AGP Executive Report

Impeachment Watch: Day 29 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s trial focuses on the voting threshold to convict—prosecution and defense will argue whether the two-thirds requirement should be based on the full 24-member Senate or only senators qualified to vote, with heated exchanges already erupting over courtroom wording. Humanitarian Clemency: The Office of the President is “seriously considering” granting absolute pardon to Mary Jane Veloso on humanitarian grounds, with an announcement expected in days. Graft Courtroom: DPWH chief Vince Dizon testified that fixing a substandard road dike in Oriental Mindoro would require destroying and replacing steel sheet piles, not simple patchwork, in the graft case vs former lawmaker Zaldy Co and others. Fuel Relief Process: The Executive is awaiting a Department of Finance recommendation on whether to extend excise tax suspension beyond LPG and kerosene to diesel and other fuel products amid rising prices. Education Staffing Gap: DepEd still has about 20,000 unfilled teaching positions as of June 30, 2026, citing hard-to-fill posts and qualification gaps. Public Safety: Police in Northern Mindanao arrested 145 suspects and seized P6.7M in alleged illicit goods in a weeklong crackdown. Weather & Flood Prep: Metro Manila rainwater impounding projects need about P4.05B for five sites, while a tropical depression may enter the country and strengthen the southwest monsoon. Sports: The Philippines ended a 68-year wait for Asian Games men’s football gold with a 2-1 win over Kuwait, while Jean Claude Saclag settled for MMA silver and the women’s karate kata team won bronze. Online Platforms Under Scrutiny: CICC gave Reddit and Discord 24 hours to set up Philippine representation as authorities assess social media’s role amid recent school shootings.

Impeachment Court Update: The Senate impeachment court for Vice President Sara Duterte heads into Wednesday’s oral arguments on the conviction-vote threshold, with the key question whether the required number of votes to convict should stay at 16, and no witnesses expected. School Shooting Probe: Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said authorities are close to catching a suspected influencer behind school-shooting efforts, while he described the Banga National High School suspect as an honor student allegedly pulled into “deep web” and “Satanism.” Online Safety Crackdown: The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center ordered Reddit and Discord to appoint local representatives in the Philippines within 24 hours as it investigates online communities tied to the Banga shooting. Public Health Alert: DOH reported 10,936 leptospirosis cases as of Sept. 16, a 38% jump year-on-year, with most linked to floodwater exposure. Transport & Safety: Manibela urged help for jeepney drivers amid fuel-price pressure; LRT-2 also shifted to limited operations after lightning damaged catenary wires near Antipolo. Weather: Pagasa warned of continued rains over Visayas and Mindanao as a trough brings gloomy skies. Sports: Jean Claude Saclag won the Philippines’ first Asian Games silver in MMA after losing the -65kg final; Team Philippines also advanced in gymnastics for the team medal round.

OVP Impeachment Trial: Defense counsel for Vice President Sara Duterte argued that non-declaration of dividends isn’t automatically illegal under the Revised Corporation Code as SEC witness Gerardo del Rosario faces cross-exam in Day 28. Budget Tensions: Duterte skipped House plenary deliberations on her 2027 OVP budget (P785.2M), with an OVP official attending in her place. Fuel, Transport Pressure: Piston announced a nationwide transport strike on Sept. 29-30 over rising fuel prices, warning of service disruptions as diesel may jump again this week. Power Crunch in Visayas: Lawmakers grilled the DOE after another yellow grid alert in the Visayas (4-8 p.m.) due to plant outages and tight reserves. Weather Watch: PAGASA said an LPA outside the PAR has a high chance to develop into a tropical depression within 24 hours, with rains expected in parts of Visayas and Mindanao. Public Safety Online: The NTC blocked two websites linked to “grooming” minors for real-world violence amid ongoing school shooting concerns. Health & Economy: SWS found 33% of Filipinos expect economic improvement in the next 12 months, while Manila reported rising flu-like illness cases amid the rainy season. Sports: Filipinas were routed 5-1 by China but still set for Asian Games knockout play; Team Philippines also eyes MMA golds and other finals.

Martial Law Remembrance & Accountability: UST lit key campus landmarks red for the 54th anniversary, as thousands marked “never again” and “never forget,” while CHR and church groups pushed remembrance to turn into sustained action against abuse and corruption. Anti-Corruption Protests: Organizers of the Sept. 21 rally near Mendiola said thousands joined despite police and Malacañang “fear mongering,” with NCRPO citing a peaceful turnout and maximum tolerance. Impeachment Watch: Detained Sen. Rodante Marcoleta said he won’t join VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial over constitutional concerns, as SEC testimony continued on Duterte-linked corporate roles and possible constitutional violations. School Safety Law: The Senate unanimously approved the Sagip Bata Act and the Comprehensive School Safety Act, strengthening protections for children in schools and online, including grooming and AI-related risks. Fuel Prices: DOE warned fuel costs may rise again (gasoline +P4/liter, diesel +P8/liter, kerosene +P6/liter) amid volatile Middle East tensions, though it doesn’t expect the bigger +P20/liter jumps seen earlier this year. Weather & Safety: Pagasa warned of an LPA that could develop into a tropical depression by midweek, plus scattered rains and thunderstorms in parts of Visayas and Mindanao; separate advisories flagged heavy rain and lightning risks. Sports (Asian Games): Carlos Yulo advanced to multiple finals after a shaky qualification; Gilas women’s 3x3 U-23 gets set for Group C matches, while Filipinas football fell 5-1 to China and face a tough quarterfinal path.

Martial Law Anniversary Security: Northern Mindanao and Calabarzon police placed forces on full alert for Sept. 21 protests marking the 54th anniversary of Martial Law, with thousands deployed and body cameras planned to manage crowds and incidents. Impeachment Watch: In Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, the House prosecution withdrew CSC witness Ariel Ronquillo to speed proceedings, while prosecutors continue focusing on Duterte’s alleged unexplained wealth and business interests, including expected SEC testimony. School Shooting Fallout: Duterte blamed the Marcos administration for the spate of school shootings, including the latest in South Cotabato that killed three students, as lawmakers push for stronger safety and oversight. One China, Taiwan Ties: The DFA reiterated the Philippines’ One China policy but said it will keep pursuing economic, cultural, and functional cooperation with Taiwan despite China’s objections. South China Sea Tensions: Fresh reports highlighted another South China Sea ramming incident involving Chinese coast guard and a Philippine vessel, renewing calls for maritime restraint and accountability. Weather & Disruptions: Pagasa warned of thunderstorms with lightning and strong winds in parts of Metro Manila and Luzon, while an LPA may develop into a tropical depression later this week. Local Economy & Food Prices: Cebu launched the “Magwayen” task force to track fish prices and supply from landing sites to retail to help curb price swings. Public Safety: The LTO issued a show-cause order and 90-day preventive suspension against a van driver caught in a viral road rage incident involving gun-brandishing. Sports Spotlight: Team Philippines’ women’s basketball advanced to Asian Games quarterfinals, and Carlos Yulo headlines gymnastics as the country chases more medals.

Impeachment Watch: The Senate impeachment court heard fresh arguments on the two-thirds vote needed to convict VP Sara Duterte, as prosecutors pressed on Article II and moved from SALN claims toward corporate and procurement records, including a subpoena for Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte. Martial Law Anniversary Security: Manila and the PNP are preparing for Sept. 21 commemorations, with face-to-face classes suspended in Manila and Cebu due to security concerns and haze, while police plan a nationwide deployment to keep rallies safe. Air Quality Disruptions: Cebu suspended in-person classes after transboundary haze from Indonesia pushed air quality to acutely unhealthy levels. Asian Games Sports: Gilas Pilipinas women booked quarterfinals after beating Hong Kong 90-73, while the Philippines’ women’s football team faces China for a quarterfinal spot and Alas Pilipinas notched its first win in indoor volleyball. School Safety Push: The PNP said it’s reviewing school safety measures after recent shootings, including proposals for a joint task force and using barangay tanods as force multipliers. South China Sea Tensions: The DFA reiterated its “One China” stance while the broader region remains tense over maritime incidents involving Philippine and Chinese vessels.

School Safety & Violence: DepEd chief Sonny Angara backs an inter-agency task force with PNP and DILG to plug security and mental-health gaps after a South Cotabato high school shooting left at least 3 students dead and 8 injured, with investigators citing alleged planning and warnings via group chats. Transport & Data Security: LTFRB temporarily suspends its LESS e-support system after a data breach, halting all LESS transactions while it checks what may have been compromised. Maritime Disaster Probe: PNP supports an inter-agency task force to investigate the MV June Aster ferry fire off Coron, with police and Coast Guard looking at port-to-port operations, rapid spread accounts, and possible cargo misdeclaration. Weather & Hazards: PAGASA says habagat will affect western Luzon with scattered rains and possible flash floods or landslides in storm-hit areas, while other regions see fair to partly cloudy conditions. Volcano Watch: Phivolcs reports Taal’s main crater emitted moderate steam plumes reaching 1,100 meters and continues tracking volcanic activity. Sports (Asian Games): Team Philippines opens strong with soft tennis bronze after Japan’s sweep in semis, while Gilas women beat Hong Kong 90-73 to reach quarterfinals; Kayla Sanchez targets a swimming medal run and Eumir Marcial advances after a pro win. Security Ops (Mindanao): Six BIFF-linked gunmen were killed in a BARMM operation serving arrest warrants, with rifles recovered and residents reportedly evacuating.

Asian Games 2026: Team Philippines officially opened its Aichi-Nagoya campaign in Japan with flag bearers Aira Villegas and Albert Ian Delos Santos, with early medal hopes already showing in soft tennis and a packed Sept. 20 schedule featuring soft tennis semis vs Japan, teqball bronze bid, wushu medal chances, triathlon individual finals, and swimming events. South Cotabato School Shooting: Education Secretary Sonny Angara visited Banga National High School after the fatal campus shooting, calling for stronger security and mental health support, while President Marcos ordered a multi-agency assessment; Angara also pushed for a Joint School Safety Task Force. Impeachment Watch (Sara Duterte): House prosecutors said they will finish presenting evidence before deciding whether to call VP Sara Duterte to testify, focusing on her declared ₱98.6-M wealth versus SALNs and records. Maritime Tensions: China and the Philippines traded blame after reported ramming incidents involving Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine government boats in the South China Sea, with DFA pushing back on “provocations.” Public Safety & Weather: Pagasa warned habagat-linked rains and thunderstorms affecting parts of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Metro Manila. Local Governance & Jobs: DSWD 7 regularized 365 personnel in Central Visayas, strengthening social protection delivery. Sports (UAAP): UP Fighting Maroons stayed unbeaten after routing Ateneo 94-75, with Veejay Pre and James Payosing delivering breakout performances. Business/Trade: ASEAN Economic Ministers’ meetings in Pasay focused on digital transformation, MSMEs, innovation, and boosting the bloc’s global competitiveness ahead of the November summit.

Maritime Safety & Tensions: The DFA said there’s “no justification” for China Coast Guard CCG-21585 to ram the BFAR BRP Datu Magat Salamat during a humanitarian mission near Palawan, while China again urged Manila to stop “violations and provocations.” Public Services & Transport: The LTFRB suspended the P12-per-liter fuel discount for PUJs and UV Express starting Sept. 18 due to the BSKE election ban. Governance & Oversight: The Ombudsman launched a preliminary probe into alleged graft tied to the Villar family and PrimeWater water deals. Education & Security: A 16-year-old student in South Cotabato killed at least two classmates and himself; authorities are probing how a gun got into school. Media & Rights: The CMFR announced it will wind down after 37 years due to funding issues, while the NBI tapped Meta to identify accounts mocking Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña. Weather: Pagasa said habagat will keep bringing rain over parts of Luzon, with Metro Manila facing localized thunderstorms. Environment & Local Incidents: A RoRo vessel, M/V Roromaster 5, was refloated off Occidental Mindoro, but preliminary checks flagged significant damage in a marine protected area. Sports: Soft tennis: Team Philippines booked a medal spot after reaching Asian Games semifinals; triathlon schedules for Team Philippines were released.

School Safety Crisis: President Marcos ordered a probe after a South Cotabato high school shooting in Banga left at least 3 students dead (including the suspected gunman) and 8 injured, the third fatal campus attack since June. Impeachment Court Fight: House allies say the Senate impeachment court must decide the conviction vote threshold itself, as it weighs whether 16 votes still apply when some senator-judges can’t participate, with warnings about possible “wrong timing” versus manipulation. Water & Graft Watch: The Ombudsman moves to file criminal and administrative cases over alleged “grossly disadvantageous” PrimeWater joint venture deals involving the Villar family and officials. Public Transport Funding: Transport chief Giovanni Lopez urged senators to restore Edsa bus carousel funding in the 2027 budget, warning commuters could be hit if it stays at zero. Weather Update: Habagat returns Saturday, bringing scattered rains to parts of Southern Luzon and the Visayas, while Metro Manila faces localized thunderstorms. Sports Spotlight: Alexandra Eala continues her breakout run, while Philippine teams push in the Asian Games, including soft tennis and fencing.

Fuel Watch: Domestic fuel prices could jump again next week, with diesel seen rising by as much as P10.50 per liter and gasoline by P4.50–P5, as Middle East tensions keep oil supply worries front and center. Bangsamoro Polls: PPCRV has started an audit of the first BARMM parliamentary elections, receiving about 21% of electoral returns and running a parallel count using physical ERs versus transmitted results. Power & Weather: An LPA off Palawan is expected to bring scattered rains across parts of the Visayas, Mimaropa, Bicol, Zamboanga and Northern Mindanao, while Lapu-Lapu City officials are asking power firms to explain rotational brownouts. Rights & Governance: The House approved a substitute Children’s Social Media and Online Gaming Safety bill, but advocates warn parental-consent and short-video limits may infringe children’s rights; meanwhile, Malacañang backs the Supreme Court push for an anti-political dynasty law. Justice & Security: UP and PUP students plan a walkout over corruption and budget cuts; and Quezon City Hall was cleared after a bomb threat prompted a security sweep. Sports: Filipinas beat Hong Kong 2-0 in Asian Games women’s football, moving closer to the quarterfinals, while the Alas Pilipinas women’s volleyball team missed the quarters after a loss to Kazakhstan.

Infrastructure Watch: The Senate finance committee chair said he’s guarding against further delays in the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway, pushing for proper use of funds as timelines are adjusted. Legislative Update: The House passed on final reading a bill modernizing anti-espionage laws, expanding what counts as spying and drawing civil liberties concerns. Public Finance Scrutiny: A budget watchdog criticized Congress’ own spending deliberations after lawmakers ended talks without questions on the floor and rescheduled them abruptly. Transport & Safety: The DOE is seeking new rules for boarding EVs and hybrids after the Palawan ferry fire, while Pagasa warned an LPA off Palawan will keep rains over parts of the country. Governance & Accountability: The NBI flagged dozens of flood control projects in Davao City for possible “ghost” or substandard work and plans subpoenas. Sports (Asian Games): Filipinas beat Hong Kong 2-0 in women’s football to boost quarterfinal hopes; Gilas women opened with a big win over Kazakhstan; weightlifting and boxing schedules for Team Philippines were released. Security: Two alleged CTG members surrendered in Oriental Mindoro, turning over firearms and ammo. Weather/Disaster: A magnitude 4.4 quake was felt in parts of Leyte and Samar with no expected damage.

Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard said four people listed for MV June Aster’s Sept. 8 Manila-to-Coron trip never boarded, cutting the confirmed onboard count to 128 passengers and 17 crew, with eight officially missing as recovery and identification continue. Health Policy: PhilHealth will cover inpatient admissions under 24 hours starting Sept. 18 for serious, severe, or life-threatening cases, with eligibility tied to medical necessity to curb abuse. Impeachment Watch: Retired Supreme Court justices weighed in on the Senate conviction threshold in Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment, with debate over whether “two-thirds of all members” means the full Senate or only those able to participate. Online Safety & Budget: The House deferred further DICT 2027 budget talks after lawmakers raised concerns about online safety, scams, and child protection results. Power & Weather: NGCP issued a two-hour yellow alert over the Visayas grid due to low supply, while Pagasa flagged an LPA bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms across parts of Visayas, Southern Luzon, and Mindanao. Public Service: DOLE held job fairs in Central Luzon, with thousands participating and hundreds hired or near-hired on the spot. Security: Eight former NPA members surrendered in Northern Samar and turned over 13 high-powered firearms. International: Duterte appeared in person at the ICC in The Hague for health and trial scheduling matters. Digital Payments: BSP urged stricter merchant screening after it found illegal businesses, including online casinos posing as ordinary shops, on payment platforms.

ICC Update: Former President Rodrigo Duterte made his first in-person appearance at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, as judges pushed prosecutors to streamline the case and consider trimming witnesses ahead of the Nov. 30 trial. Impeachment Court: In Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment, retired Supreme Court justices weighed in on the voting threshold, with debate centering on whether conviction needs two-thirds of all senators or a fixed 16-vote count; Palace said Marcos won’t interfere. Local Governance & Flooding: Manila subway’s NAIA station right-of-way was secured, while Manila Water and its foundation delivered safe drinking water to evacuees in Pangasinan after flooding. Weather Advisory: PAGASA warned of rains and thunderstorms affecting parts of Southern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao due to the ITCZ, with flood advisories in Western Visayas. Public Safety: LTO imposed a two-year driver’s license revocation on an actor found liable for reckless driving after a crash in Antipolo. Sports: UAAP Season 89 opened with Ateneo beating UE, while UST edged La Salle 80-75 in another key matchup.

Impeachment Math in Focus: Retired Supreme Court justices are set to advise the Senate on whether the 16-vote threshold to convict VP Sara Duterte should count only senators who are qualified and able to vote, with amici curiae arguing “all members” can’t be treated as fixed arithmetic. Flood Control Court Case: Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez pleaded not guilty to plunder over alleged P7.44B flood control kickbacks; the Sandiganbayan also denied his bid to be moved to a tertiary hospital, keeping him in jail custody. Ferry Fire Toll Updates: A survivor crew member of the MV June Aster fire died, pushing fatalities to 77 as the search for remaining missing passengers continues off Coron, Palawan. Power Woes in Visayas: Iloilo business groups warned that recurring outages and higher electricity rates in the Visayas Grid are hurting jobs and investment. Public Transport Support: The LTFRB released the first batch of monthly amortization assistance worth over P9M for modern PUV operators under the PTMP. Cybercrime Alarm: A Social Weather Stations survey found common-crime victimization fell, but cybercrime victimization hit a new high. Infrastructure Push: President Marcos led the groundbreaking for the NAIA Terminal 3 station of the Metro Manila Subway, targeting faster airport access. Weather Watch: PAGASA said ITCZ-driven rains and thunderstorms will hit parts of Visayas and Mindanao, while Luzon stays hot and humid.

Tourism Pricing Push in Bohol: Gov. Erico Aristotle “Aris” Aumentado urged tourism operators to ensure fair pricing and better service, so tourism benefits ordinary Boholanos—not just big resorts—after a viral post sparked renewed debate over high costs. Power Bill Relief: The BIR issued a circular removing VAT on allowable system loss charges within the ERC cap, a move lawmakers say should directly ease electricity costs. Impeachment Trial Focus—VP Sara Duterte SALNs: In Day 25, prosecutors pressed on Duterte’s declared wealth, including claims she reported no cash in bank from 2019-2025, while House allies and critics traded barbs over witnesses and trial conduct. Education Funding Scrutiny: Senators questioned why Tesda scholars still pay training centers, and another lawmaker warned some Tesda facilities are being used as storage or livestock pens instead of for training. Sports—Asian Games Start: Team Philippines opened with major volleyball and football action, including Alas Pilipinas women’s schedule vs China and Kazakhstan, and a tough U-23 football loss to Uzbekistan. Energy Projects: Solar-plus-battery operations began at major projects in the Philippines and Saudi Arabia, signaling a push for larger renewable capacity and storage. Politics in BARMM: BARMM’s first parliamentary elections continue to shape the region’s next government, with reports of a hung parliament risk and ongoing preparations.