Category: State of the Nation
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AFP Reaffirms Rejection of Military Intervention Ahead of Nov. 30 Protests
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MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday reiterated its commitment to upholding the Constitution and rejected any unconstitutional means to change the country’s leadership, amid upcoming anti-corruption protests and alleged destabilization claims against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. In a Facebook post, the AFP emphasized that…
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The Policy Tug-of-War: Subsidies, Reforms, and the 2026 Energy Budget
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As the Philippines gears up for its 2026 national expenditure program, the energy sector finds itself at the crossroads of competing pressures: sustaining affordability and energy access, reforming deeply-rooted subsidy regimes, and accelerating the clean-energy transition. The budget cycle ahead will reveal how far the government is willing — and…
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Civil Society at the Frontlines: Grassroots Push for Transparency in Infrastructure Spending
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The massive protests that swept Manila in September 2025 were more than just a call against corruption — they were a powerful reminder of the role that civil society and grassroots movements play in holding government accountable. Triggered by revelations of alleged anomalies in over ₱545 billion worth of flood…
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Nationwide Protests Demand Action on Corruption and Accountability
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Tens of thousands of Filipinos took to the streets this September in what has been dubbed the “Trillion Peso March,” a wave of protests demanding transparency and accountability from the government amid allegations of massive corruption in infrastructure spending. The demonstrations, held in Metro Manila and other major cities, were…
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BSP Tightens Rules on Large Cash Withdrawals to Curb Money Laundering
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The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has introduced stricter regulations on cash withdrawals exceeding ₱500,000 in a bid to strengthen financial transparency and curb potential money laundering activities. Under the new rule, banks are now required to report and closely monitor high-value withdrawals, with additional documentation and verification processes before…
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Marcos Declares Corruption Probe into Flood Control Projects — “No One Spared”
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MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a sweeping investigation into alleged corruption in the government’s flood control projects, vowing that “no one will be spared” regardless of political connections. Speaking at Malacañang earlier this week, Marcos said the probe will cover infrastructure projects from national agencies down to…
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Marcos Fires Police Chief Who Oversaw Duterte, Quiboloy Arrests
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Manila, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has dismissed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, a decision that surprised many due to his pivotal role in the arrests of former President Rodrigo Duterte and televangelist Apollo Quiboloy. (AP News) Reasons Behind the Removal Executive Secretary Lucas…
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Ex-Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes Convicted of Graft Over Malampaya-Funded Projects
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The Sandiganbayan has convicted former Palawan Governor Mario Joel Reyes and several former provincial officials and contractors for graft in connection with fraudulent infrastructure projects funded by the Malampaya Fund. The decision, issued Tuesday in a 625-page ruling penned by Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg, found Reyes and coaccused—including former…
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P2 Trillion for Flood Control? Marcos Orders Audit Amid Kickback Allegations
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President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered a sweeping audit of the government’s flood control programs amid mounting allegations of large-scale corruption and unfinished or non-existent infrastructure projects. The move comes after former senator Panfilo Lacson revealed that nearly P2 trillion has been allocated to flood control initiatives since 2011,…
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DOTr Pushes to Partially Open Metro Manila Subway by 2028
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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is accelerating construction efforts on the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP), aiming to meet President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s target of partial operation by the end of his term in 2028. Speaking during the Post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) forum held in San Juan…
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Mixed Fuel Price Adjustments Expected Next Week
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METRO MANILA, Philippines — Motorists may see mixed adjustments in fuel prices next week as global oil market developments continue to influence local pump rates, industry sources said Friday. According to initial projections, gasoline prices may decrease by P0.10 to P0.30 per liter, while diesel prices are expected to rise…
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Remulla Draws Flak Over Casual Tone in Class Suspension Posts; Celebrities, Netizens React
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MANILA, Philippines — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla came under fire on Tuesday for using informal and colloquial language in announcing class suspensions via the official social media account of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). The post, written in a humorous tone, included phrases such as “Mga…