Category: Politics

Politics

TAGUIG DRUG DEN BUST: 5 High-Value Suspects Arrested—Then Police Found This Inside

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines — A police operation in Taguig City led to the arrest of five alleged high-value drug suspects and the seizure of around 160 grams of suspected shabu reportedly valued at more than ₱1.08 million, authorities said Tuesday, August 18. The operation was carried out by the Taguig City Police and Southern Police District (SPD) at Villa Street in Barangay Central Bicutan, where authorities said they dismantled an alleged drug den. According to the Taguig police report cited

August 18, 2026

Politics

₱20,000 Aid Reaches Negrense Scholars—But Thousands More Students Could Be Next

DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental — For hundreds of students in Negros Oriental, financial assistance from the national government is offering more than immediate relief—it could mean one less obstacle standing between them and a college diploma. President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. led the ceremonial distribution of ₱20,000 in educational assistance to student scholars during his visit to Negros Oriental on August 17, as the administration expanded its Bawat Barangay Makikinabang initiative

August 18, 2026

Politics

Palace Orders Alternative Work Setup in NCR, 17 Provinces on Aug. 19—But Here’s Who’s Still Required to Report

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has ordered government offices in the National Capital Region (NCR) and 17 provinces to adopt appropriate alternative work arrangements on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, as persistent rains from the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, continue to affect large parts of Luzon. The directive, issued under Memorandum Circular No. 129, covers 18 areas nationwide: NCR, Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, B

August 18, 2026

Politics

NCCA, UNESCO Give Filipino Teachers a New Challenge—And the August 31 Deadline Could Change How Students Learn Culture

MANILA, Philippines — Filipino teachers are being challenged to bring the country’s living cultural heritage beyond museums, festivals and community traditions—and directly into the classroom. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has opened a national competition encouraging Grade 7 to Grade 12 teachers to develop lesson plans that use Filipino living heritage—or intangible cul

August 18, 2026

Politics

Marcos Orders Waste-to-Energy Push as DOE Targets 400 MW—But the Biggest Battle May Come Before the Plants Are Built

MANILA, Philippines — The government is accelerating its waste-to-energy (WTE) program as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. renews his push to transform the country’s growing volume of residual waste into electricity while reducing pressure on landfills and waterways. The Department of Energy (DOE) said it is moving the WTE program from policy toward actual project implementation, with a 400-megawatt (MW) installation target now being pursued under the government’s Green Energy Auction Program. T

August 18, 2026

Politics

DOST Unveils New Science Push in Zamboanga—But the Bigger Goal Goes Beyond the Exhibits

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte — Science and technology took center stage in the Zamboanga Peninsula as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) brought its latest innovations closer to students, businesses and communities through the 2026 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW). Held from August 12 to 14 at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center, the regional celebration featured interactive exhibits, competitions, technology demonstrations and forums f

August 18, 2026

Politics

More Than 150 Ilocos Norte Donors Showed Up—What Happened Next Proved This Was Bigger Than a Blood Drive

ILOCOS NORTE — What began as a simple act of giving blood is becoming something much bigger in Ilocos Norte: a growing culture of volunteerism that brings communities together when lives may depend on it. More than 150 people have taken part in succeeding bloodletting activities in the province, a sharp increase from about 50 participants when the initiative began in 2020, according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). The latest bloodletting activity was held on August 15, 2026, at the

August 18, 2026

Politics

Ateneo de Zamboanga Shooting: City Promises Support After Deadly Attack—Now Authorities Must Find Out How It Happened

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Zamboanga City government has assured support for students, school personnel, families and others affected by the deadly shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Junior High School campus, as authorities intensify their investigation into the attack. The city government expressed its condolences following the August 18 shooting and said it was coordinating closely with school officials, the Zamboanga City Police Office and other authorities to respond to the incident.

August 18, 2026

Politics

Trump Turns Down the Drills and Looks to Kim Jong Un—Is a New Korea Strategy Taking Shape?

WASHINGTON/SEOUL — A new security dispute is rippling across Asia after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, while simultaneously signaling that he wants to maintain a positive relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The decision has put fresh attention on the future of the U.S.-South Korea alliance—and prompted Japan to emphasize that cooperation among Washington, Seoul and Tokyo remains essential to regi

August 18, 2026

Politics

Legarda’s Extended Leave Raises Ombudsman Alarm—But Her Son’s 2-Month Request Adds a New Twist

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Loren Legarda’s extended medical leave is drawing renewed scrutiny from the Office of the Ombudsman, even as her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste, has sought a two-month leave from the House. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said on Tuesday, August 18, that Legarda’s latest request to extend her medical leave abroad was “quite suspicious,” as the senator remains under preliminary investigation together with Leviste and former Energy Secreta

August 18, 2026