AGP Executive Report

Impeachment Watch: Vice President Sara Duterte’s Senate trial starts July 6, with four Articles covering alleged misuse of confidential funds, unexplained wealth and SALN issues, bribery/procurement irregularities tied to DepEd, and alleged threats against President Marcos Jr. and family—Senators set 92 trial days. Courtroom Procedure: Sen. Panfilo Lacson says the impeachment court should return the sealed BIR “green box” to the House prosecution panel, arguing courts should not unseal or hold evidence. Politics & Protests: The prosecution warns of a wave of disinformation as the trial begins, while Palace spokesperson Claire Castro faced heckling in Canada over political demands. Local Governance: Quezon City readers get a Manila angle as Isko Moreno leads cash aid distribution for District 3 under the Kaagapay program. Economy & Policy: Malacañang stresses the World Bank’s upper-middle-income upgrade doesn’t erase hardship for ordinary Filipinos. Environment & Resilience: DA/PhilRice plan higher-quality, higher-yield seeds for farmers as El Niño looms, with a temporary rice import halt to stabilize prices. Quezon City Relevance: PSE elects new directors including an AI-focused expert, signaling more tech-driven reforms for trading platforms.

Ombudsman Case: Ombudsman Jesus Remulla filed a plunder case at the Sandiganbayan against Sen. Rodante Marcoleta and three others over alleged P75M campaign-related donations, with Marcoleta also facing charges under PD 46 on gifts—he denies wrongdoing and says the money came from private funds. Anti-Terror Push: Human rights groups renewed calls to repeal the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Terrorism Financing law, saying they’ve been used to silence critics and lead to arrests and detentions. QC/PNP Crackdown: CIDG said it arrested three alleged LTO fixers in Manila and Quezon City in entrapment ops, including alleged “fast” permit processing for a higher fee. El Niño Prep: PAGASA warned severe El Niño could last until 2027; government said it’s accelerating irrigation and water projects to protect farmers. Farm Support: DA/PhilRice said it will prioritize higher-quality, higher-yield seeds to boost incomes, with timing tied to the 2027 wet season. Competition Law: PCC fined Boracay scuba group BBASS and 39 members P2.17M for price fixing. Health Tech: St. Luke’s QC introduced TrueBeam Edge radiotherapy, billed as a first-in-Philippines precision cancer-care upgrade. Sports & Culture: UP Visayas and UP Press launched Panay’s Sugidanon epics; Filipino wrestler Chelsea Marie is profiled as she breaks into international shows.

Digital Fees Cut: Banks and e-wallets have until July 4 to lower electronic transfer fees under BSP Circular 1238, with RCBC making InstaPay transfers free on Pulz (first 30 per month) and DiskarTech (unlimited up to P50,000). Anti-Corruption Drive: CIDG arrested three alleged LTO fixers in Manila and Quezon City in entrapment ops, charging them with fast-tracking permits for higher fees. Competition Watch: The Philippine Competition Commission fined Boracay scuba group BBASS and members P2.17M for price fixing, ordering them to stop enforcing minimum prices. Politics & Justice: The Ombudsman filed a plunder case vs Sen. Rodante Marcoleta plus anti-gift law cases, while INC ended its 3-day rally after QC revoked its permit. Climate & Food Security: Pagasa said El Niño conditions are present and could last until 2027; government is accelerating irrigation and water projects. Energy & Trade: Marcos and Canada’s Carney signed agreements on energy, labor, tourism, and culture during the PH leader’s Canada visit. Education & Innovation: The Philippines won medals at the first Asia-Pacific Olympiad in AI, marking a historic sixth-place tie.

Philippines-Canada Strategic Partnership: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Canadian PM Mark Carney elevated ties to a strategic partnership in Vancouver, with plans for a Canada-Philippines free trade push plus deeper cooperation on energy (including nuclear), critical minerals, defense, cyber, maritime security, and tourism. Upper-Middle-Income Milestone: Marcos said the World Bank upgrade to upper-middle income is a “vote of confidence,” but local economists warn the real test is turning the status into higher productivity and better-paying jobs. Heat and Farm Work: In Isabela, farmers are shifting planting to midnight to avoid dangerous heat, citing dehydration and heat-stroke risks. PhilHealth Fight: Health groups opposed a proposal to link PhilHealth benefits to contribution levels, warning it could create “polarization” between direct and indirect contributors. INC Rally Fallout: The Iglesia ni Cristo ended its three-day protest in Manila after QC revoked its permit, while lawmakers and church leaders continue to press for accountability amid the looming plunder case. Payments Update: QR Ph’s national QR standard is now driving 55% of PayMongo merchant payment volume in H1 2026, reflecting a major shift from cards and e-wallets toward QR-based transactions. Energy for Visayas: AboitizPower broke ground on a 60-MW Naga battery energy storage system to boost grid reliability in Cebu and the wider Visayas.

Minimum Wage Push Beyond NCR: Cavite Rep. Jolo Revilla backs Metro Manila’s P85 daily wage hike as “long overdue,” but says nearby regions like Calabarzon face similar inflation pressures and should get wider adjustments too. UMIC Milestone, Inequality Doubts: The World Bank upgraded the Philippines to upper-middle-income status, with Malacañang calling it a “vote of confidence,” while QC-area lawmakers argue it’s “largely meaningless” without household-level gains amid a widening rich-poor gap. INC Rally Fallout in QC: The Iglesia ni Cristo rally at EDSA/near Liwasang Bonifacio is set to continue “as long as it takes,” after QC revoked the permit citing traffic and public order; critics question why Manila funds food for protesters while Marcoleta faces a looming plunder case. Juvenile Justice Review: Sen. Risa Hontiveros opposes lowering the age of criminal responsibility but supports reviewing the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act to strengthen diversion programs for children. Climate Reality for Farmers: Heat is pushing some rice workers to start planting after midnight in Isabela, showing how extreme weather is reshaping daily labor. Clark Wastewater Expansion: Clark breaks ground on a 10MLD wastewater facility to support growth and protect public health.

Quezon City Politics & Rule of Law: Malacañang said it won’t stop Iglesia ni Cristo rallies on EDSA, but warned they must not violate the law or be used for destabilization, as the group weighs extending its protest in support of Sen. Rodante Marcoleta amid his looming plunder case. QC Protest Scrutiny: Civil society groups behind the “Trillion Peso March” questioned why tens of thousands are needed to defend Marcoleta, arguing it could undermine impartial enforcement of the law. Impeachment Watch: Former Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers said the Senate may tackle the vote threshold issue “at the appropriate time” in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. Tacloban Tragedy Aid: President Marcos extended ₱1M to Tacloban school shooting victims’ families—₱150,000 each for three fatalities and ₱50,000 each for 18 injured students—on top of other agency support. Health & Food Policy: A CKD story highlights how high-salt food culture is worsening health outcomes, with calls for a national sodium reformulation policy to make healthier choices easier. Economy Milestone: The World Bank upgraded the Philippines to upper-middle-income status, citing record 2025 GNI per capita.

Quezon City Politics & Justice: Malacañang said it will not stop Iglesia ni Cristo rallies but warned they must not violate the law or be used for destabilization, as the group backs Sen. Rodante Marcoleta amid an impending plunder case. Impeachment Watch: The House prosecution panel adviser said it may seek to lower the vote threshold for conviction in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, with the issue possibly reaching the Supreme Court. Local Public Safety: A Tacloban school shooting response update: Marcos extended P150,000 to each family of three slain students and P50,000 to each of 18 injured students, separate from other agency aid. Metro Manila Economy: DOLE approved a P85 NCR minimum wage hike in two tranches starting July 19, drawing both praise and skepticism. Human Rights & Diplomacy: The Philippines renewed its call for Myanmar to release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners after reports the junta rejected an ASEAN envoy meeting request. Business & Trade: Philippine manufacturing activity improved again in June, but business confidence slid to a five-month low as firms stay wary of cost pressures.

Minimum Wage Push in NCR: The DOLE approved a “historic” P85 daily minimum wage hike for Metro Manila under Wage Order NCR-27, split into P60 on July 19 and P25 on Jan. 20, benefiting over 1.1 million workers—though teachers and labor groups called it grossly inadequate against rising prices. INC Rally, QC Traffic Disruption: Thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo members rallied along Edsa in Quezon City to back Sen. Rodante Marcoleta amid looming plunder charges, triggering road closures and clashes; Malacañang said the President will proceed with his Canada trip and police should show maximum tolerance. Plunder Case Update: Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the Marcoleta plunder resolution is still in final stages and filing may follow soon, while he noted plunder can involve private funds. Child Safety Online Bill: House Bill 9965 proposes fines up to P50 million for platforms that fail child online safety rules and allows temporary restriction or prohibition after repeated serious violations. Health Coverage Expansion: PhilHealth will expand its leptospirosis benefit package starting July 15, with coverage up to over P400,000 for qualified moderate-to-severe cases needing critical care. Energy Financing: The World Bank approved a $1B loan to expand affordable, reliable power and boost water security, including reforms to scale renewable energy and offshore wind auctions.

Children’s Online Safety Push: The House filed HB 9965, the Children’s Social Media Safety Act, proposing fines up to ₱50 million for platforms that won’t follow child online safeguards like age checks, parental controls, and harmful-content protections—plus possible temporary access limits or shutdowns after repeated serious violations. Impeachment Court Fight: Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano’s minority bloc asked the Supreme Court to rule on the June 3 “rump session,” warning unresolved issues could affect the upcoming impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte and waste public funds. EDSA Rally Disrupts QC Commuters: Thousands of Iglesia ni Cristo members rallied in Quezon City and Manila to back Sen. Rodante Marcoleta amid plunder and indirect bribery charges, triggering road closures and heavy traffic; Malacañang said Marcos respects assembly but won’t tolerate “abuse” of freedoms. Minimum Wage Update: DOLE announced Metro Manila’s minimum wage will rise by ₱85 daily, with ₱60 effective July 19 and ₱25 in January, lifting the non-agri rate to ₱780 once fully implemented. QC Water Billing Clarification: Maynilad said the “semi-business” billing for Smile Citihomes in Quezon City isn’t permanent and residents can apply for separate residential connections for the residential portion. Energy & Inflation Watch: BSP expects June inflation to settle at 6%–7% as oil and some food prices ease, while electricity and vegetables may still push costs up. Cebu IT-BPM Outlook: AI is seen as shifting Cebu’s IT-BPM work toward higher-value customer experience roles, not replacing people but changing the skills needed.

Immigration Crackdown: Ten foreigners were arrested in Siargao, Surigao del Norte for overstaying and working without proper documents, with cases including Israeli nationals and a Moroccan declared an undesirable alien. Impeachment Trial Timeline: The Senate impeachment court for VP Sara Duterte approved 92 trial days and 17 witnesses, with hearings set to start July 6. Anti-Dynasty Push: Sen. Robin Padilla urged passage of his “toughest” anti-political dynasty bill, saying the Constitution’s ban still lacks an implementing law. Children’s Online Safety: House Speaker Dy and Majority Leader Marcos filed a Children’s Social Media Safety Act to curb cyberbullying, harmful content, exploitation, and addiction risks for minors. Local Aid to Mindanao: Marcos turned over P453.8M in assistance to barangays in Sulu and Zamboanga provinces to expand essential services. Tourism Sustainability: Agoda and GSTC marked the Sustainable Tourism Academy’s 3,000-user milestone, while PATA released a mid-year forecast showing Asia-Pacific visitor arrivals continuing to rebound. BSP External Sector Watch: BSP expects the balance of payments deficit to stay elevated through 2027 amid energy-price pressures and tighter global conditions.

Digital Payments: BPI will make InstaPay and PESONet interbank transfers permanently free starting July 1, after BSP lifted its fee freeze—expected to benefit over 9.5 million BPI digital users. Quezon City & Water Costs: Maynilad says it reclassified Smile Citihomes Condominium’s water account from residential to semi-business under MWSS rules, triggering higher bills and sparking resident complaints in Quezon City. Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court can subpoena reluctant witnesses, including the punched former court sheriff, as prosecutors argue testimony can’t be refused. Politics & Reform: Sen. Robinhood Padilla pushes an anti-political dynasty bill, calling it the strictest bid to implement the 1987 constitutional ban. Education: A PIDS-UNFPA study warns nearly 1 in 4 Filipino adolescents fall behind academically by age 18, tied to early-life poverty, malnutrition, and child labor. Economy & Markets: The PSEi rose for a third straight day as oil concerns eased and the peso strengthened. Foreign Policy: China again rejected Japan-Philippines maritime talks, saying its actions around Taiwan are “legitimate.”

Quezon City Pride: Quezon City hosted its Pride parade with about 300,000 revelers in Belmonte-led festivities pushing for LGBTQIA+ equal rights, while local voices also urged a more critical look at how Pride is framed and protected. Anti-corruption push: Thousands marched in Manila demanding accountability for alleged corruption in government projects, especially flood-control deals, as police deployed nearly 10,000 personnel to secure the event. West Philippine Sea tensions: The DND hit back at China’s latest remarks over the 2016 arbitral ruling, calling the Chinese Embassy’s stance “insincere” and “duplicity.” Economy watch: The BSP said the current account deficit widened to $5.3B in Q1 2026, and it also revised outlooks as external pressures and debt repayments weigh on the peso and growth. Housing and loans: BSP data showed residential property prices rose 5.6% in Q1, led by Metro Manila, but tighter lending still dampened demand. Local water alarm: QC condo residents in Barangay Kaligayahan protested a Maynilad disconnection notice tied to nearly P1.3M in unpaid bills, demanding answers from management. Press freedom concerns: Separate reporting highlighted falling public trust in news and warnings that laws are being used against journalists, adding to the pressure on media rights.

Quezon City Politics & Governance: About 3,000 Negrenses launched the “Risa Na” movement in Bacolod to back Sen. Risa Hontiveros for a 2028 presidential bid, with supporters citing her integrity and rejecting political dynasties. Local Public Services: Residents of Smile Citihomes Condominium in Quezon City said Maynilad issued a disconnection notice over nearly ₱1.3M in unpaid bills despite claiming they’re current, prompting a protest and calls for the board’s resignation. Energy & Climate: Camarines Sur Gov. LRay Villafuerte backed a DILG directive to speed up LGU processing of renewable energy projects, limiting steps and replacing LONO with a standard RONO. Security & Trade Compliance: CIDG seized P6M worth of imported e-bike batteries and chargers in Pampanga for lacking ICC stickers, while the Bureau of Customs said it will coordinate agencies over alleged US e-waste shipments to Subic. Health & Youth Protection: Medical groups warned against unsupervised social media use for children 16 and below, urging parent/guardian co-management and boundaries. Corruption Watch: PRC suspended physician Lorraine Badoy-Partosa for six months over past “red-tagging” remarks against healthcare workers, citing bad faith and malice.

2027 Budget Push: The Marcos administration asked Congress to fund a proposed ₱7.2-trillion national budget for 2027, about ₱407 billion higher than 2026, as DBM warned of tight fiscal space and pressures from mandatory spending. Ube Industry Plan: Government moves to formalize the Philippine ube sector with a proposed steering committee and technical working group to set standards, harmonize quality rules, and reduce regulatory gaps hurting exports. Metro Manila Waste Safety: Experts warned that the April 10 Navotas landfill fire may leave long-lasting air pollution risks, with methane buildup cited as a likely cause. Medical Practice Suspension: PRC suspended physician Lorraine Badoy-Partosa for remarks that “red-tagged” health workers without proof. Minors, Social Media Debate: Pediatric groups urged against unsupervised social media use for kids 16 and below, calling for parent/guardian co-management. OFW Support: A new OFW lounge opened at MCIA, offering welfare services, Wi-Fi, charging, and assistance for departing workers. Impeachment Court Call: In Sara Duterte’s impeachment case, the Senate impeachment court will decide whether a former Davao sheriff can be excused from testifying. Wildlife Update: Tamaraws in Mounts Iglit-Baco rose 12% in 2026, with 425 counted in the core zone.

AI & Supply Chains: The Philippines joined 34 other economies in signing a Pax Silica declaration backing “pro-growth, pro-innovation” AI rules and secure supply chains for semiconductors, critical minerals, and advanced manufacturing. Local Governance & Rights: Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman said more LGUs are passing anti-discrimination ordinances for LGBTQIA+ residents, even as a national law remains stuck in Congress. Sports Governance: The FIVB set conditions for reinstating the suspended PNVF, including settling unpaid coach salaries, adopting a conflict-of-interest policy, and aligning the domestic league calendar with international rules. Public Service Tech: DOST-ASTICON 2026 highlighted AI and data-driven governance projects like GATES, while civil servants discussed balancing AI efficiency with public interest. Environment & Wildlife: Scientists reported the Philippine eagle’s exceptionally low genetic diversity, raising extinction risk; DENR also said tamaraw numbers in Mounts Iglit-Baco rose 12% to 425. Volcano Watch: Mayon kept erupting for a 173rd straight day under Alert Level 3, with lava flows, rockfalls, and a 1,000-meter plume. Elections & Democracy: Sen. Robin Padilla pushed a Hybrid Election System bill for 2028 to speed canvassing while keeping manual voting and precinct-level counting. Quezon City Community Note: Organizers reiterated the June 28 White Ribbon March at the People Power Monument will stay non-partisan and non-political.

Workplace Well-Being: Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2026 says Filipino workers are the most stressed in Southeast Asia, with 50% reporting stress “a lot of the day,” plus the highest daily sadness and anger—yet Filipinos also top the region in job engagement. Sports Safety: The PNP-CIDG recommended hazing charges over the deaths of two Ateneo players after a team activity in Aurora, urging DOJ review of the Anti-Hazing Act. Public Accountability: President Marcos unveiled a digital transparency platform to let Filipinos track government fund spending, alongside an updated PFM reforms roadmap. Politics & Due Process: In the VP Sara Duterte impeachment proceedings, lawmakers and prosecutors spar over whether to open the BIR documents “box,” with calls to establish the identity behind “Mary Grace Piattos.” Food Security & Health: Negros Oriental imposed an ASF-related ban on hogs and pork from affected areas, with quarantine checkpoints and a reactivated task force. Local Tech & Research: DOST-ASTI pushed AI and data-driven governance at ASTICON 2026, highlighting projects like geospatial analytics for government decision-making. Tourism Deals: DOT launched a new portal for vetted, discounted travel offers to help travelers avoid scams. Entertainment: The Mayweather-Pacquiao rematch was postponed indefinitely, with an earliest possible fight now eyed for early 2027.