MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Tuesday said defending the country’s rights in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) did not amount to picking a fight with China, following Vice President Sara Duterte’s call for the government to avoid confrontation with Beijing. Rear Adm. Roy Vincent Trinidad (Reserve), the Armed Forces of
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, PALAWAN, Philippines — The Philippine Navy’s Naval Command West (NavComWest) here heightened its alert status on Monday following the launch of a Long March 12 rocket by the People’s Republic of China on the same day to ensure operational readiness and facilitate the immediate reporting and assessment of potential incidents. NavComWest said
MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) was surprised by the long lines of applicants at voter registration sites on Tuesday, Nov. 10. The observation comes as the poll body reopened the registration for the May 2028 national and local elections. Comelec Chair George Erwin Garcia described the turnout at the Special Registration Anywhere/Anytime Program (SRAP)
MANILA, Philippines — Planning to vote in the 2028 elections but have yet to register? Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete your voter registration, including the qualifications, requirements and documents you need to prepare. Step 1: Ensure your eligibility To register as a voter, applicants must meet the following qualifications: Eligible Filipinos may
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to finalize the Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea during the upcoming 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit, according to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro. At a briefing on Monday, Castro said sealing the agreement has long been one of the president’s goals,
The Armed Forces of the Philippines stated that defending national rights in the West Philippine Sea is not the same as picking a fight with China. This statement followed a call from Vice President Sara Duterte for the government to avoid confrontations with Beijing.
An Octa Research survey examined a hypothetical presidential and vice presidential pairing for the 2028 elections. Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and Senator Raffy Tulfo led the matchup. They were measured against Davao City Mayor Baste Duterte and Senator Robin Padilla. The survey was conducted between September 28 and October 4. Around 43 percent of adult Filipinos indicated they would choose the Robredo-Tulfo pairing.
The Commission on Elections in the Philippines has opened voter registration for the May 2028 elections. This process began on Tuesday, November 10. Eligible citizens have until July 30, 2027, to complete their registration. First-time voters can sign up during this window. People who wish to transfer their registration records may also do so. Additionally, those with deactivated voter records can have them reactivated.
The defense team for Vice President Sara Duterte will call a witness on Tuesday. This person is the city assessor of the Island Garden City of Samal. The appearance takes place on Day 41 of the impeachment trial. This witness is the second person to be presented by the defense.
Lawyer Romulo Macalintal intends to ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling on the postponement of the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. He argues that upholding the law is an intentional violation of the constitutional right of the electorate to vote. The court had previously declared the law constitutional in a ruling released on Friday.
Vice President Sara Duterte emphasized the necessity of keeping friendly ties with China. This statement comes despite a continuing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea. She mentioned the volume of trade as a factor in her position. Duterte also claimed the government is using issues regarding China and travel to Laos to bring her down.
Fishermen in the coastal town of Sual and in Pangasinan and Zambales are reporting a loss of their fishing grounds. They claim Chinese fish cage operators are encroaching on areas they traditionally use in the West Philippine Sea. Marginal fisherfolk are now demanding that hundreds of these fish cages be removed. The fishers state that their ability to operate in these waters is being hindered.
The Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte in Manila resumes on Monday, November 9. This marks the 40th day of the proceedings following a recess that lasted nearly a month. The defense team plans to provide evidence and witnesses to contest allegations of undeclared assets and unexplained wealth.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. wants to accelerate the development of the Philippine Marine Corps. He is pushing for an expanded strategic presence in the Kalayaan Island Group. These goals are part of an effort to strengthen archipelagic defense capabilities. Teodoro spoke about these plans during the 76th anniversary celebration of the Marine Corps at Fort Bonifacio.
Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua appointed 19 top regional officials for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. These officials took their oath on Friday and held their first Cabinet meeting to discuss the 2027 budget. Only two of the appointed officials are women, including Jo Genna Jover.
The Commission on Elections in the Philippines announced it will direct its efforts toward organizing the national and local elections scheduled for May 2028. This shift follows a Supreme Court decision that confirmed the legality of a law lengthening the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to five years. The court’s ruling removes uncertainty about the tenure of those local officials. In a statement, the election commission expressed approval of the high court’s judgment.
Secretary Tess Lazaro and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke by phone last Tuesday. The DFA described the conversation as frank, pragmatic and constructive. Both parties agreed to continue talking and manage their differences. They aim to avoid rhetoric and actions that could increase tensions before the Asean summit.
The Philippine Coast Guard announced that the launch of China's Long March 12 rocket has been rescheduled. Originally planned for Friday, the launch is now set for Monday, November 9. The Coast Guard District Palawan issued an advisory for mariners regarding the change. The event is expected to take place between 4:17 a.m. and 4:47 a.m. Philippine standard time.
The 1Sambayan political coalition is calling for a definitive resolution to conflicts in the West Philippine Sea. They argue that the solution must be based on international law due to ongoing Chinese aggression. The group suggests bringing these unresolved issues back before a tribunal. This tribunal would be established under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Voter registration in Naga City and Batanes will start a week after their local electoral exercises. This is a change from the national start date of November 10. Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia announced the rescheduling. Naga City has a plebiscite on November 21 to decide if it will become a highly urbanized city.
Naga City and six towns in Batanes will not take part in the reopening of voter registration on November 10. The Commission on Elections stated that Naga City is skipping the process because of a scheduled plebiscite. The towns in Batanes are unable to participate due to special elections. A spokesperson for the commission confirmed the temporary suspension of registration in Naga City.
The Commission on Elections stated that barangay certificates and cedulas are not valid proof of identity for voter registration. The registration period is scheduled from November 10 until July 30, 2027. During this time, Filipinos can register for the first time, transfer their registration, or reactivate their status.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. issued a warning on Wednesday regarding maritime resources. He stated that future generations of Filipinos might lose access to these resources. This risk exists if the Philippines does not defend its rights in the West Philippine Sea. Teodoro mentioned the country will have an increasing need to rely on the sea for resources.
The 601st Infantry Brigade honored the 75th Infantry Battalion for its role in maintaining security in the Bangsamoro region. The recognition focused on the battalion's contributions during the first parliamentary elections held on September 14, 2026. Brig. Gen. Gremel Brual led the tribute to the unit.
The long Undas weekend is coming to an end in the Philippines. People who traveled to provinces for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day are expected to return to Metro Manila and urban centers on Monday. Bus terminals, seaports, and airports are preparing for the arrival of these travelers.
Millions of Filipinos are expected to visit cemeteries and memorial parks on Sunday, November 1. This visit is part of the observance of All Saints’ Day to pay tribute to departed loved ones. Reports will provide updates on the situation at these sites across the country. These updates will include information on crowd conditions.
Thousands of Filipino families are expected to travel to home provinces and visit cemeteries on the eve of Undas. These visits are intended to pay tribute to departed loved ones. Authorities are increasing security and traffic management operations to handle the crowds. Airports and seaports are preparing for more passengers. Bus terminals and major roads are also bracing for an increase in vehicle volume.
Authorities across the Philippines are preparing for the 2026 Undas holiday. They expect a large influx of cemetery visitors and travelers returning to their home provinces for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Officials have arranged measures to manage the crowds and coordinate traffic. Live updates will track developments such as grave‑finding services, visiting hours and traffic advisories.
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao is beginning a new chapter. The first elected parliament is holding its inaugural session at the regional legislature’s Plenary Hall. The session starts at 1:30 p.m. Sheikh Muslim Guiamaden will open the event and oversee the election.
Preparations are underway across the Philippines for Undas 2026, with authorities bracing for crowds at cemeteries and a wave of travelers heading to their home provinces for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. A mass exodus began as early as Thursday, October 29, as Filipinos took advantage of a long break. Live coverage is following the situation as the holiday period unfolds.
Authorities in the Philippines are preparing for Undas 2026. They are expecting many people to visit cemeteries and travel to home provinces. This movement is for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. A large number of travelers began leaving as early as Thursday, October 29. People are taking advantage of the long break.
The military has implemented heavy security and operational measures for the Bangsamoro Parliament's inaugural session. This event is scheduled for Friday, October 30. These precautions come after reports on social media suggested potential disruptions. The session marks the beginning of the first regular parliament in the region.
The Commission on Elections will use a messaging platform to transmit vote canvassing results for special elections in Batanes. Chairperson George Garcia announced the plan on Wednesday. The goal is to enable the quick transmission of results. This method will help facilitate the proclamation of the winner. This process serves as a pilot for the organization.
The national government confirmed that security measures are ready for the first session of the Bangsamoro Parliament. The inaugural session is scheduled for Friday, October 30. Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento mentioned a meeting between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities.
The Commission on Elections in the Philippines will reopen voter registration on November 10, 2026. Registration will remain open until July 30, 2027, to prepare for the 2028 national and local elections. Chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated the early start allows more time to process and cleanse voter lists.
Military and police forces are on high alert in Cotabato City for the first session of the newly elected Bangsamoro Parliament. This inaugural session takes place on Friday, October 30. Troops and armored tanks have been placed in strategic locations across the city. Intelligence officials report that no specific security threats have been monitored. Brig. Gen. Edgar Catu is the commander of the Army involved in the operation.
Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal filed an urgent electronic motion with the Supreme Court on October 25. He requested that the court hold oral arguments regarding a petition to abolish the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections Postponement Law. Macalintal stated that the law was only meant to postpone the November 2026 elections.
The Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that a Chinese Navy carrier fleet passed through waters off Mindanao last week. The People's Liberation Army fleet was tracked by maritime units. This information was confirmed on Monday by the WestMinCom. The Maritime Situational Awareness Center played a role in monitoring the fleet's movements.
Defense Secretary Gilberto 'Gibo' Teodoro Jr. issued a blunt warning to China on Friday over the grounded BRP Sierra Madre. He said any attempt by Chinese forces to tow the warship away by force would be treated as an act of war against the Philippines. Teodoro was reacting to a report in a Manila-based Chinese-language newspaper that said Beijing was weighing the removal of the vessel. The aging ship has sat aground at Second Thomas Shoal in the West Philippine Sea since 1999, where Filipino marines rotate aboard to keep a constant presence. Manila repeatedly refuses Chinese demands to pull the vessel out, treating the shoal as part of its territory in the disputed waterway. Teodoro's statement sets a clear red line and signals that a forcible removal would trigger a serious response. The waters around the shoal have already seen run-ins between Chinese coast guard ships and Philippine resupply boats in recent years. His remarks show that the government now views any towing move as an attack on national territory rather than an ordinary quarrel.
The Commission on Elections has cautioned Filipinos about a fake social media post circulating online. The post falsely claims that the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections will push through in December. Comelec addressed the misinformation on Friday and moved to debunk the claim on Facebook. The poll body stressed that voters should rely on its official announcements for the real schedule of the elections. This is not the first time fabricated posts about the barangay and SK polls have spread, and officials worry they could confuse voters. The confusion comes at a sensitive time because the deferment of the barangay and SK elections is already the subject of a petition before the Supreme Court. The Court has asked the government to comment on the petition questioning the postponement of the polls. Comelec urged the public to verify any election-related schedule through its official channels before sharing it.
The Philippine Coast Guard successfully drove a foreign fishing vessel out of the waters near Lawak Island on Friday. This operation took place within the Kalayaan Island Group. The coast guard detected the vessel about two nautical miles northeast of the island. This marks the sixth time the agency has chased off a foreign ship from this specific area. The mission was part of an effort to protect territorial waters. Authorities continue to monitor the region for unauthorized activity.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. criticized former National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos for her remarks. Teodoro stated such criticism is inappropriate when national sovereignty and territory are at risk. He also supported a Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson regarding criticisms of China.
Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. issued a warning on Friday regarding China. He stated that any attempt to forcibly tow the grounded BRP Sierra Madre would be considered an act of war against the Philippines. The secretary noted that threats against the military vessel will be taken very seriously.
The Commission on Elections in the Philippines warned the public about a fraudulent social media post. The fake post claimed that the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections would take place in December. The poll body used its official Facebook page to debunk the claims made by an individual named Gallaza Sharly Paradise.
The Commission on Elections requires candidates in the Batanes special election to register online campaign platforms. This must be done by November 16. The election is scheduled for November 28. Registration is open from October 20 to November 16. Candidates must register through the Education and Information Department.
The Commission on Elections in Manila has canceled the registration of 50 party-list groups. This group includes Bayan Muna. The cancellations occurred because the organizations failed to meet specific electoral performance or participation requirements. Under Resolution 11281, the body revoked registrations for those that did not participate in the last two elections.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines rejected a claim from China. China asserted it had approved a resupply mission to the BRP Sierra Madre at Ayungin Shoal. The military stated that Manila does not need permission from Beijing for military operations in the West Philippine Sea.
The Palawan provincial government warned the public about a rocket launch by the People’s Republic of China. The Long March 8 rocket is scheduled for launch on Sunday, October 25. The event is expected to take place between 9:42 a.m. and 10:43 a.m. Rocket debris is expected to follow the launch.
Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela, a spokesperson for the Philippine Coast Guard, responded to criticisms from former National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos. Carlos had previously called him a troublemaker and told him to be quiet. Tarriela questioned why Carlos seemed more angry with him than with China. He mentioned that his parents had taught him certain values during this exchange.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Adm. Jay Tarriela criticized former National Security Adviser Clarita Carlos. He claimed she failed to defend rights in the West Philippine Sea during her time in office. Tarriela stated that government transparency initiatives only started after she was replaced.
