Latest news in Philippines? September 2nd, 2026
02-09-2026
Key news developments in the Philippines:
- Sara Duterte Impeachment Trial: Former Department of Education (DepEd) Undersecretary and defense counsel Michael Wesley Poa took the witness stand as a hostile witness. During his testimony, he confirmed that Vice President Sara Duterte ordered the transfer of 112.5 million PHP in confidential funds to DepEd’s chief security officer, while clarifying that none of those confidential funds went to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for Youth Leadership Summits. Philippine News Agency+ 1
- Monsoon Rains & Severe Flooding: The combined impact of recent tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon (habagat) has affected roughly 9.4 million people, with over 170 areas placed under a state of calamity. Severe flooding along major transit corridors like the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) triggered major traffic gridlock, prompting the government to grant relief convoys emergency access. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. instructed relevant agencies to fast-track flood-control projects. www.manilatimes.net+ 2
- Regional Transboundary Haze: Health and environmental authorities issued public advisories across Metro Manila and parts of Northern Mindanao due to deteriorating air quality caused by wildfire haze drifting from Kalimantan, Indonesia, leading several schools to suspend in-person classes. Inquirer.net
- Energy Grid Alerts: The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) placed the Mindanao and Visayas power grids on red and yellow alert statuses due to forced plant outages and high peak demand. Philippine News Agency
- Swine Industry Relief: The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) approved the commercial rollout of the AVAC live vaccine against African Swine Fever (ASF) to help stabilize the domestic pork sector. Philippine News Agency
- Sports: Filipina tennis player Alex Eala defeated Mary Stoiana in straight sets to advance to the second round of the US Open. www.manilatimes.net