PH Politics | LAWIN.news

Congress ratifies ₱6.793-trillion budget, awaits Marcos approval

LAWIN.newsDecember 29, 202508 views

The Philippine Congress ratified the P6.793-trillion 2026 national budget after the Senate and House of Representatives approved a harmonized General Appropriations Bill in bicameral conference, sending the measure to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for review and signature into law. The ratified spending plan, which maintains a total outlay of P6.793 trillion, now awaits presidential action before it can take effect as the country’s national budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

Suansing dismisses reports of ₱2M Christmas bonus in House

LAWIN.newsDecember 29, 2025017 views

House appropriations chair and Nueva Ecija 1st District Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing denies Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste’s claim that each member of the Philippine House of Representatives received a P2-million Christmas bonus, saying there is “no truth” to the allegation and that no such bonus passed through the official appropriations process.

Comelec gears up for 2028 polls

LAWIN.newsDecember 28, 202505 views

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Philippines announced that it will start early preparations for the 2028 national and local elections, using the timeline of the 2025 polls as its primary guide. Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said the poll body will review and assess the 2025 electoral calendar, including voter registration, filing of candidacies, campaign periods, and procurement activities, to identify measures for replication or adjustment in 2028.

New video evidence seen as critical in Cabral probe

LAWIN.newsDecember 28, 2025011 views

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has obtained new “very substantial” dashcam footage in the probe into the death of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral. Investigators have added the video to the official evidence file and will subject it to forensic and technical analysis to verify authenticity, identify people and vehicles, and establish a detailed timeline of events.

2026 sees SSS pension hike, new micro-loan program

LAWIN.newsDecember 27, 2025016 views

The Social Security System (SSS) in the Philippines announced it will implement another pension increase, launch a micro-loan program, and maintain its emergency loan facility in 2026. SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said the state pension fund will also open new local branches and foreign representative offices in Madrid, San Francisco, and Macau. The agency plans to hire about 1,800 additional personnel to strengthen frontline and digital services and to improve response to member assistance requests and complaints.

Ombudsman explains process for ICI cases after commissioner resigns

LAWIN.newsDecember 27, 2025013 views

The Office of the Ombudsman clarified how it handles referrals from the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), describing the transmission of cases as part of a “natural flow” of work, after ICI Commissioner Rossana Fajardo submitted her resignation effective Dec. 31.

Lawmaker demands full disclosure of allocations before 2026 budget vote

LAWIN.newsDecember 27, 2025021 views

Navotas Rep. Tobias Tiangco on Saturday demanded “non-negotiable” full disclosure of all district and party-list allocations under the proposed 2026 General Appropriations Act before the House of Representatives votes on December 29, 2025. He called on the House to post detailed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allocations, including specific programs and projects, on the official Congress website. Tiangco cited past transparency issues in party-list funding and said the completion of bicameral deliberations removed any reason to withhold information, stressing that public disclosure is essential for accountability and informed decision-making on the national budget.

Philippines reports smaller trade deficit of $3.5B in Nov

LAWIN.newsDecember 26, 2025011 views

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the Philippines’ trade deficit narrowed to $3.51 billion in November 2025, down 28.8 percent from a year earlier, as exports grew 21.3 percent to $6.91 billion and imports slipped 2.0 percent to $10.423 billion. Total external trade reached $17.33 billion for the month, while year-to-date trade from January to November rose to $199.99 billion. Electronics remained the country’s top export and import product, and Hong Kong and China led as the Philippines’ main export market and import source, respectively.

Lacson flags ‘cover-up’ risk as Palace calls budget insertion reports unverified

LAWIN.newsDecember 26, 2025013 views

Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Friday warned Malacañang against quickly dismissing as hearsay allegations that Cabinet officials inserted projects into the proposed national budget, as the Senate continues its deliberations on the government spending bill. Lacson said he received information from credible sources, shared the details with fellow senators, and sought further verification before naming officials allegedly involved. He vowed to present his findings in plenary debates, push for the removal of unjustified items, and coordinate with the Department of Budget and Management and the Commission on Audit.

Cabral’s antidepressant use confirmed; forensics set to examine office and devices

LAWIN.newsDecember 25, 2025017 views

Philippine authorities report that former DPWH undersecretary Maria Catalina “Cathy” Cabral tested positive for an antidepressant drug as they investigate her death in Baguio City. Police detail CCTV footage, forensic findings consistent with a fall along Kennon Road, and the clearance of her driver from involvement. Investigators analyze her cellphone, hotel-room evidence, and DPWH office files turned over to the Ombudsman, including documents tied to infrastructure projects and budget requests over the past decade.