Politics and Policy

Impeachment Complaints Filed Against Both President Marcos and Vice President Duterte

In a historic move, impeachment complaints have been filed against both President Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte. While the House found the complaints against the President sufficient in form, new filings against the Vice President focus on alleged misuse of confidential funds.

COMELEC Officially Postpones the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections

The Comelec officially postponed the March 2026 Bangsamoro elections due to redistricting delays. Legislative power to set a new date now rests with Congress, with proposals favoring September 2026. This marks the third delay since 2022, highlighting ongoing legal and transition hurdles.

Impeachment Complaints Filed Against President Marcos

Impeachment complaints against President Marcos Jr. were filed in the House but face low odds of advancing due to strong administration support. The allegations center on the ICC, drug use claims, and budget corruption, yet the developments may still dampen investor confidence in the country.

Japan, Philippines Sign Two Defense Agreements and One Economic Assistance Program

The Philippines and Japan signed a new defense pact (ACSA) on January 15 to facilitate the transfer of military supplies. Japan also pledged significant security and economic aid for infrastructure, reinforcing trilateral cooperation with the United States amid Indo-Pacific tensions.

Bangsamoro Parliament Passes Districting Law But Actual Election Date Still Unclear

The Bangsamoro Parliament passed a new districting law, yet the March 30, 2026, election date remains unfeasible due to constitutional limits on redistricting timelines. The Comelec is urging Congress to pass a new law to ensure the first regular regional elections occur within 2026.

ANALYSIS: A Deeper Look Into the 2026 National Budget

President Marcos Jr. signed the 2026 national budget, which features a massive cut to the DPWH and a significant increase for education. Despite efforts at transparency, the budget remains controversial due to remaining unprogrammed funds, sparking petitions for judicial review.

Sulu Bans All Moro Islamic Liberation Front Activity Within the Province

Sulu has banned MILF activities following its exit from the Bangsamoro region, citing jurisdictional shifts. While large-scale violence is currently unlikely, the rift complicates the peace process and creates potential openings for splinter groups to exploit political instability.

President Marcos Approves PHP 6.793-Trillion 2026 National Budget

President Marcos signed the PHP 6.793 trillion 2026 budget after delays caused by disagreements over infrastructure allocations. The final law includes reallocations prompted by ongoing corruption probes, signaling continued legislative scrutiny of public spending.

Assessment on Political Stability

Infrastructure corruption scandals have triggered leadership changes and public protests. While minority groups call for resignation, a change in administration is unlikely without significant military or broad public support.

Assessment on Legislative Developments

Congress is prioritizing economic governance and land use policies in 2026. However, corruption probes and early preparations for the 2028 elections may slow the enactment of these key administration priority bills.

2026 General Appropriations Bill To be Ratified by Congress by December 29

Congress plans to ratify the PHP 6.8 trillion General Appropriations Bill on December 29. The tight schedule gives President Ferdinand Marcos minimal review time, risking a delayed approval and a reenacted budget that could disrupt early 2026 business operations.

DPWH Corruption Investigations: Discaya, Nine Others Arrested, Undersecretary Cabral Found Dead

Contractor Sarah Discaya was arrested for a fraudulent infrastructure project. Meanwhile, the sudden death of former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, a key witness, complicates the ongoing corruption investigation.

EDSA Rehabilitation Phase 1 to Start on December 24

The eight-month EDSA rehabilitation begins December 24 with 12 days of continuous work followed by night shifts. Public transit remains functional, but enterprises must prepare for temporary holiday traffic disruptions and lower localized foot traffic.

President Marcos Requests Congress to Prioritize Anti-Dynasty Bill, Three Others

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed the Congress to prioritize four bills addressing political dynasties, electoral reform, infrastructure corruption, and budget transparency. Without formal urgent certification, these measures risk delays amid legislative resistance.

Former DPWH Secretary Singson Quits the ICI

Rogelio Singson resigned from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure over health and security concerns, threatening agency credibility. Lawmakers now propose bills to empower the commission while authorities pursue suspects in a fraudulent flood control project.

SUMMARY: CrowdStrike Report on DeepSeek-R1

CrowdStrike research indicates that the DeepSeek-R1 model produces less secure code when prompts contain terms sensitive to Chinese regulations. This unpredictability introduces technical risks, forcing enterprises to increase validation and security scanning for all generated outputs.

What Does the Konektadong Pinoy Act Say About Data Localization

The newly released implementing rules for the Konektadong Pinoy Act lack an explicit data localization mandate. However, the department's directive to safeguard local data leaves room for future executive orders that could enforce strict domestic data storage regulations.

DPWH Corruption Investigations: Warrant of Arrest Issued for Zaldy Co, 16 Others

The anti-graft court Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants for former Representative Zaldy Co, public works officials, and Sunwest Corporation over a PHP 289.5 million corruption case. Seven are detained; Co remains at large as authorities seek an international police notice.

High-Ranking Executive Officials Resign From Office Over Alleged Corruption Involvement

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin, and Department of Budget and Management Secretary Amenah Pangandaman resigned after being implicated in a public infrastructure corruption scandal. Investigations continue amid new cabinet leadership appointments.

Ombudsman Plans to Create Task Force on Villar Family Links to Flood Control

The Office of the Ombudsman will investigate the Villar family and their business interests over allegations that public infrastructure and flood control projects in Las Piñas and Cavite were designed to unduly benefit their real estate properties.

Unconfirmed Reports of ICC Warrant Against Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa

Reports indicate an unconfirmed International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Senator Ronald Dela Rosa. The Senate opposes enforcement on its legislative grounds, creating potential operational friction and complex legal disputes over local extradition procedures.

POGO Ban Turned into Law

President Ferdinand Marcos, Junior signed a law permanently banning Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators and related support services, penalizing non-compliant corporate leaders. Enterprises must note that displaced illegal entities are shifting underground disguised as legitimate businesses.

Malacañang Extends the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s Tenure, Bangsamoro Parliament Tackles New Redistricting Law

The Bangsamoro interim government's term is extended following the postponement of parliamentary elections. The assembly is urgently deliberating redistricting laws to meet the rescheduled March 2026 election deadline amid signs of internal political division.

Infrastructure Probe Commission Recommends Filing Complaints Against Senators Villanueva, Estrada, Other Officials

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure recommended charges against Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada, and four former officials over an alleged flood control bribery scheme. However, the public remains skeptical of the outcome due to past overturned corruption convictions.

Where the Philippines Stood In ASEAN, APEC Summits

President Ferdinand Marcos prioritized economic agreements over defense at recent regional summits. Key outcomes include an upgraded trade agreement with China and South Korean investment pledges, though tangible business and security benefits remain to be seen.

Malacañang Calls for Patience as Business Groups and Civil Society Demand Urgent Responses to Infrastructure Corruption Scandal

Philippine business and labor groups demand urgent action and transparency regarding the national infrastructure corruption probe. As protests continue, the administration calls for patience, assuring the public that ongoing investigations will hold involved individuals accountable.

Fire Breaks out at DPWH Building Amid Flood Control Investigation

A fire damaged a government infrastructure building in Quezon City amid ongoing corruption investigations. Although officials report no probe documents were destroyed, authorities are conducting an in-depth investigation into the incident to rule out potential foul play.

A Look Into The House-Approved General Appropriations Bill 2026

The House of Representatives approved the 2026 budget, increasing funds for education, health, and national security while cutting public works amid corruption probes. Disputes over unprogrammed funds threaten to delay final approval, risking a reenacted budget.

President Marcos and Vice President Duterte Record Declining Trust and Approval Ratings in Q3 2025

Trust and approval ratings for President Ferdinand Marcos, Junior and Vice President Sara Duterte both declined due to an ineffective anti-corruption campaign and frequent protests, signaling political risks that local enterprises should monitor.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte to Remain in ICC Detention After Being Ruled as “Flight Risk”

The International Criminal Court denied former President Rodrigo Duterte’s request for temporary release, citing high political influence and witness intimidation risks. He remains in detention indefinitely, anchoring domestic political dynamics that corporate entities should monitor.

PSA Political Stability Updates: Marcos Administration’s Last 3 Years to be Dominated by Political Infighting and Public Discontent

Political infighting and public protests will intensify during the final three years of the administration, though government operations face low risk of systemic destabilization. Enterprises should monitor ongoing political fragmentation and demonstrations for localized operational risks.

AFP Denies Ouster Plots Anew But Acknowledges Discontent Over Flood Control Corruption

Armed Forces of the Philippines General Romeo Brawner Junior stated that retired officers urged the military to withdraw support for President Ferdinand Marcos Junior. The armed forces rejected this intervention, denying ouster plots and reaffirming constitutional order.

Supreme Court Postpones Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections Over “Unconstitutional” Redistricting Law

The Supreme Court postponed the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections after nullifying regional districting laws. While stakeholders respect the decision, political friction regarding further delays introduces localized governance and security uncertainties.

Keeping up with Congress Leaderships: Zaldy Co Resigns from House, While Ping Lacson Takes Senate Accounts Committee

Philippine Congress faces shakeups amid infrastructure corruption investigations. Representative Elizaldy Co resigned citing security threats, as Sarah Elago assumed office. Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson replaced Senator Loren Legarda to lead the Senate Committee on Accounts.

New Legal Curveball Casts Uncertainty over Bangsamoro October Polls

The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order on the Bangsamoro district reapportionment, pausing election preparations. Local enterprises should note that while the upcoming polls face legal uncertainty, regionwide election security measures and gun bans remain strictly in force.

ICC Prosecutors Charge Former President Rodrigo Duterte with Three Counts of Murder; Confirmation of Charges Hearing Still Unscheduled

The International Criminal Court published the list of murder charges against former President Rodrigo Duterte over his drug war. The confirmation hearing was postponed due to his reported medical issues, and he remains in indefinite detention while his defense team appeals for release.

‘For the Greater Good’: Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez Resigns as House Speaker, Replaced by ‘Ally’ Isabela Representative Bojie Dy

Martin Romualdez resigned as House Speaker amid an independent probe into infrastructure corruption and was replaced by Faustino Dy Third. Enterprises should monitor this transition as the House maintains a strong majority coalition to advance its legislative agenda and the national budget.

Good Governance or Good Show? A Closer Look Into Recent Flood Control Projects Probe

The Marcos administration established the Independent Commission for Infrastructure to investigate anomalous public works projects. While the probe targets corrupt officials and contractors, it has triggered leadership conflicts and political realignment within both chambers of Congress.

ANALYSIS: Will the “Floodgates” of Corruption Revive Freedom of Information in the Philippines?

Investigations into anomalous flood control projects have renewed calls for a Freedom of Information law to fight corruption. While executive orders mandate partial data access, the lack of formal legislation limits transparency across branches, presenting persistent compliance risks.

New Committee Leaderships in the Senate Following Senator Sotto’s Election as Senate President

Government Inquisition on Flood Control Projects Continues, But What Happens After?

The Philippine government is reviewing public works budgets and interrogating contractors over a massive flood control bribery scheme. Enterprises should monitor these probes as allegations against high-level politicians signal localized regulatory and operational risks.

Bill Establishing a Fiscal Regime for the Mining Industry Signed into Law

President Ferdinand Marcos Junior signed Republic Act No. 12253, imposing location-based royalties and a windfall profits tax on large-scale metallic mining. The law consolidates tax structures, applies a debt-to-equity cap, and mandates the public disclosure of extractive industry data.

Senator Tito Sotto is New Senate President in Major Leadership Shake-up

Senator Vicente Sotto III assumed the Senate presidency, replacing Francis Escudero amid infrastructure corruption allegations. The leadership shift reorganizes top chamber posts and weakens the opposition bloc, altering legislative dynamics that enterprises must monitor.

Vince Dizon Out of DOTr, Now in DPWH Amid Flood Control Project Anomalies

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Vince Dizon as DPWH Secretary following the resignation of Manuel Bonoan under command responsibility. Dizon ordered a full department sweep, blacklisted corrupt contractors, and supported an independent probe into flood control anomalies.

US Senators Fischer and Wicker Visit Manila, in a Latest of String of Senatorial Visits to the Philippines

Two United States senators visited the Philippines to discuss defense modernization and regional interoperability with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Enterprises should note this visit reinforces the bilateral defense alliance and ongoing United States commitment to Indo-Pacific security.

Konektadong Pinoy Bill Lapses into Law

Republic Act No. 12234, the Konektadong Pinoy Act, has lapsed into law. The legislation eliminates the requirement for a congressional franchise to build networks, opening the data transmission sector to greater market competition and streamlining registration rules for network providers.

America First for Call Centers: What Does This Mean for the Philippine IT-BPM Industry

The proposed United States Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025 seeks to restrict federal benefits for companies offshoring customer services. While the bill has a low passage likelihood, Philippine trade officials are monitoring it due to potential disruptions to the local outsourcing sector.

Bangsamoro Parliament Passes Bill Redistributing Sulu’s Seven Floating District Seats into Law

The Bangsamoro Parliament approved Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 77, redistributing the seven district seats formerly allocated to Sulu province across remaining areas. Enterprises should monitor this structural change as the regional government finalized its parliamentary election setup.

Congress Receives 2026 National Expenditure Program, Proposes Transparent Legislative Process on Budget

Congress received the fiscal year 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP) proposing a PHP 6.79 trillion budget. Enterprises should monitor the subsequent legislative process and parallel transparency reforms, as the final law will shape public sector funding.

NBI chief Santiago resigns, cites ‘orchestrated smear campaign’ as reason behind departure

NBI Director Jaime Santiago resigned irrevocably amid allegations of extortion linked to illegal gambling. The DOJ recommended Undersecretary Jesse Andres as acting head. Local enterprises should monitor this transition for law enforcement shifts.