A Senate resolution condemns Chinese diplomats urging a firm response toward China over incidents in the South China Sea, where China allegedly harassed and intimidated Filipino fishermen, resupply missions and officials

The first natural gas discovery in over a decade in the Philippines has been announced, an offshore field with an estimated 98 billion cubic feet of gas; Officials say it could boost energy security and support a transition away from coal

The Traslación, Manila’s annual mass procession of the Black Nazarene drawing millions of bare footed devotees, was held amid public outrage over alleged corruption in its management and misuse of funding, while authorities tightened security

Temporary maritime restrictions have been announced in parts of the West Philippine Sea ahead of a Chinese rocket launch; Authorities cited safety risks from falling debris, analysts note the move comes amid tensions with Beijing over contested waters

Anti-political dynasty House Bill 6771 has been filed by speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos; the measure would bar spouses, siblings and relatives of a public official from holding elective posts at the same time