PH Politics | LAWIN.news

2026 sees SSS pension hike, new micro-loan program

LAWIN.newsDecember 27, 202508 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, 202504 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, 2025012 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, 202506 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, 202508 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, 2025012 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.

DOH issues advisory on usual holiday illnesses

LAWIN.newsDecember 25, 2025013 views

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday warned the public to avoid overeating, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption during the Christmas holidays after recording an increase in holiday-related ailments. The agency reported more cases of hypertension, high blood sugar, and stomach problems, and it urged people with chronic conditions to exercise caution. Government hospitals and local health units remain on heightened alert for lifestyle-related emergencies as the DOH issues reminders on healthier food choices, responsible drinking, and smoke-free celebrations.

AFP warns public about deepfake clips of Chief Brawner

LAWIN.newsDecember 25, 2025011 views

The Armed Forces of the Philippines warns the public about a YouTube channel allegedly posting AI-generated deepfake videos impersonating AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. The military urges citizens to verify online content, report suspicious accounts and rely on official AFP platforms for authentic messages. Authorities monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant agencies to address the spread of deceptive digital content targeting military leadership.

Holiday advice from Marcos: Respond to weight jokes with ‘ikaw din’

LAWIN.newsDecember 24, 202508 views

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Dec. 23, told attendees at a Malacañang holiday gathering in Manila that if relatives call them fat during Christmas reunions, they should reply “ikaw din.”

Marcos to approve 2026 budget on Jan. 5

LAWIN.newsDecember 24, 202509 views

Malacañang confirmed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will sign the Philippines’ 2026 national budget on Jan. 5, 2026, resulting in a five-day period under a re-enacted budget at the start of the year. The government will operate using the previous year’s appropriations from Jan. 1 to Jan. 5, 2026, until the new General Appropriations Act takes effect. Executive officials stated that agencies can fund ongoing programs during this period but cannot start new projects that depend on the 2026 budget.