AGP Executive Report

National Heroes’ Day: President Marcos urged Filipinos to honor heroes by serving, caring, and contributing to the common good, saying patriotism must be lived, not just remembered. Flood-control accountability: DPWH relieved Las Piñas-Muntinlupa maintenance chief Loreto Balena Jr. for “delayed response to calamities,” while Sen. JV Ejercito pushed for finishing unfinished flood control works before starting new projects. Laguna Lake reclamation probe: DPWH issued cease-and-desist orders on alleged illegal reclamation in Taguig, after Sen. Panfilo Lacson flagged at least 85 hectares and warned of ecosystem harm. Press freedom safeguards: CHR and the media security task force called for stronger protection for journalists as the Philippines ranked 114th in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index. Economy pressure points: The peso slid past ₱62 per dollar, with manufacturers warning of cost-push inflation from weaker currency, while DTI said exports may beat targets on electronics and services demand. Energy planning: DOE is drafting rules to force stalled coal projects to build or surrender permits to unlock up to 5 GW of delayed capacity. Local governance & resilience: World Bank said the Philippines is “policy-rich but implementation-poor” in disaster-risk planning, and LWUA reported nearly 30% of water districts curbing leaks and losses.

Monsoon Disaster Response: Luzon’s habagat continues to wreak havoc, with Tarlac placed under a state of calamity after bridge damage and flooding, while the OCD reports 32 deaths and 8.1 million affected nationwide, pushing thousands into evacuation centers. Flood-Control & Preparedness: DepEd says 9,869 classrooms are damaged and 348 schools are being used as evacuation centers; the Coast Guard and PAGASA issue heightened alerts across Northern Luzon, as Laguna de Bay also stays above critical levels. Accountability in Courts: Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla says courts are “too forgiving” of graft convicts who get bail after conviction, urging the Supreme Court to police the judiciary. Press Freedom: CHR and Sen. Loren Legarda mark National Press Freedom Day by calling for stronger safeguards for journalists amid ongoing attacks and impunity. Governance & Land Use: DPWH issues cease-and-desist orders over alleged illegal reclamation linked to Laguna de Bay in Taguig, with stakeholders set to meet. Health Policy: Groups push for a P80+ tax on vapes, warning weak proposals won’t stop youth addiction. Maritime Security: Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro tells youth to protect PH waters beyond the West Philippine Sea. Local Sports Development: San Juan launches a futsal program with PSC and PFF to train coaches and roll out clinics nationwide.

Disaster Response: Quezon City ordered forced evacuations in multiple high-risk barangays as La Mesa Dam hit spilling level and PAGASA kept Metro Manila and Luzon under red rainfall warning, with flooding already reported in several areas. Flood Toll: Monsoon rains and multiple weather disturbances have killed more than 30 people across Luzon, including Aeta fatalities in Zambales and Pampanga, while a lahar warning was issued for Pampanga due to “noneruption lahar” risk. Local Governance: Pampanga’s Lubao flooding and a Porac landslide death highlight how weak drainage and slope protection keep turning storms into tragedies. Judicial Oversight: Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla urged the Supreme Court to “police the judiciary” over graft cases where convicted officials allegedly get bail, as the JBC opens applications for the next chief justice. Impeachment Politics: The House prosecution team warned the public against fake news in the VP Sara Duterte impeachment, stressing the sub judice rule should apply equally to all parties. Press Freedom: NUJP said it has logged about 260 attacks on the press under Marcos Jr., with most targeting workers at local and smaller outlets. Environment & Coastal Protection: Groups pressed DENR to suspend mangrove earth-balling/relocation guidelines, arguing it undermines nature-based flood defenses. Defense & Maritime Security: Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro called for protecting Philippine waters beyond the West Philippine Sea, urging youth-led stewardship as regional tensions rise. Health Policy: Health advocates urged lawmakers to tax vapes at P80 or higher, warning of early chronic disease risks for youth. Elections & Dynasties: Dasmariñas Mayor Jenny Barzaga was proclaimed Cavite’s 4th district representative in a special election that keeps the Barzaga political hold.

Impeachment Court Watch: House impeachment team adviser Ace Barbers said Col. Raymund Dante Lachica’s testimony is “unnecessary” to prove VP Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of confidential funds, arguing prior testimony already shows Duterte’s approving authority. Local Disaster Response: Metro Manila stays under red rainfall warning as Quezon City orders forced evacuations in multiple barangays and La Mesa Dam hits spilling/overflow level, while Manila hospitals shift to Code White and Pasay keeps major roads passable with standby rescue gear. National Alert: DSWD raised its status to red alert for habagat impacts, with field offices and relief resources on heightened readiness. Public Safety & Governance: Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla said over 200 Bureau of Fire Protection personnel, including regional directors, are under investigation over alleged “slots-for-sale” in recruitment. Anti-Online Harm: Meta committed to share user data with Philippine authorities over child-safety threats and to remove harmful deepfakes, following government talks in Singapore. Environment & Accountability: DENR faces calls to suspend mangrove earth-balling and relocation after groups warned it could kill most trees removed, amid a congressional review of DENR guidelines. Health Update: Bohol declared a province-wide dengue outbreak after surging cases and deaths. Judicial Appointments: JBC opened applications for the next Supreme Court chief justice after Gesmundo’s Nov. 6 retirement.

Monsoon Watch: DSWD raised its national alert to red as habagat effects linger across parts of Luzon and the Visayas, keeping relief teams on standby. Online Safety & Governance: In Singapore, Meta pledged to remove harmful AI deepfakes and cooperate with PH probes, while Roblox agreed to integrate stricter child-safety and age verification using PhilSys-linked checks. Impeachment Updates: House prosecutors said there’s no final decision yet on whether VP Sara Duterte’s trial will call Col. Lachica, and they also signaled they won’t rush witnesses like Ramil Madriaga. Ombudsman Scrutiny: Ombudsman officials pressed doubts over Sen. Loren Legarda’s extended medical leave amid an investigation tied to her son’s alleged unfinished solar projects, while complaints were filed over an alleged “paper-complete” P80M road project in Surigao del Norte. Public Order & Corruption: DILG chief Jonvic Remulla said over 200 BFP personnel, including regional directors, are under investigation for alleged “slot-selling” in the fire bureau. Economy & Costs: The peso hit a new record low above 62 per dollar, inflation risks stayed above target range, and CAB raised fuel surcharges from Sept. 1—meaning pricier airfares. Disaster & Health: Searches continued for missing Filipinos in Nepal’s flash floods, and Bohol declared a province-wide dengue outbreak after 1,883 cases and 21 deaths.

Impeachment Watch: The House prosecution in VP Sara Duterte’s trial said it won’t rush to call Col. Raymund Dante Lachica yet, arguing earlier confidential-fund testimony already covers misuse and liquidation issues, while prosecutors also signaled they’ll focus next on witnesses tied to request, release, handling and liquidation of confidential funds. Public Safety & Police Reform: DILG chief Jonvic Remulla floated a plan for PNP to inspect gun owners’ homes via signed waivers (not search warrants) after school shootings, as the PNP prepares AI-enabled body-worn cameras for clearer police records. School Security: Cebu mayors back transparent bags but want costs shouldered by LGUs, while DILG/PNP also flagged “international groomers” on Roblox amid concerns over online threats. Weather & Disruptions: Malacañang suspended government work and classes in Metro Manila and 16 provinces due to habagat enhanced by low-pressure areas; PAGASA warned of heavy rainfall and possible flooding. Economy & Policy: BSP kept the policy rate at 5% (with more hikes possible if inflation risks persist), while CAB raised fuel surcharges from Sept. 1–15, and oil firms signaled possible fuel price cuts. Environment & Governance: DENR pushed longer-term fixes for recurring waterways pollution, citing Extended Producer Responsibility and PENCAS, as lawmakers renewed calls to protect watersheds and forests to curb flooding. Health & Food Security: SWS showed hunger easing but still high (20.3% of families), and DOH reported 5,486 leptospirosis cases this year, warning more cases may follow rains. Energy & Agriculture: ACEN and Yanara secured ₱2.3B financing for a 75MW solar farm in Pangasinan, while DA soft-launched livestock data systems to improve disease response and monitoring. International: Nepal-Tibet flash floods left hundreds dead and over 1,500 missing, with many foreigners among those unaccounted for.

Budget & Governance: Business groups and lawmakers are pressing for cleaner rules as Congress reviews the ₱7.2-trillion 2027 budget, with MAP warning against “opacity” and dubious line items after the flood-control corruption fallout. Infrastructure Watch: DBM data shows infrastructure spending still slumped in early 2026, falling 40.8% in the first half, as safeguards tightened fund releases. Public Safety & Police Powers: DILG chief Jonvic Remulla wants police access to homes of licensed gun owners to check safekeeping after school shootings, while also pushing amendments to unify waste management by region. Education & Threats: La Salle Green Hills shifted to online classes after a student post raised “shooter” concerns; in Benguet, several towns suspended face-to-face classes due to PAGASA’s orange rainfall warning. Justice & Rights: The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention backed calls to free Tacloban journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio and two others, calling their detention arbitrary. Disaster & Climate: Nepal-Tibet flash floods and landslides left hundreds dead and many missing, with a Filipino reported among the missing; locally, monsoon-driven agricultural damage hit ₱2.32B. Politics & Accountability: Malacañang and Sen. Robinhood Padilla traded barbs over “aliases” tied to confidential funds during VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

Budget Watch: The national budget deficit widened to ₱106.3B in July, with the year-to-date gap hitting ₱893.1B, as spending ramped up faster than revenue growth. Local Governance & Public Safety: DILG said it’s moving ahead with a government-to-government deal for 1,500 fire trucks for BFP over four years, while also pushing for AI-enabled body cameras for police and proposing home inspections for gun safekeeping. Education & Youth Protection: Lawmakers debated school safety after recent shootings, with DILG linking perpetrators to “rabbit hole” effects from violent online content and backing restrictions for social media users aged 14 and below. Politics & Accountability: In the VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial, Senate President Gatchalian warned about sub judice compliance, while the Sandiganbayan denied a graft defendant’s bid to consolidate cases. Media & Information Integrity: House panels questioned PCO funding and PTV-4’s needs, as MTRCB flagged a fake film permit ahead of a political movie screening. Disaster & Health: Malacañang said the flood control master plan is still being studied; meanwhile, Quezon opened its first human milk bank at QMC.

Impeachment Court: Senate presiding officer Francis Escudero reiterated that the sub judice rule covers VP Sara Duterte too, warning of sanctions for public comments on the case; the trial also tightened enforcement as prosecutors and defense weigh spokesperson changes. Confidential Funds Probe: OVP assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio testified that only Duterte and former VPSPG commander Raymund Lachica knew how OVP confidential funds were implemented, while Ortonio said he couldn’t verify acknowledgement receipts because they were sealed—sparking fresh questions on accountability and liquidation. Budget Oversight: COA warned lawmakers it still lacks nearly 400 field auditors, while DPWH said it purged “duplicate projects” in its 2027 plan, cutting proposed infrastructure items to just over 11,000 amid flood-control corruption scrutiny. Digital Safety & Regulation: Scam Watch Pilipinas urged an ASEAN “Big Tech Accountability Framework” to force platforms to act on scams and harmful content; meanwhile, the Senate advanced a bill setting 16 as the minimum age for social media use. Public Health: DOH activated leptospirosis fast lanes in 33 government hospitals across flood-hit areas. Transport & Trade: Domestic trade fell 21.9% as sea freight declined. Defense & Security: AFP said it is heightening monitoring in BARMM ahead of the Sept. 14 parliamentary elections.

Impeachment Watch: Senate presiding officer Francis “Chiz” Escudero reiterated the sub judice rule in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, warning that senator-judges and both sides’ lawyers must not comment on the merits of the case; defense counsel Michael Poa also said Duterte has no plan to resign. OVP Confidential Funds: In court, OVP assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio said he received confidential fund acknowledgement receipts in a sealed box and couldn’t verify them, while Palace officials pushed back on inflammatory labels like “mastermind” without final findings. Environment & Infrastructure: DENR returned DPWH’s tree-cutting permit application for the Metro Manila Bridges Project in Marikina, after concerns over hundreds of trees; DENR also said Pax Silica’s AI hub lacks a clear project description and has no environmental impact assessment yet. Public Safety & Governance: Malacañang ordered the NCSC to immediately release the P10,000 cash gift to qualified seniors after complaints of delays. Education & Online Safety: The Senate advanced a bill setting 16 as the minimum age for social media use, requiring platforms to use age-assurance systems to protect minors. Health: DOH activated fast lanes for leptospirosis patients as flooding drives cases.

Impeachment Court: The Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte moved into its 19th day as House prosecutor Amando Ligutan was set to explain public statements tied to the proceedings, before the court continued cross-examining OVP assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio, the second hostile witness, over the handling of confidential funds; Ortonio also confirmed he paid P150,000 out of pocket for excess expenses. Witnesses & Rules: The court reminded prosecutors to avoid inflammatory wording, while former VPSPG head Raymund Lachica said he is ready to testify if lawfully called. School Safety & Violence: After the Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting, authorities and lawmakers pushed for stronger protections and limits on viral sharing of school tragedy content; in Tacloban, prosecutors moved to file charges against a police officer aunt linked to a June school shooting. Local Weather Disruptions: In Zambales, classes were suspended in Masinloc and Olongapo due to the southwest monsoon. Governance & Oversight: COA told lawmakers it still faces a shortage of field auditors, and the Supreme Court upheld COA’s disallowance of unlawful CAAP flying risk pay. Economy & Policy: Marcos backed efforts for fully Filipino-made EVs, while the DOF/BIR excise-tax push on sweetened beverages drew industry warnings. Defense & Security: DBM said AFP modernization funding will rise to P50B in 2027.

Impeachment Fallout: Senate impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte continues as prosecution and defense spar over OVP confidential funds, with hostile witness Lemuel Ortonio saying he covered a P150,000 discrepancy and private prosecutor Mae Divinagracia pressing for witness calls like Col. Raymund Lachica. School Safety Push: DepEd unveiled a hybrid campus security model for public schools, pairing guards with barangay watchmen, PTA volunteers, and police patrols to address guard shortages. Airport Operations: New NAIA Infra Corp signed an airport use agreement with Philippine Airlines, setting performance indicators to improve service standards at NAIA. Budget Watch: COA told lawmakers it still lacks nearly 400 field auditors, a concern tied to flood-control oversight gaps. Public Health Response: PGH offered to take non-leptospirosis patients from NKTI as leptospirosis cases strain hospital capacity. Anti-Smuggling Crackdown: BOC reported illegal cigarettes and vape seizures worth P11.68B from Jan–July 2026, far above last year’s total. Local Governance & Peace: JNC reorganized for Bangsamoro normalization, aiming to regain momentum on decommissioning MILF fighters. Travel Tax Move: Sen. Mark Villar urged swift passage of a bill to abolish the decades-old travel tax.

OVP Impeachment Trial: Day 18 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment opened with Office of the Vice President Assistant Chief of Staff Lemuel Ortonio set to testify on alleged misuse of P500M in confidential funds, including claims he accompanied former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta in encashing P125M quarterly from LandBank (2022-2023), as prosecutors weigh declaring Ortonio hostile. Disaster Response & Flood Tech: The DBM released P1B to UP for Project NOAH to power AI flood forecasting and real-time hazard monitoring as Typhoon Obet (Saudel) exits the PAR but may still enhance the southwest monsoon. Health After Floods: DOH activated leptospirosis fast lanes in 33 hospitals across Metro Manila and nearby regions to speed referral and treatment amid rising flood-related risk. School Safety Debate: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said world-class CCTV for all schools could cost about P20B, while lawmakers push for community-based safety approaches instead of live-shooter drills. Food Security Lawmaking: House Speaker Bojie Dy’s bill to institutionalize the right to adequate food nears committee-level progress as lawmakers consolidate hunger-fighting measures. Regulation & Economy: SEC proposed a “One Business Start Date” so firms can begin operations once they secure primary licenses while other permits are processed in parallel, aiming to cut red tape. Mindanao Governance: BARMM’s first parliamentary elections on Sept. 14 are framed as a major test of the peace deal and autonomy, even as violence and security concerns persist.

Impeachment Trial: Day 17 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment stayed focused on Office of the Vice President confidential funds, as former OVP SDO Gina Acosta faced sharper questions over whether Army Col. Raymund Dante Lachica truly acted as an “implementer” and whether required bonding rules were followed, while senators and prosecutors flagged red flags in receipts and aliases and even joked about “blind loyalty.” School Safety: Senators urged a community-based approach to school safety instead of live-shooter drills, pushing for town-hall style preparedness with parents, teachers, and community leaders. Flood Response & Health: President Marcos said he was satisfied with Pampanga’s flood response, while the DOH activated leptospirosis fast lanes in 33 hospitals and Manila logged 16 new cases amid ongoing habagat risks. Education Damage: DepEd reported P2.604B needed to rebuild and repair monsoon-damaged schools, with thousands of classrooms affected and some still used as evacuation centers. Aviation & Economy: The House approved PAL’s 50-year franchise renewal, and Pagcor said it will fund 125 school buildings nationwide via LGUs and DepEd vetting. Local Security: Police arrested two students in Taguig over alleged online threats of a school shooting, citing grave threats under the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Agriculture Crackdown: DA ordered tougher enforcement against counterfeit and illegally sold farm inputs after fertilizer seizures in Nueva Ecija.

Impeachment Trial: VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment court resumes on Aug. 24 after weather disruptions, with the House prosecution set to continue direct examination of former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta, whose testimony centers on Duterte’s alleged order to hand over P125 million in cash to Col. Raymund Lachica; prosecutors also push to revise the schedule and trim the witness list to speed up proceedings without sacrificing due process. Weather & Classes: Typhoon Saudel is forecast to enter the Philippine area of responsibility on Monday morning or afternoon and may intensify into a super typhoon; several LGUs, including Masinloc, have already suspended in-person classes as habagat rains and storms continue. Flood Governance: Malacañang urges LGUs to step up solid waste discipline as it studies allocating part of LGU tax allotments for waste management to curb flooding impacts. School Safety Debate: Psychiatric groups renew calls to pause live-shooter drills, saying they can cause lasting psychological harm, even as DepEd pushes a nationwide active-attack drill. Public Health Pressure: NKTI limits walk-in ER admissions due to a leptospirosis surge and full-bed capacity. Economy & Rates: BSP is widely expected to raise interest rates again on Aug. 27 as inflation risks and peso weakness persist, while digital payments keep climbing as InstaPay and PESONet transactions surpass P19 trillion in seven months.

Impeachment Trial: Manila Rep. Joel Chua says prosecutors in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment case want schedule flexibility to speed up proceedings, with a proposal to hold hearings in the afternoon to avoid further delays. Critical Minerals: ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio calls Marcos EO 122 a “wholesale surrender” that could displace farmers and indigenous communities while benefiting foreign firms and big mining players. School Safety & Mental Health: DepEd is set to spend P802M in 2027 to hire over 2,000 guidance counselors as lawmakers push for stronger mental health support amid rising school violence; meanwhile, AdZU tightens campus security after the Aug. 18 shooting. Disaster Response: DSWD keeps a Blue Alert as Typhoon Saudel nears the PAR, with standby funds and relief packs ready. Flood Control Accountability: Bulacan seawall failures prompt Cabinet Secretary Benhur Abalos to demand prison for those behind substandard flood projects. West Philippine Sea Info War: House officials urge NTC to block China propaganda pages online, warning misinformation on WPS issues must be met with firm action. Public Works & Waste: Malacañang tells LGUs the “first line of defense” against floods is discipline—keep garbage out of streets and waterways. Drugs: PDEA and NBI help seize P292.4M shabu hidden in “talc stones” at the Manila port.