The SWS survey published in October 2025 reports that 50% of Filipino families consider themselves poor, translating to 14.2 million families. The survey also highlights concerns about food poverty, with 41% of families identifying as food-poor, while categories such as borderline, always, usually, and newly poor are examined.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to lower construction costs for infrastructure projects, including classrooms, hospitals, and farm-to-market roads, to curb corruption and improve resource management. The initiative aims for cost reductions by 2026 while ensuring quality and efficiency in public spending.
The family of Mary Jane Veloso has appealed to the Supreme Court to expedite the resolution of her case against her alleged traffickers. Veloso is a Filipina who was convicted in Indonesia for drug trafficking. Her family seeks swift justice, emphasizing the prolonged nature of the legal proceedings.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines confirmed that three air assets belonging to former lawmaker Zaldy Co have left the country. Two helicopters are now in Malaysia, while a Gulfstream aircraft has been stationed in Singapore. The CAAP continues to monitor these movements in compliance with aviation laws.
Rep. Leila de Lima calls for the House of Representatives to investigate the Government Service Insurance System’s reported P8.8 billion losses due to alleged risky investment decisions.
Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson announced the diversion of P50 billion from unprogrammed appropriations to the Department of Public Works and Highways for the 2024 budget, with P30 billion earmarked for flood control projects.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure has issued a new subpoena to Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co for hearings on November 11 and 12, 2025. The hearings are part of an investigation into alleged corruption in government infrastructure projects, focusing on flood mitigation initiatives. Co is required to testify about his possible involvement. The ICI emphasizes transparency and accountability in public projects.
Sen. Raffy Tulfo and wife Rep. Jocelyn Tulfo declared a net worth of P1.05 billion in their joint SALN, placing them among the wealthiest in the 20th Congress of the Philippines.
The Office of the Ombudsman announced that Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has been cancer-free for 18 months, following reports of a 2023 blood cancer diagnosis, ensuring the public of his good health and continued commitment to his duties.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Philippines has identified flood control projects with exorbitant costs and potential harm, including a project priced at P500,000 per meter. The DENR is investigating these projects for compliance with environmental and financial standards.