News
Welcome to the News section of Philippine Standard, where we deliver fact-driven reporting on Philippine politics, business, economy, governance, and public affairs.
Our newsroom is committed to accuracy, independence, and accountability. Each report is grounded in verified information, clear attribution, and responsible editorial standards. We prioritize substance over speculation and context over speed.
Coverage in this section includes breaking developments, policy updates, economic indicators, regulatory actions, institutional decisions, and other events that shape public life in the Philippines. Stories are structured to provide readers with the essential facts — who is involved, what happened, when and where it occurred, and why it matters.
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ICC Ends Duterte Hearing; 60-Day Ruling Period
ICC Ends Duterte Hearing; Judges Given 60 Days to Decide on Trial THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Feb. 28, 2026 — The International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday concluded the confirmation of charges hearing against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, with judges given 60 days to decide whether the case will [...]
SSS to Implement 10% Pension Increase in September 2026
SSS to implement 10% pension increase in September 2026 QUEZON CITY — The Social Security System (SSS) will implement a 10% increase in retirement and disability pensions beginning September 2026, in line with the agency’s approved 2025–2027 Pension Reform Program. Survivor pensions will increase by 5% during the same period. [...]
Pag-IBIG Fund Raises 2025 Dividend Rates to 6.62% and 7.12%
Pag-IBIG Fund sets 6.62% P1, 7.12% MP2 dividends for 2025 MANILA, Philippines — The Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) has approved higher dividend rates for members’ 2025 savings, setting returns at 6.62% for Regular Savings (P1) and 7.12% for the voluntary Modified Pag-IBIG 2 (MP2) Savings program. The rates [...]
Ex-Marines Allege Cash Deliveries; Senate Review Sought
Ex-Marines Allege Cash Deliveries to Senior Officials; Senate Review Sought On February 24, 2026, eighteen men identifying themselves as former members of the Philippine Marine Corps held a press conference at Club Filipino in San Juan City where they alleged that they had delivered suitcases and paper bags containing cash [...]
Chavit Singson Backs Sara Duterte for 2028
Chavit Singson Publicly Endorses Sara Duterte’s 2028 Bid MANILA — Former Ilocos Sur governor Luis “Chavit” Singson on February 26 publicly vowed to support Vice President Sara Duterte’s potential presidential bid in the 2028 elections, marking an early political endorsement as the national election cycle approaches. In a February 26 [...]
ICC Hearing: Duterte Defense Says ‘Neutralize’ Meant Arrest
ICC Hearing: Duterte Defense Says ‘Neutralize’ Meant Arrest THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s legal team argued on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, that the term “neutralize,” frequently cited in the prosecution’s case before the International Criminal Court (ICC), referred to lawful arrest and restraint — not a [...]
Trillanes and ICC Reject $2M Drug War Funding Claim
Former Senator Trillanes and ICC Reject Claims of $2 Million Funding in Drug War Probe Manila, Philippines — Former Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV and the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Office of the Prosecutor have rejected allegations that Trillanes received $2 million from businessman and former Ako Bicol party-list representative [...]