Latest news in Philippines? September 17th, 2026
17-09-2026
Politics & Governance
Impeachment Court Proceedings: Discussions continue in the Senate impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte regarding the required two-thirds voting threshold for conviction, with the Senate considering input from legal experts and former chief justices.
www.philstar.comPlunder Case Developments: The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that an aide to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez departed the country prior to the issuance of a travel ban connected to a ₱7.44-billion plunder investigation.
www.philstar.comICC Proceedings: Malacañang noted that former President Rodrigo Duterte appeared in good health during recent proceedings related to International Criminal Court inquiries into past anti-drug campaign policies.
Economy & Consumer News
Fuel & Utilities: Pump prices saw significant upward adjustments following volatility in global energy markets. Meanwhile, Meralco reported a slight net reduction of ₱0.04/kWh in power rates for September, even as retroactive secondary price caps were applied in Visayas and Mindanao.
ABS-CBN+ 1Currency Pressures: The Philippine peso traded near record lows against the US dollar earlier this week, closing around ₱62.86.
ABS-CBNProposed Excise Taxes: The Department of Finance and the Department of Health have voiced support for increasing excise taxes on sweetened beverages to boost health financing and help fund PhilHealth coverage.
ABS-CBN
Disaster & Transport Safety
Maritime Safety Reviews: Investigations and regulatory reviews are underway following recent maritime incidents, including inquiries into communication protocol failures aboard the ferry MV June Aster and discussions on safety standards regarding the transport of electric vehicles on passenger vessels.
www.philstar.comLocal Hazards: Authorities in parts of Negros have monitored potential lahar flow risks near Mount Kanlaon following sustained rainfall.