The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directed local government units in Cebu and Davao to perform rapid structural assessments after recent earthquakes. The assessments, led by building officials and engineers, will focus on heavily affected areas and structures showing visible damage.
The Philippine government aims to recover ₱10 billion in insurance claims from projects handled by Pacifico “Curlee” and Cezarah “Sarah” Discaya. Disclosures during a Senate budget hearing revealed issues like ghost projects and substandard work. The Insurance Commission indicated that 30% of project values are insured. The Senate Committee on Finance is evaluating potential recoveries, emphasizing transparency and accountability in public projects.
The Commission on Audit (COA) is rigorously investigating how ghost flood control projects in Bulacan were not detected by auditors, prompting a review of auditing standards and protocols. The fraudulent activities resulted in financial losses and have led to calls for greater transparency and accountability in government projects.
The House of Representatives has approved a P6.79-trillion national budget for 2026 on its third and final reading. The budget includes significant unprogrammed appropriations, which the Senate intends to amend.
PhilHealth has announced the provisional contracting of its Z Benefits for orthopedic implants following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu. Directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the move seeks to address healthcare needs arising from the disaster, providing crucial support for affected individuals.
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) is urging Filipinos to take advantage of its benefit packages for common eye conditions in observance of World Sight Day. This initiative is part of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign, which aims for universal eye health. The packages cover essential services and treatments for eye conditions, ensuring accessible and equitable health solutions. PhilHealth’s commitment to eye health highlights its role in providing comprehensive health coverage for all Filipinos.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council in the Philippines has issued its sixth freeze order in an investigation into irregular flood control projects, targeting a former official and freezing 2,003 assets worth P4.67 billion. The action aims to preserve public funds and combat corruption.
The ICC denied former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s bid for temporary release on October 10, 2025, citing the influence of his children, Sara and Baste Duterte. The court highlighted concerns about the potential flight risk due to the family’s political influence and public remarks, marking a significant development in Duterte’s ongoing legal proceedings related to his war on drugs.
Filipino-American leaders urge President Marcos to use U.S. humanitarian aid for 50,000 Amerasians affected by the 1992 closure of U.S. military bases in the Philippines, highlighting the need for educational, health, and social support.
The ICC rejected former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for interim release, citing concerns about him fleeing justice, obstructing proceedings, and continuing criminal activities. Duterte serves as Davao City mayor.