The Philippines and the United States are exploring the deployment of additional missile systems and defense equipment to the Philippines, aiming to bolster regional security and strengthen defense ties. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts by both nations to enhance military capabilities amidst regional tensions.
The Philippine Coast Guard will review its drone protocol for maritime patrol in the West Philippine Sea to enhance monitoring and address challenges from signal jamming by Chinese vessels. The review follows a recent incident involving Chinese ships.
The Social Weather Stations survey reveals a drop in involuntary hunger among Filipino families to 16.1% in June 2025. This represents an improvement from previous quarters, indicating better food security.
Vice President Sara Duterte visited Kuwait to meet with overseas Filipinos, amidst increased scrutiny from Malacañang and Congress regarding her frequent travels. Her office emphasized the importance of these visits for strengthening diplomatic relations and supporting overseas Filipinos.
The Supreme Court upheld the Senate’s subpoena against former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo on August 15, amid allegations of involvement in Chinese espionage. The ruling confirms the Senate’s authority to investigate national security issues, with Guo required to appear for questioning.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act into law, granting the judiciary financial independence by allowing budget modifications within the General Appropriations Act.
The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center shut down more than 8,000 illegal gambling sites in a major operation. Deputy Executive Director Renato “Aboy” Paraiso confirmed the dismantling of 8,901 sites in collaboration with local and international agencies. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime and enforce online gambling laws.
The Marcos administration removes AKAP funding from the 2026 budget due to leftover funds from 2025 and limited fiscal resources. AKAP, designed to aid low-income earners, received scrutiny for its management and similarity to a ‘pork barrel.’ The exclusion reflects the administration’s focus on fiscal policy and budgetary priorities for 2026, with no indication of reintroducing the program in future budgets.
Nearly 12 million Filipino families identified themselves as poor in a July 2023 survey, reflecting a rise of approximately 800,000 households compared to earlier assessments.
President Marcos highlighted concerns over 6,021 flood control projects in the Philippines, valued at P350 billion, which lack clear construction details. The projects are crucial for mitigating flooding, and transparency is demanded for accountability and effective use of public resources. The DPWH is tasked with providing comprehensive documentation to ensure proper execution and public trust.