AGP Executive Report

Confidential Funds Oversight: The House prosecution is drafting a bill to codify rules on confidential and intelligence funds, using lessons from the Sara Duterte impeachment trial, with safeguards on safe houses, aliases, disbursing officers and penalties. Justice System Scrutiny: Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla told lawmakers the courts need “soul-searching” after Ombudsman dismissals were reversed by the Court of Appeals, urging deeper review of justice-system problems. Flood Control Accountability: COA submitted 50 fraud audit reports on flood control projects to the Ombudsman, as the Ombudsman said more flood-control cases are already in court and under preliminary investigation. Flooding Disruptions: Habagat rains continue over Luzon and Visayas, prompting suspended face-to-face classes in parts of Pampanga, Tarlac and Benguet, while Metro Cebu faced “acutely unhealthy” air and a long power red alert. Power and Energy Stress: NGCP alerts triggered possible rotational brownouts in Mindanao, and Cebu officials convened stakeholders as supply deficits hit. Transportation and Safety: DOTr said it will regulate e-tricycles via a department order, requiring registered units and qualified drivers. Foreign Affairs: DFA aims to roll out next-generation e-passports by 2028 with redesigned booklets, added pages and contactless chip security. Sports: Gilas Pilipinas ramps up for Asian Games defense with its roster and schedule set, while PVL action saw Creamline edge Farm Fresh in five sets.

Flood Disasters: A 35-year-old father, Simeon Candule, was found dead in Botolan, Zambales after he and his 7-year-old son were swept away by a strong river current while riding a carabao-drawn cart; responders intensified the search after an initial sweep along the riverbank. School Disruptions: In Zambales, classes were suspended again in Subic and Castillejos, and face-to-face learning in Olongapo City was also halted as monsoon rains continued; in Baguio and Benguet, heavy rain and strong winds kept preschool to Grade 12 classes suspended under yellow rainfall warnings. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Pilandok exited the Philippine area of responsibility early Thursday and is not expected to directly affect the country, but habagat will keep bringing significant rainfall over parts of Luzon. Public Safety: DepEd said it will stop active-shooter “reenactments” during nationwide school safety drills, using distinct alarms instead to avoid psychological trauma. Anti-Corruption Courts: The Sandiganbayan cleared former DPWH official Manuel “Manny” Bonoan from graft and plunder charges, while Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada declined to enter a plea at his arraignment. Economy & Costs: The peso hit a new record low at 62.565 per dollar as Middle East tensions stoked inflation and safe-haven demand. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: DA and Pagasa signed a deal to set up an agrometeorological station in Northern Mindanao to give farmers more localized, real-time weather data.

Impeachment Trial: Day 21 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment focused on DepEd confidential funds for the Youth Leadership Summit, as former DepEd undersecretary Michael Poa testified he had no firsthand details and that no DepEd confidential funds were used for YLS rewards to the AFP; prosecutors also pushed for faster proceedings, with the Senate considering longer trial days and even whole-day sessions. Agrarian Relief: The House approved on final reading a bill that condones and restructures unpaid interests, penalties, and surcharges on farmers’, fisherfolk’s, and agrarian beneficiaries’ agricultural loans. Mental Health Staffing: The DOH told lawmakers it can’t retain enough psychiatrists and psychologists largely due to low pay, even after salary grade adjustments. Weather & Flooding: Habagat rains continue to affect parts of Luzon and the Visayas, with strong winds expected; DepEd reported damage to thousands of classrooms and sought billions for repairs and reconstruction. Strait of Hormuz: A Saudi shipping firm confirmed two Filipino seafarers died in a security incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Power & Transport: NLEX reported flooding that made some lanes impassable, while Bukidnon cooperatives issued emergency power shutdowns to prevent grid collapse. Sports: EJ Obiena won silver in Wesel after a demanding stretch; the PBA announced “PBA on Tour” exhibition games in Luzon.

Flood Control & Transport Accountability: The Toll Regulatory Board ordered NLEX to explain the Tulaoc Bridge flooding in Pampanga and consider toll refunds for motorists forced to U-turn, after days of habagat-linked traffic chaos. Volcano Watch: Phivolcs reported Taal’s sulfur dioxide emissions jumped to 526 metric tons on Sept. 1, though it remains under Alert Level 1 with no vog or hot-fluid upwelling detected. Impeachment Trial: In Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said he will pursue legal remedies after Sandiganbayan dropped plunder and graft charges vs former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan; meanwhile, Michael Poa is set to testify and Army officers challenged DepEd’s use of military certifications for confidential funds. Public Safety & Crime: PNP-ACG urged amendments to the SIM Registration Act, saying cybercrimes still start with SIM cards; NBI arrested a foreign national over an alleged rogue IMSI catcher used for phishing scams. Economy & Markets: The peso hit a fresh record low around P62.4:$1 as oil prices and geopolitical risk weighed on the currency; manufacturing activity in August rose to its strongest in nearly a decade. Health & Environment: Indonesian wildfire haze kept Metro Manila air quality at unhealthy levels, with health officials urging masks and limiting outdoor exposure. Tourism: DOT wants to expand the 14-day visa-free entry for Chinese tourists to secondary airports to boost arrivals. Sports: Alex Eala opens her US Open campaign; Creamline stays unbeaten in PVL Invitational with a sweep over Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

Asian Games Pressure: The Philippine sepak takraw team faces a “medal or make way” ultimatum after PSTAI president Karen Tanchanco-Caballero said athletes could be asked to step aside if they fail to bring home hardware. El Niño & Food Security: The DA and NIA asked lawmakers for more 2027 funding to protect farmers and fisherfolk from El Niño impacts, including extra money for fertilizer and fisherfolk support, while rice officials said imports may reach up to 5 million metric tons to keep stocks steady. Impeachment Watch: In VP Sara Duterte’s confidential funds trial, Army officers testified that their certifications for DepEd-linked youth summits were not meant to validate confidential fund liquidation, as the prosecution also warned against AI-generated “earpiece” claims and said it has about a week left in its timeline for one article. Weather & Disruptions: PAGASA warned haze from Indonesia’s fires could drift over western Visayas and Mindanao, while habagat-triggered rains led to class suspensions in parts of Luzon and advisories for communities. Flood Control Accountability: Marcos urged stricter enforcement of “no-build zone” rules and better LGU upkeep of waterways and garbage disposal as flooding continues to disrupt Central Luzon and Metro Manila. Economy & Taxes: Sen. Mark Villar pushed to raise the income tax exemption ceiling to give immediate relief to low- and middle-income workers. Sports: Creamline stayed unbeaten in the PVL Invitational after adding Jaja Santiago-Minowa, while Nxled bounced back to beat PLDT and tie the standings.

Impeachment Trial Watch: Senate presiding officer Francis Escudero told the court that a viral photo of OVP assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio “wearing an earpiece” was AI-generated and false, and reminded witnesses to testify only from personal knowledge as Day 20 continues with AFP Col. Manaros Boransing II on DepEd confidential funds tied to the Youth Leadership Summit. Floods & Transport: PNP beefed up patrols to help stranded motorists as NLEX flooding near Tulaoc/San Simon in Pampanga kept traffic heavy; meanwhile, Quezon City suspended face-to-face classes in some schools due to haze. Weather Updates: Pagasa said Tropical Storm Pilandok formed and may intensify, while habagat continues bringing heavy rains across Luzon and western Visayas. Energy & Prices: Oil firms rolled back fuel prices at the start of September, with diesel and kerosene down by nearly P4 per liter, though LPG may rise. Maritime Security: President Marcos urged newly promoted Philippine Coast Guard flag officers to uphold integrity as they protect West Philippine Sea interests. Governance & Accountability: AMLC said it secured a court order to immobilize assets of a lawmaker linked to billions in government contracts, as scrutiny of flood control and reclamation spending continues.

Habagat Flood Response: Malacañang ordered alternative work and face-to-face class suspensions in 15 Luzon provinces as heavy monsoon rains keep flooding Metro Manila and Central Luzon; OCD said Pampanga still has 330 flooded villages across 20 LGUs, while NLEX reported lane restrictions and diversions due to rising river water. Public Safety Under Strain: Manila’s Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital said its ER hit 300% capacity amid leptospirosis-related cases, as the city logged more ILI, dengue, and leptospirosis cases. Accountability and Infrastructure: Palace warned that stealing pumping station components could lead to jail, saying sabotage can worsen flooding; PNP also urged tighter coordination to secure vulnerable bridges and roads after the Agana and Aquino bridge collapses. Policy and Politics: Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano hit Sen. Ping Lacson’s Taguig reclamation probe, while Palace urged the Ombudsman not to rush flood-control cases. Environment and Energy Debate: A coalition is pushing back against Pax Silica, calling it “economic warfare” and warning of water, power, and displacement risks. Sports: Creamline opened the PVL Invitational with a win led by Jaja Santiago-Minowa, while June Mar Fajardo formally retired from Gilas after 13 years. Health Alerts: Pagasa warned Pilandok may intensify into a tropical storm by Sept. 1, with heavy to intense rains and landslide risk in parts of Luzon.

Gilas Pilipinas: Tim Cone said Carl Tamayo will miss 4–6 weeks with a Grade 2 ankle sprain after Gilas beat Iran 68–56 to finish the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ fourth window with a 4–4 record, while Kai Sotto and Juan Gomez de Liaño powered the comeback and June Mar Fajardo officially retired after a memorable home exit. Habagat & flooding: Pagasa downgraded parts of Central Luzon to yellow rainfall warning but still flagged possible flooding; La Mesa Dam remains above critical as excess water flows to riverside areas in Metro Manila. National Heroes’ Day: President Marcos urged Filipinos to embody heroes’ courage, while lawmakers and officials also highlighted ordinary citizens who helped during recent rains and disasters. Public health: DOH-7 reported low Measles-Rubella coverage in Cebu and Bohol amid vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, with many parents refusing or deferring shots. Press freedom: CHR and the media security task force called for stronger safeguards for journalists as the Philippines ranked 114th in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index. Economy & finance: August inflation is seen easing but still above target, while the peso’s slide and higher borrowing costs remain a worry; government borrowings jumped to P291.38B in July. Drugs & safety: PDEA and police arrested 14 suspects in Rizal and Cavite drug busts, and the Coast Guard reported an LCT-related capsizing incident off Romblon where eight crew escaped unhurt.

Habagat Disaster Update: Southwest monsoon and cyclones have battered Luzon and beyond, with 8.4 million people affected, 32 dead, and 1,115 evacuation centers housing over 35,000 evacuees, while Metro Manila and parts of Luzon remain under red rainfall warnings and La Mesa Dam stays above critical level. Local Calamity Declarations: Tarlac was placed under a state of calamity as flooding damaged bridges like Aquino and Agana, with authorities rushing temporary repairs. Weather System Watch: PAGASA says Tropical Depression Pilandok will strengthen the southwest monsoon but is unlikely to make landfall, keeping heavy rains and gusts in the forecast. Public Works & Governance: DPWH issued cease-and-desist orders on alleged illegal reclamation linked to Laguna de Bay in Taguig, and a DPWH maintenance chief in Las Piñas–Muntinlupa was relieved over delayed calamity response. Sports (Gilas): Gilas Pilipinas beat Iran 68-56 to finish the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers window strong, with Kai Sotto and Juan Gomez de Liaño leading and June Mar Fajardo’s national team retirement marked with a win. Sports (Futsal): San Juan City launched a futsal development program with the PSC and PFF to train coaches and bring the sport to kids across 21 barangays. Media Freedom: National Press Freedom Day saw calls for stronger protection for journalists after the Philippines ranked 114th in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index.

Habagat Flood Crisis: The Office of Civil Defense reported 32 deaths, 3 missing, and 19 injured as enhanced southwest monsoon rains battered Luzon, with over 400 flooded areas and 13 bridges impassable, including collapsed Aquino Bridge in Tarlac and Agana Bridge in Tibag, while 2.3 million families were affected and 297 evacuation centers still held thousands. Weather Watch: Pagasa warned heavy rain up to 200mm in 23 Luzon provinces and issued orange/yellow rainfall warnings, as an LPA east of northern Luzon has a high chance to develop into a tropical depression named “Pilandok,” potentially strengthening habagat. Laguna de Bay Alert: LLDA said Laguna de Bay hit 12.58m, above the 12.50m critical high-water mark, urging lakeshore residents to stay vigilant. Press Freedom: NUJP documented about 260 attacks vs journalists since Marcos took office, with over 180 targeting local, alternative, and campus media workers. Disaster Risk Tech: SM Investments partnered with Phivolcs to use GeoRiskPH hazard tools for property and business planning. Gilas Pilipinas: The Philippines beat Jordan 82-81 in overtime and now hosts Iran Sunday, with Carl Tamayo out due to a sprained ankle and Justin Arana set to replace him. Local Politics: Cavite’s 4th District special election ended with Jenny Barzaga proclaimed winner, keeping the seat in the Barzaga political family. Vape Tax Push: Health advocates urged lawmakers to tax vapes at P80 or higher, warning youth addiction and early chronic disease risks. Power Supply: NGCP placed the Visayas grid under red alert again for three hours Sunday evening, with possible rotational brownouts.

Sports & Culture: NBA stars Jason Kidd, Tony Parker and WNBA legend Lauren Jackson helped launch NBA House Philippines at One Ayala in Makati, with basketball clinics for kids and surprise greetings from Alex Eala and Jordan Clarkson. Gilas Update: Carl Tamayo is out of Sunday’s Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers vs Iran after a sprained ankle, with Justin Arana set to replace him following Gilas’ 82-81 overtime win over Jordan. Weather & Safety: Pagasa warns habagat rains will continue over Luzon and parts of the Visayas, with red rainfall alerts over Metro Manila and several provinces; Phivolcs also flags possible lahar flows from Pinatubo and Taal amid heavy rain. Public Transport Enforcement: LTFRB summoned 21 bus and UV Express operators over Edsa Busway violations, including “mystery rider” monitoring and complaints about dilapidated vehicles. Politics & Accountability: House impeachment team adviser Ace Barbers urged the public to avoid fake news around VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, citing AFP warnings of malign influence riding on local issues. Elections: Dasmariñas special election results show incumbent Mayor Jennifer “Jenny” Barzaga leading after Raul Rex Mangubat conceded. Health: Leptospirosis cases in the country are reported surging, with warnings of more cases in the coming weeks. Arts & Film: The Film Academy of the Philippines shortlisted eight films for the 2027 Oscars Best International Feature Film entry, including “Filipiñana” and “Quezon.”

Monsoon Floods & Alerts: Heavy habagat rains pushed more Luzon areas into red warning, while Metro Manila saw multiple flooded spots and class disruptions; the DSWD raised its national alert to red and hospitals reported surges, including leptospirosis cases. Health Watch: DOH said leptospirosis cases are down year-on-year, but Metro Manila hospitals still logged 521 admissions as facilities prepare for a possible further rise. Public Safety Crackdown: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said over 200 Bureau of Fire Protection personnel are under investigation over alleged “slots-for-sale,” as authorities move to “clean up” the agency. Cyber & Child Safety: Meta committed to removing harmful deepfakes and cooperating with investigations, while lawmakers backed proposals to restrict social media access for children 14 and below. Sports—Gilas’ Grit: Without Justin Brownlee, Gilas beat Jordan 82-81 in overtime, powered by CJ Perez and a late Kevin Quiambao triple, with Kai Sotto delivering a key block. Economy & Markets: The peso hit a new record low at 62.265 per dollar, inflation is seen staying above 6% in August, and the PSEi slid below 6,000 amid growth worries. Local Politics: Dasmariñas voters went to the polls in Cavite’s 4th District special election despite heavy rain. Disaster Abroad: Families and authorities continued searching for Filipinos missing after Nepal-Tibet flash floods, including a doctor last contacted near the Isha Sadghuru tour.

Habagat Disruptions: Classes were suspended Saturday, Aug. 29 in Metro Manila and parts of Luzon as heavy rains persist, with Pagasa warning of continued downpours. Zambales Flood Response: In Olongapo City, rivers rose to spilling/evacuation levels, stranding some residents and prompting rescue operations; nearby roads also became impassable. Zambales Tragedy Update: PCG search for three missing Aeta passengers after a boat capsized in Mapanuepe Lake was suspended due to worsening weather, after 6 deaths and 4 survivors were reported. Ombudsman Graft Cases: The Ombudsman filed a second malversation case vs former Rep. Zaldy Co over a “non-existent” ₱77M flood project in Bulacan, while it continues fact-finding in the Bersamin kickback allegations. Impeachment Watch: House prosecutors said they’re not rushing to call Col. Lachica in VP Sara Duterte’s confidential funds trial, and clarified witness plans amid sub judice rules. Economy/Markets: The peso hit a new record low at 62.265 per dollar after BSP’s rate hike; local stocks slid as growth worries grew. Health: DOH is investigating a Cebu child’s death after MR vaccination and reported 5,486 leptospirosis cases nationwide, with more expected in coming weeks. Sports: Gilas Pilipinas beat Jordan 82-81 in overtime in the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers; Alex Eala’s Asian Games participation was confirmed.

Monsoon Disruptions: PAGASA kept heavy-rain warnings up over western Luzon, with a red alert over parts of Zambales and Bataan and classes suspended across multiple towns in Zambales and Benguet as habagat continues. Power Crunch: NGCP placed the Visayas grid under red alert for three hours, warning of possible rotational brownouts if plants trip. Travel Costs: CAB raised the allowable fuel surcharge for Sept. 1–15, pushing domestic fares higher by up to about P1,237 and international surcharges up as jet fuel volatility persists. Inflation Fight & Peso: BSP hiked the policy rate to 5%, and the peso slid to a fresh record close near 61.888 per dollar. Public Safety & Police Tech: DILG/PNP moves toward AI-enabled body-worn cameras and supports a school safety bill; Remulla also backs police home inspections for licensed gun owners. Crime & Justice: PNP reshuffled nine senior officials; a court-ordered medical check for detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada drew criticism from groups alleging “special treatment.” Disaster Watch: Search continues for missing Aeta passengers after a Zambales boat capsized; Taal Volcano SO₂ emissions rose but stayed “weak.” Business & Energy: PAL will make Melbourne daily from Nov. 19; PNB backs a solar-plus-battery project in Iloilo; EastWest eyes a P9B rights offering. Poverty Beyond Income: PSA’s multidimensional poverty index found 12.4% of households (12.8% of Filipinos) are poor across multiple basic needs.

Flood Control & Climate Resilience: Project NOAH is proposing 150-plus detention basins across Metro Manila to temporarily hold excess rainwater and ease flooding, with two already finished in Quezon City. Budget Watch: Lawmakers filed the ₱7.2-trillion 2027 budget bill, while the DILG is seeking ₱332.5B for 2027 and pushing reforms tied to public safety and services. School Safety & Mental Health: DepEd is fast-tracking 10,000 school counselor associates after recent school shootings, and lawmakers back the Comprehensive School Safety Act to institutionalize protection protocols. Local Services & Social Support: DILG says many LGUs struggle to comply with the Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act due to funding limits, with only a fraction currently meeting requirements. Justice & Accountability: The Ombudsman case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez faces renewed arguments over witness recantations, while Sandiganbayan denied a Tarlac lawmaker’s bid to consolidate graft counts. Disaster Response Abroad: Marcos expressed condolences over Nepal-Tibet flash floods; one Filipino traveler remains missing as officials coordinate with Nepal authorities. Sports: Gilas Pilipinas opens its home games without Justin Brownlee, with Scottie Thompson saying the team needs collective step-ups.

School Safety & Weather Disruptions: La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong shifted to online synchronous classes after a “security concern,” while parts of Luzon saw face-to-face classes suspended as habagat rains and a new low pressure area (LPA) could strengthen into a tropical depression. Power Reliability: NGCP kept the Visayas Grid on red and yellow alerts due to insufficient supply and forced outages, with hundreds of megawatts still unavailable. DPWH & Flood Control Accountability: DPWH said it purged “duplicate projects” for the 2027 budget after last year’s flood-control corruption scandal, as lawmakers and watchdogs keep pressure on flood mitigation delivery. Impeachment Court Rules: Senate presiding officer Francis Escudero reiterated the sub judice rule applies to Vice President Sara Duterte, tightening enforcement on public comments about the case. Maritime Security: The Navy seized smuggled cigarettes and diesel fuel worth at least ₱147M in Zamboanga Peninsula operations. Economy & Finance: BSP signaled it wants digital payment fees shifted to merchants/billers, not consumers, while banks’ property lending share fell to a seven-year low amid higher borrowing costs.