AGP Executive Report

Impeachment Trial Watch: The Senate impeachment court said prosecutors must finish presenting evidence on all articles before the defense can start, as VP Sara Duterte’s camp continues to argue over trial flow. Confidential Funds Case: In day 10 testimony, prosecution witnesses linked “unusual” LandBank cash withdrawals to the alleged OVP confidential funds misuse, with claims that the money was carried in multiple gym bags. Tax Relief Push: House leaders moved to fast-track bills raising the income tax-free ceiling to P350,000, aiming to boost middle-class take-home pay by 2027. Electricity Cost Debate: Malacañang said removing system loss charges is still being studied to avoid shifting burdens to either consumers or utilities. Weather & Safety: PAGASA warned an LPA will keep bringing scattered to heavy rains and thunderstorms across parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila. Space & Security: PhilSA cautioned about possible debris drop zones from China’s Long March 7A rocket launch, while also pursuing a public-private plan for a Philippine spaceport. Sports: San Miguel Beer thrashed Titan Ultra 143-105 in the PBA Governors’ Cup; Macau beat Terrafirma 96-92.

Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court resumes tackling VP Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of P612.5M in confidential funds, with House prosecutors set to hear first witnesses including former Land Bank branch managers. Weather Disruptions: A low-pressure area and easterlies are bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms; face-to-face classes were suspended in parts of Rizal and Quezon, with flash-flood and landslide risks flagged. Power Costs & Reform: Energy Secretary Sharon Garin says fully removing the system loss charge from electricity bills may take about a year, with implementation starting now through ERC and NEA steps. Tax Relief Push: Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto files a bill to raise the annual income tax exemption ceiling to P350,000 starting 2027, echoing Marcos’ SONA call. Anti-Graft Moves: The Ombudsman orders Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and co-accused to submit counteraffidavits over complaints including plunder, bribery, graft and money laundering. Public Safety: PNP-CIDG arrests suspects for alleged electric meter tampering in Cavite and an illegal recruitment scheme targeting UAE jobs. Economy & Markets: BSP chief Eli Remolona Jr. says there’s “little chance” of aggressive rate hikes despite Middle East-driven inflation risks. Sports: Alex Eala rallies past Zheng Qinwen to reach the DC Open Round of 16, setting up a next match vs Leylah Fernandez.

Education & Teacher Welfare: DepEd says it’s implementing President Marcos Jr.’s SONA directives on teacher welfare, classroom construction, learner safety, and SHS job readiness, with Education Sec. Sonny Angara calling it “marching orders.” Justice After School Tragedy: Mothers of Tacloban’s June 22 San Jose National High School shooting victims welcomed Marcos’ SONA tribute but renewed calls for accountability and justice. Tax Relief Push: House ways and means chair Miro Quimbo says income tax relief (raising the tax-free ceiling to ₱350,000) and scrapping electricity system loss charges could be ready by August, with revenue losses to be offset via higher taxes on vapes, tobacco, sweetened drinks, and single-use plastics. Power Bills Debate: Consumer groups back system loss charge removal but warn generation costs still drive most of electricity bills. Protests & Police Actions: Rights group Karapatan says 51 SONA protesters’ arrests were illegal and warrantless, including 12 minors released after being identified as minors. Security Concerns: NBI is probing whether a DOJ explosion and an IED find near the Senate are connected to Marcos’ SONA. West Philippine Sea / China Tensions: Reports highlight continued maritime friction and protests after clashes, as the Philippines lodges protests and pushes sovereignty claims. Sports: Gilas U23 3x3 expands its player pool for the World Cup and Asian Games; Gilas men’s football opens the ASEAN Hyundai Cup with a 4-1 loss to Myanmar. Weather & Hazards: Pagasa says an LPA won’t become a tropical depression but will bring rains across parts of the country; Phivolcs warns of increased chances of phreatic eruptions at Bulusan Volcano.

Anti-graft & SONA fallout: President Marcos used his fifth State of the Nation Address to push sweeping accountability, saying even family allies won’t be spared as the Ombudsman moves against cousin former Speaker Martin Romualdez over the flood control scandal. Power bill relief push: Marcos urged Congress to amend EPIRA to scrap “system loss” charges passed to consumers, including VAT on those charges, with Senate leaders saying they’ll try to act before Christmas. Tax relief for workers: Marcos also called for raising the income tax threshold to ₱350,000 and expanding exemptions for middle-class workers and small businesses hit by the Middle East crisis. Fuel subsidy cleanup: Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival ordered a fresh validation of beneficiaries for a ₱35M fuel subsidy after finding ineligible names, delaying payouts. Public concerns on costs: An Octa Research survey found Filipinos’ top urgent issue is the rising cost of basic goods and services, followed by wage increases and anti-corruption. Security alert before SONA: Authorities investigated a midnight blast near the DOJ and a suspected explosive found near the Senate ahead of Marcos’ address. Earthquake updates: Two quakes hit Baganga, Davao Oriental early Tuesday, including a 5.6-magnitude temblor, with tremors felt in parts of Mindanao. Weather: Habagat-driven cloudy skies with possible thunderstorms are expected across Metro Manila and parts of Luzon. Disinformation worry: Pulse Asia reported 72% of Filipinos see disinformation as a big problem, with Facebook the top online news source.

SONA 2026: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address with a long list of pledges, including scrapping electricity “systems loss” charges from consumers, pushing tax relief (raising the income tax exemption threshold to P350,000), expanding PhilHealth benefits, and calling for updates to the solid waste law to enable waste-to-energy. Anti-corruption & accountability: Marcos said cases tied to the flood control scandal will proceed, including against his cousin, former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, while also reiterating the government’s stance on the 2016 arbitral ruling in the West Philippine Sea. Energy & tech: He touted AI initiatives like the Pax Silica hub for jobs and competitiveness, backed hydrogen power plant pre-development, and said “perhaps it is time to revisit nuclear energy.” Public safety & protests: Police reported no major incidents during the SONA despite suspected explosive devices found near the DOJ and Senate and arrests of 51 protesters over alleged violations. Weather & disaster response: Tropical Storm Kiyapo left 3 dead, 1 missing, and nearly 295,000 affected, with evacuation centers still open. Housing & transport: Marcos said 4PH has built over 500,000 homes and promised MRT-7 and the North-South Commuter Railway to start operations by 2027. Economy & jobs: He highlighted job fairs that hired tens of thousands and urged Congress to pass measures to protect the middle class amid lingering Middle East-driven pressures.

State of the Nation Address (SONA) Watch: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his fifth SONA today as public pressure mounts for real fixes on corruption and the cost of living, with surveys showing his performance and trust slipping in Q2. Public Mood & Accountability: Octa Research reported Marcos’ performance rating fell to 47% and trust to 49% in a July 4-11 Tugon ng Masa survey, while lawmakers and critics push for concrete institutional reforms. Impeachment Politics: A House prosecutor panel member criticized Sen. Pia Cayetano after her social media post raised concerns about impartiality in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial. Energy & Power Costs: Sen. Erwin Tulfo filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into electricity price hikes, while Energy Secretary Sharon Garin warned Pax Silica’s planned 3-gigawatt demand is “too dangerous” to plug directly into the grid. Agriculture & Food Security: Ahead of SONA, agriculture expert Dr. Teodoro Mendoza flagged food prices, rice production, and support for farmers and fisherfolk as key priorities. Weather & Disasters: Pagasa forecast scattered rains and thunderstorms in Metro Manila for SONA day, and southwest monsoon flooding in parts of Mindanao left casualties and thousands affected. Security & Policing: PNP said it wants faster fugitive capture using facial recognition and Aseanapol database modernization, while police also prepared for large SONA protests. Trade & Economy: DTI said Philippine exports still have an edge despite a new 12.5% US tariff, and banks reported the lowest bad-loan ratio in six months as inflation cools.

SONA Security & Governance: Police nationwide are in final preparations for President Marcos’ 5th SONA Monday, with phased deployment of over 21,000 officers near Batasan and other strategic sites, while officials say no serious threats have been monitored. Flood Response & Accountability: Tropical Storm Kiyapo left at least 3 dead and 1 missing, with over 59,000 families affected; in Davao, one barangay declared a state of calamity and MMDA chief Nicolas Torre questioned flood-control effectiveness after his own home flooded again. Education Push: Marcos signed the Last Mile and Gida Schools Act to expand support for remote public basic education, and DSWD said 4Ps has reached 5.2 million households with over ₱341B in grants since 2022. Impeachment Watch: House and Senate leaders signaled continued work despite VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, as Akbayan’s Chel Diokno defended prosecutors’ push for Duterte’s financial documents. Economy & Public Demand: Surveys ahead of SONA show Filipinos want solutions on jobs, hunger, and anti-corruption more than accomplishments, while lawmakers also urged institutional reforms to prevent repeat flood-control failures. International Ties: The Philippines and Oman agreed to keep regular high-level dialogue and advance investment and tax agreements. Sports & Culture: NLEX stayed perfect in the PBA Governors’ Cup; UST won the Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals; SB19 was named DOT tourism ambassadors.

SONA Security Build-Up: The PNP deployed 1,156 personnel across Eastern Visayas and put the region on heightened alert for President Marcos Jr.’s 5th SONA, with teams for checkpoints, civil disturbance response, covert security, and quick reaction. Pax Silica Backlash: Makabayan lawmakers warned the US-backed Pax Silica alliance could worsen power shortages and raise electricity costs, citing a planned 5-gigawatt demand for an economic security zone. Weather Watch: Pagasa issued rain alerts as habagat and Typhoon Noul’s trough bring possible flooding and landslides, with yellow alerts over parts of Zambales and Bataan and scattered rains across Luzon and Metro Manila. AFP Cyber Push: Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro ordered expansion of the AFP’s Direct Commission Program to recruit more specialists for cyber warfare and other tech-heavy roles. Online Scam Crackdown: ASEANAPOL approved a task force to combat online scams, including coordinated regional action and study visits to anti-scam centers. South China Sea Tensions: Reports say China Coast Guard used water cannons and “control measures” near Scarborough Shoal as Manila protested renewed clashes. Local Life, Big Impact: BSP recycled worn polymer banknotes into classroom armchairs for a Davao school, turning damaged currency into usable furniture.

Ombudsman Graft Case: The Office of the Ombudsman filed 14 graft counts before the Sandiganbayan against Uswag Ilonggo Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr., alleging he profited from DPWH contracts while in office, with prosecutors citing payments of nearly P199 million tied to his stake in a construction firm. Impeachment Update: House prosecutors said next week they will start presenting LandBank officials over the alleged misuse of VP Sara Duterte’s confidential funds, with initial hearings set to begin Wednesday, July 29. SONA Security & Traffic: The PNP said there’s no nationwide gun ban for Marcos’ 5th SONA on Monday, while Manila City announced major road closures and rerouting for Sunday. Weather Advisory: PAGASA reported Typhoon Noul (formerly Kiyapo) has exited the PAR but rains and gusty conditions continue, with scattered showers and thunderstorms expected in Metro Manila and parts of Luzon. Public Safety Debate: The PNP is considering an ASEAN Chiefs of Police proposal to push for a ban on social media use for minors, citing concerns after the Tacloban school shooting. Healthcare Rollout: PCSO completed nationwide distribution of Patient Transport Vehicles, with all 82 provinces now covered. Sports: Cebu City All-Stars won the EASL Future Champions Elite title; Nxled beat Capital1 in PVL on Tour; and Macau snapped a losing skid in the PBA Governors’ Cup. Diplomacy: China’s Wang Yi co-chaired the China-ASEAN foreign ministers meeting in Manila, while separate reports said he had no meetings with Japan’s side during his visit. Arts & Culture: Debbie Gibson praised Filipino singers’ cover of “Lost in Your Eyes,” and Lea Salonga’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony nears as Jo Koy and Nicole Scherzinger join the Class of 2027.

South China Sea Flashpoints: China Coast Guard water-cannon attacks and risky maneuvers hit Philippine Coast Guard and BFAR vessels near Bajo de Masinloc/Scarborough Shoal during the “Kadiwa ng Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda” fuel mission, with Manila condemning harassment and China accusing the Philippines of “infringement” and using reporters to “play up” tensions. ASEAN Diplomacy: The 33rd ASEAN Regional Forum adopted the Manila Plan of Action for 2026-36 as foreign ministers push proactive risk management amid cyber, climate, and supply-chain threats. SONA 2026 Politics: Ahead of Marcos’ 5th SONA, analysts say the speech may face pressure over corruption and the economy, while the CICC ramps up monitoring for misinformation and cyberattacks. Impeachment Watch: Week 3 of VP Sara Duterte’s trial saw the Senate grant subpoenas for bank, tax, and AMLC records, as the prosecution presses its case. Weather & Safety: Severe Tropical Storm Kiyapo (Noul) exited the PAR but kept TCWS No. 1 up over parts of Northern Luzon, with PAGASA warning of heavy rain, flash floods, and landslides. Local Governance & Daily Life: Comelec held a plebiscite in five Parañaque barangays to ratify boundary changes tied to reclaimed areas. Economy & Jobs: Metro Manila’s first tranche of the P85 daily wage hike took effect July 25, with a second tranche set for Jan. 20, 2027. Transport Relief: DOTr is studying a moratorium on modern PUV loan payments and expanding fuel discounts to ease operator burdens from rising oil prices. Sports: Filipinas were drawn with China in Group G, while the men’s U-23 face Vietnam in Asian Games group play.

South China Sea Flashpoints: China coast guard used water cannons on Philippine vessels near Scarborough Shoal and Huangyan Dao as Manila and Beijing traded protests during high-level diplomacy in Manila. Storm Disruptions: Severe Tropical Storm Kiyapo (Signal No. 3 in parts of the Babuyan Islands) forced ferry cancellations and triggered rescues and sea-travel suspensions for vessels 15 GT and below. US Trade Pressure: The US imposed a new 12.5% tariff on Philippine exports over forced-labor enforcement gaps; Malacañang says it will keep engaging while reviewing exemptions. Local Governance & Justice: House and Senate impeachment proceedings for VP Sara Duterte continue amid public calls for decisions based on law and evidence; meanwhile, prosecutors filed a supplemental complaint against former Speaker Romualdez over alleged kickbacks via shell firms. Health & Social Services: Marcos inaugurated a children’s hospital in Clark; PCSO completed nationwide patient transport vehicles distribution to all 82 provinces. Economy & Jobs: PEZA approved ₱151.9B in investment pledges in seven months, up 67%, while Manila Water highlighted 24/7 supply resilience. Public Safety: NBI seized about 24 tons of “hot pork” sold as beef in Metro Manila; DPWH-NCR warned of impostors soliciting money from contractors.

State of the Nation Address watch: Ahead of Marcos Jr.’s SONA on July 27, Pulse Asia surveys show Filipinos’ top asks are controlling rising prices of basic goods (57%), fighting corruption and holding officials accountable (43%), and boosting workers’ wages (36%), with fewer prioritizing territorial defense (3%) despite South China Sea tensions. Impeachment and public trust: Octa Research finds 7 in 10 Filipinos want the Senate impeachment court’s decision on VP Sara Duterte guided by law and evidence, not politics. Anti-corruption pressure: Senate probes into alleged “ghost” Taguig infrastructure projects continue, with Sen. Panfilo Lacson hinting more “damning” findings as the blue ribbon panel reviews what to cover. Weather and safety: Tropical Storm Kiyapo (Noul) intensified, triggering Wind Signal No. 2 in parts of Northern Luzon and raising the risk of further strengthening. South China Sea diplomacy: The Palace says Trump will raise PH concerns with Xi Jinping next, after phone talks following Rubio’s meetings in Manila; meanwhile, the US called China’s maritime actions “disturbing.” Economy and trade shock: The US announced a new 12.5% tariff on Philippine exports tied to forced-labor rules. Public services: PHLPost says no valid ID is needed to apply for a Postal ID—birth certificate plus proof of address are enough.

ASEAN Diplomacy in Manila: Foreign ministers wrapped key talks in the Philippines capital, with US-China groundwork and Ukraine-Russia tensions dominating sidelines as Marco Rubio met Sergey Lavrov and warned against further arms to Kyiv, while ASEAN also pushed freedom of navigation amid Middle East strain and Strait of Hormuz worries. South China Sea Flashpoints: Manila reiterated it needs no foreign approval for Ayungin resupply missions, as China-linked incidents and protests continued to shadow regional meetings. Energy and Climate Moves: President Marcos inaugurated Palawan’s Ibato-Iraan Small Reservoir Irrigation Project using AI to boost water reliability for farmers, while the government accelerated Malampaya Phase 4 to cut LNG dependence. Weather Alert: Tropical Depression Kiyapo triggered TCWS No. 1 across parts of Northern Luzon, with possible landfall near Babuyan Islands. Local Governance & Integrity: Sen. Lacson opposed VP Sara Duterte’s Senate catering request, citing possible procurement law violations under the impeachment process. Education Support: DepEd launched guidelines for Gas-Tuklas aid for student-athletes and teacher-coaches. Culture & Sports: Filipino film “Silenced Nights” earned a historic TIFF Platform competition slot, and Team Manila reclaimed the PONY girls softball world title.

South China Sea Tensions: China and the Philippines traded strong protests after a South China Sea encounter left two Filipino service members injured, with Chinese FM Wang Yi warning Manila to stop “provocations” and saying relations are at a “crossroads.” US–China Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met China’s Wang Yi in Manila to lay groundwork for Xi Jinping’s planned US visit, stressing both sides must manage “big differences.” Ukraine Mediation Talk: Rubio also confirmed a face-to-face meeting with Russian FM Sergey Lavrov in Manila, saying Ukraine will be raised and the US remains open to helping end the war if an opportunity appears. Quad Signals: Quad foreign ministers in Manila backed “ASEAN centrality” and reaffirmed a free and open Indo-Pacific, focusing on maritime security, tech, and humanitarian response. Metro Manila Weather: Pagasa warned of moderate to heavy rains and thunderstorms in Metro Manila, while Tropical Depression Kiyapo triggered Wind Signal No. 1 over parts of Northern Luzon. Metro Manila Wage Hike: Labor Secretary Tolentino said the P85 daily wage increase won’t cause major job disruptions, with about 1.1 million workers set to benefit. Anti-Corruption Probe: Sen. Lacson flagged possible “double appropriation” and suspected ghost projects in Taguig involving P100M slope protection and drainage allocations. Security for SONA: NCRPO announced a nationwide ban on gun owners carrying firearms outside residences plus no-fly/no-drone zones for Marcos’ SONA on July 27. Volcano Update: Phivolcs reported renewed unrest at Taal with increased volcanic earthquakes and higher SO₂ emissions. Power Costs: An NGO said 48 distribution utilities charge above the national average residential power rate.

Impeachment Update: The House prosecution panel wrapped up its Article IV presentation against Vice President Sara Duterte over alleged grave threats, with NBI Director Melvin Matibag and agents cited as key to the case as the Senate court weighs next steps. PNP Probe on Press Freedom: Police in Pasay allegedly harassed two photojournalists covering an ASEAN-related rally; PNP and Napolcom said investigations are underway. Infrastructure: DOTr said a portion of SLEx Toll Road 4 could be operational before year-end, cutting travel times and targeting phase operations by November-December. Security & Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told ASEAN envoys that Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent, as regional leaders push de-escalation amid wider instability. Local Crime & Justice: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said suspects in the killing of pro-Marcos vlogger Alicia Lipata are being tracked for arrest, while the government also plans follow-ups with Interpol on a red notice request tied to a flood-control graft case. Economy & Transport: DOLE maintained the NCR P85 wage hike will proceed, and LTFRB will review petitions for a P10 fare hike. Weather: Pagasa issued a thunderstorm advisory for parts of Metro Manila and Luzon.

South China Sea Tensions: China summoned the Philippine ambassador over the Ren’ai Reef standoff, calling Manila’s actions “provocations” and warning of “consequences,” as foreign ministers meet in Manila. Impeachment Update: NBI chief Melvin Matibag told the Senate impeachment court VP Sara Duterte’s “kill” remarks are now a “serious, active and continuing” assassination plot, while the defense seeks more time before prosecutors rest. Fuel and Transport Pressure: Manibela announced another transport strike July 22-23 over double-digit diesel and kerosene hikes tied to Middle East tensions. Power Costs: The Philippines recorded the highest electricity rates in ASEAN in June, raising fears of another bill shock for consumers. Weather Watch: Pagasa warned an LPA may bring heavy rains and strong winds to Northern Luzon, with possible landfall in Cagayan Friday to Saturday. Aviation: Philippine Airlines moves to expand long-haul fleets, including more Airbus A350-1000 orders. Public Safety: Police said there were no credible threats after school shooting and bomb threat posts in Parañaque and Pateros. Health: CHR flagged persistent HIV stigma as a barrier to testing and treatment, even as ARV supplies are reported to be arriving.