Category: Politics

Politics

METRO MANILA COMMUTERS CAN RIDE FOR FREE TODAY—BUT THERE’S ONE IMPORTANT DETAIL YOU NEED TO KNOW

Metro Manila commuters affected by heavy rain and flooding can take advantage of government-provided free rides today, August 18, as authorities move to ease transport problems caused by the southwest monsoon, or Habagat. The Department of Transportation (DOTr), together with several government agencies, has deployed 43 government vehicle assets to help commuters who have been stranded or are having difficulty finding transportation amid the persistent rains. The free-ride program is scheduled

August 18, 2026

Politics

43 Government Vehicles Hit Metro Manila Roads as Habagat Floods Strand Commuters—But the Bigger Problem May Come Tonight

Metro Manila commuters stranded by heavy rain and flooding are getting a temporary lifeline from the government as 43 vehicle assets are deployed across key routes on Tuesday, August 18. The Department of Transportation (DOTr), together with several government agencies, is providing free rides from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. to help commuters affected by flooding and severe weather brought by the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat. Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said the government is deploying 43 vehic

August 18, 2026

Politics

Loren Legarda Extends Medical Leave to August 19—But Her Next Move Could Draw Even More Attention

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Loren Legarda has extended her medical leave once again, keeping her away from the Senate until August 19, according to Senate Secretary Renato Bantug Jr. Bantug confirmed that Legarda's office submitted a letter on Monday informing the Senate that the senator would be on medical leave from August 17 to 19. The latest extension means Legarda remains absent from both Senate sessions and her duties as a senator-judge in the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sa

August 18, 2026

Politics

₱7.2-Trillion 2027 Budget Has No ‘Leadership Fund,’ DBM Says—But Lawmakers Are Now Digging Into the DPWH Projects

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Kim Robert de Leon told lawmakers that the proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget for 2027 contains no “leadership fund,” as the House began scrutinizing the spending plan amid renewed questions over alleged congressional project allocations and the government’s controversial flood-control projects. De Leon made the assurance on Monday, August 17, during deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget after Caloocan City 2nd Di

August 18, 2026

Lifestyle

“‘Ondoy-Like’ Rains Swamp Metro Manila: 201.7mm Fell in Hours—What Happens If More Rain Comes?

MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila was battered by intense southwest monsoon rains that rapidly flooded roads, neighborhoods and major thoroughfares, disrupting traffic, displacing residents and forcing authorities to suspend classes and adjust government work as the weather threat continued into Tuesday. The flooding followed an extraordinary burst of rainfall on Monday, August 17, when 201.7 millimeters of rain was recorded in Metro Manila in roughly five to six hours amid the prevailing Sout

August 18, 2026

Business

₱12.3-M Irrigation Damage Hits Cordillera—But the Bigger Threat May Still Be Ahead

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The agricultural lifeline of parts of the Cordillera has taken another major hit as the combined effects of recent tropical cyclones and the enhanced southwest monsoon, or Habagat, damaged irrigation facilities in the region, with the National Irrigation Administration-Cordillera (NIA-CAR) estimating repair costs at ₱12.3 million. NIA-CAR Regional Manager Engr. Ronilio Cervantes said the agency has so far recorded damage affecting 253 hectares of agricultural land and

August 18, 2026

Politics

₱5.5 Trillion by 2028: Marcos Administration Sets Massive Revenue Target—But the Real Question Is Who Will Pay for It

The Philippine government is setting its sights on ₱5.5 trillion in total revenues by 2028, with the Department of Finance (DOF) banking on stronger tax collections, tighter compliance and new tax reforms to reach the ambitious target. Finance Secretary Frederick Go said tax collections are projected to grow by an average of 9% annually from 2026 to 2028, putting total government revenues at ₱5.5 trillion by the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term. The DOF expects revenues to climb fur

August 18, 2026

Politics

AFTER YEARS OF WAITING, BALIWAG’S MAHARLIKA HIGHWAY FINALLY GETS A MAJOR MAKEOVER—HERE’S WHAT MOTORISTS CAN EXPECT

BALIWAG, BULACAN — After years of waiting, one of the most troubled sections of Daang Maharlika in Baliwag is finally getting a major overhaul—with the road set to be raised by 0.7 meter to help address persistent flooding, water accumulation and severe pavement damage. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has begun work on roughly one kilometer of Daang Maharlika, from the area after the Baliwag Flyover toward the San Rafael boundary. The project carries a total funding of ₱458

August 18, 2026

Lifestyle

₱20,000 Could Change Everything: How a PBBM Scholarship Is Helping This Nueva Ecija Student Reach Graduation

For many college students, the final year is supposed to be the last stretch before earning a diploma. But for financially struggling families, even reaching graduation can come down to one question: How will the next school expense be paid? In Nueva Ecija, a government scholarship initiative is giving students facing that reality a much-needed chance to finish. One of them is Nierheyza Andasan, 22, a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education student at Eduardo L. Joson Memorial College in P

August 18, 2026

Politics

Zamboanga City Shooting: LGU Assures Support After 2 Students Die at Ateneo—But Bigger Questions Now Loom

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Zamboanga City government has assured support for those affected by the shooting at the Ateneo de Zamboanga University campus as authorities work to secure the area and determine exactly what led to the deadly incident. The shooting happened Tuesday morning, August 18, at the Ateneo de Zamboanga Junior High School campus. The city government said it was coordinating closely with the school administration, the Zamboanga City Police Office and other concerned authorities foll

August 18, 2026