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MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the agency is now investigating after improvised explosive devices (IED) were found outside the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Senate on Monday morning. “Big possibility or probability is that the two incidents are related,” Nartatez told reporters during an inspection

MANILA, Philippines — Six individuals were arrested at a rally on Monday morning, July 27, ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed. The individuals, whom the police did not immediately identify, were apprehended for alleged vandalism during the

MANILA, Philippines – Motorists are already seeing higher prices at gas stations as fuel retailers prepare to implement another significant oil price increase on Tuesday. The looming increase comes amid sustained volatility in global oil markets, adding further pressure on transport costs and household expenses. READ: P6 spike seen in diesel, gasoline prices Below are

The ASEAN has ratified a regional framework that will allow for the provision of petroleum supplies to member-states facing shortages of at least 10% of their national requirement.

MANILA, Philippines — The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) cautioned the public against scammers falsely using the name of Monetary Board member Benjamin Diokno to solicit donations for fake charitable causes. The central bank said scammers have been sending electronic messages claiming to represent the BSP or its officials, asking recipients to donate to supposed charities.

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Monday warned of the growing risks of unregulated social media use amid the proliferation of false information online. In his opening remarks to lawmakers, Dy called on Filipinos to push back against disinformation, saying its unchecked spread threatens to erode democracy. “Let us not allow the

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte dispelled rumors about her resignation, stating that it is “never going to happen” as it would be a betrayal to those who voted for her. Duterte said this amid recent speculation that she may resign as she faces an impeachment trial over allegations of confidential fund misuse, unexplained

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A minor who threatened to harass local schools in a viral video has surrendered to authorities, claiming the act was “just a joke,” as police intensify security across educational institutions in the city. The minor was voluntarily presented to a Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) station by his

Senator Imee Marcos said on Monday, July 27 that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ claim that the Ombudsman is on the verge of filing charges against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez is nothing but a bluff. “Pawang pambubudol na naman ang sinabi ng Pangulo na malapit nang sampahan ng kaso ng Ombudsman si dating Speaker Martin Romualdez (The President’s claim that the Ombudsman is on the verge of filing charges against former Speaker Martin Romualdez is nothing but a bluff),” Marcos said in a statement. “Nakakapagtaka lang na kung gaano kabilis maghain ng kaso laban sa mga senador na tutol sa administrasyon ay siya namang kay kupad ng hustisyang mag-apruba at magrekomenda ng hatol para sa mga kilalang kaalyado ng pamahalaan (It is baffling how swiftly cases are filed against senators who oppose the administration, yet how sluggish the wheels of justice turn when it comes to approving and recommending rulings for prominent government allies),” she said.  The President’s sister said it is clear that the former House leader is part of a bigger conspiracy in the flood control scam.  “Hindi mag-isa si Martin Romualdez sa malawakang korapsyon ng pera at kapangyarihan (Martin Romualdez is not alone in this widespread corruption involving money and power),” she said.  “Hindi siya ang simula at hindi siya ang dulo, at kung siya ang ipipilit, ibig bang sabihin, pinatakbo niyang mag-isa ang gobyernong ito (He is neither the beginning nor the end of it; and if the focus is placed solely on him, does that imply he was the one running this entire government all by himself)?” she pointed out. “Anyare na sa ‘MAHIYA NAMAN KAYO’- eh ligtas pa rin naman ang mga walang hiya. (Whatever happened to the call to ‘have some shame’? After all, the shameless ones remain untouched,” Marcos lamented.  The senator earlier said she has decided to again skip President Marcos State of the Nation Address (SONA), saying she remains upset over what she described as the unjust detention of members of the Senate minority and the filing of cases against them. She also wore a black Filipiniana during the opening of the Senate’s second regular session in the morning in protest against the Marcos administration.

MABALACAT CITY—A Roman Catholic school in Pampanga has called for greater transparency and a temporary halt to the proposed Pax Silica project in Capas, Tarlac, until key environmental, social, and governance concerns are addressed. On Saturday, St. Scholastica’s Academy (SSA) in the City of San Fernando issued an official statement on the proposed 1,620-hectare Pax

MANILA, Philippines — Ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), local officials from across the country are urging him to prioritize and certify as urgent a bill seeking stronger nationwide protection from secondhand cigarette smoke and vape emissions, particularly for children and young people. Governors, mayors, councilors and local

This report is part of Inquirer’s Sona 2026 coverage. Follow our live page for real-time updates. MANILA, Philippines – Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III formally opens the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress on Monday, marking the resumption of legislative work in the House of Representatives, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s delivers his

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., in his fifth State of the Nation Address, announces that his cousin and former House speaker Martin Romualdez will soon face cases in court

MANILA, Philippines — Aside from ensuring the timely passage of the 2027 national budget, the Senate will also focus on key priority measures that address urgent concerns of Filipinos, such as the high costs of basic goods and electricity, workers’ low pay, and job security. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said this as he presided over

After three years away from releasing new music, Nadine Lustre is finally making her long-awaited return to the recording scene. The actress-singer announced that her new single, "PERSONAL," will be released on July 31, sending fans into a frenzy and marking her first official music release since 2023. Nadine made the announcement on Instagram with a striking close-up portrait that immediately caught the attention of her followers. The post quickly gained traction online, with fans flooding the comments section to express their excitement over her comeback. Even celebrities joined in the anticipation. Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray wrote, "Can't wait!!!" while content creator Sassa Gurl also showed support for the highly anticipated release. "PERSONAL" will be Nadine's first single since "Overgrown," which came out in 2023. Before that, she earned praise for her 2020 visual album "Wildest Dreams," released under Careless Music.  Although she has kept a low profile musically in recent years, Nadine remained busy with acting and other creative pursuits.

Marcos says the Philippines must prepare for an AI-driven future while protecting children from online harms

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel "Migz" Zubiri on Monday, July 27, gave President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) a stellar 9 out of 10, praising its focus on anti-corruption, lower electricity costs, and the country's sovereignty. Speaking to reporters after the SONA, Zubiri said the President's speech struck the right tone from the outset, particularly his commitment to hold accountable those involved in anomalous flood control projects. "In fairness, the President's SONA speech was good. In the opening five minutes alone, he got it right," Zubiri said. Asked about President Marcos' disclosure that the Office of the Ombudsman is building cases against a former House speaker, Zubiri said he believes the announcement could help improve relations between the Senate majority and minority while reinforcing the administration's anti-corruption campaign. He said many Filipinos had questioned whether the President was protecting political allies and relatives, and the latest disclosure sends a message that accountability applies to everyone. "People want to see that the fight against corruption is fair—not only against the opposition but also against those in the administration. If you've committed a wrongdoing, justice will catch up with you," Zubiri said. "That's a good message to the people—that no one will be spared on the issue of flood control," he said. EPIRA amendment Zubiri also lauded the President's call to remove the system loss charge from consumers' electricity bills, saying it would provide immediate relief to households. He said Congress would work on amending the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) so that distribution utilities, instead of consumers, would shoulder system losses. "So the system loss will be charged to the distribution utilities. It will no longer be charged to the end users—the people. That's a big thing," he said. Zubiri said they will work to have the measure passed before Christmas. "As majority floor leader, I guarantee you we will get the best and brightest on top of it. Our Committee on Energy chairman will sponsor it, and we will pass it as soon as possible," he said. The Senate leader also praised Marcos' remarks on protecting Philippine sovereignty, saying he gave the President a standing ovation when he declared that the country's dignity should never be compromised. "I stood when he mentioned the system loss. I also stood when he said the dignity of our country should never be sacrificed," Zubiri said. Overall, Zubiri rated the President's speech 9 out of 10, adding that the administration and Congress must now ensure that the commitments outlined in the SONA are translated into action. "We just have to follow through. Many of our countrymen are still struggling. Hopefully, if we follow through on these commitments, next year's SONA will be a happier one for everyone," he said.

Several groups expressed opposition to the planned Pax Silica Hub in New Clark City, Tarlac as they raised concerns that it would place Filipinos at a disadvantage.

A rocket will be launched into space from Cagayan next year, President Marcos revealed. In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, Marcos announced that the Philippines will soon launch a rocket in partnership with South Korea. Cagayan will host the launch, he said. "Cagayan is both geographically and economically primed to serve as our gateway to space and host the country’s first spaceport," Marcos said, receiving applause from officials and guests at the Batasang Pambansa.  "A sounding rocket launch test is slated for next year," Marcos announced. "Yes, we are going to launch a rocket into space." "This we will do in partnership with a South Korean aerospace company," Marcos further said. The President did not divulge further details.

Major business groups expressed mixed reactions to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s commitment to improving the country's investment climate during his State of the Nation Address (SONA), stressing that clear execution and consistency must now take precedence. Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) Chairperson Elizabeth Lee said Marcos' focus on initiatives like the green lane program and ease of doing business offers a strong roadmap moving forward. She added that the proposed Pax Silica artificial intelligence (AI) hub in New Clark City, which the President said is expected to generate "quality jobs and revitalize [the] economy," reflects the administration's intent to boost investor confidence. “Industry will follow this closely and look forward to the fine print and execution as these policies roll out,” Lee said in a Viber message. “The priority now shifts to swift execution—lowering operational costs, cutting red tape, and ensuring reforms translate directly to the factory floor.” For his part, Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) President Donald Lim expressed support for key priorities such as job creation, food security, support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and improved government services. However, he stressed that these goals must move beyond rhetoric and turn into action. Specifically, MAP wants the administration to provide clear implementation timelines, promote policy consistency, and foster closer collaboration between the public and private sectors. “Moving forward, we hope this is complemented by a stronger emphasis on long-term economic reforms that improve the investment climate, strengthen MSMEs, accelerate infrastructure and digital transformation, and make the Philippines more competitive globally,” Lim said in a Viber message. Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) President Ferdinand Ferrer, meanwhile, said he wanted to hear more detail on the Marcos administration's economic agenda for the remaining two years of the President's term. “[I] wanted to hear more on the economic agenda and how the Philippines could remain competitive and streamline business processes, especially within ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), who are also going after [the] same investments,” Ferrer said in a statement. Ferrer, who heads the country’s largest business group, noted that the SONA should have presented more concrete plans on regulatory certainty and the ease of operating a business in the country. He also hoped for more details on efforts to strengthen energy and food resilience against future shocks, along with planned collaborations with foreign partners. On a positive note, Ferrer commended Marcos' push to strengthen trade facilitation through free trade agreements (FTAs), crediting them with helping MSMEs expand abroad. However, Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) Executive Director Jayson Cainglet warned that FTAs, including those currently under negotiation, should not come at the expense of farmers, fisherfolk, and national food security. “Any agreement must ensure a level playing field, preserve policy space to support local producers, and strengthen—rather than weaken—our capacity to feed our own people,” Cainglet said in a statement. Cainglet added that the government must ensure incoming FTAs do not sacrifice the local agriculture sector by reducing tariffs on imported commodities, especially while the industry is already threatened by an influx of foreign goods. “Further tariff reductions under new FTAs, without adequate safeguards for domestic producers, risk inflicting even greater damage on Philippine agriculture,” he warned. Representing the government side, Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gil Taway IV backed Marcos’ vow to strengthen the country’s power supply. Taway noted that APECO would directly benefit from the initiative, as a reliable and scalable power supply is crucial for attracting companies to the Casiguran-based ecozone. “APECO will contribute to this national effort by opening the ecozone to investments in renewable energy generation, battery energy storage, power distribution infrastructure, and emerging clean-energy technologies,” Taway said. “Through these initiatives, APECO will help translate the administration’s energy agenda into new investments, jobs, and sustainable economic opportunities for Aurora and the country.”

US criticism of Malaysia’s entry ban on Israeli nationals is unlikely to force a major shift in the country’s foreign policy, analysts have said, after Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rejected accusations that the move was antisemitic. The remarks escalated a dispute that has drawn in members of the US Congress, Malaysia’s long-standing refusal to recognise Israel and the widening international debate over where criticism of Israel ends and hostility towards Jewish people begins. “We are not...

This report is part of Inquirer’s Sona 2026 coverage. Follow our live page for real-time updates. MANILA, Philippines – Hundreds of protesters begin to gather in Quezon City hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona). Inquirer.net reporter John Eric Mendoza provides live updates from the rally, where

BUGUEY, Cagayan — Villagers and guests partook of more than two-tons of Malaga fish, which were all grilled on charcoal briquettes during this year’s day-long Malaga, Guraman and Tirem Festival at the El Presidente Beach Resort Complex on Sunday. They also enjoyed grilled oysters (tirem) and shared other recipes for making tasty Malaga (rabbitfish) dishes

Guests at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) were treated to regional Filipino flavors through a cocktail menu inspired by provinces across the country.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directs Congress to align the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act with 'modern waste management practices'

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said his administration has shifted to predictive disaster response, establishing a nationwide disaster response infrastructure network targeted to expedite the delivery of relief and assistance to calamity-hit communities.

TACLOBAN CITY — At least 103 former New People’s Army (NPA) members and part-time supporters received a total of P5.354 million in financial assistance under the government’s Local Social Integration Program (LSIP). Collectively referred to as “peacebuilders,” the beneficiaries, included former NPA regulars, members of the Milisyang Bayan (MB) or People’s Militia, and those affiliated with the

In his fifth SONA, the President seeks quick, consumer-facing wins by pushing to raise the annual personal income tax exemption threshold to cover more middle-income Filipinos and end system loss charges on electricity bills

After President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. disclosed that multiple cases against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez will soon be filed, according to the Office of the Ombudsman, Senator Erwin Tulfo said he no longer sees any reason for the Blue Ribbon Committee to focus on him. "What's the purpose?" Tulfo, who chairs the panel, said in an interview after the President's fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA). "Para namang pinaghihimasukan namin ang trabaho [ng Ombudsman] (It would seem like we're interfering with the Ombudsman's work)," he added. He said that the panel's job is to investigate in aid of legislation, not prosecution. Tulfo reiterated his commitment to continue the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's investigation into allegedly anomalous flood control projects. The senator said the inquiry would resume once the committee's membership is finalized. He added that the panel also intends to investigate corruption in other government agencies, including alleged kickback schemes involving the issuance of environment-related permits. "As chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee, our investigation into anomalous flood control projects will continue. We will begin as soon as the committee's membership is completed," he said. Tulfo welcomed the President's inclusion of key issues he has been pushing in the Senate, particularly on lowering electricity costs, and defending Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. In a statement, Tulfo said he was pleased that Marcos highlighted concerns that he has been advocating in the Senate. On power rates, Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Energy, said the panel has already begun hearings on proposed amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA). He said the proposed amendments aim to ease the burden on consumers by removing charges such as the system loss charge and certain taxes from electricity bills. "As current chairman of the Senate Committee on Energy, we have already started hearings on the EPIRA Law amendments. We will work to have these enacted into law and finally remove additional burdens on consumers such as the system loss charge and taxes," Tulfo said. He also expressed support for the administration's position on the West Philippine Sea, stressing that the Philippines should continue asserting its sovereign rights. "We stand with the administration in defending our sovereignty. The West Philippine Sea is ours. We will not be intimidated," he said.

West zone concessionaire Maynilad Water Services Inc. is set to enter the 30-company Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) starting next Monday, August 3, 2026, taking Converge's spot.

This report is part of Inquirer’s Sona 2026 coverage. Follow our live page for real-time updates. MANILA, Philippines – Political analyst Prof. Jean Franco discusses key issues expected to dominate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), including governance, public expectations and the administration’s priorities in the final two years of

This report is part of Inquirer’s Sona 2026 coverage. Follow our live page for real-time updates. MANILA, Philippines — Church leaders called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to deliver truth and accountability on the flood control corruption scandal ahead of his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday. In a statement, church leaders

Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos shot down on Monday, July 27, the notion of the House of Representatives resuming its investigation on the flood control projects mess in the second regular session. Speaking to House reporters just before his father President Marcos delivered his State of the Nation Address (SONA), Rep. Marcos likened such probe to a student grading his or her own examination. "My stance on that from the very beginning has been the same. The institution should not investigate an issue wherein its own members are part of the accused," Rep. Marcos said. "That's like asking a student to grade their own paper in an exam. Di ba? (Right?)" noted the presidential son. Exposed by the elder Marcos in his 2025 SONA, the corruption scandal centered on the allegation that lawmakers such as congressmen pocketed millions, if not billions worth of kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects. "Kahit anong magiging resuilta ng pag-i-imbestiga kung ire-resume sa lower House, ang sasabihin ng tao is sangkot naman ang tao dyan. Wala kaming tiwala sa report," Rep. Marcos candidly said. (Whatever the result of the investigation if it resumes in the lower House, what people will say is that the person is involved. We have no trust in the report.) "So let's leave the ombudsman and the necessary bodies to do that themselves," he added. Monday marked the start of the second regular session in the current 20th Congress. During the first regular session, the Infrastructure Committee or InfraComm was formed to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on anomalous flood control works. Chaired by Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, the InfraComm carried out two hearings before its task was essentially taken over by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

LUCENA CITY – The Hiraya Water Corp. (HWC) has committed P500 million to modernize and strengthen the water distribution system in Lucena City in Quezon province through a series of infrastructure projects aimed at improving water service. Lucena Mayor Mark Alcala and businessman Lucio Co, owner of HWC, led the groundbreaking ceremony for the 14

This report is part of Inquirer’s Sona 2026 coverage. Follow our live page for real-time updates. MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday will last one hour and 20 minutes, according to Palace press officer Claire Castro. He is set to deliver his second-to-last Sona at the

The Pax Silica Industrial Hub will benefit Filipinos by providing quality jobs, President Marcos said Monday, referring to the planned development for the US-led Pax Silica initiative.

After hailing tennis star Alex Eala in his SONA, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants other sports like football to flourish, even hoping the Philippines will qualify for the FIFA World Cup someday

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities are investigating a late-night explosion near the entrance of the Department of Justice (DOJ) main compound on Padre Faura Street in Manila. The blast occurred at approximately 12:17 a.m. and preliminary reports indicate the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED). “There are no reported casualties, and the Philippine

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday vowed to further strengthen the Senior High School (SHS) curriculum, saying the government is enhancing work immersion and employment pathways to better prepare graduates for the labor market.

Stressing the need to improve waste disposal, President Marcos said the decades-old Ecological Solid Waste Management Act will be updated. "Sa kabila ng mga ginagawa nating ito, kailangan pa rin nating iwasto ang ating pamamaraan sa pagtapon ng basura (Despite all these efforts, we must still improve the way we dispose of our waste)," Marcos said. "One systemic intervention is to update our 25-year-old Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, aligning it with modern waste management practices, such as waste-to- energy and waste treatment technology," Marcos added. According to the President, the Oplan Kontra Baha, a major flood-mitigation and cleaning drive to clear stilted waterways, remove trash, and reduce urban flooding, should be complemented with improved waste disposal. "As we recalibrate our solid waste management systems, we can draw inspiration from the solid waste management practices being championed by the MMDA here in Metro Manila, such as waste recovery, processing, upcycling," Marcos said. The President cited that the Carmona Sanitary Landfill, which was transformed into a nature park. "For example, what used to be the Carmona Sanitary Landfill of the 1990s is now the MMDA Nature Park. And more than a multi-purpose green space, it shall soon be the base of its high-level disaster preparedness training and simulation exercises," Marcos said. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 mandates waste segregation at the source, promotes recycling and composting, and prohibits open dumping.