AGP Executive Report

Impeachment Watch: Day 25 of VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial zeroed in on her SALNs, with Ombudsman records officer Karen Batu testifying that Duterte declared no cash on hand or in bank from 2019 to 2025, while her declared net worth rose from P7.25M (2007) to P98.66M (2025). Wealth Probe Plan: Prosecutors said the P33.35M jump (2021 to 2025) will be checked against tax, bank, SEC, AMLC, and PNP records, including scrutiny of 2022–2025 SALNs. Local Budget Oversight: A House joint oversight committee meant to track 2026 spending still hasn’t convened, even as 2027 budget talks begin. Power Reliability in the Visayas: NGCP issued red/yellow alerts after a 140MW peak-hour shortfall, blaming outages and reduced output. Cost of Living: PSA reported the “shrinking” value of P100 in Central Visayas—August 2026 prices mean P100 buys about what P75 bought in 2018. Energy Transition & Industry: Solar-plus-storage projects keep moving—ib vogt broke ground on a 99MWp Luca plant in Iloilo, while Visayas power gaps test the energy transition. Health & Social Services: DSWD will improve feeding program menus via private-sector recipe support for Batang Nutri-Care. Culture & Environment: Masungi Georeserve rediscovered a rare endemic plant after 130 years, while Caraga prepares its first Cancer Access Site by Nov. 2026. Media & Jobs: ABS-CBN announced layoffs of about 200 employees amid weaker ad revenues.

Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court continued VP Sara Duterte’s trial as retired Sandiganbayan justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang testified that repeated SALN omissions can amount to attempted concealment and dishonesty, with prosecutors also weighing how unexplained wealth checks may include foreign trips and even assets tied to minor children. House Budget Moves: Lawmakers are set to publicly discuss amendments to the proposed 2027 national budget bill as the House takes it to plenary, with a panel meant to keep revisions open to the public. Power Cost Relief: The BIR removed 12% VAT on electricity “system loss charges,” a change expected to lower bills by about 5% to 10% over time. Health Policy: DOH backed proposals to raise excise taxes on sugary drinks, arguing higher rates could cut consumption and reduce health risks. BARMM Polls: PPCRV data showed BFP leading BARMM parliamentary party votes, with UBJP close behind, as Comelec reported high election-day turnout amid violence concerns. Disaster Response: Search and rescue for the M/V June Aster fire in Coron continued as more remains were recovered and identification work went on. QC/Metro Development: Muntinlupa advanced its smart city roadmap to Level 2, aiming to turn plans into implementable programs across city services. Press Freedom Legacy: Journalism icon Eugenia Apostol, founding chair of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, died at 100, remembered for championing truth and press freedom.

Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court opened Article II evidence in VP Sara Duterte’s case, with retired Sandiganbayan justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang saying repeated SALN omissions can amount to attempted concealment and dishonesty, and that unexplained wealth probes can cover assets tied to minor children. Courtroom Politics: Defense and prosecution sparred over witness handling and whether testimony was “for sale,” while the court allowed Cabotaje-Tang to testify despite defense objections. Anti-Corruption & Accountability: House prosecutors said they’ll compare Duterte’s declared wealth with tax, bank, and business records, as the court weighs how far financial disclosures can go under privacy and bank rules. Local Governance Pulse: OCTA reported 64% of Filipinos approve of their district representative’s work, a boost for House Speaker Bojie Dy’s “listen and act” push. Public Safety: PNP said it arrested suspects in alleged PNP “slot-selling” and also nabbed people in a fuel pilferage case in Navotas. Disaster Response: Palawan officials continued aid for M/V June Aster fire survivors and families, including cash assistance and psychological support. Bangsamoro Milestone: BARMM held its first regular parliamentary elections, with early reports of generally peaceful voting but incidents in parts of Cotabato and Basilan.

Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court on Day 24 of VP Sara Duterte’s trial allowed the House prosecution to start presenting its first witness for Article II, as retired Sandiganbayan presiding justice Amparo Cabotaje-Tang is set to explain governing principles on undisclosed and unexplained wealth and prohibited business interests; prosecutors say they will also use SALN, bank, tax, and financial records—over 1,800 documents—within 12 trial days. BARMM Elections: Voting began in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region for its first elected parliament, a major milestone for the peace process, but violence still hit the eve of polls with a shooting in Cotabato City that left 3 dead and 15 wounded; Comelec says voting is proceeding smoothly with expanded security and that results will be posted online. Economy & Peso: President Marcos said the peso’s slide to a record low is driven by inflation and weaker public spending, adding that infrastructure releases were delayed by contract reviews and bidding timelines. Anti-Scam Drive: The PNP intensified action vs scammers impersonating government aid distributors targeting seniors, after reports in Cebu and Aklan where elderly residents were allegedly tricked and robbed. Local Development: The agriculture department is seeking PHP300 million in 2027 funding to boost palm oil production and cut import dependence. Sports: College of St. Benilde opened NCAA Season 102 with a 77-68 win over San Beda, even without its MVP.

BARMM Polls: The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao holds its first parliamentary elections Monday with 2.4M voters and 80 seats up for grabs, as groups urge “secure the ballot, don’t intimidate the voter” amid heightened security. Ferry Fire Aftermath: Authorities say identifying victims from the M/V June Aster blaze that killed 76 may take weeks or months, with forensic teams collecting DNA as searches continue. BRICS Diplomacy: President Marcos Jr. marked his birthday in New Delhi, meeting PM Narendra Modi and other leaders to push defense, trade, space, rail, fintech, and disaster-resilience ties; Modi also welcomed Manila’s move to join India-led CDRI. VP Sara Impeachment: In the Senate trial, prosecutors plan to scrutinize Duterte-Carpio-linked transactions, with AMLC expected to present a P6.7B report and SEC records to be used in wealth-related questioning. Local Crime Crackdown: PNP stepped up action vs scammers impersonating government aid offices after elderly victims in Cebu and Aklan were allegedly robbed. Economy & Markets: External debt hit a new record near $155B, while PHL stocks may stay under pressure as oil and war risks weigh on sentiment. Tech & Jobs: The government is reviewing whether to extend zero import duties on EVs beyond 2028, and expects job creation to rebound in the second half. Culture: “Filipiñana” was named the Philippines’ Oscars entry for Best International Feature Film, alongside two other official picks for documentary and live-action short categories.

BARMM Polls: Voters in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao cast ballots Monday for the region’s first parliamentary elections, with 80 seats up for grabs and hopes for a more peaceful, orderly political track after decades of conflict. Marawi’s Wounds: Ahead of the vote, Marawi residents say healing is incomplete, pointing to unnamed graves and lingering uncertainty for families of the 2017 siege. Ferry Fire Tragedy: The MV June Aster disaster off Palawan continues to worsen as authorities confirm 76 deaths and 13 still unaccounted for, with forensic teams working through charred remains and families waiting for identification results. Unexplained Wealth Trial: House impeachment prosecutor Terry Ridon urged VP Sara Duterte to show up Monday, and said the prosecution may call lawyer Mans Carpio as a hostile witness, arguing Carpio’s assets are tied to the couple’s wealth. Legal Milestone: The 2026 Bar exams reached the final day Sunday, covering Criminal Law and Remedial Law, with results tentatively due in early January 2027. Education Boost: The Philippines posted improved PISA 2025 scores in science, math, and reading, but officials warn the learning crisis is still far from solved. Infrastructure & Tech: President Marcos met Indian firms at BRICS to explore railway projects and space cooperation, while the Philippines also officially joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

Ferry Fire Tragedy: The death toll from the M/V June Aster blaze off Coron, Palawan climbed to 76 after 41 more bodies were found, with 13 still unaccounted for as forensic teams begin DNA-based identification and families verify personal items. Local Justice & Politics: House impeachment prosecutor Terry Ridon challenged VP Sara Duterte to appear at the Senate impeachment court on Monday, while prosecutors weigh calling lawyer Manases Carpio as a hostile witness in the unexplained wealth case. Probe Pushback: Sen. Loren Legarda’s camp hit back at solar-related plunder/graft probes, calling them a “waste of prosecution resources” and “political persecution.” Governance Reform: DILG Sec. Jonvic Remulla proposed abolishing Mimaropa (Region 4B) and reintegrating it with Calabarzon to streamline service delivery. Disaster Resilience: Marcos announced the Philippines has joined the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, aiming to harden roads, bridges, and public buildings against climate and disaster risks. Fisheries Tech Shift: BFAR said it’s moving from commodity-focused programs to technology-driven, sector-wide fisheries management. Health & Safety: DepEd urged families to talk more with children about school after PISA 2025 showed fewer Filipino students discuss activities and problems at home.

Ferry Tragedy in Palawan: The MV June Aster blaze off Coron has killed at least 35, with 43 survivors and 53 still missing, as authorities recovered more charred remains from the economy section and continue search and identification. Court & Politics: Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was moved to UP-PGH for an independent medical exam ordered by the Sandiganbayan, while Vice President Sara Duterte’s grave threats arraignment was postponed indefinitely after a brief appearance at the Quezon City RTC. Anti-Corruption & Legal Moves: The NBI filed a consolidated disbarment case tied to a “honey trap” plot against Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, and NBI chief Melvin Matibag said Sens. Alan Peter and Pia Cayetano are set to return to the Philippines this weekend. Education Push: DepEd urged parents to talk more with children about school after Pisa 2025 showed fewer Filipino students regularly discuss activities and problems at home. Business & Taxes: A PCCI official told a Senate hearing that BIR examiners allegedly demand kickbacks from MSMEs, with payments reportedly exceeding what businesses pay in taxes. Digital Trust: GSMA reported nearly half of reported scam cases across Southeast Asia remain unresolved, including in the Philippines. Security & Protest: Palace officials urged Pax Silica opponents to protest through proper channels after arrests during a rally linked to the Luzon Economic Corridor. Weather: Pagasa warned Cebu and parts of the Visayas of localized thunderstorms as Habagat affects Western Visayas.

Maritime Security & Oil Prices: The US says it has destroyed multiple Iranian crude tankers in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz, warning more strikes are coming—while global oil prices jump and shipping risk ripples into everyday costs. Disaster Response: In Palawan, the ferry blaze death toll climbed to 35 after rescuers recovered 30 more bodies; families still wait as search operations continue for dozens missing. Politics & Accountability: President Marcos Jr. heads to the BRICS summit in New Delhi, while local political tensions stay hot—Taguig police said protesters at a Luzon Economic Corridor forum could face charges, and the Sara Duterte camp hit back after a perjury complaint was dismissed. Justice & Investigations: NBI flagged alleged late birth-certificate registrations by foreign nationals, mostly Chinese, and Ombudsman said it will still consider counter-affidavits in the Legarda–Leviste solar plunder case despite being filed late. Economy & Services: Cebu businesses report rotational brownouts are forcing shorter work hours and higher costs, pushing more firms to solar as a stopgap. Public Policy: Marcos signed the EduPhil program to attract international students, and MTRCB said it can regulate streaming if Congress expands its mandate.

Politics & Justice: Taguig prosecutors junked Vice President Sara Duterte’s perjury complaint vs alleged former aide Ramil Madriaga, citing “insufficiency of evidence,” a move Duterte’s camp called a “political decision.” Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court is set to consult four retired Supreme Court justices on whether 16 votes are still needed to convict if four senator-judges skip the trial. Travel/Probe: BI confirmed Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Sen. Pia Cayetano left for Singapore, with no hold departure orders. Public Safety: Coast Guard resumed search for survivors of the MV June Aster ferry fire off Coron, Palawan; at least 5 died, 43 rescued, and 84 still missing as smoke hampers boarding. Local Education: PUP opened its Bulacan campus in Pandi, starting classes for 127 students. Health Finance: SSS LoanLite is now available via UnionDigital Bank for eligible members to borrow up to ₱20,000. Energy/Environment: ERC and Meralco vowed faster net-metering approvals for rooftop solar users after delays were raised in a Senate hearing. Rights & Protests: Paralegals were arrested and 27 injured during a protest tied to the Luzon Economic Corridor investors forum, with groups calling it a “sellout” of sovereignty.

Justice & Courts: The Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office dismissed Vice President Sara Duterte’s perjury complaint against alleged former aide Ramil Madriaga, citing “insufficiency of evidence,” while the Supreme Court also overturned Imelda Marcos’ 2018 graft conviction on seven counts, saying key testimony and documents were inadmissible. Energy & Power: The ERC and Meralco vowed to speed up rooftop solar approvals after lawmakers flagged delays in net-metering, with new rules aimed at fast-tracking applications. Local Education & Access: PUP opened its Bulacan campus in Pandi, starting classes for 127 students and expanding access to tertiary education. Infrastructure & Investment: President Marcos urged investors at the Luzon Economic Corridor forum to turn commitments into funded, operational projects—amid protests over Pax Silica and the LEC. Public Safety & Crime: The PNP said it will keep pursuing Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s arrest despite talks with his “protectors,” while the Sandiganbayan said some flood control cases could be decided within a year under speedy trial rules. Health & Society: The Psychological Association of the Philippines marked World Suicide Prevention Day by urging earlier conversations, noting suicide deaths remain a serious public health concern.

Luzon Economic Corridor: President Marcos urged investors to turn LEC commitments into funded, operational projects—measuring success by what gets built and put into service, not just meetings. BRICS diplomacy: Marcos is set to attend the BRICS summit in New Delhi (Sept. 12–13), as Manila looks to engage major economies and position BRICS as an alternative bloc. Education and inequality: Despite improved PISA results, teachers’ group ACT warned gains don’t reflect poverty’s impact; separate reporting also flagged the widening reading improvement gap between rich and poor students. Impeachment watch: Trillanes is expected to testify in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, while prosecutors plan to present Duterte as a hostile witness. Local governance & services: Tuguegarao City received the ₱2M RES•Q Link emergency response app from SPUP with DOST support. Power reliability: Cebu electricity advocates renewed calls for a congressional probe into recurring outages, citing possible failures in generation and transmission. Health and welfare: A lawmaker urged DOH to stop doctors from inflating professional fees under the MAIFIP program. Business and jobs: Palace said unemployment can be addressed through faster ease-of-doing-business reforms to help hiring.

Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court will revisit the “2/3” conviction threshold for VP Sara Duterte, with legal experts set to weigh in on Sept. 16 and arguments scheduled for Sept. 23, as the dispute turns on whether “all members” means all 24 senators or only those able to participate. Local Justice & Accountability: The Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office recommended dismissal of lawyer Manases Carpio’s complaint over disclosure of his and Duterte’s financial records, saying the alleged acts were in relation to office; Carpio’s camp said it will review and pursue remedies. Education Update: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged a reassessment of education policy after PISA 2025 showed the Philippines’ biggest gains in years, with improved science, math, and reading scores. Jobs & Economy: Unemployment hit 6% in July, the highest since the pandemic era, as more fresh entrants joined the labor force but struggled to find work. Digital Push: The government is seeking PHP53.1B for ICT and digitalization in 2027, including expanding free public internet access and online government services. Health & Local Projects: In Bukidnon, Valencia finalized a PHP2.74B LANDBANK loan for a new city hall, hospital upgrades, evacuation centers, and equipment. Sports & Culture: Gilas mainstays Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu put aside brotherhood as Levanga Hokkaido and Gunma Crane Thunders play a Japan B.League preseason series in Manila.

Barangay & SK Reform: The House approved a bill setting barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials’ term to five years, with a limit of two successive terms, and it also suspends the 2026 BSKE—pushing the next polls to November 2028. Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court will revisit the voting threshold needed to convict VP Sara Duterte, with legal experts set to weigh in on Sept. 16 and arguments scheduled for Sept. 23. Education Gains: After big improvements in PISA 2025, President Marcos vowed to keep pushing education reforms, citing higher scores in science, math, and reading. Jobs Pressure: PSA data showed unemployment jumped to 6% in July, the highest in four years, as more young entrants struggled to find work. Fisheries Ruling: The Supreme Court voided the government’s vessel tracking rule for commercial fishing, but said the Fisheries Code still bars commercial fishing in municipal waters except where allowed by law. Energy & Food Risk: Middle East tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are pushing oil prices up, raising fears of higher inflation and potential fertilizer-driven impacts on rice yields. Local Tech/Health Milestone: JBL Hospital and Cotabato Regional and Medical Center completed the country’s first long-distance robotic telesurgery under DOH’s Zero Balance Billing. QC-relevant Governance: The Supreme Court’s fisheries enforcement debate and the barangay/SK term changes both point to how rules on the ground shape everyday services and livelihoods.

BARMM Polls Prep: Comelec says ballot boxes, vote-counting machines, batteries and other materials are already delivered to 105 BARMM municipalities ahead of the Sept. 14 parliamentary polls, with distribution to teachers and final testing/sealing on track. Impeachment Watch: In VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, prosecutors set marking of over 1,800 documents for Sept. 9-10, while the Senate court also gave her lawyers 15 days to respond to a request to admit 104 items tied to alleged unexplained wealth. Education & Learning: President Marcos vowed to keep pushing education after PISA 2025 results showed PH gains in science, math and reading, and DepEd data flagged that nearly half of Grades 1 to 3 pupils still lack proficient reading skills. Politics & Courts: Former Speaker Martin Romualdez was arrested for plunder hours after charges over alleged P7B+ flood-control kickbacks, while Sen. Loren Legarda extended her medical leave for a fifth time. Local Economy: Cebu business groups warned that recurring power outages and backup diesel costs could deter investors and hurt growth. Culture: Cinemalaya films dominated Gawad Urian 2026 nominations, led by “Cinemartyrs.”

QC Governance: Quezon City approved an ordinance institutionalizing participatory budgeting, giving residents and accredited CSOs a formal say in identifying needs, reviewing programs, monitoring projects, and feeding back results, with digital channels to submit recommendations. Impeachment & Senate Work: The Senate set a revised schedule for VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial and budget hearings for September and October, with impeachment sessions clustered on set dates and budget hearings running on other days. Anti-Corruption Crackdown: Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was arrested on Monday over a plunder case tied to alleged flood-control kickbacks, after earlier charges were filed at the Sandiganbayan. Health & Consumer Protection: The Senate approved on third reading a bill that toughens penalties on hospitals and clinics that detain patients or families over unpaid medical bills. Education Support: Marcos signed a law strengthening universal access to quality tertiary education, with added focus on subsidies for the poorest students. Power Crisis: Visayas lawmakers pushed for a congressional probe after rotational brownouts reportedly stretched to as long as nine hours. Economy & Jobs: Unemployment rose to 6% in July 2026, the highest in over four years, as more young Filipinos entered the labor market but found too few jobs. Maritime/Environment: The Supreme Court upheld a ruling that struck down a rule requiring electronic monitoring for commercial fishing vessels, saying it went beyond what was needed to fight illegal fishing.