Category: Politics

Philippines

Ombudsman Moves Against Justice Who Helped Free Bong Revilla — Now His ₱92.8-M Flood-Control Case Could Take a Dramatic Turn

MANILA, Philippines — The legal battle surrounding former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.’s controversial bail has taken another major turn, with the Office of the Ombudsman formally seeking the inhibition of one of the Sandiganbayan justices who voted to temporarily free him. Ombudsman prosecutors filed a motion seeking the inhibition of Associate Justice Ronald Moreno from Revilla’s pending malversation case, according to an Inquirer report published Tuesday, August 25. Moreno was one of tw

August 25, 2026

Philippines

ZAMBOANGA TIGHTENS SCHOOL SECURITY: Metal Detectors, Police Visibility and Threat Monitoring Rolled Out — What Happens Next?

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Schools across Zamboanga City are stepping up security measures following the fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, with the Department of Education (DepEd) calling for stronger coordination among school officials, parents, local authorities and law enforcement. The intensified security push came after Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Ateneo de Zamboanga University to assess safety concerns and extend support following the August 18 campus shooting. DepEd Z

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Philippines Moves to Expand Military Drone Capabilities as South China Sea Tensions Rise

The Philippines is preparing to expand its military drone capabilities as Manila accelerates efforts to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and strengthen the country's ability to defend its territory and maritime interests. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. told lawmakers on August 25 that the Philippines plans to develop and acquire additional unmanned systems as part of a broader military modernization program. The move comes as the Philippines faces increasingly comple

August 25, 2026

Philippines

OVP OFFICIAL LEMUEL ORTONIO DECLARED HOSTILE WITNESS IN SARA DUTERTE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL — CASH TRAIL NOW UNDER SCRUTINY

MANILA, Philippines — The impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte took another dramatic turn on Tuesday after the Senate Impeachment Court declared Office of the Vice President (OVP) Assistant Secretary and Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio a hostile witness, giving House prosecutors greater latitude to question him about the handling of the office’s confidential funds. The ruling came during the 18th day of Duterte’s impeachment trial, as prosecutors pursued allegations involvin

August 25, 2026

Philippines

72% of Filipinos Say They Feel Safe in Their Communities—But the PNP Says the Fight Isn’t Over

MANILA, Philippines — Public confidence in community safety is showing signs of improvement, with a majority of Filipinos saying they feel safe where they live, according to the latest OCTA Research survey cited by the Philippine National Police (PNP). The second-quarter 2026 OCTA Research survey, conducted among 1,200 adult respondents nationwide, found that 72% said they felt safe in their neighborhoods. The survey also found that 68% said they were not afraid to walk alone at night, while 5

August 25, 2026

Philippines

PNP Trust Rating Climbs to 65% — But a Huge Metro Manila Gap Shows the Real Test Is Far From Over

MANILA, Philippines — Public trust in the Philippine National Police has improved again, giving the country’s national police force fresh momentum — and an equally important warning that confidence remains far from uniform across the Philippines. The PNP secured a 65% nationwide trust rating and a 63% satisfaction or performance rating in OCTA Research’s second-quarter 2026 Tugon ng Masa survey, according to results released this week. Both figures improved by two percentage points from the pr

August 25, 2026

Business

P1,200 Minimum Wage Push Gains Momentum in Cebu as Piston Backs Workers’ Demand

CEBU, Philippines — The campaign for a ₱1,200 daily minimum wage across Central Visayas is gaining momentum after transport group Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (Piston) Cebu threw its support behind the proposal during the region’s ongoing wage review. Piston Cebu joined labor groups in a picket outside the Department of Education Ecotech Center in Cebu City on August 24, where the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board 7 (RTWPB 7) conducted its first pub

August 25, 2026

Philippines

Divinagracia’s ‘Comfort Cross’ Draws Attention as Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial Intensifies

MANILA, Philippines — Amid the tense proceedings of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, one small personal object carried by prosecution lawyer Atty. Mae Divinagracia has captured public attention: a wooden cross she held during her questioning of a witness. Divinagracia, one of the private lawyers assisting the House prosecution panel, was seen holding the cross while conducting her direct examination during the 18th day of the Senate impeachment trial on Tuesday, August 25. When

August 25, 2026

Business

CEBU CITY WARNS 61 DEVELOPERS: Only 4 of 65 Submitted Flood Plans—Now Legal Action Could Be Next

CEBU CITY — Cebu City is preparing to take a tougher legal route against property developers after only four of 65 developers identified for a flood-mitigation review had submitted the documents requested by the city government. The latest development has intensified scrutiny of hillside and upland developments in Cebu City, particularly amid recurring flooding in low-lying communities following heavy rains. According to Cebu City Chief of Staff Kenneth Siasar, the city had sent formal letters

August 25, 2026

Philippines

₱9.9-MILLION CEBU HEALTH CENTER STILL IDLE: Built to Serve Thousands, But One Missing Document Is Keeping It Locked

CEBU CITY — A ₱9.9-million Super Health Center in Barangay Labangon, Cebu City remains unused more than a year after it was turned over to the city government, raising fresh questions over why a completed public health facility has yet to open its doors to residents. The facility was formally turned over by the Department of Health (DOH) on May 5, 2025, with the center envisioned as a way to bring more medical services closer to communities and reduce pressure on major hospitals such as the Ceb

August 25, 2026