Philippines

Marcos Expands College Aid for Filipino Students—These New Benefits Could Change Who Gets Government Support

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino students facing financial barriers to higher education and technical-vocational training could get broader government assistance following the expansion of the country’s Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) program under reforms to the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. The measure amends Republic Act No. 10931, the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which provides free tuition and other school fees in state universities and colleges,

September 4, 2026

Philippines

Bonoan Walks Free After Flood Control Charges Dropped—But His Next Role Could Shake the Case

MANILA, Philippines — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan has been released from Philippine National Police (PNP) custody, days after the Sandiganbayan removed him as an accused in the high-profile flood control corruption cases. Bonoan was turned over by the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) National Capital Region to his family and left the PNP General Hospital in Camp Crame at around 10:35 a.m. on Friday, September 4, foll

September 4, 2026

Entertainment

Sharon Cuneta Finally Breaks Silence on Kiko Pangilinan–Robin Padilla Clash: “Sa Amin, It’s a Non-Issue”

MANILA, Philippines — Sharon Cuneta is choosing not to add fuel to the much-talked-about clash between her husband, Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and her former boyfriend, Senator Robin Padilla. The Megastar addressed the issue during her guest appearance on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda, where she was asked about the memes and online reactions that followed the tense Senate confrontation involving the two lawmakers. Rather than take sides, Cuneta kept her response brief. “No comment,” she s

September 4, 2026

Business

FILIPINOS MAY GET ANOTHER FUEL PRICE SHOCK NEXT WEEK — DIESEL COULD JUMP BY UP TO ₱5/LITER

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino motorists could be facing another painful trip to the gas station next week, with diesel and gasoline prices seen posting substantial increases after global oil prices climbed amid renewed tensions in the Middle East. The latest industry estimates point to a possible ₱4 to ₱5-per-liter increase for diesel, while gasoline could also become significantly more expensive. However, these figures remain preliminary estimates and could still change depending on the final

September 4, 2026

Philippines

Northern Samar Hospital Overwhelmed With 360 Patients—Here’s Why Referrals Were Limited

CATARMAN, Northern Samar — Northern Samar’s main government referral hospital was pushed beyond its limits after a sharp increase in patient admissions left it caring for about 360 patients—more than twice its authorized 150-bed capacity. The Northern Samar Provincial Hospital (NSPH) temporarily restricted new admissions and appealed to other health facilities to refer only patients who genuinely required specialized or higher-level medical care. Hospital chief Dr. Joseph Estanislao also urged

September 4, 2026

Philippines

PH Inflation Eases to 6.1% in August—But Why Are Prices Still Pinching Filipino Households?

MANILA, Philippines — There is a small measure of relief for Filipino consumers as the country’s headline inflation rate eased to 6.1 percent in August 2026, extending its decline for a fourth consecutive month. The latest figure, released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on Friday, September 4, was slightly lower than the 6.2 percent recorded in July. But while inflation is moving in the right direction, the numbers still point to a difficult reality for households: prices are con

September 4, 2026

Philippines

9 Houses Swept Away by Raging Floodwaters in Bataan—Hundreds Forced to Flee as Habagat Intensifies

DINALUPIHAN, Bataan — Raging floodwaters swept away nine houses near the Pita River in Barangay Pita, Dinalupihan, as persistent rains from the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, intensified across Bataan. The incident was reported Thursday, September 3, with the force of the floodwaters destroying the homes located close to the river. As of the latest report, it remained unclear whether anyone was inside the houses when they were swept away. Dinalupihan Mayor German Santos said hundreds of resid

September 4, 2026

Business

FERRY TRIPS CANCELLED: Habagat Disrupts Sea Travel in Key Philippine Routes—Here’s the Full List

MANILA, Philippines — Travelers planning to cross the sea on Friday, September 4, are being urged to check their ferry schedules first as several voyages were cancelled amid weather conditions associated with the southwest monsoon or “Habagat.” The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported several cancelled trips at ports in Mindoro and Western Leyte-Biliran as of 8 a.m. Friday, with authorities prioritizing passenger safety as unfavorable weather conditions continue to affect parts of the coun

September 4, 2026

Philippines

LAPU-LAPU GETS A NEW WATER SOURCE—BUT THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING

LAPU-LAPU CITY, CEBU — A new source of potable water is now flowing into Lapu-Lapu City, marking another major step in Cebu's efforts to strengthen its water security amid rising demand and mounting pressure on groundwater resources. The development involves desalinated water from Isla Mactan Cordova Corp. (IMCC), a subsidiary of Vivant Water, which has begun entering the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) distribution system. The initial supply stands at 5,000 cubic meters per day, or 5

September 4, 2026

Philippines

Cebu’s Power Supply Is Running Out of Room—And Gov. Pam Is Calling an Energy Summit

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebu is confronting a growing power-supply challenge as recurring rotational brownouts and thin reserves put pressure on households, businesses and the province’s plans for economic expansion. Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has called for an urgent meeting with power suppliers and energy-sector officials and announced a Cebu Energy Summit on October 7, 2026, seeking both immediate measures and longer-term solutions to the province’s electricity needs. The move came as the

September 4, 2026