AGP Executive Report

Flood Response & Disaster Risk: Manila declares state of calamity in 27 flood-hit barangays as Metro Manila braces for heavier downpours, with government adding 13 pumping stations to boost drainage capacity. School Safety & Gun Control: DepEd’s nationwide active-threat drill is set for Aug. 25, with PNP pledging support; lawmakers and officials also push stricter firearm storage checks after the Ateneo de Zamboanga school shooting. Impeachment Court Logistics: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian says a decision on swapping impeachment trial and plenary schedules is still pending, with pressure to settle before the Aug. 27 budget season. Ninoy Aquino Day & Democracy: Marcos marks Aug. 21 urging Filipinos to draw from Ninoy’s legacy to fight disinformation and protect democratic gains, while urban poor groups renew calls for accountability. Budget Transparency Clash: ACT Teachers’ Antonio Tinio questions the Office of the President’s proposed 2027 secret funds, arguing it raises transparency and double-standard concerns. Credit & Growth Outlook: Japan’s R&I keeps the Philippines’ A- rating with stable outlook, citing recovery expectations as corruption-linked infrastructure delays ease. Online Safety: PLDT and Smart block more than 100 sites streaming school shootings and violence, saying there’s no room for content that glorifies harm. Poverty Update: PSA reports poverty incidence fell to a record-low 9.7% in 2025, lifting 6.5 million Filipinos out of poverty.

Flood Control Push: President Marcos says 13 more pumping stations will be added to MMDA’s 73 to tackle Metro Manila flooding, with new sites in Quezon City and upgrades aimed to be ready by year-end or early 2027. Anti-Plastics Enforcement: DENR, via Malacañang, issued show-cause letters to 155 firms for alleged noncompliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility law, with fines and possible business permit suspension for repeat offenders. Impeachment & Accountability: House prosecutors weigh whether to call Ramil Madriaga in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, while the Romualdez camp seeks dismissal of a plunder case tied to the flood control scandal after a witness recanted and drivers disputed “maleta boys” claims. Cyber & School Safety: CICC moved to block the site used to livestream the Zamboanga school shooting, as lawmakers probe how the attack spread online; BuCor also ordered stricter firearm storage after children accessed guns. Economy & Finance: BSP reports the balance of payments swung to a $1.47B deficit in July; Meralco eyes cooperative partnerships to cut system losses and lower rates; PNB extends a P1B secured credit facility to BillEase. Foreign Affairs & Labor: DFA says OFWs often can’t land jobs matching their qualifications and end up in lower-paying work despite credentials. International Links: Scoot launches thrice-weekly flights to Guiyang from October, and Busan nears opening a Philippine consulate to deepen ties with Cebu and maritime cooperation.

Flood Control & Metro Manila Infrastructure: President Marcos released a shortlist of 39 possible rain-catchment sites for large flood-control structures, aiming for operations before next year’s rainy season, while MMDA said 13 pumping stations (four new, nine upgrades) are being built or upgraded to boost discharge capacity. Habagat, Health & Waste: DENR warned that garbage clogging waterways worsens flooding and issued show-cause letters to 155 firms under the Extended Producer Responsibility law; PAGASA said weather may improve as Neneng weakened into an LPA. School Shooting Aftermath & Gun Safety: BuCor chief Catapang ordered tighter firearm storage after children got access to licensed guns; a Zamboanga police chief said vehicle checks at Ateneo de Zamboanga were only “visual,” prompting calls for better screening. Impeachment Politics: House prosecution panelists said Duterte’s push for a speedy impeachment trial must still respect due process, as Duterte’s camp continues to frame proceedings amid weather delays. Flood-Control Scandal Watch: Malacañang said investigations into alleged flood-control anomalies will continue despite Orly Guteza’s recantation, stressing accountability for anyone behind fabricated testimonies. Energy Costs: NGCP reported transmission and ancillary service rates jumped, driving higher August electricity bills, as lawmakers and regulators debate how to cut system-loss charges. Economy & Markets: The PSEi rebounded on bargain-hunting and easing US Treasury yields, while the peso steadied after recent weakness.

Flood Control & Infrastructure: President Marcos says 30 large rain-catchment sites are being readied across Metro Manila, including Malate and Quezon City, with detailed plans due end-August, as Sen. Lacson pushes for forensic inspections of flood-control and other infrastructure to pinpoint accountability. Disaster Response & Health: DOH is monitoring a possible leptospirosis uptick amid habagat flooding, while PNP ramps up “Libreng Sakay” transport, rescues, and relief operations. Education & Campus Safety: DepEd wants school heads to resume face-to-face classes based on site-specific safety assessments with mayor concurrence, after deadly shootings at Ateneo de Zamboanga University; lawmakers and educators renew calls for tighter gun access rules and whole-community security. Impeachment & Governance: In VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, prosecutors debate trial scheduling to prevent witness coaching, while Duterte’s camp faces renewed perjury moves involving former aide Ramil Madriaga. Economy & Budget: CPBRD warns the 2027 budget has shrinking “fiscal space” for new priorities as NTA and mandatory spending crowd out room for emerging needs, as the peso nears record lows. Power & Regulation: ERC says a Villar-led power firm’s permit lapsed, and it must reapply; separately, Negros Power plans P2.1B network upgrades without higher rates.

School Safety & Gun Control: Sen. Loren Legarda urged stricter enforcement of gun laws after the Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting left two students dead, as Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla pushed for Congress to repeal the “Robin Padilla law” and make loose firearms non-bailable, citing how the alleged shooter entered via a vehicle and how firearms were reportedly left in the father’s car. Child Protection & Media Restraint: The CHR and CPD called for stronger school safety, psychosocial support, and safeguards to keep guns away from children, while Malacañang urged media restraint in reporting incidents involving minors to avoid copycat harm. Government Response to Habagat: PNP said it deployed 689 officers for “Libreng Sakay,” rescues, and relief as habagat worsened flooding; Malacañang also ordered alternative work and learning setups in NCR and 17 provinces for Aug. 20, and DepEd backed a flexible approach letting individual schools resume face-to-face after disasters if local safety conditions allow. Flood Control Projects: President Marcos said Dutch firm Haskoning identified 30 rain catchment sites for Metro Manila, while DPWH flagged fast-track detention basins like a 3-million-liter facility near Malate Church. Impeachment Politics: In Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, prosecutors challenged her transparency claims tied to confidential funds, as Duterte maintained she has no need to attend and the trial faced weather-related delays. Local Governance: In Oriental Mindoro, a damaged Bagto River protection dike put over 1,000 residents at risk, prompting inspections and temporary measures.

School Safety Crisis: A student gunman killed a fellow student and himself at Ateneo de Zamboanga University, with police probing how a government-issued firearm reached him and officials vowing stronger child-safety measures. Flooding & Drainage: Habagat rains continue to disrupt Metro Manila and nearby areas, with Valenzuela reporting multiple flooded spots, DENR clearing 1,255 sacks of garbage from clogged waterways, and DPWH pushing drainage fixes like the España cross-drainage project starting September. Budget & Governance: Sen. Panfilo Lacson questioned the 2027 flood-control allocation as “wasting money” without a clear long-term plan, while the Ombudsman moved against LTO officials over a P13B IT fee mess and flagged Sen. Loren Legarda’s medical leave as “suspicious.” Weather Disruptions: Pagasa warned habagat will keep bringing rains through the week, prompting Malacañang to order alternative work and learning setups in 18 areas on Aug. 19. Justice & Politics: In VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings, House prosecutors said records show “repeated resistance” to confidential-fund scrutiny, as the trial was again canceled due to heavy rains.

School Safety Crisis: President Marcos ordered a thorough probe after a deadly Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting left two students dead, with lawmakers demanding answers on how firearms entered campus and calls for tighter safeguards across public and private schools. Impeachment Watch: In VP Sara Duterte’s grave threats case, a Quezon City court set oral arguments for Aug. 20 on motions to defer an arrest warrant and quash charges, while the prosecution said it will press on despite resignation rumors. Ombudsman Moves: The Ombudsman flagged Sen. Loren Legarda’s extended travel as “suspicious” and said Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste sought a two-month leave amid ongoing cases. Flood Response & Governance: Malacañang ordered alternative work arrangements for government offices in 18 areas on Aug. 19 as habagat continues; DPWH pushed flood-control plans like the Parañaque Spillway and Manila’s cross-drainage works, while DENR-NCR reported clearing over 1,255 sacks of garbage from waterways. Metro Manila Cleanup & Rules: The Metro Manila Council studied a single anti-littering ticketing push, and a House bill would require litterers to do community service cleaning canals and waterways. Transport Accountability: The Ombudsman placed LTFRB chief Vigor Mendoza II and OTC chair Teofilo Guadiz III under preventive suspension over alleged LTO “computer fees” tied to the Stradcom system. International & Security: Malaysia-Philippines JCM in Manila highlighted intelligence sharing and maritime security cooperation in waters near Sabah.

Habagat Response: The DOTr will run “LIBRENG SAKAY” free rides on select Metro Manila routes on Aug. 18 (6 a.m.-8 p.m.) to help commuters hit by monsoon flooding, with buses looped on routes and 43 vehicle assets deployed. Flood Crisis: Metro Manila and nearby areas remain on high alert as habagat continues; QC warned of flooding with alert levels raised around La Mesa Dam and key rivers, while multiple cities reported evacuations and class/work suspensions. Impeachment Watch: In VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta testified that Duterte personally ordered the release of P125 million in confidential funds to security officer Col. Raymund Dante Lachica, and Duterte also filed another perjury complaint vs Ramil Madriaga; her camp objected to AI “cash simulation” used by prosecutors. Senate Action: The Senate approved the Enhanced Anti-Hospital Detention Act to stop hospitals from detaining patients and even relatives over unpaid bills, with higher penalties for violators. Budget Oversight: House lawmakers flagged alleged “padding” in the proposed 2027 national budget that could enable congressional insertions, as Congress begins scrutiny. Agriculture: The House backed expanded agricultural insurance coverage via amendments to PCIC, extending protection beyond crops to livestock, fisheries, agroforestry, and more.

Habagat Disruptions: Malacañang ordered alternative work and learning setups for Tuesday, Aug. 18 across NCR and 12 provinces as monsoon rains continue, while the Senate impeachment trial was also suspended for the day due to weather. Impeachment Trial Update: In VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment, the Senate clerk finished comparing thousands of acknowledgment receipts, while former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta faced more questions on the release of P125M confidential funds, including the use of AI-generated cash images that the defense challenged for accuracy. Minimum Wage Fight: DOLE filed a motion for reconsideration to lift a Pasig court order stopping the P85 Metro Manila wage increase under NCR Wage Order No. 27. Flood Response on the Ground: Quezon City and Pasig reported ongoing evacuations and river alerts as La Mesa Dam and major rivers neared critical levels, with residents urged to prepare for possible flooding. Security & Governance: AFP installed a new Western Mindanao Command chief, and authorities seized P28M worth of heavy equipment in an alleged illegal mining raid in Cagayan de Oro.

Impeachment Court Watch: Senate Impeachment Court presiding officer Francis Escudero will rule Monday on whether parties in Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial violated the sub judice rule via social media comments, after he flagged counsels “crossing the lines.” Budget Transparency: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the Senate will tighten scrutiny of confidential and intelligence funds and flood control spending in the 2027 budget review, warning civilian agencies without clear operational need should not get CIF. Sub Judice, Equal Treatment: House prosecution spokesperson Zia Alonto Adiong urged the same sub judice restraint for Duterte and all parties, saying integrity of the court must be protected. 2027 Budget Politics: Economist Cielo Magno warned Congress to set clear rules for allocating special funds to LGUs (nearly P60B) to prevent patronage ahead of 2028. BARMM Security: Lanao del Sur Rep. Adiong called for a probe into the ambush of BARMM interim chief minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua, as the attack lands weeks before the region’s first parliamentary elections. Education & Social Support: DBM released P9.75B to settle arrears for free higher education in 108 SUCs; Sen. Erwin Tulfo pushed a 20% student discount on mobile load and internet. Disaster Response & Food: Palace said free rice distribution will continue every two months for nearly 8M households; meanwhile, local governments in parts of Luzon suspended classes due to monsoon rains.

Budget & Patronage Watch: Economist Cielo Magno warns the Marcos administration’s Local Government Support Fund could become political patronage unless Congress sets clear rules on criteria and project readiness ahead of the 2027 budget cycle. Impeachment Rules: House prosecution adviser Robert Ace Barbers and Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong push that the sub judice rule should bind everyone in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment—no selective restraint—while Congress weighs how to handle public statements during the trial. BARMM Security: President Marcos condemns the ambush of BARMM interim chief Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua and orders tighter security as AFP and PNP hunt perpetrators ahead of the Sept. 14 parliamentary elections. China–Philippines Tension: DND fires back at the Chinese Embassy over alleged cover-ups tied to Chinese nationals arrested in a steel plant raid, escalating a war of accusations with Beijing. Local Governance & Services: Taguig City says 911 failed to provide a complete address in a Maharlika Village emergency case, while DILG probes another reported 911 response delay involving a stroke patient. Agriculture Support: The House passes a bill strengthening PCIC to expand crop, livestock, and fishery coverage for farmers and fisherfolk hit by calamities and disease. Transport Costs: LTFRB moves to speed up payments for the P12/liter fuel discount for jeepneys and UV Express. Budget Scrutiny: Sen. Panfilo Lacson flags “questionable” lump-sum infrastructure items in the 2027 budget and seeks clarifications.

Marcos vs. “ill-gotten wealth” claims: The August Twenty-One Movement (ATOM) hit back at President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. after he said his family’s wealth was cleared in civil forfeiture cases and that no family member has spent a day in jail since 1986. Budget oversight: Sen. Panfilo Lacson flagged “questionable” lump-sum items in the 2027 proposed P7.2-trillion budget, saying implementation details are unclear, while Sen. JV Ejercito warned the bicam should not become a “backdoor” for last-minute insertions. BARMM security: Bangsamoro interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua survived an ambush in Maguindanao del Norte hours after taking a new regional party role; AFP and OPAPRU urged restraint as the Sept. 14 parliamentary polls near. China-Filipino tensions: Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro demanded Beijing clarify alleged Chinese involvement in illegal activities and the reported detention of nearly 100 Filipinos in China, after China defended its actions. Wage hike fight: The Federation of Free Workers urged the government to push Metro Manila employers to honor the first tranche of the P85 wage increase despite a Pasig court’s suspension. Digital safety debate: CitizenWatch Philippines said government should help parents protect kids online, not “do the parenting,” as Marcos warned about harmful social media content and AI-driven disinformation. Local governance & services: San Juan started distributing emergency go bags to households, while DPWH is set to issue cease-and-desist orders on Taguig reclamation projects linked to alleged illegal works. Sports: Coach Tim Cone confirmed Justin Brownlee’s return for Gilas’ Fiba qualifiers and Asian Games buildup.

Budget Oversight: Sen. JV Ejercito says the 2027 budget bicam should not be a “backdoor” for last-minute insertions, pushing for public, livestreamed proceedings and online posting of changes. Impeachment & Accountability: Manila Rep. Benny Abante says VP Sara Duterte’s grave threats and impeachment issues won’t derail the 2027 budget timeline, while her camp seeks oral arguments to dismiss the case. Flood Control & Waste: Marcos-linked calls for better flood response and a Baclaran estero cleanup that pulled over 200 trucks of trash highlight how habagat and clogged waterways keep hitting Metro Manila. Food Security Policy: Sen. Francis Pangilinan files the Gulayan sa Barangay at Paaralan Act to institutionalize community and school gardens to fight hunger and malnutrition. Cybersecurity & Local Services: Baguio’s BUILDPass building permit system was taken offline after a reported ransomware incident, with digital advocates urging investigation by national agencies. Public Works Watch: Sen. Panfilo Lacson presses DPWH to issue cease-and-desist orders on alleged illegal Taguig reclamation affecting Laguna Lake and fisherfolk. Healthcare Access: PhilHealth and DOH initiatives continue to expand universal health care support, while Eastern Samar welcomes new DOH leadership to strengthen provincial delivery. Labor & Wages: A Pasig court TRO suspends NCR wage order implementation, renewing pressure for a higher legislated wage hike.

South China Sea Legal Move: Manila deposited a UN chart for Scarborough Shoal, framing it as a UNCLOS baseline publication tied to the Maritime Zones Act and the 2016 arbitral award—aimed at strengthening the Philippines’ legal position without changing sovereignty. Impeachment Court Rules: House prosecutors warned that tighter limits on public statements could create an “information vacuum” filled by misinformation, as the Senate Impeachment Court prepares guidelines; meanwhile, VP Sara Duterte’s camp pushes for oral arguments to dismiss the grave threats case and seeks deferment of any arrest warrant. Anti-Corruption & 2028 Politics: President Marcos said he will endorse a 2028 candidate who will continue the anti-corruption drive, while also reiterating that foreign investors can’t exploit Philippine minerals without government approval amid Pax Silica concerns. Floods, Garbage, and Governance: Habagat rains kept clogging waterways with debris, prompting major cleanups in Parañaque and renewed calls for science-based waste discipline as Metro Manila’s garbage situation is flagged “critical.” Labor & Courts: TUCP renewed its push for a P200 legislated wage hike after a Pasig court suspended the NCR’s P85 wage increase. Davao Steel Raid: Authorities confirmed radioactive hazards found in Davao Mighty Steel Corp., with Senate scrutiny also expanding to worker safety and environmental compliance. Drug War Truth Commission: The drug war victims’ truth-telling body opened hearings with testimony from families seeking “healing-based justice.” Energy/Industry: BCDA said Pax Silica participation won’t require government financing beyond land, while Marcos said PH-China oil and gas talks have “moved forward.”

Impeachment Rules Clash: House prosecutors warned that tighter limits on public statements in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment could create an “information vacuum” that gets filled by fake news, as the Senate impeachment court is set to issue guidelines soon. Legal Fight in QC: Duterte’s camp asked the Quezon City court to defer any arrest warrant while it argues lack of jurisdiction in the grave threats case, while Malacañang pushed back on claims of “another threat.” Pax Silica Push Under Scrutiny: President Marcos said foreign investors can’t exploit PH minerals without government approval, as lawmakers weigh Pax Silica’s economic promise against environmental and displacement risks; BCDA also said PH would mainly provide land, not financing. Floods and Habagat Response: Heavy habagat rains kept Metro Manila and nearby areas under suspension orders, with Quezon City reporting chest-deep flooding in parts. Corruption and Accountability: Marcos vowed to hold accountable those behind flood-control corruption, as cleanup operations intensified along waterways choked by trash. Davao Steel Raid: NBI and PAOCC recovered suspected radioactive and substandard rebars in a Davao Mighty Steel plant raid, “rescuing” 174 workers. Labor and Wages: TUCP renewed its call for a P200 legislated wage increase after a Pasig court order further suspended Metro Manila’s P85 wage hike. Waste-to-Energy Debate: Environmental groups challenged Marcos’ waste-to-energy push, saying it won’t fix flooding and garbage governance failures. Transport for OFWs: DOTr pushed for special airfare discounts for Manila–Istanbul flights for overseas Filipino workers under a PH–Turkey air connectivity deal.

Impeachment Watch: Prosecution urged the Senate impeachment court to scrutinize VP Sara Duterte’s remarks, warning her “bending the law” claims could undermine public confidence, as House prosecutors also clarified that misleading-question rules and the sub judice standard must be applied properly. DPWH “Leadership Fund” Row: Palace said President Marcos was unaware of alleged DPWH “leadership fund” allocations to senators, while Sen. JV Ejercito vowed there will be no such fund under his Senate finance leadership. China Detentions: Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro accused China of “extortion and blackmail” over reports of 100+ Filipinos held there, as DFA moves to verify details and ensure consular assistance. Habagat Disruptions: Malacañang suspended work and classes in multiple areas; Cavite saw 14 LGUs halt classes, while MMDA suspended expanded number coding due to monsoon rains. Metro Manila Flood Control & Roads: Sen. Lacson pushed for a Senate probe into Edsa rehab after new potholes appeared, and lawmakers renewed calls for tighter anti-littering enforcement. Energy Bills: ERC said removing nontechnical system loss charges from power bills is feasible, with adjustments tied to utility performance. Social Protection: SWS reported hunger among Walang Gutom Program beneficiaries fell to 26.9%, and Makabayan filed a bill to raise the social pension for indigent seniors to P2,000. Foreign Policy/Defense: Teodoro also hit China over the crackdown, while Japan weighed countermeasures over Putin’s visit to Japan-claimed islands.