AGP Executive Report

Education Infrastructure: DepEd says it will start building about 34,000 classrooms this year to cut the 140,000-unit backlog, with 18,000 funded by the agency and 16,000 via public-private partnerships, as Education Secretary Sonny Angara cites a P60 billion classroom budget. Anti-Bullying Push: DepEd also fast-tracked hiring of school counselors by shortening the pipeline for counselor associates to 30 days and plans more teacher training, while urging stronger parent-child community support. Inclusive Education Funding: DepEd asks Congress for an extra P541.5 million for special needs education after cuts in the 2027 budget proposal, to expand training and support across 34,000 schools. Impeachment Watch: The House impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte enters its 10th week as prosecutors plan to verify confidential-fund payees, with PSA officials set to testify; meanwhile, the prosecution says it has only five remaining witnesses. Security & Court Tensions: Malacañang and the PNP insist police won’t be used to harm Duterte after she posted bail over grave threats, while Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla challenges her camp to show proof of alleged harassment. Weather & Disruptions: Habagat continues to bring rains, prompting class suspensions in parts of Luzon on Sept. 7, while dam levels in several areas rose slightly. Public Safety Accountability: DPWH relieved two Pampanga engineers after a man died after falling into an open drainage canal, citing failure to meet safety standards. Crime Update: In Cebu City, an e-bike driver admitted he was paid P10,000 to kill a carinderia owner and said they used drugs to “condition” themselves for the crime.

PVL Invitational: Creamline’s title bid ended after a loss to PLDT, while Nxled advanced to the finals via the FIVB point-system tiebreak; Nxled now faces EST Cola in a winner-take-all championship match. Impeachment Watch: House prosecutors said they’re down to five remaining witnesses in VP Sara Duterte’s confidential funds case, while legal experts noted conviction in impeachment doesn’t require proving every charge. PNP Reshuffle: Seven senior police officials were reassigned, including new heads for the Firearms and Explosives Office and the unit overseeing private security agencies. Weather & Classes: Habagat and tropical systems left 43 dead nationwide; face-to-face classes were suspended in several areas on Sept. 7. Public Services: LTFRB opened 8,750 TNVS slots, with Metro Manila allocations reserved for electric vehicles. Bar Exams: Day 1 of the 2026 Bar exams began nationwide, with women making up over half of examinees. Politics & Security: The Palace said the PNP won’t be used to harm Duterte or her supporters amid her grave threats case. Sports: Alex Eala’s US Open run ended in a three-set loss to Iva Jovic; Eala now turns to the Singapore Open. Water Crisis: Butuan City was placed under a state of calamity due to a prolonged dry spell affecting a third of residents.

US Open Drama: Filipino tennis star Alex Eala’s breakthrough run ended in a three-hour, 17-service-break thriller as American teen Iva Jovic beat her 7-5, 3-6, 7-5 to reach the US Open fourth round, where Coco Gauff awaits. Flood Control Row: Senators Panfilo Lacson and Alan Peter Cayetano traded barbs over the flood control “ghost projects” probe, with Lacson calling for a thorough, methodical investigation. VP Sara Duterte Case: Vice President Sara Duterte posted P360,000 bail after an arrest warrant over alleged grave threats against President Marcos and others, saying she “does not feel safe.” Public Health: DOH reported measles-rubella vaccination in Calabarzon reached 56.8% of target in 20 days, with the campaign extended due to habagat rains. Weather Watch: Pagasa said habagat rains may ease Sunday but intensify again from Monday in Northern and Central Luzon. Education & Exams: The 2026 Bar exams began Sunday, with Justice Samuel Gaerlan telling examinees, “This is not a test for the weak.” Local Impact: NLEx reported light traffic Sunday morning, with some flooded lanes still affecting travel in San Simon, Pampanga.

Vice President Sara Duterte: Duterte posted bail of ₱360,000 after a Quezon City court issued an arrest warrant over three grave-threat counts, saying she “doesn’t feel safe” and fears for her children; the PNP said it has not received reports of threats to her family and is monitoring. Weather & disaster readiness: Habagat continues to bring heavy rains and flooding risk across parts of Luzon, with class suspensions reported in many Metro Manila areas; Pagasa also warned of orange rainfall alerts in parts of Bataan and Zambales. Local governance & safety: In Daraga, Albay, 54 barangays received rescue vehicles worth ₱78M to speed up emergency response. Health funding debate: A lawmaker criticized proposed DOH 2027 budget cuts amid staffing shortages, warning hospitals may lose funds for operations and personnel. Maritime drug probe: The Coast Guard sought access to the sailing yacht “Lindsy” in Subic to examine possible drug-trafficking routes. Culture & recognition: Lea Salonga made history as the first Filipino to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. Sports: Gilas Pilipinas eyes Asian Games defense after Kai Sotto’s role in recent World Cup qualifier wins; Miss World 2026: Asia Rose Simpson advanced in the Top 20.

Vice President Sara Duterte: A Quezon City RTC issued an arrest warrant over three counts of grave threats against President Marcos, with bail set at ₱120,000 per count, as her legal team weighs next steps. Human Trafficking Case: The NBI filed qualified human trafficking complaints against Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Paras, and five others in a “honey trap” plot allegedly meant to damage Executive Secretary Ralph Recto’s image. Weather & Public Safety: PAGASA hoisted orange rainfall warnings in parts of Bataan, Zambales and Pampanga, while multiple Metro Manila and nearby LGUs suspended in-person classes due to habagat rains; heavy rain also continues across parts of Luzon and Visayas. Health Costs: PhilHealth reported hemodialysis as the biggest share of claims paid in the first half of the year, highlighting the growing burden of kidney disease. Sports: Gilas Pilipinas opened Asian Games tune-up with an 81-56 loss to South Korea, while PVL action saw Nxled and PLDT keep title hopes alive with key wins. Culture & Arts: Lea Salonga became the first Filipina to receive a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and National Artist Resil Mojares died at 83.

Arrest Warrant vs VP Sara Duterte: A Quezon City court issued a warrant of arrest for Vice President Sara Duterte over three counts of grave threats, with her camp saying she will pursue legal remedies and the Palace saying it respects the ruling; Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla also said Duterte’s camp plans to post bail. Impeachment Trial Update: In the Senate impeachment proceedings, the prosecution said it will no longer call some expected witnesses on confidential funds, saying it already has a strong case. Human Trafficking Case: The NBI filed qualified human trafficking charges against Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, former Negros Oriental Rep. Jacinto “Jing” Paras, and five others in an alleged “honey trap” plot targeting Executive Secretary Ralph Recto. Fuel-Security Push: Sen. Loren Legarda filed a bill for a permanent fuel-security framework and strategic petroleum reserve powers to help the government act faster during fuel emergencies. Haze and Weather Alerts: PAGASA kept heavy rainfall warnings up in parts of Luzon, while OCD warned of transboundary haze affecting multiple areas, including Cebu and Palawan, with “very unhealthy” air in some spots. Sports: Gilas Pilipinas lost 81-56 to South Korea in an Asian Games tune-up; Alex Eala advanced to the US Open third round.

Flood Control & Courts: Former DPWH chief Manuel “Manny” Bonoan was released from PNP hospital arrest after the Sandiganbayan ordered his release following his removal as an accused in flood-control graft cases, as prosecutors move to use him as a state witness. Impeachment Watch: Sen. Jinggoy Estrada declined to enter a plea at arraignment, while House prosecutors are weighing whether to skip the bribery article and focus on unexplained wealth in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment; prosecutors also target Sept. 9 to wrap evidence presentation. Education Policy: Marcos signed RA 12325 amending UAQTEA to expand free tuition and added support for tertiary and vocational students, including more disadvantaged beneficiaries. School Safety Drills: DepEd rolled out police-supervised active-shooter drills after recent attacks, with DOJ noting additional charges in the Tacloban school shooting case. Weather & Travel Disruptions: Habagat continues to bring heavy rains over Luzon; Pagasa issued red rainfall warnings in parts of Zambales and Bataan, while NLEX reported flooding in San Simon, and PPA cancelled some ferry trips. Sports: Alex Eala advanced to the US Open third round; Creamline’s Jema Galanza powered a five-set win over Farm Fresh in PVL.

Confidential Funds Oversight: The House prosecution is drafting a bill to codify rules on confidential and intelligence funds, using lessons from the Sara Duterte impeachment trial, with safeguards on safe houses, aliases, disbursing officers and penalties. Justice System Scrutiny: Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla told lawmakers the courts need “soul-searching” after Ombudsman dismissals were reversed by the Court of Appeals, urging deeper review of justice-system problems. Flood Control Accountability: COA submitted 50 fraud audit reports on flood control projects to the Ombudsman, as the Ombudsman said more flood-control cases are already in court and under preliminary investigation. Flooding Disruptions: Habagat rains continue over Luzon and Visayas, prompting suspended face-to-face classes in parts of Pampanga, Tarlac and Benguet, while Metro Cebu faced “acutely unhealthy” air and a long power red alert. Power and Energy Stress: NGCP alerts triggered possible rotational brownouts in Mindanao, and Cebu officials convened stakeholders as supply deficits hit. Transportation and Safety: DOTr said it will regulate e-tricycles via a department order, requiring registered units and qualified drivers. Foreign Affairs: DFA aims to roll out next-generation e-passports by 2028 with redesigned booklets, added pages and contactless chip security. Sports: Gilas Pilipinas ramps up for Asian Games defense with its roster and schedule set, while PVL action saw Creamline edge Farm Fresh in five sets.

Flood Disasters: A 35-year-old father, Simeon Candule, was found dead in Botolan, Zambales after he and his 7-year-old son were swept away by a strong river current while riding a carabao-drawn cart; responders intensified the search after an initial sweep along the riverbank. School Disruptions: In Zambales, classes were suspended again in Subic and Castillejos, and face-to-face learning in Olongapo City was also halted as monsoon rains continued; in Baguio and Benguet, heavy rain and strong winds kept preschool to Grade 12 classes suspended under yellow rainfall warnings. Weather Watch: Tropical Storm Pilandok exited the Philippine area of responsibility early Thursday and is not expected to directly affect the country, but habagat will keep bringing significant rainfall over parts of Luzon. Public Safety: DepEd said it will stop active-shooter “reenactments” during nationwide school safety drills, using distinct alarms instead to avoid psychological trauma. Anti-Corruption Courts: The Sandiganbayan cleared former DPWH official Manuel “Manny” Bonoan from graft and plunder charges, while Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada declined to enter a plea at his arraignment. Economy & Costs: The peso hit a new record low at 62.565 per dollar as Middle East tensions stoked inflation and safe-haven demand. Agriculture & Climate Resilience: DA and Pagasa signed a deal to set up an agrometeorological station in Northern Mindanao to give farmers more localized, real-time weather data.

Impeachment Trial: Day 21 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment focused on DepEd confidential funds for the Youth Leadership Summit, as former DepEd undersecretary Michael Poa testified he had no firsthand details and that no DepEd confidential funds were used for YLS rewards to the AFP; prosecutors also pushed for faster proceedings, with the Senate considering longer trial days and even whole-day sessions. Agrarian Relief: The House approved on final reading a bill that condones and restructures unpaid interests, penalties, and surcharges on farmers’, fisherfolk’s, and agrarian beneficiaries’ agricultural loans. Mental Health Staffing: The DOH told lawmakers it can’t retain enough psychiatrists and psychologists largely due to low pay, even after salary grade adjustments. Weather & Flooding: Habagat rains continue to affect parts of Luzon and the Visayas, with strong winds expected; DepEd reported damage to thousands of classrooms and sought billions for repairs and reconstruction. Strait of Hormuz: A Saudi shipping firm confirmed two Filipino seafarers died in a security incident while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Power & Transport: NLEX reported flooding that made some lanes impassable, while Bukidnon cooperatives issued emergency power shutdowns to prevent grid collapse. Sports: EJ Obiena won silver in Wesel after a demanding stretch; the PBA announced “PBA on Tour” exhibition games in Luzon.

Flood Control & Transport Accountability: The Toll Regulatory Board ordered NLEX to explain the Tulaoc Bridge flooding in Pampanga and consider toll refunds for motorists forced to U-turn, after days of habagat-linked traffic chaos. Volcano Watch: Phivolcs reported Taal’s sulfur dioxide emissions jumped to 526 metric tons on Sept. 1, though it remains under Alert Level 1 with no vog or hot-fluid upwelling detected. Impeachment Trial: In Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada said he will pursue legal remedies after Sandiganbayan dropped plunder and graft charges vs former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan; meanwhile, Michael Poa is set to testify and Army officers challenged DepEd’s use of military certifications for confidential funds. Public Safety & Crime: PNP-ACG urged amendments to the SIM Registration Act, saying cybercrimes still start with SIM cards; NBI arrested a foreign national over an alleged rogue IMSI catcher used for phishing scams. Economy & Markets: The peso hit a fresh record low around P62.4:$1 as oil prices and geopolitical risk weighed on the currency; manufacturing activity in August rose to its strongest in nearly a decade. Health & Environment: Indonesian wildfire haze kept Metro Manila air quality at unhealthy levels, with health officials urging masks and limiting outdoor exposure. Tourism: DOT wants to expand the 14-day visa-free entry for Chinese tourists to secondary airports to boost arrivals. Sports: Alex Eala opens her US Open campaign; Creamline stays unbeaten in PVL Invitational with a sweep over Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City.

Asian Games Pressure: The Philippine sepak takraw team faces a “medal or make way” ultimatum after PSTAI president Karen Tanchanco-Caballero said athletes could be asked to step aside if they fail to bring home hardware. El Niño & Food Security: The DA and NIA asked lawmakers for more 2027 funding to protect farmers and fisherfolk from El Niño impacts, including extra money for fertilizer and fisherfolk support, while rice officials said imports may reach up to 5 million metric tons to keep stocks steady. Impeachment Watch: In VP Sara Duterte’s confidential funds trial, Army officers testified that their certifications for DepEd-linked youth summits were not meant to validate confidential fund liquidation, as the prosecution also warned against AI-generated “earpiece” claims and said it has about a week left in its timeline for one article. Weather & Disruptions: PAGASA warned haze from Indonesia’s fires could drift over western Visayas and Mindanao, while habagat-triggered rains led to class suspensions in parts of Luzon and advisories for communities. Flood Control Accountability: Marcos urged stricter enforcement of “no-build zone” rules and better LGU upkeep of waterways and garbage disposal as flooding continues to disrupt Central Luzon and Metro Manila. Economy & Taxes: Sen. Mark Villar pushed to raise the income tax exemption ceiling to give immediate relief to low- and middle-income workers. Sports: Creamline stayed unbeaten in the PVL Invitational after adding Jaja Santiago-Minowa, while Nxled bounced back to beat PLDT and tie the standings.

Impeachment Trial Watch: Senate presiding officer Francis Escudero told the court that a viral photo of OVP assistant chief of staff Lemuel Ortonio “wearing an earpiece” was AI-generated and false, and reminded witnesses to testify only from personal knowledge as Day 20 continues with AFP Col. Manaros Boransing II on DepEd confidential funds tied to the Youth Leadership Summit. Floods & Transport: PNP beefed up patrols to help stranded motorists as NLEX flooding near Tulaoc/San Simon in Pampanga kept traffic heavy; meanwhile, Quezon City suspended face-to-face classes in some schools due to haze. Weather Updates: Pagasa said Tropical Storm Pilandok formed and may intensify, while habagat continues bringing heavy rains across Luzon and western Visayas. Energy & Prices: Oil firms rolled back fuel prices at the start of September, with diesel and kerosene down by nearly P4 per liter, though LPG may rise. Maritime Security: President Marcos urged newly promoted Philippine Coast Guard flag officers to uphold integrity as they protect West Philippine Sea interests. Governance & Accountability: AMLC said it secured a court order to immobilize assets of a lawmaker linked to billions in government contracts, as scrutiny of flood control and reclamation spending continues.

Habagat Flood Response: Malacañang ordered alternative work and face-to-face class suspensions in 15 Luzon provinces as heavy monsoon rains keep flooding Metro Manila and Central Luzon; OCD said Pampanga still has 330 flooded villages across 20 LGUs, while NLEX reported lane restrictions and diversions due to rising river water. Public Safety Under Strain: Manila’s Justice Jose Abad Santos General Hospital said its ER hit 300% capacity amid leptospirosis-related cases, as the city logged more ILI, dengue, and leptospirosis cases. Accountability and Infrastructure: Palace warned that stealing pumping station components could lead to jail, saying sabotage can worsen flooding; PNP also urged tighter coordination to secure vulnerable bridges and roads after the Agana and Aquino bridge collapses. Policy and Politics: Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano hit Sen. Ping Lacson’s Taguig reclamation probe, while Palace urged the Ombudsman not to rush flood-control cases. Environment and Energy Debate: A coalition is pushing back against Pax Silica, calling it “economic warfare” and warning of water, power, and displacement risks. Sports: Creamline opened the PVL Invitational with a win led by Jaja Santiago-Minowa, while June Mar Fajardo formally retired from Gilas after 13 years. Health Alerts: Pagasa warned Pilandok may intensify into a tropical storm by Sept. 1, with heavy to intense rains and landslide risk in parts of Luzon.

Gilas Pilipinas: Tim Cone said Carl Tamayo will miss 4–6 weeks with a Grade 2 ankle sprain after Gilas beat Iran 68–56 to finish the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers’ fourth window with a 4–4 record, while Kai Sotto and Juan Gomez de Liaño powered the comeback and June Mar Fajardo officially retired after a memorable home exit. Habagat & flooding: Pagasa downgraded parts of Central Luzon to yellow rainfall warning but still flagged possible flooding; La Mesa Dam remains above critical as excess water flows to riverside areas in Metro Manila. National Heroes’ Day: President Marcos urged Filipinos to embody heroes’ courage, while lawmakers and officials also highlighted ordinary citizens who helped during recent rains and disasters. Public health: DOH-7 reported low Measles-Rubella coverage in Cebu and Bohol amid vaccine misinformation and hesitancy, with many parents refusing or deferring shots. Press freedom: CHR and the media security task force called for stronger safeguards for journalists as the Philippines ranked 114th in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index. Economy & finance: August inflation is seen easing but still above target, while the peso’s slide and higher borrowing costs remain a worry; government borrowings jumped to P291.38B in July. Drugs & safety: PDEA and police arrested 14 suspects in Rizal and Cavite drug busts, and the Coast Guard reported an LCT-related capsizing incident off Romblon where eight crew escaped unhurt.

Habagat Disaster Update: Southwest monsoon and cyclones have battered Luzon and beyond, with 8.4 million people affected, 32 dead, and 1,115 evacuation centers housing over 35,000 evacuees, while Metro Manila and parts of Luzon remain under red rainfall warnings and La Mesa Dam stays above critical level. Local Calamity Declarations: Tarlac was placed under a state of calamity as flooding damaged bridges like Aquino and Agana, with authorities rushing temporary repairs. Weather System Watch: PAGASA says Tropical Depression Pilandok will strengthen the southwest monsoon but is unlikely to make landfall, keeping heavy rains and gusts in the forecast. Public Works & Governance: DPWH issued cease-and-desist orders on alleged illegal reclamation linked to Laguna de Bay in Taguig, and a DPWH maintenance chief in Las Piñas–Muntinlupa was relieved over delayed calamity response. Sports (Gilas): Gilas Pilipinas beat Iran 68-56 to finish the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers window strong, with Kai Sotto and Juan Gomez de Liaño leading and June Mar Fajardo’s national team retirement marked with a win. Sports (Futsal): San Juan City launched a futsal development program with the PSC and PFF to train coaches and bring the sport to kids across 21 barangays. Media Freedom: National Press Freedom Day saw calls for stronger protection for journalists after the Philippines ranked 114th in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index.