AGP Executive Report

Public Trust in Anti-Corruption: A new SWS survey shows 52% of Filipinos agree they “cannot do anything” to reduce government corruption, with Metro Manila posting the weakest net disagreement score at -37. 2028 Polls Watch: OCTA says the hypothetical Sara-Robin tandem leads nationally by 12 points (48% vs 36% for Leni-Bam), though 16% remain undecided. Quezon City Legal Spotlight: Actress Kim Chiu attended the arraignment of her sister Lakambini “Lakam” Chiu in Quezon City over 124 counts of qualified theft tied to alleged misuse of corporate funds. Digital Safety: DICT and the NBI lifted Discord’s temporary ban after the platform committed to stronger child-safety and anti-extremism protocols. Energy & Transport: DOE expects diesel prices to roll back by up to P8 per liter by end-September, while EV support is set to jump as DBM seeks nearly P229M for 2027. Climate Risk: Researchers warn “Super El Niño” could add about 6,500 heat-related deaths in the Philippines. Disaster Resilience: OCD-10 awarded gold recognitions to 13 Bukidnon LGUs for disaster risk reduction and response programs.

Digital Safety & Accountability: DICT says it’s still pushing Meta to sign a child-safety MOU, warning that repeated failure to agree could lead to cases; meanwhile, the temporary ban on Discord has been lifted after the platform pledged stronger child-protection and anti-extremism steps, and lawmakers are also urging better funding for DOJ and NBI cybercrime units. Energy & Infrastructure: A lawmaker criticized delays in reopening the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, while DPWH withholds ₱14M in retention from a flood-control contractor in Oriental Mindoro over alleged substandard work. Transport & Public Service: LTFRB assistance is helping modern jeepney operators sustain routes amid fuel pressures, and PNP is looking to roll out a technology-based rapid alert system for school emergencies. Health & Social Policy: CPD calls for wider access to family planning as fertility hits a historic low, and experts highlight personalized medicine amid gaps in available drugs. Politics & Governance: The Senate impeachment court’s lowered voting threshold remains in effect unless the Supreme Court issues a TRO, and questions keep swirling around OVP disaster-relief documentation. Climate Risk: Pagasa warns a very strong El Niño could last into mid-2027, urging immediate mitigation.

Metro Manila Subway Progress: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected the Quezon Avenue station breakthrough for the Metro Manila Subway Project, saying excavation is now done up to the southbound portion of North Avenue and tunnel boring continues toward East Avenue. Impeachment Update: The Senate impeachment court lowered the vote threshold to convict VP Sara Duterte, counting the two-thirds requirement only from senator-judges able to participate—cutting the needed votes from 16 to 14. Fuel Smuggling Crackdown: The government advanced a PPP to modernize the fuel marking program, securing P19.16 million for technical and transaction advisory support. Digital Lending Protection: Quezon City Rep. Patrick Michael Vargas filed a bill to strengthen SEC powers against abusive online lending and rogue debt collection. Education Policy Debate: A think tank warned CHED’s higher education “reframing” could weaken jobs-ready skills and civic formation, even as CHED pushed the rollout to 2028. Social Welfare Access: DSWD expanded its Pamilya sa Bagong Pilipinas hubs in SM malls, using PhilSys for faster profiling and referrals. Climate Alert: A new study projects “super El Niño” could add about 451,000 heat-related deaths worldwide through February, with the Philippines among the hardest hit. Big Finance Watch: The Bureau of the Treasury plans to raise at least P30 billion from a new retail Treasury bond offering, while Mynt’s GCash owner lined up 20+ cornerstone investors for a potentially record-setting IPO.

Metro Manila Subway Progress: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected the Metro Manila Subway Project’s Quezon Avenue station, where a tunnel boring machine has finished about 1.1 km of excavation and work continues toward East Avenue. Fuel Smuggling Crackdown: The government advanced a PPP to modernize the fuel marking program after securing P19.16M in technical and transaction advisory support to strengthen anti-smuggling and tax enforcement. Housing Tax Relief Talk: Malacañang said Marcos is inclined to suspend real property tax hikes after private firms raised concerns that higher valuations could burden homeowners, with DOF action reportedly underway. Impeachment Court Stakes: Defense counsel warned that lowering the vote threshold in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment could trigger constitutional knock-on effects, while prosecutors also raised questions on how absent senator-judges should be handled. Transport Oversight: Sen. Win Gatchalian pushed for a comprehensive audit of DOTr infrastructure and technical support projects, citing delays and P139M in commitment fees tied to unused foreign-funded loans. El Niño Health Warning: A new study projects “Super El Niño” could add about 451,000 heat-related deaths worldwide by February 2027, with the Philippines among the affected countries and calls for cooling centers and heat protections. Digital Inclusion at UN: Mynt CEO Martha Sazon brought the Philippines’ financial inclusion push to a UN summit, citing rising formal account ownership and the need to expand access to credit. Cervical Cancer Policy Push: Rep. Cielo Krisel Lagman backed stronger HPV prevention efforts, urging that vaccination and screening policies be matched by real uptake and reliable health information.

Impeachment Watch: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian pressed SEC officials on Day 28 of VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment, questioning how her wealth rose despite linked firms reporting losses and no dividends, while prosecutors also pushed Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte to explain GenCorp interests and contracts tied to City Hall. Fuel Relief & Taxes: Finance Secretary Frederick Go signed a resolution removing excise taxes on LPG and kerosene, as lawmakers renewed calls to extend relief to diesel and other fuel products amid rising prices. Asylum Status Clarified: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla admitted he was wrong—Harry Roque’s asylum bid is still “in limbo,” not denied. Electricity Costs: A Senate bill to remove system loss charges from consumers reached the floor, aiming to shift costs to distribution utilities and tighten ERC vetting. Power, Water, and Rules: Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano accused the Philippine Reclamation Authority of “selective justice” in enforcing reclamation rules, and a separate measure to remove system loss charges advanced. QC-Related Public Works: MMDA chief Don Artes met Megawide on the Quezon City Integrated Terminal Exchange plans. Health & Diagnostics: Maya enabled online payments for RITM quality-assurance fees, easing collections for thousands of labs. Climate & Safety: A study warns El Nino-driven heat could add nearly half a million deaths worldwide, while fact-checkers said there were no reported fatalities during Sept. 21 Martial Law anniversary protests. Trade & Growth: The EU and Philippines moved closer on a free trade deal, while ADB raised Korea’s 2026 growth forecast to 3.2% on AI exports and warned Asia faces sustained inflation pressure.

Impeachment Watch: Malacañang said no one is above the law as SEC records show VP Sara Duterte stayed a director/shareholder of Metro City Chow Foods after taking office, while the Senate impeachment trial continues with SEC official Gerardo del Rosario facing cross-examination. Due Diligence in Trial: Prosecutors argued Davao Mayor Baste Duterte’s claim of ignorance about Sara’s GenCorp links is a “confession” showing lack of due diligence. School Safety & Online Risks: The NTC blocked two websites allegedly used by “groomers” to push minors toward real-world violence, as lawmakers push a broader school safety framework. Power Bills: A Senate bill aims to remove “system loss” charges from electricity bills by requiring ERC vetting of prudent costs. OFW Border Fee: Immigration experts warned a proposed BI border fee could hit nearly two million returning OFWs. Trade Deal: The EU and Philippines announced a “substantial agreement” on a free trade pact, targeting tariff cuts on most goods. Local Governance Budget: ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio criticized a proposed 2027 FALGU allocation as “President’s LGU pork.” ASEAN Digital Push: ASEAN eyes signing a digital economy pact at a November Manila summit.

Sara Duterte Impeachment: SEC director Gerardo del Rosario testified that VP Sara Duterte stayed a director and 20% stakeholder of Metro City Chow Foods Corp. even after taking office, and her compensation committee role could violate the Constitution; defense lawyers cross-examine her business links as the trial enters Day 28. School Safety & Online Threats: After a deadly Banga National High School shooting, the NTC blocked two websites allegedly used by “groomers” to push minors toward real-world violence; Interior and PNP chiefs urged tighter controls and a “culture of security” in schools. OVP Budget in Focus: Duterte skipped House budget deliberations for her office’s 2027 funding request of P785.2M, while lawmakers keep probing her spending amid the Senate impeachment. Economy Mood: SWS found 33% of Filipinos expect the economy to improve in the next 12 months, with net economic optimism rebounding to “fair.” Energy & Costs: DOE said fuel prices may rise again but won’t return to pre-war levels; Visayas power woes drew DOE criticism after yellow/red grid alerts. Trade Deal: EU and the Philippines reached “substantial agreement” on a free-trade deal, aiming to finalize talks soon. Agriculture: DA backed a P210/kilo hog floor as a target but said it lacks legal authority for a mandatory price floor. Environment: Coastal cleanup efforts recovered over 466,000 kg of trash nationwide.

Fuel Watch: DOE says fuel hikes are coming but won’t spiral like the US-Iran war spike last March; Energy Sec. Sharon Garin expects gasoline up by over P4/liter, diesel by over P8, kerosene by at least P6, while ruling out another P20-per-liter weekly jump. Hog Prices: DA backs a proposed P210/kilo live hog floor price as a target, but says it can’t impose it without a law; it’s instead weighing pork tariff and safeguard duty moves and tighter checks on imported meat. Workplace Safety vs Smoke: DOLE orders employers to use air-quality advisories and risk controls, including ventilation/filtration, rescheduling outdoor work, and PPE during very unhealthy conditions. QC Digital Services: Quezon City’s QC iReport hit an 82% resolution rate (4,580 of 5,589) with a 99% response rate as of Aug. 31, letting residents track non-emergency complaints online. Martial Law Commemoration: Metro Manila marks the 54th anniversary with major rallies and class suspensions; groups call for “Never Again” action, while police deploy thousands and use body cameras. Sara Duterte Trial: SEC testimony continues on Duterte’s business interests and constitutional conflict-of-interest questions as prosecutors push through corporate records.

Impeachment Watch: The House prosecution panel in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial withdrew CSC Assistant Commissioner Ariel Ronquillo as a witness, saying prior testimony already covered SALN-related points, while the Senate court prepares for more corporate and procurement record scrutiny, including an SEC official set to authenticate Duterte’s declared business interests and SALNs showing her net worth rising from about P7.25M (2007) to over P98M (2025). Martial Law Commemoration: Manila and Malacañang tightened security for the 54th anniversary, with in-person classes suspended and a lockdown affecting access to key areas as thousands of groups plan marches and rallies, including calls for transparency and accountability. Anti-Dynasty Push: The Supreme Court urged Congress to extend the political dynasty ban up to the fourth civil degree, saying limiting coverage below that level could be counterproductive. School Safety & Violence: Duterte blamed the Marcos administration for school shootings, including a South Cotabato incident that killed three students, while a Quezon congressman filed a bill requiring social media platforms to secure congressional franchises. South China Sea Tensions: Manila and Beijing traded blame after a collision involving a Philippine fisheries vessel and a China Coast Guard ship near Palawan, raising fears of escalation. Public Health Payments: Malacañang ordered DOH to fast-track Maifip claims after complaints of delays, with P27.4B released for indigent medical assistance. Regional Trade Moves: ASEAN members agreed to provisionally implement an upgraded trade pact (ATIGA protocol) early, and ASEAN and the US endorsed a new 2026–2027 TIFA work plan.

Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court heard fresh arguments on how many votes are needed to convict Vice President Sara Duterte, while prosecutors pressed on Article II by using her SALNs, including testimony that her declared net worth rose by P91.4M (1,260.7%) from 2007 to 2025, and they moved to line up witnesses such as Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. Martial Law Anniversary Security: Malacañang will be under lockdown on Sept. 21 as Manila restricts access and suspends in-person classes ahead of planned protests marking the 54th anniversary of martial law. Health Funding: DBM released P27.4B to the DOH for MAIFIP, and Malacañang ordered faster processing of legitimate claims so indigent patients get care and hospitals keep services running. Trade & Regional Deals: ASEAN economic ministers in Manila pushed deeper cooperation, including provisional rollout of an upgraded ATIGA and steps toward an ASEAN-Digital Economy AI policy, while ASEAN and Japan agreed to study expanding the Japan-ASEAN economic partnership. Local Economy & Jobs: The DA said it’s betting on agri innovation, stronger value chains, and export market expansion; meanwhile, Colliers reported industrial property demand staying resilient, with warehouse vacancy easing. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Cebu confirmed first ASF cases in Ginatilan, triggering checkpoints and strict controls on swine movement. Quezon City Angle: With the martial law anniversary spotlighting press freedom and accountability, the UP Diliman Freedom Memorial Museum project remains stalled eight years after plans were set.

Martial Law Memory in QC: UP Diliman’s long-delayed Freedom Memorial Museum—meant to honor victims of Marcos-era human rights abuses—still hasn’t been built eight years after plans were formalized, with only parts of the site cleared along CP Garcia Avenue. Transport Relief: The DOTr said it will release another round of targeted financial aid for affected drivers under DSWD’s AICS as diesel prices are expected to rise, while toll exemptions and terminal fee waivers continue. Health Funding: DBM released P27.4B to DOH under the MAIFIP program to support indigent and financially incapacitated patients, including major allocations for regional health centers and key specialty hospitals. Impeachment Watch: House prosecutors said they’ll finish presenting evidence on VP Sara Duterte’s ₱98.6M wealth before deciding whether to call her to testify, focusing on SALN comparisons and bank records. ASEAN Trade Push: ASEAN ministers agreed to roll out an upgraded ATIGA trade pact ahead of schedule, letting ready member states apply it provisionally before June 2027. Digital Safety for Investors: The CICC flagged stronger anti-cyber scam efforts as Mynt/GCash’s IPO could bring first-time investors into the market. Local Governance & Accountability: A Cebu Ports Authority chief asked the Ombudsman to reconsider his six-month preventive suspension, citing alleged grave errors in the order.

Impeachment Watch: House prosecutors in Quezon City said they may call Vice President Sara Duterte to testify over alleged discrepancies in her declared ₱98.6M net worth, after they finish presenting evidence and comparing her SALNs with tax filings, salary, business income, and bank records. Transport & Cost of Living: The DOTr said it will run another round of targeted fuel assistance for qualified transport operators and drivers via DSWD’s AICS program, as discussions on possible PUV fare adjustments continue. Politics & Probes: Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano accused Sen. Panfilo Lacson of “prioritizing” Taguig probes and warned others could be targeted, as the two trade barbs over alleged selective justice in flood-control investigations. Governance & Media: The Ombudsman started a preliminary investigation into the Villar family and PrimeWater executives over “grossly disadvantageous” water deals, while media watchdog CMFR announced it will wind down operations by Sept. 30 due to funding issues. ASEAN Economic Push: As ASEAN chair, the Philippines hosted high-level forums focusing on inclusive MSME integration, innovation, and digital transformation ahead of the ASEAN leaders’ summit.

West Philippine Sea Tensions: The DFA said there’s “no justification” for a China Coast Guard vessel to ram the BFAR BRP Datu Magat Salamat during a humanitarian mission off Palawan, after the PCG said the civilian ship was intentionally hit. Metro Manila Education Funding: UP President Angelo Jimenez said the university will push for amendments to its 2027 budget after DBM cut its request, warning delays could worsen for long-stalled Diliman, UP Manila, and Los Baños infrastructure. Public Service Transport: Transport chief Giovanni Lopez urged Senate restoration of Edsa busway funding for 2027, warning commuters would suffer if the system gets zero budget. Anti-Online Harassment: The NBI asked Meta to identify people behind at least 30 social media accounts mocking Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña for disability and sexual orientation. Anti-Graft Watch: The Ombudsman moved Villar family and PrimeWater-related complaints into preliminary investigation over alleged “grossly disadvantageous” water joint venture deals. Media Freedom: CMFR announced it will wind down operations on Sept. 30 due to funding problems. Local Health Support: PCSO donated ₱25.1M in diagnostic equipment to Naga City General Hospital, with Mayor Leni Robredo praising the agency’s non-political aid. Quezon City Angle: UP’s budget fight and DepEd’s push for stronger LGU support for learning gains keep education policy front and center for the capital region.

Impeachment Trial: House impeachment team adviser Ace Barbers rejected VP Sara Duterte camp’s warning that lowering the senator-judge conviction threshold could invite political targeting, calling it speculative and saying each senator’s case should stand on its own. Transport Budget: Transport Secretary Giovanni Lopez urged Senate lawmakers to restore funding for the EDSA bus carousel system, warning commuters would suffer if it stays at zero in the 2027 budget. South China Sea: Fresh claims and counterclaims followed a collision near Palawan involving a Chinese coast guard vessel and a Philippine BFAR ship, with Manila saying it was a humanitarian fuel mission and Beijing alleging provocation. Anti-Dynasty Push: Malacañang said President Marcos backs the Supreme Court directive for Congress to pass an anti-political dynasty law, calling it a priority. Education & LGUs: DepEd said improved 2025 PISA results relied on strong LGU support, citing more than 170 local governments that helped schools prepare. Healthcare & PhilHealth: PhilHealth said it wants to maximize benefits for children and young people with disabilities, including school-based enrollment and eyeglasses packages. Ombudsman Probe: The Ombudsman moved complaints over alleged grossly disadvantageous PrimeWater joint venture deals into preliminary investigation, involving the Villars and others. Cybercrime: The NBI said it is asking Meta to identify accounts allegedly mocking Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña’s disability and sexual orientation. Public Health Research: A study linked leptospirosis spikes to heavy rains and flooding, noting admissions often peak about two weeks after downpours.

Anti-dynasty push: Malacañang backs the Supreme Court’s call for Congress to pass an anti-political dynasty law, saying it remains a priority during President Marcos’ term, as lawmakers face pressure to act “with utmost urgency.” Anti-spying bill: The House approved on final reading a measure modernizing anti-espionage rules, expanding “spying” to cover sharing classified matters and unauthorized access to critical infrastructure and defense assets, with penalties up to life imprisonment without parole. Transport updates: The North-South Commuter Railway’s full operations were moved to 2033, citing fiscal prudence, procurement issues, and right-of-way concerns, while Senate officials also inspected progress on the NSCR and Metro Manila Subway. Power and EVs: DOE targets 7,000 EV charging points before 2028 and is drafting new boarding guidelines for EVs and hybrids after the MV June Aster ferry fire; meanwhile, Lapu-Lapu City asked power regulators to explain rotational brownouts. Public health: A study links leptospirosis spikes to heavy rains and flooding, with cases often peaking about two weeks after storms.

Metro Rail Push: Senate finance chair JV Ejercito and Transportation Sec. Giovanni Lopez inspected the North-South Commuter Railway and Metro Manila Subway sites, saying funding is being checked to avoid delays; full NSCR operations were earlier set for 2032 but moved to 2033, with partial runs starting in 2027 and later phases through 2031. Anti-Dynasty Law: The Supreme Court told Congress it must pass an anti-political dynasty measure, and House Speaker Faustino Dy III called it a congressional priority. Anti-Espionage Overhaul: The House approved on final reading a bill modernizing anti-espionage rules, expanding what counts as spying and setting life imprisonment without parole for violations. EV Safety Rules: After a Palawan ferry fire involving an EV killed at least 77, the DOE urged new boarding guidelines for EVs and hybrids, saying Marina lacks specific rules. Agrifood & Livelihoods: Marcos inspected a Pangasinan food firm pushing fortified products, while BFAR Ilocos distributed 100,000 tilapia fry to boost local fish production. Trade & Diplomacy: A Filipino expert said the China-ASEAN Expo helps deepen economic ties, as China and Davao also signaled plans to expand infrastructure, investment, tourism, and trade.