%201.svg){kind=logo}
Emergency Hotline:
(+63) 2 911 – 8688
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have conducted an inspection at New Las Piñas Public Market on August 4, 2026.
The two agencies inspected the rice, vegetable, and meat section.
According to DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., the price of basic commodities, such as meat, fish, and vegetables, remains at a fair and reasonable level.
However, he admitted that continuous rainfall and potential typhoons could impact high-value crops, such as tomatoes, chili peppers, and more.
“Let's say kung ngayon may tinamaan na sa sili kunyari, baka from 100 to maging 150. Kamatis, pwedeng from 85 pwedeng maging 130,”
“Pero bababa din naman kasi nga umuulan, umaaraw, so there's always a bright side,” he added
The DA chief also visited the ongoing sale of affordable rice in Kadiwa outlets.
He also assured the public that the DA currently sees no threat to the supply of rice, meat, and eggs, as inventory remains sufficient and the harvest season in several areas is approaching.
“I think until the end of this year, walang issue masyado,” he said
The Department of Agriculture is also prepared for the possible impacts of El Niño. Therefore, the Secretary advised consumers not to worry as the supply of food remains stable and no major price movements for basic commodities are expected.
The Philippine Navy has monitored 48 vessels from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) across four key maritime features in the West Philippine Sea in the month of July.
The number of vessels was:
Bajo de Masinloc - 22
Ayungin Shoal - 14
Pag-asa Islands - 8
Escoda Shoal - 4
According to Philippine Navy Spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea Retired Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, these detections are part of the continuous radio challenge and monitoring to track ships entering the country’s maritime domain.
As of July, the Philippine Navy monitored 20,749 vessels (3,071 domestic vessels and 17,678 foreign vessels).
Over 14,000 of these ships responded to the radio challenges, while more than 6,000 failed to respond.
According to the Philippine Navy, these figures reflect China’s ongoing illegal, coercive, aggressive, and deceptive activities in the West Philippine Sea.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Navy assured continuous monitoring, strengthening maritime domain awareness, and safeguarding sovereignty.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is determined to eradicate illegal gambling in the country.
Hence, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered ground commanders to strengthen community intelligence.
PGen. Nartatez believes that the most effective way to abolish illegal gambling comes from the direct communication of residents with the police. This strategy aims to identify and dismantle illegal gambling operations across various regions.
Based on the record, 9,401 individuals were arrested, while over ₱3.2 million worth of bet money and gambling paraphernalia were confiscated, as of July 2026.
PGen. Nartatez clarified that the strategy is not only applicable in Metro Manila but also nationwide (including the remote communities).
The PNP chief also believes that dismantling illegal gambling operations may help to maintain long-term peace and order in local communities.
Transport groups have different requests regarding their proposed fare hike for public utility vehicles (PUVs), according to PISTON National President Mody Floranda.
“Magkakaiba yung petition. Yung iba ay merong ₱5; yung MANIBELA ay ₱2. Ang PISTON ay merong ₱10,” he said
[“The petitions differ. Others are asking for ₱5; MANIBELA is asking ₱2. The PISTON has ₱10.”]
However, transport groups still didn’t secure the grant to their request on fare adjustments covering traditional jeepneys, UV Express, motorcycle taxis, and regular taxis.
This follows the hearing conducted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on the pending fare hike petitions amid rising fuel prices.
According to LTFRB Chairman Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, the agency lacks sufficient data to support or justify the requested fare hikes across the affected PUVs.
Mendoza noted that the board needs to gather data from relevant government agencies, primarily the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev).
However, for the meantime, the LTFRB is evaluating recommendations for a provisional fare increase.
“Meron silang prayer for provisional fare increase. Lahat yan across the board. So yun ay aming iko-compute ngayon,” Mendoza said
[“They have the prayer for a provisional fare increase. All of that across the board. So, that’s what we’re computing.”]
The LTFRB chief emphasized that they are carefully evaluating the adjustment for each type of PUV. He also stated that the agency understands the views of the transport groups. However, it is also necessary to consider the paying capacity of commuters, especially the minimum wage earners.
“Hindi naman natin pwede ibigay yung ₱10 provisional increase na hiningi ng PISTON. We have no data right now to support yung kakayanan ng ating mga mananakay na sagutin yung dagdag ₱10 sa unang apat na kilometro,” he said
[“We cannot simply grant the ₱10 provisional increase requested by PISTON. We have no data right now to support whether commuters can afford an additional ₱10 for the first four kilometers.”]
“Moreso, na-suspend yung kanilang minimum wage hike. So we have to do our math here kung kaya ba yung 10?” he added
[Moreso, their minimum wage hike was suspended. So, we have to do our math here to see if a ₱10 increase is feasible.”]
The LTFRB aims to finalize its recommendation for the interim fare hike within the week.
The Baguio City government targets to reopen Burnham Lake in the celebration of Baguio Day on September 1, 2026.
According to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the lake is currently only half-full.
“Ang percentage ng water niya ngayon is nasa 50% na. Sana may dumating pang dalawang bagyo. Huwag sana yung nakakasirang bagyo, pero we want more rains para malagyan ng tubig,” he said
The Burnham Lake was closed in October 2025 as part of a rehabilitation project under the Burnham Park Master Plan, funded by the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). Changes and upgrades include deepening the lake, constructing a new view deck and retaining wall, and enhancing surrounding facilities.
Mayor Magalong also stated the necessity to replace the old watercraft once the lake reopens.
He also emphasized that old boats will no longer be allowed.
“Kumbaga, parang bumili ka ng bagong sapatos, syempre, kailangan mo rin ng bagong medyas, 'di ba? Di naman pwedeng punit-punit yung medyas. Gusto natin, mag-enjoy yung mga tao diyan. Kailangan maayos lahat at safe yung mga watercraft,” he said
The city government aims to finish the remaining work ahead of Baguio Day.
