Category: Politics

Politics

Sara Duterte Camp Fires Back Over ‘Sub Judice’ Claims—But the Senate Impeachment Court Is About to Decide

MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is heading into another potential showdown as her defense team challenged House prosecutors to bring their accusations over alleged sub judice violations directly before the Senate impeachment court—not through the media. The defense's position comes as both sides trade accusations over what can and cannot be said publicly while Duterte's impeachment trial remains ongoing. Defense deputy spokesman Justin Gular said the

August 16, 2026

Politics

Billions at Risk? Marcos Targets Discretionary Powers as Digitalization Becomes Government’s New Anti-Corruption Weapon

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pushing a major shift in how government decisions involving public funds are made, saying his administration is working to reduce discretionary powers and expand digital systems to close opportunities for corruption, waste and abuse. Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) Presidential Luncheon in Manila on August 14, Marcos said excessive discretion had allowed decision-making authority to move deeper

August 16, 2026

Politics

Marcos Sets His 2028 Legacy: A Culture of Development, Jobs and Nation-Building—But the Bigger Test Is Still Ahead

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. says he does not expect to leave behind a perfect record when his term ends in 2028. Instead, he wants his administration's lasting legacy to be something more difficult to measure: a culture of development, stronger public confidence in government and a continuing commitment to nation-building. Speaking during a question-and-answer session at the Presidential Luncheon organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines

August 16, 2026

Politics

₱50-Million Library Transforms Carmona—But What’s Happening Inside Is Drawing Students Back to Books

CARMONA CITY, CAVITE — In an era when students increasingly turn to screens for information, one Cavite city is betting on something more traditional: a physical place where books, research, technology and learning can come together. The Carmona City Public Library and Learning Resource Center, a four-storey facility funded through the Local Government Support Fund–Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FALGU), has become a learning hub for students, residents and even remote work

August 16, 2026

Politics

₱57.87-Billion LGSF Reaches Philippine Towns—But the Bigger Change May Be Coming to Local Governments

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna — A government fund once criticized for slow and complicated access is taking on a much bigger role in Philippine local governance, with municipalities now receiving more direct financial support for projects ranging from food assistance to water systems, health facilities and roads. The Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) has reached a record ₱57.872 billion for 2026, an increase of roughly ₱34.87 billion from the previous year. For smaller municipalities such as Santa M

August 16, 2026

Politics

Beyond the Badge: Valley Cops Push Accountability, Public Trust Through Accountability, Partnership

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — Police operations are often measured by arrests, seized firearms and solved cases. But for the Philippine National Police in Cagayan Valley, the bigger test may be whether residents actually feel safe—and trust the officers assigned to protect them. That is the direction being pursued by the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO2), or the “Valley Cops,” under Regional Director PBGen Mariano C. Rodriguez, who has placed accountability, personnel management, transparency and co

August 16, 2026

Politics

Marcos Presidency Through the Lens: Rare Images Go on Display in Pasay—But What Do They Reveal?

PASAY CITY — Four years of the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presidency are now being told through photographs, as the Presidential Photojournalists Association (PPA) opened “In Focus: Marcos Presidency,” an exhibit showcasing major moments captured by journalists assigned to cover Malacañang. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise Araneta-Marcos led the opening of the exhibit on August 13 at the Likhang Filipino Exhibition Hall in Pasay City, giving the public a chance to see the admin

August 16, 2026

Politics

Sarangani Quake-Hit Barangay Gets P200,000 Lifeline-But The Bigger Help May Still Be Coming

MALAPATAN, Sarangani — As communities in Sarangani continue rebuilding after the powerful June 8 earthquake, one barangay is putting government assistance to work in two areas that matter most: keeping students in school and restoring damaged community facilities. Barangay Tuyan in Malapatan received a P200,000 allocation under the Socio-Civic Projects Fund–Bawat Barangay Makikinabang (SCPF-BBM). Barangay officials said half of the amount will directly benefit five students, while the remaining

August 16, 2026

Politics

Philippines Moves to Build a National Cybersecurity Agency—But Is the Country Ready for the Next Major Attack?

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is taking a major step toward strengthening its defenses against cyberattacks after the House of Representatives approved a sweeping cybersecurity measure that could fundamentally reshape how the country protects government systems, businesses and critical infrastructure. House Bill No. 9605, or the proposed “National Cybersecurity and Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Act of 2026,” was approved on third and final reading in the House, accordin

August 16, 2026

Politics

Pampanga’s New Promise to Amputees: Prosthetic Limbs Now Paired With Livelihood and Healthcare Support

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — Getting a prosthetic limb may restore a person’s mobility—but for Pampanga officials, that is only the beginning. The provincial government is committing to a broader support program for persons with disabilities (PWDs), particularly amputees, combining prosthetic assistance, rehabilitation, livelihood opportunities, skills training and continuing healthcare in an effort to help beneficiaries return to work and regain independence. Governor Lilia Pineda said th

August 16, 2026