The House of Representatives Justice Committee approved two remaining impeachment complaints against Ms. Duterte after earlier striking out one that failed an eligibility test and another that was withdrawn by its complainants.听

The panel鈥檚 ruling听on the听complaints against the 47-year-old official will advance them to a full-blown inquiry on their merits, setting the stage for a protracted debate over charges that have politically weighed on Ms. Duterte and risks reopening a deep political rift with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.听

Ms. Duterte faces a range of accusations fueling the impeachment drive, including claims she misused hundreds of millions of pesos in funds earmarked for surveillance and intelligence work under the Office of the Vice-President and the Education department during her tenure as its secretary.听

The filings also include accusations she amassed wealth disproportionate to her income, efforts to destabilize the government and plotting to assassinate Mr. Marcos, his听wife听and former Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, charges which she has denied.

Michael T. Poa, spokesman for Ms. Duterte’s defense team, did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comment.听听

Ms. Duterte has 10 days to file her answers before the committee to the impeachment cases and allegations raised against her. 鈥� Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio听

“The DPWH and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), together with the Department of Justice are recommending charges of plunder, malversation, graft and bribery against 87 individuals,” Public Works and Highways Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon said during the agency鈥檚 briefing on Thursday.

Those recommended for charges include former Public Works Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan; former DPWH undersecretaries Roberto R. Bernardo and Maria Catalina E. Cabral; Senators Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva and Jose P. Ejercito Estrada; former senator Ramon B. Revilla, Jr.; and contractor Cezarah C. Discaya.

The DPWH said it is working with several government agencies to investigate the alleged irregularities, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.鈥檚 directive during his July 28 State of the Nation Address to submit a complete list of flood control projects from the past three years and to conduct a full investigation.

Mr. Marcos had earlier said that about P100 billion of the P545 billion allocated for flood control projects nationwide since 2022 had been cornered by just 15 contractors.

So far, authorities have frozen P13 billion worth of assets linked to the probe, including 4,679 bank accounts, 283 insurance policies, 255 vehicles, 178 real estate properties, 16 e-wallet accounts, and three securities accounts.– Ashley Erika O. Jose

The infusion will add 165,477 square meters (sq.m.) of gross leasable area (GLA) to MREIT鈥檚 portfolio, bringing its total office GLA to 646,891 sq.m., the company told the stock exchange on Thursday.

鈥淭his latest infusion reflects MREIT鈥檚 continued focus on scaling up with high-quality, income-generating assets in prime locations,鈥� MREIT President and Chief Executive Officer Jose Arnulfo C. Batac said.

The assets covered in the transaction are Science Hub Towers 1, 3 and 4; 8 Campus Place Buildings A, B and C; One Campus Place Buildings A and B; and the South East Asian Campus (SEAC), all located within McKinley Hill in Taguig City.

All the properties are Grade A office buildings located in Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered zones. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

In a disclosure on Wednesday, Crown Equities said its board approved the transaction on Dec. 16, subject to agreed closing terms and conditions.

The deal covers 62.5 million shares from Federal Land, valued at P68.12 million, and 5 million shares from Horizon Land, valued at P5.37 million.

Crown Central Properties, a developer of residential and commercial projects, was previously a joint venture between Crown Equities and the FLI group. With the sale, Crown Equities now owns 100% of the company.—Alexandria Grace C. Magno

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Department of Transportation (DoTr) presented the revised plan during a joint press briefing on Wednesday.

DPWH Secretary Vince B. Dizon said the DPWH will focus rehabilitation works on damaged sections of EDSA to minimize disruption to motorists and cut the project timetable to eight months from the previously planned two years.

The MMDA will keep the existing number coding scheme.

The first phase of the rehabilitation will cover the section from Roxas Boulevard to Orense and will start at 11 p.m. on Dec. 24, running until 4 a.m. on Jan. 5, 2026.

During this period, the DPWH will carry out 24/7 reblocking works and asphalt overlay of the EDSA busway lanes for both northbound and southbound directions.

From Jan. 5 to May 31, lane works will continue from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

The DPWH will carry out asphalt overlay lane by lane for both northbound and southbound directions from Monday to Friday, while Friday to Sunday will involve asphalt overlay and reblocking of one lane per direction.

Asphalted portions will reopen to traffic by 5 a.m. the following day. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

In a disclosure on Tuesday, the property developer said the agreement was executed with its existing joint-venture partner and is subject to customary closing conditions.

ALI said the unsolicited offer provided a premium, allowing the company to recognize gains from the sale and monetize its stake in Alabang Town Center.

Proceeds from the transaction will be used to support the growth of ALI鈥檚 leasing portfolio and to provide a return of capital to stakeholders, the company said. — ALB

This brought the jobless rate to 5% from 3.8% in the previous month and 3.9% a year ago 鈥斕齝lose to the post-pandemic high posted in July, when unemployment hit 5.3% or 2.59 million people.听

PSA Undersecretary and National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa attributed the rise in joblessness to recent typhoons, even as he cited 鈥済ood signs,鈥� including rising employment in the agriculture sector, which added 168,000 jobs from a year ago.听

鈥淲e saw an increase of 1.87 million in agriculture and forestry jobs quarter on quarter, with the biggest contributor being the growing of paddy rice, as the peak season for rice farming falls in the fourth quarter,鈥� he added.听

The PSA鈥檚 latest labor-force survey showed that while many found work, a significant segment remains jobless 鈥� meaning economic improvements may not be reaching all sectors.听

Still, the increase in employed people 鈥� particularly those aged 15 and over 鈥� reflects underlying demand in industries like retail, construction and services. Such gains offer hope that economic activity is picking up ahead of the holiday season.听

Labor force participation rose to 63.6% in October from 63.3% a year earlier and 64.5% in September, the statistics agency said in a statement.听

In October, services accounted for the biggest share of total employment at 60.6%, followed by agriculture with 21.5% and Industry at 17.9%.听

Underemployment, which covers workers seeking more hours or better-paying jobs, was 12% compared with 12.6% a year earlier and 11.1% in September. 鈥� Erika Mae P. Sinaking听

Based on preliminary central bank data, FDI net inflows fell by 25.8% to $320 million in September from $432 million a year ago.听

This marked the lowest monthly FDI inflow in more than five years or since the $313.79 million recorded in April 2020.听

Month on month, inflows sank by 60.62% from $514 million in August.

For the first nine months of 2025, FDIs dropped by 22.2% to $5.537 billion from $7.118 billion a year ago.

The BSP expects net inflows of FDI to reach $7.5 billion by year-end. 鈥斕�Katherine K. Chan

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) sharply cut its growth forecasts for the Philippines for this year and 2026, amid weak infrastructure spending due to corruption probe and natural disasters.

In its December Asian Development Outlook, the multilateral lender slashed its Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 5% from 5.6% in September.

For 2026, the ADB trimmed its Philippine growth forecast to 5.3% from 5.7% previously.

These latest projections are below the government鈥檚 5.5-6.5% target for this year, and the 6-7% growth goal for 2026 to 2028.

In its report released on Wednesday, the ADB said the lower growth prospects for the Philippines was 鈥渄ue to weak infrastructure spending amid investigations of publicly funded projects, and natural hazards.鈥�

The Philippine economy expanded by a weaker-than-expected 4% in the third quarter, bringing nine-month growth to 5%, due to lower government spending on flood control projects amid investigations and stricter controls.

Data from the Department of Budget and Management showed expenditure on infrastructure and other capital outlays for the January-to-September period, declined by 10.7% to P877.1 billion from P982.4 billion a year ago.

“Low inflation and ongoing monetary easing should sustain domestic demand, supporting stronger growth in 2026,” the ADB said.

“However, uncertainties arising out of investigations of publicly funded infrastructure projects and weather-related disruptions pose downside risks,” it added.

The multilateral lender expects headline inflation to average 1.8% this year and 3% in 2026, unchanged from its September forecast.

This is slightly higher than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 1.7% average forecast for this year, but lower than the 3.3% average forecast for 2026.

In a statement on Thursday, ABS-CBN said it 鈥渄eeply regrets that this action has been taken at this critical juncture in our recovery.鈥�

鈥淲e have sought additional time to resolve this matter and are working urgently within the thirty-day period we have been given,” the network added.

It said the 鈥渁mounts and manner of the claims remain disputed,鈥� and denied any suggestion of deliberate payment delays. 鈥淭here is no truth to any insinuation that ABS鈥慍BN willfully delayed payment,鈥� the company said.

The network said that the financial constraints underlying the issue stem from its previous loss of broadcast franchise, which 鈥渟ignificantly reduced鈥� its revenues and caused continued losses.

At the same time, ABS鈥慍BN said its transformation into a storytelling company has shown 鈥渟teady performance improvement.鈥�

ABS鈥慍BN said it remains open to 鈥渇air and reasonable solutions鈥� and will continue to find ways to reach audiences should the partnership officially end.

TV5 Network is part of MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., whose unit Hastings Holdings, Inc. 鈥� under the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund 鈥� holds a majority stake in 大象传媒 through the Philippine Star Group.– Arjay L. Balinbin

In its latest Economic Outlook on Tuesday, the OECD cut its Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 4.7% for this year, from 5.6% in its June report. This is well-below the government’s 5.5-6.5% growth goal for 2025.

鈥淧rivate consumption is supported by a strong labor market and contained inflation, but investment has weakened as the execution of public infrastructure projects has slowed on the back of a corruption scandal linked to public works,鈥� the OECD said in the report.

It also noted that the growth will gradually return its growth path 鈥渂ut risks are tilted to the downside.鈥�

The OECD also cut the growth forecast to 5.1% for 2026, from 6% previously.

It also sees the Philippines growing by 5.8% in 2027.

However, the projections are below the government’s 6-7% target for 2026 to 2028.

Earlier, Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said it is “very unlikely” that the economy will meet even the lower end of the growth target this year as bad weather and a corruption scandal weigh on economic activity.

Mr. Balisacan said the Development Budget Coordination Committee is set to meet on Dec. 9 to review the macroeconomic assumptions and targets.

At the same time, the OECD sees headline inflation averaging 1.6% this year, 鈥渂efore gradually reverting to the mid-point of the central bank鈥檚 2-4% target band as favourable food and energy price shocks fade and domestic demand recovers.鈥�

This is slightly higher than the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 1.7% average forecast for 2025. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

The Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers鈥� Index (PMI) slumped to 47.4 in November, a reversal of the 50.1 in October.

S&P Global said this was the “strongest deterioration in operating conditions across the Filipino manufacturing sector since August 2021.”

The headline PMI is a composite indicator of manufacturing performance. A PMI reading below 50 shows a deterioration in operating conditions, while a reading above 50 denotes better operating conditions from the preceding month.

“Manufacturing conditions in the Philippines deteriorated sharply in November, according to the latest S&P Global PMI survey. Output and new orders contracted at their fastest rates since August 2021, driven by weak customer demand. Exports, purchasing and employment also declined, reflecting broader challenges in the sector,” Trevor Balchin, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said.

S&P Global said new orders fell for a third straight month, and the fastest rate since August 2021. This was attributed to “weak customer demand and reduced requirements due to product life cycle changes.”

鈥淭here were signs of promise, however, as manufacturers expressed increased optimism for the next 12 months, anticipating growth due to new projects and improved economic conditions,鈥� Mr. Balchin said. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

鈥淥ur annual assistance including cofinancing is expected to exceed $5 billion in 2025, and to reach $15 billion over 2026鈥�2028. This reflects both the ambition of the government鈥檚 development agenda and the strength of our collaboration,鈥� ADB President Masato Kanda said in a statement.

鈥淭he Philippines is home to ADB鈥檚 headquarters and one of our most important and long-standing partners.”

This comes as Mr. Kanda on Nov. 25 met with newly appointed Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go to reaffirm the multilateral lender’s partnership with the Philippine government. The ADB chief said they are committed to supporting the administration’s governance and anticorruption agenda as transparency and public trust are key to spurring development.

The ADB is also preparing comprehensive technical and financing support for the Philippines’ chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in 2026, it said.

The bank was the second-biggest development partner of the Philippines in 2024 with $11.05 billion worth of loans and grants, behind the Japanese government’s $13.32 billion.

Mr. Kanda said the ADB is also scaling up its support for the private sector, including an upcoming $400-million program “to promote a modern, technology-enabled business environment.”

The ADB also provided $100 million as lead investor in the initial public offering of the Maynilad Water Services Inc. to help modernize water systems and deepen the Philippines鈥� equity capital markets.

The Philippines is also benefiting from ADB鈥檚 transaction advisory services for public鈥損rivate partnerships, it added. 鈥� Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) would submit evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman to bolster the charges, he said in a video message released on Wednesday.听

鈥淭his is only the beginning,鈥� Mr. Marcos said, adding that more assets would be frozen as the government seeks to recover public funds.听

The statement came as the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) secured two more freeze orders, bringing the total value of assets locked in the controversy to about P12 billion.听

The freeze orders covered some P4 billion worth of air assets linked to former Party-list Rep. Elizaldy S. Co, as well as 3,566 bank accounts, 198 insurance policies, 247 motor vehicles, 178 real properties and 16 e-wallet accounts.听

Mr. Marcos separately accused Mr. Co鈥檚 camp of trying to blackmail the government into stopping the cancellation of his passport.听

He said a lawyer of the resigned congressman, who is overseas, had approached officials with an offer to withhold a planned video unless authorities reversed the move.听

鈥淚 do not negotiate with criminals,鈥� he said in mixed English and Filipino. 鈥淓ven if you release your video of lies to destabilize the government, your passport will still be canceled. You cannot escape justice.鈥�听

Mr. Co has posted a series of videos accusing Mr. Marcos and senior officials of graft after the administration launched a sweeping probe into alleged anomalies in flood-control contracts.听

His accusations preceded the departure of former Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin and former Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman.听

The Ombudsman is expected to assess the charges once the ICI and DPWH submit their findings, a step that would formally place the implicated lawmakers under the chief graft buster鈥檚 investigation. 鈥斕�Chloe Mari A. Hufana听

The offering was more than 3.2 times oversubscribed, with tenders reaching $1.6 billion following a series of investor calls that started on Monday, the Sy-led bank said in a disclosure to the stock exchange.

The notes were priced at a coupon rate of 4.375%.

The transaction is scheduled to be settled on Dec. 3.

BDO鈥檚 attributable net income rose 6.1% year on year to P22.47 billion in the third quarter, bringing its nine-month profit to P63.09 billion, 4.07% higher than a year earlier. 鈥斕�Aaron Michael C. Sy

The assets belong to an incumbent high-ranking official from an independent constitutional body and a former elected government official, the AMLC said, but did not identify the individuals.

These were frozen as they were determined to be linked to breaches of the Republic Act No. 3019 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act as well as the Malversation of Public Funds and Property under Article 217 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended.

The two recent orders froze 230 bank accounts and 15 insurance policies. It also covered two helicopters and one airplane valued at around P3.9 billion.听

This brought the total value of all frozen assets linked to the flood control mess to P11.7 billion, including 3,566 bank accounts, 198 insurance policies, 247 motor vehicles, 178 real properties and 16 e-wallet accounts.

The AMLC said the value will continue to rise following the issuance of the new freeze orders.听

鈥淭he issuance of the freeze orders will enable AMLC to pursue a more extensive financial investigation to uncover any possible money laundering scheme linked to the flood control projects,鈥� AMLC Executive Director Matthew M. David said in a statement on Wednesday.

鈥淭he public can be assured that the AMLC will continue to pursue all possible legal remedies to ensure that those involved in the misuse of public funds are held accountable,鈥� he added. 鈥斕�Katherine K. Chan

In a video statement, Mr. Marcos said Mr. Co鈥檚 lawyer had approached officials with an offer to withhold a planned video unless authorities reversed the move to cancel his travel document.

鈥淚 do not negotiate with criminals,鈥� the President said in mixed English and Filipino. 鈥淓ven if you release your video of lies to destabilize the government, your passport will still be canceled. You cannot escape justice.鈥�

Mr. Co鈥檚 legal counsel Ruy Albert S. Rondain denied the president鈥檚 accusation, saying it is 鈥渃ompletely untrue.鈥�

鈥淚 have not spoken with anyone from the government to negotiate the stoppage of the videos for the passport. As I have always maintained, I have no control over the release of the videos,鈥� he said in a statement.

Mr. Marcos鈥� video statement followed Mr. Co鈥檚 accusation against presidential son, House Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander 鈥淪andro鈥� A. Marcos III, who allegedly slipped in billions of pesos to anomalous construction projects during the budget bill鈥檚 finalization at the bicameral conference committee level.

The president鈥檚 disclosure also came as the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) secured two additional freeze orders, bringing the total value of assets frozen in the controversy to about P12 billion.

The assets included about P4 billion in air assets linked to the former Ako Bicol Partylist representative, as well as 3,566 bank accounts, 198 insurance policies, 247 motor vehicles, 178 real properties and 16 e-wallet accounts.

Mr. Marcos said the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will also submit evidence to the Office of the Ombudsman recommending plunder, graft, bribery and conflict-of-interest charges against eight lawmakers who allegedly own construction firms with DPWH contracts.

鈥淭his is only the beginning,鈥� the President said, adding that more assets would be frozen as the government moves to recover public funds. 鈥� Chloe Mari A. Hufana

鈥淪ince Secretary Go came from the OSAPIEA and will now move to DoF, the collaboration remains intact,鈥� Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a briefing in Filipino, noting that no timeline has been set for the dissolution.

Asked if this move will affect trade negotiations, Ms. Castro quoted Mr. Go as saying there will be no operational disruptions on current negotiations as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has long handled the technical and substantive work related to trade deals.

Mr. Marcos created the post for Mr. Go when he assumed the presidency in 2022.

Asked why the President created OSAPIEA in the first place, Ms. Castro said the office was established to enhance inter-agency coordination.

However, with Mr. Go鈥檚 transition to the DoF 鈥� an agency that already works closely with DTI and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development in the Philippines (DEPDev)鈥� Ms. Castro said maintaining a separate office is no longer practical.

Mr. Go replaced Ralph G. Recto as the head of the DoF. Mr. Recto, in turn, was appointed as Executive Secretary. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

In a filing with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, San Jose Onshore Wind Power Corp., a CIP subsidiary, said the project will cover 4,617 hectares across the municipalities of Lupao and Carranglan.

鈥淲ith a potential total capacity of 300 MW, the project will not only add clean energy to the Luzon grid but also support the Philippine government鈥檚 broader objectives of enhancing energy security, diversifying the energy mix, and advancing the transition toward a low-carbon economy,鈥� the company said.

Construction is expected to start in the second quarter of 2027 and be completed by the second quarter of 2029.

CIP is a global investor in renewable energy assets such as wind, solar, and bioenergy. It manages 13 funds and around 鈧�32 billion for more than 180 investors worldwide.–Sheldeen Joy Talavera

The promulgation of the decision was held this morning at Pasig RTC Branch 167, with the accused attending the proceedings via video conference.

The court convicted Ms. Guo and co-accused Jaimielyn Santos Cruz, Rachelle Malonzo Carreon, and Walter Wong Rong on the charge of organizing trafficking inside the Baofu compound, Marvin Dela Paz, Communications Chief and spokesperson for the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), told reporters in a Viber group chat.

鈥淎ll guilty individuals are sentenced to life imprisonment and a fine of Php 2 million each per case, in addition to monetary reparations to their victim-complainants. The Baofu compound is also forfeited in favor of the government,鈥� Mr. Dela Paz added.

The multi-billion-peso Baofu Land Development Compound in Bamban, Tarlac, which allegedly harbored victims and facilitated recruitment for POGO-related scams, was also ordered forfeited in favor of the Philippine government. 鈥� Erika Mae P. Sinaking

In a statement, Visa said its cardholders now add their Visa debit or credit cards to Google Wallet and pay using Google Pay.

Visa card holders can now tap to pay using their Android devices at contactless-enabled terminals with no need for a physical card. It also works for online and in-app purchases.

The service is now available in the Philippines through seven partner issuers: China Banking Corp., EastWest Banking Corp., GoTyme Bank, Maya Bank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc., and Wise.

“Google Pay amplifies the benefits of Visa for consumers, businesses, and our banking partners. As a trusted payment solution used worldwide, it is now available in the Philippines, bringing speed and security to every transaction,” Jeffrey Navarro, Visa country manager for the Philippines, said in a statement.

“Each payment is protected by Visa鈥檚 network token 鈥� a unique, one-time digital code that can help prevent fraud while ensuring a seamless experience,” he added.

Under the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) guidance, Google Pay is classified as a technology service provider, as it does not hold consumer funds but links to Visa credit, debit, or prepaid cards. – Aaron Michael C. Sy

Both officials tendered their resignation “out of delicadeza” after their names were dragged in the flood control scandal, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing.

“After their departments were mentioned in allegations related to the flood control anomaly currently under investigation and in recognition of the responsibility to allow the administration to address the matter appropriately,” she said.

Mr. Marcos appointed Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto as the new Executive Secretary, whle Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go will now head the Department of Finance.

Ms. Castro said Budget Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo has been designated as officer in charge of the Department of Budget and Management.

“His designation ensures uninterrupted operations as the government prepares for the rollout of next year’s budget, ongoing recovery efforts in disaster-affected regions, and the continued funding of social and economic programs,” she added. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

A joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed new vehicle sales increased by 0.03% or 11 units to 40,014 in October from 40,003 units in the same month a year ago.

Month on month, vehicle sales went up by 5.2% from 38,029 units sold in September.

In October, passenger car sales slumped by 18.8% to 8,155 from 10,044 units sold in the same month in 2024.

Month on month, sales went up by 2.6% from 7,948 units sold in September.

Meanwhile, sales of commercial vehicles, which accounted for 79.62% of October sales, jumped by 6.3% to 31,859 from 29,959 units a year ago.

Month on month, commercial vehicle sales increased by 5.9% from 30,081 units in September.

The sales in October brought the total new vehicle sales in the first ten months to 383,424, 0.2% lower than the 384,310 units sold in the same period a year ago. 鈥� Justine Irish D. Tabile

Mr. Enrile died at his residence on Thursday at 4:21 p.m., his daughter Katrina Ponce Enrile said in a Facebook post, adding he passed 鈥渟urrounded by our family in the comfort of our home.鈥�

鈥淚t was his heartfelt wish to take his final rest at home, with his family by his side,鈥� Ms. Enrile said.

Mr. Enrile was a high-profile and enduring figure whose nearly six-decade career spanned seven administrations, serving in cabinet posts and, more prominently, as a senator.

He was admitted to an undisclosed hospital earlier this week for pneumonia and treated in the intensive care unit. On Wednesday, his daughter said doctors were giving him the 鈥渂est possible treatment and attention.鈥�

Mr. Enrile had advised President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. as his chief legal counsel since 2022. He had also served as minister for justice and defense under Mr. Marcos鈥� father and namesake.

He also served as a four-term senator and was the 21st Senate President from 2008 to 2013.

He was also among those implicated in the multibillion-peso pork barrel scam, where lawmakers had siphoned off funding from the Priority Development Assistance Fund. He was acquitted of charges last month. 鈥� Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

“We have implemented many measures because public spending will now be increased to make sure that by the end of the year, the spending levels are aligned with our original plan 鈥� so we can recover what was lost in the third quarter,” Mr. Marcos said in mixed English and Filipino during a press briefing in Malaca帽ang.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) earlier said it has programmed P1.31 trillion for disbursement during the October to December period to boost economic growth.

In the third quarter, Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to a four-year low of 4% from the 5.5% expansion in the second quarter and 5.2% a year ago. The sharp economic slowdown was mainly attributed to the corruption mess that dampened government spending and affected consumer and investor confidence.

For the first nine months of the year, GDP growth averaged 5%, slower than 5.9% in the same period last year, and below the government’s 5.5-6.5% full-year target.

The government is probing a multibillion-peso corruption scandal involving public works projects, where government officials allegedly colluded with private contractors to inflate costs and approve ghost infrastructure.

The scandal has also affected investor confidence on the Philippines, weighing on the stock market and the Philippine peso.

The Philippine peso weakened to a new record low of P59.17 per US dollar on Wednesday.

However, Mr. Marcos said the slowdown in economic activity is also partly due to a string of typhoons that led to work suspensions.

“There really was a downturn in economic activity. You have to remember that it’s not only because of these problems. Because of the typhoons, we lost working days in the economy,” he said.

Mr. Marcos also attributed the slower growth to the trade uncertainties, which are also affecting the global economy.

“We are not the only ones suffering the shocks that come from the new trade structure that has been imposed on the rest of the world. And so, we are all adjusting to that,” he added.

Since Aug. 7, the US has imposed a 19% duty on many goods from the Philippines, Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Mr. Mendoza’s appointment was signed on Wednesday.

He used to head the Finance Department’s Revenue Operations Group, working closely with the BIR and the Bureau of Customs (BoC).

Mr. Lumagui was a BIR deputy commissioner when the President’s term started in 2022, but was promoted as BIR chief in November 2022 or four months after Mr. Marcos took his seat.

The new BIR chief’s appointment comes as Mr. Lumagui earlier said it may fall short of its P3.219-trillion collection target for 2025 due to several emerging headwinds.

鈥淭he overall performance is low鈥� so there鈥檚 a need to recalibrate or recalculate the entire goal,鈥� BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. told 大象传媒 in an interview in mixed English and Filipino on Nov. 11. 鈥淎s things stand, it鈥檚 going to be quite difficult.鈥�

The latest Treasury data showed that BIR collections jumped by 10.88% to P2.32 trillion in the first nine months of the year. However, this was 2.63% lower than the programmed P2.38 trillion for the January-to-September period.

The BIR, the main revenue collection agency, needs to collect around P897 billion to reach the P3.219-trillion full-year program. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Fung-wong, packing 75 kilometers per hour (kph) of sustained winds and 90 kph of gustiness, was last located 210 kilometers northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5:00 p.m. advisory.

It re-entered the PAR as it approached southern Taiwan, where it is likely to make landfall by this evening. PAGASA said it was moving east-northeastward at 10 kph.

With Signal No. 1 in effect in Batanes, residents are expected to experience strong winds within the next 36 hours, causing minimal to minor threat to life and property.

PAGASA also raised a Gale Warning over the seaboard of extreme northern Luzon. Small seacraft are advised not to travel, as up to very rough sea conditions are expected. 鈥� Edg Adrian A. Eva

The areas affected include the western portion of Nueva Vizcaya, the western portion of Mountain Province, the southern portion of Abra, the western portion of Ifugao, Benguet, and the central and southern portions of Ilocos Sur, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 8:00 a.m. advisory.

Signal No. 3, where moderate to significant life-threatening winds are expected, is raised over more areas, including the western portion of Isabela, the southern portion of Apayao, Kalinga, the rest of Ifugao, the rest of Abra, the rest of Mountain Province, the northwestern portion of Quirino, the southern portion of Ilocos Norte, and the rest of Ilocos Sur.

It is likewise in effect over the rest of Pangasinan, the rest of Nueva Vizcaya, the northern portion of Nueva Ecija, the northern and central portions of Tarlac, and the northern portion of Zambales.

Meanwhile, minor to moderate life-threatening winds are expected in more than a dozen areas as Signal No. 2 is also hoisted, including Cagayan (including the Babuyan Islands), the rest of Isabela, the rest of Quirino, the rest of Apayao, the rest of Ilocos Norte, Aurora, the rest of Nueva Ecija, the rest of Tarlac, and the rest of Zambales.

The same wind signal is also in effect over Pampanga, Bulacan, Bataan, the northern and central portions of Quezon including the Polillo Islands, Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, the northern portion of Marinduque, the northern portion of Oriental Mindoro, the northern portion of Occidental Mindoro (including the Lubang Islands), and the western portion of Camarines Norte.

Signal No. 1, where minimal to minor life-threatening winds are expected, is raised over parts of Luzon, including Batanes, the northern portion of Palawan including the Calamian and Cuyo Islands, the rest of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, the western and central portions of Masbate including Ticao and Burias Islands, Romblon, the rest of Oriental Mindoro, the rest of Occidental Mindoro, the rest of Quezon, and the rest of Marinduque.

In the Visayas, Signal No. 1 is also in effect over the northwestern portion of Northern Samar, the northern portion of Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan, and the northern and central portions of Antique including the Caluya Islands. 鈥� Edg Adrian A. Eva

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in its 8 a.m. bulletin, also placed Polillo Islands, the northern portion of Camarines Norte and eastern portion of Camarines Sur under Signal No. 5.

Surrounding provinces, including Albay, Quezon, and parts of Bicol, remain under Signal No. 4, facing winds up to 184 kph.

Metro Manila, central Luzon, and large swaths of Northern Luzon are under lower signals but remain at risk of storm-force winds, heavy rains, and coastal flooding as Uwan approaches.

Uwan was packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour near the center and gusts reaching 230 kph, making it one of the most powerful storms to hit the country this year.

The system was last located 125 kilometers east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, moving west-northwest at 25 kph.

The super typhoon is expected to make landfall over Aurora province late on Sunday or early on Monday, possibly at peak intensity, before weakening as it crosses Northern Luzon鈥檚 mountainous terrain.

PAGASA warned that 鈥渓ife-threatening conditions鈥� are already being felt in Catanduanes, with widespread damage to homes, power lines, and trees likely.

It added heavy rainfall, storm surges, and strong gusts could persist even in areas outside the storm’s direct path.

Local government units also suspended classes for Monday, Nov. 10, in anticipation of the impact of Uwan.

The Philippines鈥攐ne of the world鈥檚 most disaster-prone countries鈥攆aces around 20 tropical cyclones each year.

Uwan comes as authorities continue relief efforts for areas still recovering from Typhoon Kalmaegi (Tino), which caused deadly flash floods in the Visayas and Mindanao earlier this month.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. last Thursday placed the country under a state of calamity to allow for the easier disbursement of funds. 鈥� Chloe Mari A. Hufana

The PSA said the value of agriculture and fisheries production rose 2.8% in the three months to September to P408.94 billion, following a contraction of 3.6% contraction in the same period last year. Compared to the second quarter, growth slowed from 5.7%/

鈥淭his growth was driven by the increases in the value of crop and poultry production. However, the value of livestock and fisheries production contracted during the period,鈥� the PSA said.

Analysts and farm groups earlier projected a decline or slowdown in output growth driven by a decrease in fisheries and livestock outputs due to weather disturbances and the threat of African Swine Fever (ASF).

Crop output, which accounted for 53.3% of the total value of agricultural production, grew 3.0% to P218 billion in the third quarter.

Palay (unmilled rice) production rose 12.6%, while corn and coconut registered declines of 2.9% and 2.1%, respectively.

Crops that posted double-digit increases by value included onion (77.3%), potato (47.8%), sugarcane (42.0%), coffee (25.9%), monggo (16.9%), tobacco (15.7%), and cabbage (13.3%).

On the other hand, the value of production contracted for abaca (15.4%) and sweet potato (11.4%).

The PSA reported that poultry grew 10.6% year-on-year to P75.96 billion in the third quarter, accounting for 18.6% of total farm production.

Chicken production posted a gain of 12.4% by value, while chicken eggs and duck posted 7.7% and 0.6% growth, respectively.

Duck eggs, on the other hand, declined 4.3% during the quarter.

Livestock, fisheries outputs slip

Meanwhile, the value of livestock production posted a year-on-year decline of 1.9% in the third quarter. The subsector accounted for P60.51 billion or 14.8% of the total value of agricultural production.

Dairy was the lone bright spot in livestock, posting a 34.7% improvement.

Carabao and goat recorded the biggest decrease in production value at 9.0% and 7.7%, respectively.

Cattle and hog production slumped in the third quarter by 2.7% and 1.4%, respectively.

Meanwhile, fisheries production fell 2.7% to P54.47 billion in the third quarter, accounting for 13.3% of total output.

Double-digit declines were seen for cavalla (talakitok, 20.3%), Bali sardinella (tamban, 13.3%), tiger prawn (sugpo, 11.6%), and P. Vannamei (10.8%).

The value of seaweed production dropped 15.7% in the third quarter.

Meanwhile, double-digit growth was posted by bigeye tuna (tambakol/bariles, 52.8%), squid (22.6%), and skipjack (gulyasan, 15.9%). — Vonn Andrei Villamiel