AGP Executive Report

House Governance: Speaker Faustino Dy III rolls out the LegisHear public consultation program to more provinces, starting with Butuan and Dumaguete, aiming for a more participatory 2027 national budget and lawmaking process. Energy Costs & Power Policy: Lawmakers back President Marcos’ push to scrap “system loss” charges, while a Senate bill proposes a presidential “price cap” on electricity during emergencies. South China Sea: China rejects the Philippines’ Huangyan Dao “baselines” move and continues drills around disputed areas, keeping maritime tensions high. West Philippine Sea Claims: The Philippines deposits the Bajo de Masinloc nautical chart with the UN, reinforcing its maritime position. Anti-Corruption & Courts: Ombudsman Remulla says efforts may have been made to secure Bong Revilla’s bail, while he also notes Revilla still hasn’t returned over ₱124M in civil liabilities. Public Safety & Transport: CAAP reports flights diverted to Clark due to Metro Manila weather; LTO clarifies LGU traffic enforcers can’t confiscate driver’s licenses. Environment: SBMA allows some US e-waste shipments already en route, but critics say authority should rest with BOC and DENR-EMB under Basel rules. Labor & Security Abroad: DMW confirms a third Filipino death from Black Sea attacks and continues repatriation and deployment bans. Sports & Culture: SB19 gets a Senate resolution for its Lollapalooza debut; Katrina Llegado wins Miss Supranational 2026, boosting PH pageant momentum.

Power Rates Showdown: Senate Bill filed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros would let the President impose a “price cap” on electricity during emergencies, plus suspend residential disconnections for up to 90 days. Traffic Enforcement Rules: LTO clarified LGU traffic enforcers can issue citations but cannot confiscate driver’s licenses, citing DOTr policy and Supreme Court rulings. Impeachment Court vs Privacy: VP Sara Duterte’s husband Manases Carpio questioned Marcos’ authorization for BIR to release their tax records to the Senate impeachment court, saying legal admissibility should be decided by the court. Ombudsman Solar Case: Ombudsman Remulla ordered preliminary investigation for plunder and graft tied to “ghost electricity” solar projects involving Sen. Loren Legarda, Leandro Leviste, and Alfonso Cusi. E-waste Crackdown in Subic: SBMA said US shipments already en route and deemed nonhazardous will be accepted, while future containers will be decided under the Basel Convention after alerts flagged 184 more suspected e-waste shipments. Inflation Watch: BSP forecast July inflation at 5.6%–6.6%, with fuel, electricity, fish prices, and peso depreciation keeping pressure above target. EV Push: Marcos operationalized a ₱60B EV incentive strategy, offering up to ₱15B per maker for producing at least 10,000 units of an enrolled model. Local Politics: Supreme Court nullified Comelec’s residency-based cancellation of Tarlac Mayor Susan Yap’s COC, restoring her eligibility.

Minimum Wage Fight: Malacañang said it will keep pushing the P85 Metro Manila wage hike even after a court TRO, while DOLE clarified workers who already got the increase won’t have to return it. Public Safety & Security: PNP trained over 50 personnel on handling improvised explosive devices on Boracay, with the chief citing possible links between Metro Manila IEDs and Mindanao cases. Health Leadership Probe: New DOH chief Jose “Brix” Pujalte Jr. denied allegations he gambles in casinos, after a complaint was filed at the Presidential Complaint Center. Anti-Graft Watch: Ombudsman moved plunder/graft complaints vs Sen. Loren Legarda and Rep. Leandro Leviste over “ghost electricity” to preliminary investigation. Transport & Rights: LTO reminded LGU traffic enforcers they can’t confiscate driver’s licenses—only issue citations. Power & Data Policy: DOTr extended MRT-3 “Piso Fare Cashback” for cashless riders and offered free MRT-3 rides for National ID holders; meanwhile, experts warned Pax Silica-style data centers could strain power supply. Environment & Trade Controls: SBMA said it will block newly flagged US e-waste shipments while deciding future actions by Aug. 3. Human Rights: Groups urged CHR to investigate police arrests during SONA protests.

Tax Relief Push: President Marcos gave Congress a “clear policy direction” to pass tax relief for workers, with House labor chief Jolo Revilla saying lawmakers can align on a P350,000 income tax exemption threshold to speed approval. Electricity Rates Overhaul: The Palace says scrapping “system loss” charges needs careful balancing, and the DOE has formed a joint task force with regulators and power distributors to remove system loss charges and VAT from bills. Impeachment Court Documents: Marcos approved the release of VP Sara Duterte’s tax records to the Senate impeachment court, with the BIR submitting the documents after securing presidential authorization. Cyber-Security for SONA: The PNP started tracking people behind alleged online plans to disrupt the SONA, warning against sharing threats or unverified posts. EV Manufacturing Incentives: Marcos signed a P60-billion EV incentives package to attract local EV production, offering up to P15 billion in fiscal support per enrolled model. Pax Silica Debate: MAP backed the US-Philippines AI hub but urged safeguards for national interest, shared prosperity, sustainability, and accountability. Trade & Economy: Exports hit an all-time high on semiconductor demand, while the trade deficit widened to about $4.9B in June; meanwhile, government debt climbed past P19T. Maritime & Security: The Philippines presented its West Philippine Sea extended continental shelf claim to a UN panel, urging consideration of the 2016 arbitral ruling. Local Governance & Services: DepEd is finalizing rules for the GIDA Schools Act taking effect Aug. 12, while LTFRB reopened applications for motorcycle taxi riders starting Aug. 5.

Impeachment & Accountability: President Marcos okayed the BIR’s release of VP Sara Duterte’s tax records to the Senate impeachment court, with Malacañang saying it’s a legal, non-political move; the prosecution panel also stressed the request is ministerial as bank documents are turned over in scheduled slots. ICC Row: Sara Duterte urged the ICC to expedite Rodrigo Duterte’s trial, while Palace hit back at her “ICC lapdog” remarks as baseless and useless. Energy Policy Fight: Senate President Gatchalian pushed back on making consumers shoulder system loss, arguing distribution utilities should absorb the cost to force efficiency. Transport Updates: LTFRB starts accrediting motorcycle taxi platform providers and rider applications on Aug. 5, while DOTr targets partial operations of the Unified Grand Central Station by Q1 2028. Public Safety & Security: DOJ said the SONA-week blast outside its compound remains under investigation; PNP also warned it will act on online threats tied to SONA disruption plans. Education & Social Services: Marcos backed LGU-led rice distribution; DepEd prepares for the Gida Schools Act effective Aug. 12, and CBCP vowed stronger ecology advocacy via an Integral Ecology Ministry. Regional Flashpoints: Two alleged NPA rebels were killed and one captured in Oriental Mindoro, prompting class suspensions in affected districts. EV Push: Marcos signed the P60-billion Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (Evis) to spur local EV manufacturing. Space Safety: PhilSA warned of possible rocket debris from a China launch falling near Northern Luzon and urged the public not to touch it.

Impeachment Trial Watch: House prosecutors began presenting evidence on Article I in the Senate impeachment case against VP Sara Duterte over alleged misuse of P612.5M in confidential funds, with former LandBank managers testifying about “unusual” cash withdrawals by the OVP and DepEd. Ethics & Politics: Women’s rights groups filed an ethics complaint against Sen. Pia Cayetano over a spliced video tied to the impeachment proceedings, while Malacañang pushed back on calls for detained senators to still sit as judges, warning it would set a “special treatment” precedent. Legislation Push: Malacañang said President Marcos will certify as urgent priority bills from his SONA once formally submitted, including tax relief and building and waste management measures. Power Debate: Meralco chair Manuel Pangilinan warned that scrapping “system loss” charges could shift tens of billions in costs to the industry, challenging Marcos’ proposal. Cyber Safety: PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered stepped-up monitoring and operations against groups accused of “online indoctrination” of children into extreme violence. Defense & Security: Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro defended the Pax Silica industrial hub as part of national resilience and modernization, and said Asean alone can’t safeguard PH security. Economy & Payments: BSP launched Direct Debit PH and expanded InstaPay for businesses, while UA&P flagged slower Q2 growth to 2.5% amid stubborn inflation. Infrastructure & Disaster Readiness: DPWH moved to dredge Talomo River in Davao after major flooding, and Davao Oriental officials urged retrofitting of public buildings amid quake warnings. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN-China talks on a South China Sea code of conduct continue with “positive momentum,” but observers warn gaps remain.

Tax Relief Push: House leaders backed President Marcos Jr.’s SONA plan to raise the income-tax exemption ceiling from P250,000 to P350,000, with lawmakers aiming for approval by August so it can take effect Jan. 1, 2027; labor groups want it even higher to cushion rising prices. Power Bills Fight: Malacañang said removing “system loss” charges is still being studied to avoid hurting utilities, while NGCP clarified it does not charge transmission technical system loss. Impeachment Trial Watch: In VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment, LandBank witnesses again called large OVP/DepEd cash withdrawals “unusual,” and the Senate impeachment court ruled prosecutors must finish evidence presentation before the defense. Ethics & Accountability: Senate ethics panel chair Tito Sotto set an Aug. 6 meeting after an ethics complaint over a spliced impeachment video involving Pia Cayetano. Anti-Terror Partnership: The US and Zamboanga del Sur signed an MOA for a P31M anti-terrorism training hub for PNP personnel. Education Fraud Case: A court sentenced a voucher scam suspect to up to 14 years for falsified SHS-VP billing statements. Waste-to-Energy Backlash: Environmental groups criticized Marcos’ SONA push to amend waste rules for waste-to-energy, warning of toxic emissions. Security & Crime: NBI seized nearly P13M in fake cosmetics in Binondo/Divisoria; DOJ reported P841M recovered in flood-control anomalies returned to the Treasury.

Impeachment Trial Watch: The Senate impeachment court resumes tackling Vice President Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of P612.5 million in confidential funds, with House prosecutors set to present first witnesses—two former Land Bank branch managers—on Wednesday. Power Bills Push: Energy Secretary Sharon Garin says fully removing the system loss charge from electricity bills will take about a year, with implementation possible by 2027, after Marcos’ SONA demand to stop passing system losses (and VAT on them) to consumers. Tax Relief Drive: Senate Pro Tempore Vicente Sotto filed a bill to raise the annual income tax exemption ceiling to P350,000 starting 2027, echoing Marcos’ SONA push for wider tax relief. Ombudsman Moves vs Romualdez: The Ombudsman ordered Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez and coaccused to submit counter-affidavits over complaints for plunder, bribery, graft, and money laundering. West PH Sea Protection: DENR is moving to secure Marine Protected Areas in the Kalayaan Island Group, citing a decade of marine research tied to the 2016 arbitral award. Metro Manila Flooding: Heavy rains triggered localized flooding in parts of Metro Manila Tuesday evening, with several areas reported as gutter-deep and passable. Sugar Crisis Aid: DSWD will start emergency cash transfers for Negros Occidental sugarcane farmers hit by RSSI, with payouts beginning Wednesday.

Anti-Corruption Push After SONA: A Roman Catholic bishop in Mindanao welcomed President Marcos Jr.’s intensified anti-graft drive but warned that accountability must reach everyone implicated in major scandals, not just a few high-profile arrests. Electricity Cost Relief: Marcos urged Congress to amend EPIRA to stop charging system loss to consumers, and lawmakers moved to back the push—while consumer groups said it’s a good start but not a full fix for the broader energy crunch. Impeachment Trial Process: In Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment case, prosecutors asked the Senate impeachment court to alternate evidence presentation per article to keep proceedings orderly. Courtroom Update: The Sandiganbayan denied Sen. Jinggoy Estrada’s bid for bail in his plunder case, saying it was premature to fix bail without a prior determination on the strength of evidence. Security Scare Ahead of SONA: The NBI is probing whether suspected explosive devices found near the DOJ and Senate were connected to the SONA, while the PNP said the areas are secured. NBI on Radioactive Steel: The NBI is checking whether substandard, radioactive steel from a Pampanga plant may have been used in flood control projects. Tax Relief Legislation: Congress is set to act on Marcos’ call to raise the minimum taxable income ceiling to P350,000, with bills filed in both chambers. Space and Defense Modernization: AFP backed the plan for a 2027 rocket launch as part of expanding the military’s “space” domain. Sports and Public Life: Gilas will miss Dwight Ramos and AJ Edu for the Asian Games due to schedule conflicts, and the PBA is eyeing games at the new SM Arena Seaside Cebu.

State of the Nation Address: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. used his fifth SONA to push anti-corruption accountability “without favor,” saying the Office of the Ombudsman is set to file cases vs his cousin, former Speaker Martin Romualdez, and stressing, “I’m not president of my family.” Power costs: He urged Congress to amend EPIRA to stop charging consumers system loss charges and VAT on electricity, with Senate leaders signaling action before Christmas. Tax relief: Marcos called for raising the income tax threshold to ₱350,000 and expanding exemptions plus relief for small businesses. Security jitters: Ahead of the speech, a bomb blast hit near the DOJ and another suspected explosive was found near the Senate, prompting heightened police deployment. Protests and pushback: Rights groups demanded the release of 51 arrested SONA protesters; meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte dismissed the SONA as a “waste of time.” South China Sea: Marcos reiterated the Philippines will uphold the 2016 arbitral ruling and defended Filipinos against racist attacks, while China-Philippines tensions continued amid maritime confrontations. Economy signals: AMRO warned of weaker growth ahead but cut inflation forecasts; meanwhile, BDO reported record H1 profits.

State of the Nation Address: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivered his 5th SONA promising tax relief (including raising the income tax exemption threshold to ₱350,000), bigger social support, and a tougher stance on the West Philippine Sea—while also calling for Congress to amend EPIRA to scrap electricity “systems loss” charges that hit consumers. Anti-corruption and allies: Marcos said flood-control cases against his cousin, former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, are “soon,” and touted DPWH reforms after his probe into anomalous projects. Energy and tech pitches: He pushed hydrogen power, a possible 2027 rocket launch test from Cagayan, and floated revisiting nuclear energy; he also highlighted EV plans and the Pax Silica AI-linked industrial hub amid Bayan-linked opposition. Public safety and protests: PNP said SONA day was peaceful despite suspected IEDs found near the DOJ and Senate and the arrest of 51 protesters for alleged violations. Disaster and health: Tropical Storm Kiyapo left 3 dead and nearly 295,000 affected; Marcos also touted expanded PhilHealth benefits and zero-balance billing in DOH hospitals. Media freedom: NUJP reported 256 press attacks since 2022, with rights groups warning the SONA dodged human rights and environmental concerns.

SONA 2026 Security & Crowd Control: PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said over 20,000 cops will secure key areas for President Marcos’ fifth SONA, urging protesters to keep rallies peaceful. Impeachment Court Scrutiny: Sen. Pia Cayetano faced criticism from House prosecutors over a Facebook post tied to the VP Sara Duterte impeachment trial, with calls to avoid any appearance of prejudging. House Legislative Push: Majority Leader Sandro Marcos said the House will prioritize the remaining 26 of 52 priority administration bills when Congress reconvenes, including measures on cybersecurity and procurement conflict rules. Power Prices Pressure: Sen. Erwin Tulfo filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into rising electricity rates to protect consumers and keep power bills reasonable. Energy Affordability Options: A push is growing for rooftop solar and retail aggregation as alternatives to “bill shocks,” while steel and quake-safety rules are urged to be fast-tracked. Trade & Tariffs: DTI said only about 34% of PH exports to the US are covered by the new 12.5% tariff, with much of the rest exempt. Food & Jobs at the Center: Surveys ahead of SONA show Filipinos want solutions on inflation, corruption, and jobs—not just achievements. South China Sea Tensions: China’s coast guard and PLA criticized Manila’s drills with the US and Japan, as water-cannon incidents near disputed areas continue to dominate the security agenda. Pax Silica Backlash: An agricultural workers’ group opposed the US-led Pax Silica plan, warning of land displacement and environmental risks ahead of SONA.

SONA 2026 Watch: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivers his penultimate SONA Monday, with lawmakers and groups pushing for a clearer roadmap on jobs, hunger, and anti-corruption—while the public wants “more results, less politics,” according to surveys and party-list statements. Legislative Agenda: House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos says 26 of 52 priority administration bills are done, with the remaining 26 targeted for the second regular session, including reforms tied to social protection and universal health care. Security for SONA: PNP says phased deployment of 20,000+ cops is complete, with “maximum tolerance” for rallies and no serious threats monitored. Power and Cost of Living: A Senate resolution seeks an inquiry into rising electricity prices after DOE flagged the highest rates in Southeast Asia; Sen. Erwin Tulfo questions whether government can protect consumers from “bill shocks.” Flood Control Accountability: As corruption attention shifts, officials expect SONA to tackle reforms to prevent a repeat of flood-control anomalies. Food Security: DSWD highlights Walang Gutom food credits and kitchens ahead of the speech. International Ties: Philippines-Oman deepens economic cooperation in Manila; PH-Japan-US complete South China Sea exercises amid renewed China-Philippines clashes. Local Governance: Parañaque voters approve boundary changes for five coastal barangays in Manila Bay plebiscite.

Defense Modernization: DND chief Gilberto Teodoro ordered the AFP to expand its Direct Commission Program to pull in more specialists for cyber, AI, engineering, aviation, and R&D as “the battlefield is becoming digital.” Impeachment Trial: House prosecutor Chel Diokno said a video by Sen.-Judge Pia Cayetano lacked full context, arguing the prosecution’s push for VP Sara Duterte’s bank records is based on AMLC reports and due process. SONA Logistics: Manila announced major road closures and rerouting for Marcos’ 5th SONA on July 26, while the House prepares a “simple but dignified” event with no red carpet and VP Sara absent. South China Sea: Tensions rose again at Scarborough Shoal as China Coast Guard used water cannons on Philippine vessels for a second straight day amid US diplomatic pressure. Regional Diplomacy: Philippines hosted the TAC 50th anniversary high-level conference, with Kuwait and Cambodia stressing preventive diplomacy and dispute settlement. Trade Pressure: Cebu exporters warned the US’ new 12.5% tariff could hit SMEs despite support for forced-labor-free supply chains. Public Safety & Crime: ASEANAPOL approved a task force against online scams, with PNP saying it will coordinate regional anti-scam hubs and pursue fugitives with foreign counterparts.

Impeachment Watch: House prosecutors say they’ll start presenting next week LandBank officials tied to VP Sara Duterte’s alleged misuse of ₱612.5M in confidential funds, with the first batch set for July 29 right after Marcos’ SONA and the minority’s contra-SONA. Wealth Probe: A House prosecutor said subpoenaed bank and tax records of Duterte and husband Atty. Manases Carpio will be used to compare after-tax income, SALNs, and AMLC reports against the impeachment charge on unexplained wealth. SONA Security & Traffic: PNP clarified there’s no nationwide gun ban for Marcos’ July 27 SONA, while Manila City posted major road closures and rerouting for Sunday. Education Agenda: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged Marcos to report progress on the 2026 education budget and classroom backlog. South China Sea: Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong blasted China over another water cannon attack near Scarborough Shoal and called for Coast Guard modernization funding. International Justice: ICC member states voted to dismiss prosecutor Karim Khan over serious misconduct. Governance & Graft: Ombudsman filed 14 graft counts vs USWAG Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. over alleged conflict of interest in DPWH contracts.

West Philippine Sea Tensions: China Coast Guard water-cannons and risky maneuvers hit PCG and BFAR vessels again near Bajo de Masinloc/Scarborough Shoal during the fuel subsidy mission, with AFP calling the actions coercive and a breach of maritime rules. SONA Security & Cybercrime: PNP and DICT/DTI move to crack down on fake QR codes on online selling platforms, while CICC ramps up monitoring of social media ahead of Marcos’ fifth SONA to curb misinformation and cyberattacks. Impeachment Watch: Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial enters Week 3, with the Senate court granting subpoenas for Duterte’s bank, tax and AMLC records and the prosecution pushing its “grave threats” narrative. Disaster & Public Safety: Severe Tropical Storm Kiyapo (Noul) exits the PAR as Typhoon-strength winds persist, keeping Signal No. 1 up over parts of Northern Luzon; floods, landslides, evacuations and class suspensions follow. Economic Policy Ahead of SONA: Business groups want Marcos to deliver a clear, actionable economic roadmap for competitiveness and MSMEs, while DOTr studies a moratorium on modern PUV loan payments and expanded fuel discounts. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN and China aim to finish the South China Sea Code of Conduct by year-end, though analysts doubt a near-term deal; Marcos also marked TAC’s 50th anniversary in Manila.