Day: August 14, 2025

Manila: The prevailing southwest monsoon, known locally as “habagat,” is set to bring rainfall to most parts of the Philippines, as reported by the weather bureau on Thursday. According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) released a bulletin at 4 a.m. indicating that regions including Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region, the Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan, and Davao Oriental will experience scattered rains and thunderstorms. PAGASA has issued a warning that these areas may face moderate to heavy rains, which could lead to flash

Guinobatan: Roads affected by the lahar flow triggered by heavy rains in Guinobatan, Albay are now passable following clearing operations Wednesday. The Department of Public Works and Highways carried out immediate clearing operations after the flash floods and debris flow in Barangay Masarawag near the foot of Mayon Volcano. According to Philippines News Agency, Albay 3rd District Rep. Adrian Salceda stated that they will continue to remain vigilant, as there have been zero reported casualties so far. He added that the roads were passable shortly after the flash flood and food supplies were provided to the affected residents. Cedric Daep,

Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday signed into law Republic Act 12233, or the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act, a measure defining the scope and extent of the judiciary’s fiscal independence as a co-equal branch of government. The new law, signed in a ceremony in Malaca±ang before lawmakers and Supreme Court (SC) officials and personnel, affirms the constitutional provision that the judiciary’s budget cannot be reduced below the previous year’s allocation and must be automatically and regularly released after congressional approval. According to Philippines News Agency, the law allows the Supreme Court to submit its original budget proposal directly

Manila: A think tank has called on the government to remain firm in asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty over the Bajo de Masinloc (also known as Scarborough Shoal), amid China’s latest aggressive acts, which resulted in the collision of its ships. According to Philippines News Agency, Stratbase ADR Institute president Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit urged the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to “stand firm in asserting our sovereign rights and ensuring the safety of our fisherfolk, military, and Coast Guard personnel in our waters.” The think tank likewise denounced the illegal and aggressive actions in Bajo de Masinloc, a Philippine

Manila: The Department of Education (DepEd) announced that it is addressing the ongoing issue of classroom shortages in the Philippines with a focus on urgency and flexibility. According to Philippines News Agency, this statement from DepEd followed concerns raised by lawmakers during a Senate Committee on Basic Education hearing. The discussion included Senate Bill No. 121, which is at the initial stages of the proposed Classroom Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act. Education Secretary Sonny Angara highlighted that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has included a ‘special provision’ for DepEd in the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP). This provision