Budget watchdog wary of closed-door negotiations

MANILA, Philippines – The House of Representatives adopted a congressional resolution on Tuesday posthumously honoring student and scout Chris Lorenz Fabian, praising his courage in shielding fellow students during a June school shooting in Tacloban City. Lawmakers passed by voice vote House Resolution No. 1464 to commend Fabian’s “extraordinary bravery” in securing the door of

CALASIAO, Pangasinan — The Regional Development Council in Ilocos Region (Region I) has approved 30 priority projects that has an estimated P5.497 billion in investment requirement for fiscal year 2028. La Union Gov. Mario Eduardo C. Ortega, RDC chairperson, said the council endorsed projects aimed at strengthening key development sectors covering health, transport and connectivity,

BAGUIO CITY — Fire struck at Baguio’s New Lucban Extension on Tuesday morning (Sept. 29), injuring three people and displacing 14 families (56 individuals). The fire broke out at around 8:28 am, engulfing several residential units and business establishments, according to Baguio City Fire Marshall F/Supt. Mark Anthony Dangatan. READ: A metropolis takes shape around

KORONADAL CITY — The provincial government of South Cotabato was among six institutions in Mindanao recognized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for their contributions to the central bank’s programs and advocacies. The recognition was given during the 2026 Outstanding BSP Stakeholders Appreciation Ceremony held in Davao City on Monday. Aside from South Cotabato,

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte may have been placed in a precarious position if his claim that he was unaware his sister, Vice President Sara Duterte, had shares in a company that dealt with the local government is true, Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong said. Alonto Adiong said in

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Jinggoy Estrada himself will testify in his graft case trial before the Sandiganbayan Second Division, his counsel told the court during the pretrial proceedings on Tuesday. Estrada’s graft case stemmed from his alleged conspiracy with former Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief Manuel Bonoan to ensure the inclusion of flood control

MANILA, Philippines — The Office of the Ombudsman now has direct access to government procurement records, allowing the anti-graft body to speed up its investigation and prosecution work and prevent corruption. The new arrangement was established through a Data Sharing Agreement (DSA) signed Monday by the Ombudsman and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM),

MANILA, Philippines — The Climate Change Commission (CCC) on Tuesday advised schools and government agencies to shift their schedules ahead of the expected impacts of El Niño in the country. In an interview with Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon, Commissioner Albert dela Cruz suggested that schools adjust their schedules as part of local governments’ implementation of their

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Raffy Tulfo on Tuesday flagged an alleged “palakasan system” (backer system) in the distribution of housing units under the National Housing Authority (NHA). According to the senator, beneficiaries should undergo thorough vetting to ensure that those receiving government housing are qualified. During the Senate committee on finance’s hearing on the proposed

MANILA, Philippines — In-person classes in some areas and universities were suspended on Wednesday, Sept. 30, due to the continuation of the nationwide transport strike. The following schools and local governments announced the suspension of face-to-face classes: Bicol Region Schools and universities  READ: Piston launches transport strike to stop soaring oil prices, taxes Transport group

MANILA, Philippines — A low-pressure area (LPA) being monitored outside the Philippine area of responsibility has a “high” chance of developing into a tropical depression, the state weather bureau said Tuesday. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather specialist Benison Estareja said “the LPA was last spotted more than 3,500 kilometers east of

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored on Tuesday the significance of women"s leadership and representation in driving ASEAN's economy and innovation, urging them to keep asserting their place in leadership.