Category: Politics

Philippines

SOCOTECO II Vote Nears After Prayer Rally—Will Razon and Pacquiao’s Power Deal Survive the Final Test?

GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines — A prayer rally calling for greater transparency and accountability has intensified the debate over a proposed partnership between South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (SOCOTECO II) and Ignite Power, but the controversial deal is still moving toward a crucial September plebiscite that could reshape electricity distribution across General Santos City, Sarangani and parts of South Cotabato. The proposed joint venture involving Ignite Power—a partnership between

August 30, 2026

Politics

Venezuela’s 25-Year Oil Deal With the US Is Here—But the Biggest Questions Are Just Beginning

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez has announced that a newly forged energy agreement with the United States will last 25 years, setting the stage for an ambitious push to revive the country’s struggling oil industry and dramatically increase crude production. But while both governments are portraying the agreement as historic, major questions remain over exactly how the deal will work—and whether Venezuela can deliver on its enormous promises. Rodríguez said th

August 30, 2026

Philippines

Can a 50-Year Master Plan Finally Stop ‘Ghost’ Projects and Flood-Control Corruption in the Philippines?

MANILA, Philippines — After years of massive infrastructure spending, persistent flooding and allegations of irregular government projects, Senator JV Ejercito is renewing his push for a long-term national development master plan that he believes could help prevent wasteful and potentially anomalous projects before they begin. Ejercito is advocating for the proposed Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Act, a measure designed to create a long-term, integrated roadmap fo

August 30, 2026

Philippines

Metro Manila Soaked by 186mm of Rain in Just 23 Hours—And the Worst May Not Be Over

METRO MANILA, Philippines — Metro Manila was battered by an intense wave of monsoon rain after 186 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in just 23 hours, highlighting the relentless impact of the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat, across the capital region. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), citing data from the DOST-PAGASA Science Garden Station in Quezon City, said the massive rainfall total was recorded from 9 a.m. on August 29 until 8 a.m. on August 30, 2026. T

August 30, 2026

Philippines

Marcos’ Viral Singing Video Sparks Flood Backlash—But the Full Timeline Tells a Different Story

MANILA, Philippines — A viral video showing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. singing during a birthday celebration for First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos has triggered renewed debate online, as several parts of Luzon grapple with severe flooding and relentless rains brought by the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat. But Malacañang pushed back against criticism on Sunday, insisting that the President’s time with his family did not mean the government had stopped responding to the unfolding weath

August 30, 2026

Philippines

63,000 Food Packs Rushed to Central Luzon as Habagat Flood Crisis Deepens—But the Rains Aren’t Over Yet

CENTRAL LUZON, Philippines — As relentless rains from the Southwest Monsoon, locally known as Habagat, continue to batter parts of Luzon, the Philippine government has stepped up its disaster response, rushing 63,000 additional family food packs to Central Luzon as flooding threatens communities across the region. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the latest relief deployment came after authorities assessed the worsening situation in Central Luzon, including flood-aff

August 30, 2026

Philippines

Magsingal, Ilocos Sur Imposes Liquor Ban, 7 P.M. Curfew as Habagat Threatens More Heavy Rain

MAGSINGAL, ILOCOS SUR — Authorities in Magsingal have imposed a temporary liquor ban and a nighttime curfew as persistent monsoon rains continue to raise the risk of flooding, landslides and other weather-related emergencies across Ilocos Sur. Acting Municipal Mayor Alrico Favis signed Executive Order No. 55, Series of 2026, on Sunday, August 30, putting the emergency restrictions into effect immediately as the southwest monsoon, locally known as the habagat, continued to batter Northern Luzon.

August 30, 2026

Philippines

P1-B Para sa Project NOAH: Kaya Na Bang Mahulaan ang Baha Bago Pa Ito Lumubog sa mga Komunidad?

MANILA, Philippines — Sa gitna ng patuloy na banta ng pagbaha at matitinding kalamidad sa bansa, naglaan ang pamahalaan ng P1 bilyon para palakasin ang Project NOAH, ang science-based disaster risk reduction program na pinangangasiwaan ng University of the Philippines (UP). Layunin ng pondo na bigyan ang pamahalaan at mga komunidad ng mas mahusay na kakayahang matukoy ang panganib, mahulaan ang posibleng pagbaha, at makakilos bago pa lumala ang isang sakuna. Ayon sa Department of Budget and Ma

August 30, 2026

Philippines

“Kapag Pinatahimik ang Mamamahayag, Sino ang Magbabantay sa Katotohanan?” Legarda Nanawagan ng Mas Matibay na Proteksyon

MANILA, Philippines — Sa gitna ng patuloy na hamon sa kalayaan at kaligtasan ng pamamahayag sa bansa, nanawagan si Senator Loren Legarda ng mas matibay na proteksyon para sa mga mamamahayag at media workers, kasabay ng paggunita ng National Press Freedom Day ngayong Agosto 30. Binigyang-diin ni Legarda na ang malaya, independiyente at ligtas na pamamahayag ay hindi lamang usapin ng mga nasa media—ito rin ay tungkol sa karapatan ng bawat Pilipino na makatanggap ng tama, napapanahon at mapagkakat

August 30, 2026

Philippines

DSWD Calls for Volunteers in Pasay, Cebu as Habagat Relief Operations Intensify Across Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development is calling for more volunteers to help prepare family food packs at its disaster-response hubs in Pasay City and Cebu, as government agencies race to keep relief supplies moving amid prolonged rains, widespread flooding and the aftermath of recent tropical cyclones. ABS-CBN News reported on Sunday, August 30, that the DSWD was inviting volunteers to assist in repacking food packs in Pasay and Cebu, putting renewed attention

August 30, 2026