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The Office of the Ombudsman filed graft and corruption charges against former lawmaker Zaldy Co and several Department of Public Works and Highways officials over alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro. Prosecutors brought the cases before the Sandiganbayan under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, citing alleged undue injury to the government and unwarranted benefits to contractors. The charge sheets detail questioned DPWH flood mitigation works, procurement procedures, and project implementation in the province. The Sandiganbayan will raffle the cases, issue notices for arraignment, and hear evidence from both the prosecution and the defense.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced that the education sector will receive P1.28 trillion under the House-approved Fiscal Year 2026 national budget. The allocation covers key education agencies and programs, including basic and higher education, technical-vocational training, and support services such as classrooms, learning materials, and scholarships. The House of Representatives passed the spending plan after deliberations on sectoral priorities and will transmit the measure to the Senate for further review and amendments before final approval and enactment into law.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday cautioned the public and political actors against using former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co’s allegations for political gain and called for due process in addressing the issue.

Former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co accuses President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and ex-Speaker Martin Romualdez of authorizing P100 billion in dubious budget allocations for public works in 2025. The Palace dismisses the claims as “pure hearsay.” The controversy continues amid ongoing investigations into public spending.

Former lawmaker Elizaldy Co admitted to inserting P100 billion into the national budget, citing orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Co claims he is being scapegoated in the government’s anti-corruption efforts and accuses budget officials of involvement. Allegations of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects also surface, intensifying scrutiny on the handling of public funds. The incident prompts calls for investigations to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.

Juan Ponce Enrile, a significant figure in Philippine politics, passed away at the age of 101 on November 13. Known for his lengthy career marked by both influence and controversy, his death marks the end of an era.

The Office of Civil Defense announces that the Philippines has P2.2 billion left in its 2025 calamity fund for disaster recovery, including response efforts for Typhoon Uwan. The funds will support affected areas through year-end, prioritizing regions impacted by recent and anticipated natural disasters.

As Typhoon Uwan (Fung-Wong) intensifies, several malls in the Philippines offer free parking and shelter to residents seeking safety. The MMDA coordinates with local authorities and businesses to ensure public welfare.

The International Criminal Court has reportedly issued an arrest warrant for Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa over his role in the Duterte administration’s war on drugs, according to Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla. The ICC’s move follows an investigation into alleged crimes against humanity connected to the controversial anti-drug campaign.