirmed that the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) has issued a warrant of arrest against her. In a statement, Atty. Paul Lawrence Lim, Duterte’s counsel in the grave threats cases...
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₱8.68 B released for teachers’ career advancement, higher pay
President Marcos has ordered the release of an additional ₱8.68 billion to the Department of Education (Deped) to support the career advancement and higher pay of public school personnel under the agency’s Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System,...
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DENR urged to tighten permits for reclamation, quarrying
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) should strictly enforce environmental laws and permit requirements on reclamation, quarrying, mining, and land conversion in order to help put a stop to massive floods across the...
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‘Acutely unhealthy’ air hits parts of Metro Manila
Eleven of 15 monitoring stations in the National Capital Region (NCR) recorded “acutely unhealthy” air quality based on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) readings on Tuesday morning, Sept. 1, amid haze that the Department of Environment and Natural...
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‘Defending our territory a shared responsibility’
President Marcos stressed that defending the country’s territory is a shared responsibility among its people as he called on all Filipinos to understand history and know the Philippines’ rights. In his speech at the National Heroes Day commemoration...
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Marcos orders swift aid to ‘habagat’ victims
President Marcos has directed government agencies to ensure prompt assistance to those affected by the heavy rains and flooding which submerged more than 600 areas in seven regions of the country on Saturday, August 29, Malacañang said...
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Habagat’s wrath
The southwest monsoon or “habagat,” continues to unleash its fury, causing widespread flooding and landslides, highlighted by rampaging floodwater that virtually swallowed a two-storey house in Lubao, Pampanga, after the Sta. Rita Dam overflowed on...
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‘Habagat’ to bring heavy rains during long weekend – PAGASA
Those looking forward to the long weekend may have to adjust their plans as the southwest monsoon or “habagat” is expected to bring heavy rains over parts of the country, particularly western Luzon. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical...
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₱7.2-T nat’l budget bill for 2027 filed in House
House Committee on Appropriations Chairperson Rep. Mikaela Angela “Mika” Suansing has filed the 2027 General Appropriations Bill (GAB) or proposed national budget worth ₱7.2 trillion. Designated as House Bill (HB) No. 10858, the GAB is the legislative...
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Chiz: No trial by publicity
Presiding Officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday, Aug. 26, ordered the strict enforcement of the impeachment court’s Rule 18, barring parties, their lawyers, and witnesses, as well as senator-judges, from publicly commenting on the merits of the...
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‘No Filipino should be denied of healthcare’
President Marcos called on healthcare institutions to ensure that no Filipino is denied treatment due to financial limitations, emphasizing that budgetary constraints can prevent families from accessing appropriate and better treatment. “We encourage...
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‘Obet’ may worsen ‘habagat’ — OCD
The country is bracing for another round of prolonged rains as Typhoon "Obet" (international name: Saudel) could further aggravate conditions in areas still reeling from weeks of monsoon rains that have already left 29 people dead and affected 7.5...
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CICC warns of geo-blocking for digital platforms that violate child safety rules
Digital platforms that repeatedly refuse to comply with the country’s child protection requirements could face geo-blocking or suspension of access, stressing that no platform is too large to escape accountability, the Cybercrime Investigation and...
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Brace for another ‘habagat’ rainy week
Atyphoon with the international name “Saudel” may enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Monday, Aug. 24, and strengthen the southwest monsoon, or “habagat,” which could bring rains over large parts of Luzon next week, the Philippine...
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Marcos invokes Ninoy legacy; warns against disinformation, division
President Marcos on Friday invoked Ninoy Aquino’s legacy in warning that disinformation, division, distrust, and civic indifference remain challenges to Philippine democracy. “The memory of Ninoy Aquino reminds us of the courage of Filipinos to stand...
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Waste management, 30 flood cisterns eyed
While the government is eyeing the completion of upgrades and the construction of 13 pumping stations in Metro Manila, President Marcos admitted that these measures alone will not solve the perennial flooding problem unless proper waste management is...
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OCD: 27 people dead, 17 injured due to non-stop rains
Prolonged rains from the second week of the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones “Luis” and “Maymay” have left 27 people dead, 17 injured, and one missing, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported on...
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Marcos orders stronger protection for students
URGENT ACTION – Personnel and volunteers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) intensify relief operations as they repack goods at the Dswd-national Resource Operations Center (DSWD-NROC) in Pasay City on August 18, 2026. The...
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Food supply impacted as agri damage tops ₱1 B
Agricultural damage from tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay and the enhanced southwest monsoon or “habagat” has exceeded ₱1 billion, based on the latest estimate of the Department of Agriculture (DA). Habagat rains continue to affect various parts of...
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House to start 2027 budget deliberations
DANCING ON AIR – Performers in colorful costumes depicting harvested fruits and vegetables dance with gusto during the ‘Indak-indak sa Kadalanan’, a street dance competition in the ongoing Kadayawan Festival in Davao City on Sunday, August 16, 2026....
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Defer issuance of arrest warrant, VP Duterte’s camp asks court
Vice President Sara Duterte’s legal team has asked a Quezon City court to defer the issuance of an arrest warrant while it considers her motion to quash the three grave threats cases filed against her, saying the court must first resolve the defense’s...
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47 localities under state of calamity; Angat Dam water level rises
Atotal of 47 cities and municipalities have been placed under a state of calamity as the enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) and tropical cyclones “Luis” and “Maymay” affected more than 4.3 million people across 3,768 barangays nationwide, the Office...
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Palace: No ‘leadership fund’ in 2027 budget
There is no “leadership fund” under the proposed 2027 national budget, Malacañang gave the assurance on Thursday, Aug. 13, the same day that Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson renewed his call to abolish it. “According to the Department of Public Works and...
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ILO: Youth job market stalls across region, including PH
Young people across Southeastern Asia and the Pacific, the subregion that includes the Philippines, are facing worsening employment prospects as youth joblessness and disengagement rise despite the region’s relatively low headline unemployment rate,...
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DOJ files grave threats vs VP; Duterte maintains innocence
The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed on Tuesday, Aug. 11, a case of grave threats against Vice President Sara Duterte in connection with her statement that she hired a contract killer to do a hit on President Marcos and other personalities, a report...
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Marcos orders full aid to storm victims
President Marcos has ordered government agencies to ensure that assistance reaches all residents affected by Tropical Storm Luis, Typhoon Maymay, and the southwest monsoon, or habagat, as the government recorded at least 12 casualties from the combined...
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Habagat rains submerge 182 Luzon areas, damage over 2,400 classrooms
– Residents of Barangay Pamplona Uno in Las Piñas make their way through their flooded neighborhood on Sunday August 9, 2026, following heavy overnight rains intensified by the southwest monsoon, or ‘habagat’, which caused flooding in many areas in...
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Marcos vows more help for struggling Filipinos
President Marcos has vowed to sustain government action on hunger and health concerns raised by young Filipinos after his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying the administration would do what it could to address the problems brought to his...
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Marcos: Nearly ₱19 B allotted for TESDA scholarships
President Marcos said the government has allotted nearly ₱19 billion for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) scholarship programs this year, which he described as the largest budget in the agency’s history. Speaking during the...
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Fresh graduates struggle as June unemployment rises to 2.59 million
Many fresh graduates struggled to find jobs in June as the country’s unemployment rate worsened from both a month and a year ago, with the labor market unable to absorb a surge in new entrants despite continued job creation. The Philippine...
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Inflation eases to 6.2% in July
The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Wednesday, Aug. 5, that headline inflation slowed for a third straight month to 6.2 percent in July from 6.4 percent in June, while core inflation— which excludes selected volatile food and energy...
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Meralco bills to rise as ERC allows ₱8.7-B cost recovery
Despite an ongoing refund that will be credited over six months, customers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) will see a ₱0.0803-per-kilowatt-hour (kwh) increase in their monthly electricity bills. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) confirmed in a...
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VP Sara's camp denies spending ₱125-M in 11 days
PH-JAPAN RELATIONS – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. welcomes Japan Innovation Party Co-representative Fumitake Fujita (third from left) and party during a courtesy call in Malacañang on Monday, August 3, 2026. The visit was part of continuing...
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Meralco ordered to refund ₱9.5B to power customers
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) was ordered by energy regulators to refund ₱9.51 billion to its customer base after collecting unauthorized charges. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) directed the country’s largest power distributor to return an...
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Speaker Dy ensures transparent, responsive 2027 national budget
The House of Representatives vowed to scrutinize the ₱7.2 trillion proposed 2027 national budget to ensure that it is responsive, accountable, and focused on the needs of the Filipino people. Thus, said House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III over the...
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Higher excise, health taxes to offset ₱66-B revenue loss
Malacañang said the government is considering possible reforms in excise and health taxes to offset the ₱66 billion forgone revenues from President Marcos’ proposed tax relief package. Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire...
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EPIRA amendments underway – Marcos
Two days after urging Congress to immediately amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), President Marcos said the government is now working closely with private companies on the proposed amendments to the law. On the tax amnesty President...
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What we know about PH’S first liquid-fueled rocket test in 2027
The Philippines is preparing to launch a liquidfueled sounding rocket from Cagayan in 2027, with the Philippine Space Agency (Philsa) describing the test as part of efforts to develop local expertise in rocket technology and lay the groundwork for a...
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Marcos: I am not the president of my family
President Marcos declared that his loyalty is to the Filipino people—not to his family or political allies—as he highlighted the administration's anti-corruption campaign which will lead to the filing of charges against government officials, including...
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New law to end sufferings of learners in remote areas
President Marcos has signed into law Republic Act (RA) No. 12321, or the Last Mile and GIDA Schools Act, that institutionalizes government support for public basic education schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas and underserved...
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Quad ministers seek deeper ties with ASEAN
The Quad foreign ministers have pledged to deepen cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on maritime security, economic resilience, critical and emerging technologies, and humanitarian assistance as they sought to...
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US won’t abandon ASEAN – Rubio
The United States will continue to stand by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as its primary platform for engagement in Southeast Asia, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declaring that Washington is “100 percent” committed to the...
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Nafarrete is new AFP chief
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed the next Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete who vowed to defend “what is ours until the last drop of blood.” The...
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