AGP Executive Report

Education Policy: President Marcos signed RA 12325 amending the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, expanding free tuition and adding more support for disadvantaged students, including eligible Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries. Justice & Accountability: The Ombudsman will form a special team to probe alleged corruption in garbage collection and waste management contracts nationwide, while the Senate also discussed whether to lower the 16-vote threshold in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial due to absences. Impeachment Trial Moves: House prosecutors are weighing skipping the bribery article and pushing ahead with unexplained wealth allegations to keep the trial from dragging. Disaster Response & Infrastructure: After record floods and long NLEx gridlocks, PNP said it will help enforce no-build zones in flood-prone areas; meanwhile, a Tarlac lawmaker said she had sought funding for collapsed bridges like Agana and Aquino. Economy Watch: Inflation eased to 6.1% in August, but the peso stayed under pressure amid Middle East tensions. Local Governance: QC Mayor Joy Belmonte signed a sisterhood agreement with Passi City, boosting cooperation on governance and development. Environment & Health: Metro Cebu faced both a long red power alert and worsening haze from Indonesia wildfires, pushing some classes online.

Ombudsman & Justice System: Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla told lawmakers the justice system needs “soul-searching,” after dismissals he handled were often reversed by the Court of Appeals, while the Senate finance panel approved the Office of the Ombudsman’s 2027 budget of about P7.23B and backed plans like a new Ombudsman Marshal Service. Flood Control Accountability: COA submitted 50 fraud audit reports on flood control projects to the Ombudsman, as Remulla said 35 flood-control cases are already in court and 166 more are under preliminary investigation. Land Reform Push: DAR said it’s moving to break up collective land titles under the World Bank-funded SPLIT project, with about 20,000 hectares left and a target to finish remaining work by 2027-2028. Power & Haze in Cebu: Metro Cebu faced a long Visayas grid red alert and “acutely unhealthy” air quality from haze, prompting online classes and a meeting of power stakeholders. Bulacan Flood Debate: San Miguel’s NMIA developer rejected claims linking the airport to flooding, saying Bulacan’s long-running flood issues stem from geography, rainfall, river capacity limits, and sea-level rise. Economy Watch: Malacañang said it will keep pushing growth after the peso hit a new record low around P62.565:$1, citing Middle East-linked oil pressures. Sports (QC tie-in): Frankie Pangilinan said her acting debut in the political drama “Edjop” was driven by her concern for Philippine issues, with the film’s media conference held in Quezon City.

Impeachment & Accountability: Day 21 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial saw former DepEd official Michael Poa testify as a hostile witness, saying he only learned about unusual confidential-fund receipt names during congressional hearings in 2024, while acknowledging he could face liability if Duterte is found guilty. Anti-Corruption Lawmaking: The Senate approved on final reading a bill barring relatives of public officials within the fourth civil degree from government contracts, aiming to close “potential avenues for corruption” in procurement. Budget & Health Impact: House and budget discussions are raising alarms over steep cuts to the DOH and PhilHealth for 2027, with officials warning delays to hospital expansion plans and reduced funding for facility upgrades. Economy Watch: The peso hit a fresh record low near 62.565 per dollar as Middle East tensions and oil-price risks spooked markets, while analysts pointed to a stronger US dollar and inflation worries. Tax & Power Bills: The BIR is preparing a VAT-removal circular on electricity “system loss” charges after an ERC resolution, targeting mid-September implementation. Local Governance & Services: DA and Pagasa signed a deal to set up an agrometeorological station in Bukidnon to provide localized weather data for farmers and disaster preparedness. Business & Markets: Globe kept open the option of listing its data center arm via a REIT as AI-driven demand tightens capacity, while Klook said holiday travel demand should stay resilient but with tighter, more local-focused spending.

Impeachment Update: Day 21 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial saw Senate impeachment court declare defense counsel Michael Poa a hostile witness, letting private prosecutor Benjamin Tolosa Jr. ask leading questions on DepEd’s P112.5M confidential funds, with Poa saying he only learned of “strange” acknowledgment receipt names during House hearings and confirming DepEd did not give AFP funds for the 2023 Youth Leadership Summits. Budget Oversight: A budget watchdog warned House lawmakers’ “parliamentary courtesy” in ending scrutiny of the 2027 OP budget may violate checks and balances, flagging OP confidential and intelligence funds. Power Bills Relief: The BIR is preparing a revenue circular to remove VAT on electricity system loss charges after an ERC ruling, aiming to pass immediate relief to consumers. Agrarian Support: The House approved on final reading a bill condoning unpaid interests, penalties, and surcharges on agricultural loans and restructuring debts for farmers and fisherfolk. Local Governance: Senate President Pro Tempore Tito Sotto questioned a proposal to postpone the November 2026 BSKE to 2028, warning it could deny voters their right to elect local leaders. Markets & Currency: Philippine shares slipped as the peso hit another record low near P62.56:$1 amid renewed US-Iran tensions and higher oil prices. Tourism Push: DOT wants to expand visa-free entry for Chinese tourists beyond main airports to secondary gateways to boost arrivals. Environment: Panaon Island Protected Seascape marked its first year, with its management board and plan now in place to protect marine ecosystems in Southern Leyte.

Peso Slide and Inflation Worries: The Philippine peso hit fresh record lows, slipping to about ₱62.40–₱62.58 per $1 as oil prices rose on Middle East tensions and the stronger US dollar kept pressure on the currency. Floods and Toll Refund Calls: Sen. Joel Villanueva urged NLEx to waive or refund tolls for motorists stranded during NLEX flooding, saying they paid for service but got stuck in the disaster. Budget and Governance Scrutiny: A budget watchdog warned that House lawmakers’ “courtesy” move to end debate on the OP’s 2027 budget may weaken checks and balances, with concerns over confidential and intelligence funds. Defense Modernization Push: House officials pressed for adequate, timely funding for AFP modernization, flagging gaps and loan-limit issues that could delay key acquisitions. Tourism Visa Move: DOT wants to expand the 14-day visa-free scheme for Chinese tourists beyond main airports to secondary gateways to boost arrivals. Business Watch: Jollibee is considering a Hong Kong listing for its international unit as it separates overseas operations; SM Supermalls is optimistic for a stronger Christmas season; and the PSEi rebounded above 6,000 on bargain hunting after better manufacturing data. Local Economy Spotlight: PSA data highlighted Occidental Mindoro as the fastest-growing province in 2025, showing growth outside traditional economic hubs.

Impeachment Watch: Day 20 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial puts AFP Col. Manaros Boransing II on the stand to explain whether DepEd used confidential funds for the Youth Leadership Summit, while another AFP officer questions a military certification used to justify DepEd spending. Budget Transparency: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto defends the Office of the President’s confidential and intelligence funds in the 2027 proposed OP budget, as lawmakers also push for clearer rules on secret spending. Floods & Public Safety: President Marcos orders stricter enforcement of “no-build zone” policies and better LGU coordination to reduce flooding, after severe monsoon rains disrupted travel and work. Local Air Quality: Metro Manila residents were warned as haze linked to Indonesia’s fires pushed Quezon City (Ateneo) and other areas into unhealthy levels, prompting mask use. Economy & Jobs: Sen. Mark Villar backs raising the income tax exemption ceiling to boost take-home pay, while a Senate ad hoc panel is set to tackle economic slowdown and geopolitical risks. Markets: The PSEi rebounded more than 2% after factory activity hit a near-decade high in August. West Philippine Sea: The National Maritime Council rejects China’s call to tow away BRP Sierra Madre, citing UNCLOS and the 2016 arbitral award. Quezon City angle: Quezon City topped the list of affected areas for haze readings, underscoring the city’s immediate health impact.

Impeachment Watch: Day 20 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial resumes with the House prosecution set to present AFP Col. Manaros Boransing II to testify on whether the military received DepEd confidential funds or rewards tied to the Youth Leadership Summit, after COA flagged DepEd’s ₱112.5M confidential fund use in 2023. Accountability & Courts: The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division deferred Tarlac Rep. Noel Rivera’s arraignment to Oct. 7 as he seeks consolidation of his graft cases tied to alleged shareholdings in a firm that won government infrastructure contracts. Budget Oversight: Watchdogs warn the proposed ₱7.2T 2027 national budget is vulnerable to election-year patronage, with about ₱735B in discretionary and localized projects flagged for possible misuse. Business & Finance: The SEC warned the public about a Facebook page impersonating Streetcorner Finance Co. Inc. to push unauthorized online loans. Monetary & Markets: Foreign “hot money” inflows shrank sharply in July, while the peso was again called Asia’s weakest link despite BSP rate moves. Environment & Water: A UP Los Baños study found resort visitors in Calamba and Los Baños would pay about ₱75 per visit to support groundwater conservation for Mt. Makiling, potentially generating ₱159.52M yearly.

Flood Response & Accountability: President Marcos Jr. will hold a Central Luzon and Metro Manila response meeting as monsoon rains keep flooding communities submerged, while lawmakers and residents renew calls to fix gaps in flood control and scrutinize reclamation-linked projects. Taguig Reclamation Probe: DPWH issued cease-and-desist orders on allegedly illegal reclamation works in Taguig, as Sen. Panfilo Lacson flagged P3.713B in public funds tied to flood-control and multipurpose projects around Laguna Lake. National Heroes Day: Sen. Loren Legarda urged stronger protection for modern-day heroes—disaster responders, waste workers, barangay health workers, and others—saying laws must translate into fair pay, safe conditions, and social protection. El Niño & Food Security: The Department of Agriculture updated El Niño response plans, including shifting production areas, expanding cloud seeding and solar-powered irrigation, and improving water efficiency to protect supply and prices. Economy & Markets: Foreign investors pulled “hot money” out of Philippine assets with net outflows of $3.94B in Jan–July, and the peso stayed under pressure amid inflation and growth concerns. Energy & Infrastructure: Asean pushed for more clean energy and digital infrastructure investments, while DPWH leadership moved to address delayed calamity response. Local Business & Trade: DTI highlighted rising coconut exports and the push for higher-value products, as Cebu housing faces affordability pressure from land, financing, and licensing delays.

Flood Response & Infrastructure Oversight: DPWH ordered a cease-and-desist on alleged illegal reclamation in Taguig, after Laguna Lake concerns were raised, while also relieving a maintenance chief over delayed calamity response as monsoon rains keep flooding Metro Manila and parts of Luzon. Budget Watch: ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio warned the House may insert major changes into the 2027 DPWH budget via “amendments” and “for later release,” after scrutiny of flood-control gaps and project timelines. Local Economy Snapshot: PSA data shows Quezon City remains the country’s biggest local economy in 2025, holding about 6% of national GDP. Education & Governance Debate: PLM students questioned the university’s honorary Doctor of Laws for President Marcos, citing lack of consultation and concerns tied to good governance and martial-law legacy. Power Reliability: The Visayas grid faces another red alert as NGCP reports capacity shortfalls tied to coal plant unavailability and reduced imports. Finance & Currency Pressure: Economists warn the peso’s slide past ₱62/$ could feed into cost-push inflation, while the government’s July borrowing jumped sharply to fund needs. Labor Rights: DHL warehouse workers in Laguna remain on strike amid claims management is trying to shut down operations to avoid bargaining.

Quezon City & Metro Manila Watch: Manila saw extreme flooding after one day of rain equivalent to 10 days, with the city recording 147.4mm at Sampaloc and sending over 1,000 residents to evacuation centers. Disaster Risk & Resilience: SM Investments signed a deal with DOST-PHIVOLCS to use GeoRiskPH hazard tools for business continuity and long-term planning, while Project Noah funding was defended as “prevention” amid ongoing floods. Economy & Markets: The peso’s slide and BSP’s rate hike dragged the PSEi to the 5,900 level, as growth worries and foreign selling weighed on sentiment. Food Security & Climate: The DA is revising El Niño plans with front-loaded aid and shifting production to less-affected areas, as the USDA warns the Philippines could hit the highest food insecurity rate in Southeast Asia this year. Environment: DENR’s “earth-balling” of mangroves faces renewed pushback, with lawmakers and groups questioning legal basis and survival rates. Tech & Identity: PSA and Ateneo urged banks to use the National ID for customer verification via NIDAS, boosting KYC and financial access. Education & Youth: Filipino students won medals in the Philippines’ debut at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence. Public Accountability: A Quezon City forum highlighted that the VP impeachment trial is meant for all Filipinos, not just partisan loyalties.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: NUJP says it has logged about 260 attacks on the press under Marcos Jr., with over 180 hitting workers from local newspapers, radio, alternative and campus outlets—smaller groups that often have fewer protections. Disaster Risk, Business Planning: SM Investments and Phivolcs signed up for GeoRiskPH tools so hazard and risk data can guide property development and long-term investment decisions. Mangrove Protection Pushback: Oceana and allies urged DENR to suspend mangrove earth-balling/relocation, warning it can kill up to 80% of trees and weaken natural coastal defenses. Health Policy on Vapes: Health advocates want lawmakers to tax vape products at P80 or higher, saying current proposals won’t stop youth access and addiction. Food Security Watch: USDA estimates 15.4 million Filipinos will face food insecurity this year, highlighting a widening gap between local food supply and demand. Local Politics in Cavite: Dasmariñas Mayor Jenny Barzaga won the special election for Cavite’s 4th district, keeping the seat in the Barzaga family after her son Kiko was expelled.

Public Integrity & Disinformation: The House prosecution team warned Filipinos to ignore fake news tied to the Senate impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte, saying foreign malign influence operations are increasingly piggybacking on local controversies and even flood-control issues. Labor & Cost of Living: Sen. Joel Villanueva pushed for a legislated living wage after a court restraining order stalled NCR Wage Order No. 27 that would have raised the minimum wage from ₱755 to ₱840 a day. Ombudsman Watch: The Ombudsman spokesperson questioned Sen. Loren Legarda’s repeated medical leave extensions amid an ongoing probe involving her son’s solar projects. Local Governance & Funds: The League of Municipalities of the Philippines backed the 2027 Local Government Support Fund of ₱58.32B, saying DBM safeguards aim to prevent political favoritism. Energy & Renewables: The DOE and PNOC signed an MOA to speed offshore wind land lease processing, targeting offshore wind auctions by December and scaling clean energy to 35% by 2030. Sports & QC Interest: New QCPD chief assumes command at Camp Crame, while Gilas Pilipinas staged a late comeback win over Jordan with CJ Perez’s clutch scoring.

Education & Youth: The Philippines bagged a 100% medal haul in its debut at the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence in Astana, winning 1 silver and 3 bronzes, led by PSHS-Calabarzon’s Theo Lorenzo T. Bustamante. Anti-Graft Watch: Ombudsman officials raised doubts over Sen. Loren Legarda’s repeated “serious illness” medical leave extensions, while separate graft complaints target Surigao del Norte Rep. Lalo Matugas and his son over an allegedly unfinished P80.61M road project. Food Security: Sen. Loren Legarda said hunger is still high despite a drop in SWS figures, with 1 in 5 families experiencing involuntary hunger and Mindanao worst hit. Agriculture & Data: The DA soft-launches two livestock data systems (AMIS and LRS) to improve monitoring and disease response, as agri producer prices fell 11.7% in Q2. Economy & Markets: The peso hit a new record low near ₱62.265:$1 and the PSEi slid below 6,000 amid rate-hike worries; BSP expects August inflation to stay above target. Energy & Transport: DOE pushes offshore wind rollout with PNOC support, while CAB raised fuel surcharges again—though pump prices may see a rollback of up to ₱4/L on Sept. 1. Business & Governance: SEC warned the public about a fake Bestloan agent using falsified contracts and advance-fee scams.

Nepal-Tibet Floods: The death toll from flash floods along the Nepal-Tibet border climbed past 540, with hundreds still missing as rescue efforts resumed; the EU pledged €2m in aid. Economy & Markets: The peso slid to a fresh record low around ₱62 per $1, while the PSEi fell below 6,000 amid BSP rate-hike worries and weaker growth signals. Inflation & Food Security: A new SWS multidimensional hunger snapshot showed hunger easing nationally but still hitting 1 in 5 families, with Mindanao worst; lawmakers urged fixing real costs, not just poverty numbers. Agriculture: The DA is soft-launching new livestock data systems (AMIS and LRS) to improve disease response and planning, while Benguet monsoon rains reportedly caused hundreds of millions in vegetable losses. Energy Transition: DOE and PNOC moved to secure land and coastal access for offshore wind support infrastructure ahead of a major auction; ACEN and Yanara also secured ₱2.3B for a 75MW solar farm in Pangasinan. Justice & Rights: UN experts again urged the release of detained journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and other activists, calling the detention arbitrary; meanwhile, SC allowed electronic service of bouncing-check notices. Local Governance/Corruption: LRA is probing land titles tied to alleged illegal Taguig reclamation, and Ombudsman cases continue involving DPWH-linked projects. Education: DepEd is expanding its ARAL reading recovery program after an impact evaluation showed fewer struggling readers and more grade-level proficiency.

Inflation Fight & Markets: The BSP raised its key rate by 25 bps to 5% as inflation cools but stays above target, pushing the peso to a fresh record low near ₱61.888:$1 and dragging the PSEi down toward the 6,000 level. Airfare Watch: The CAB set fuel surcharge Level 13 for Sept. 1–15, meaning higher allowable add-ons for domestic and international flights. Waste Management Push: DILG chief Jonvic Remulla wants amendments to the Local Government Code to shift garbage collection into regional, more efficient programs. Budget & Governance: Lawmakers and business groups are pressing for transparency in the 2027 P7.2-trillion budget, while concerns also swirl around funding for GOCCs and agencies like PCO and IBC-13. Disaster Resilience: Project NOAH got a P1-billion boost for better hazard mapping and equipment, but researchers say more support is needed to reach more LGUs. Renewables & Energy Security: PNB backed a solar-plus-battery project in Iloilo, while EastWest eyes about P9B via a stock rights offering to fund expansion. Local Economy & Food Prices: Monsoon rains hit Benguet vegetable farms hard, with large farm losses that can ripple into Metro Manila prices. Justice & Rights: A UN working group backed claims of arbitrary detention in a Tacloban case, renewing calls for releases. Education & Inclusion: PSA’s first Multidimensional Poverty Index shows 12.4% of households face multiple deprivations beyond income, highlighting gaps in health, education, housing, and jobs.

Budget Watch: House leaders filed the ₱7.2-trillion 2027 budget bill, a 3,532-page measure now under scrutiny as lawmakers weigh slower growth, inflation risks, and climate threats. Public Works & Accountability: Senate finance chief JV Ejercito urged tighter transparency and warned against last-minute budget insertions amid flood-control controversies. Disaster Readiness: UP Resilience Institute’s NOAH Center secured ₱1 billion to expand hazard mapping and flood modeling to improve decisions before disasters hit. Monetary Policy: BSP raised rates to 5% for the third time, citing oil volatility, El Niño risks, and possible wage-driven inflation. Economy Outlook: AMRO cut growth forecasts, projecting 3.4% for 2026 as weak consumption and investment persist. Local Governance: DILG chief Jonvic Remulla pushed amendments to the Local Government Code to unify waste management by region for better efficiency. Education Funding: DBM released ₱9.75 billion for Free Higher Education shortfalls for SUCs, while CHEd warned its 2027 budget was cut nearly in half in the NEP. Election Rules: Comelec warned BARMM candidates on unlawful campaigning and vote-buying, saying it can disqualify or suspend proclamations. Digital Inclusion: PSA and GCash expanded National ID registration to help unbanked Filipinos access digital financial services.