AGP Executive Report

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.

Impeachment Watch: Sen. Panfilo Lacson says most senator-judges back moving Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial to afternoon sessions (2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Mon–Wed) to keep proceedings from being cut short, while Terry Ridon adds that only the impeachment court can decide the vote threshold to convict. Prosecution Moves: Ridon also urges the CICC to probe fake social media “quote cards” aimed at defense lawyer Michael Poa, and says the prosecution supports longer hearing hours to recover time lost to weather disruptions. OVP Funds Testimony: The trial’s latest focus remains Gina Acosta’s testimony that Duterte ordered the release of P125 million in confidential funds to her security chief, Col. Raymund Lachica. School Safety & Security: Ateneo de Zamboanga University tightens campus security after the Aug. 18 shooting, including stricter ID checks and more thorough vehicle inspections, as lawmakers and church leaders call for stronger, multi-stakeholder prevention. Poverty & Policy: DSWD cites PSA data showing poverty incidence fell to 9.7% in 2025, while Fitch warns deficit targets are being revised again as investment growth remains weak. Critical Minerals: President Marcos approved a framework to build the critical minerals industry, including reviving dormant permits and pursuing higher-value processing for strategic sectors.

Impeachment Clock: Sen. Panfilo Lacson said the Senate majority is pushing to hold VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial in the afternoon (2:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.) to keep hearings from being cut by plenary sessions, while House prosecution panel Rep. Terry Ridon said the prosecution is still sequencing the case—finishing confidential funds misuse before deciding on the next impeachment article. Cyber & Gun Safety: The Filipino Roblox Developers Association opposed a total Roblox ban, arguing targeted action is better since bad actors can shift to other platforms; meanwhile, telco PLDT said it will block websites streaming school-shooting footage and extreme violence. Defense Cooperation: The Philippines-Japan Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement took effect, letting both militaries exchange supplies and services for exercises and disaster response. Disaster & Infrastructure: DPWH chief Vivencio “Vince” Dizon ordered a review of root causes behind Kennon Road landslides, including whether old mines and small-scale mining weakened slopes. Economy & Social Protection: PSA reported poverty incidence fell to 9.7% in 2025, and DBM released P27.41B for DOH’s medical aid for indigent patients. Regional Pressure: Cebu’s prolonged power crisis is hitting remote workers and businesses, forcing added costs and work disruptions.

School Safety & Guns: Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla said there was “no lapse” at Ateneo de Zamboanga University after a Grade 8 student used his father’s firearm to enter via an emergency exit and kill a Grade 10 student before suicide; lawmakers and police also push tighter gun safekeeping and nationwide school safety drills. Telco Crackdown on Violence: PLDT/Smart will block 100+ websites streaming or hosting school-shooting and extreme-violence footage, citing risks to children. Impeachment Trial Watch: Senate leaders have yet to agree on changes to impeachment trial and session schedules, with talk of swapping schedules but no decision expected this week. Corruption Case Update: House prosecutor Terry Ridon said the prosecution’s case in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment is getting “heavier” after testimony tied Duterte to a P125M confidential funds turnover. Budget & Health Aid: DBM released P27.41B for DOH’s Medical Assistance to Indigent and Financially Incapacitated Patients program. Poverty Data: PSA reported poverty incidence hit a record low 9.7% in 2025, though critics warn the official threshold may not match lived costs. Credit & Markets: Japan’s R&I affirmed the Philippines’ “A-” rating with stable outlook, expecting growth to rebound around 5% in 2027 as budget execution normalizes. Weather & Workers: DOLE reminded workers they may claim ECC benefits and medical reimbursements for job-related injuries linked to monsoon conditions. Metro Cebu Power Crisis: Prolonged brownouts are raising costs for remote workers and businesses, pushing some to coworking spaces and backup solar setups.

Flood Response & Disaster Risk: Manila declares state of calamity in 27 flood-hit barangays as Metro Manila braces for heavier downpours, with government adding 13 pumping stations to boost drainage capacity. School Safety & Gun Control: DepEd’s nationwide active-threat drill is set for Aug. 25, with PNP pledging support; lawmakers and officials also push stricter firearm storage checks after the Ateneo de Zamboanga school shooting. Impeachment Court Logistics: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian says a decision on swapping impeachment trial and plenary schedules is still pending, with pressure to settle before the Aug. 27 budget season. Ninoy Aquino Day & Democracy: Marcos marks Aug. 21 urging Filipinos to draw from Ninoy’s legacy to fight disinformation and protect democratic gains, while urban poor groups renew calls for accountability. Budget Transparency Clash: ACT Teachers’ Antonio Tinio questions the Office of the President’s proposed 2027 secret funds, arguing it raises transparency and double-standard concerns. Credit & Growth Outlook: Japan’s R&I keeps the Philippines’ A- rating with stable outlook, citing recovery expectations as corruption-linked infrastructure delays ease. Online Safety: PLDT and Smart block more than 100 sites streaming school shootings and violence, saying there’s no room for content that glorifies harm. Poverty Update: PSA reports poverty incidence fell to a record-low 9.7% in 2025, lifting 6.5 million Filipinos out of poverty.

Flood Control Push: President Marcos says 13 more pumping stations will be added to MMDA’s 73 to tackle Metro Manila flooding, with new sites in Quezon City and upgrades aimed to be ready by year-end or early 2027. Anti-Plastics Enforcement: DENR, via Malacañang, issued show-cause letters to 155 firms for alleged noncompliance with the Extended Producer Responsibility law, with fines and possible business permit suspension for repeat offenders. Impeachment & Accountability: House prosecutors weigh whether to call Ramil Madriaga in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, while the Romualdez camp seeks dismissal of a plunder case tied to the flood control scandal after a witness recanted and drivers disputed “maleta boys” claims. Cyber & School Safety: CICC moved to block the site used to livestream the Zamboanga school shooting, as lawmakers probe how the attack spread online; BuCor also ordered stricter firearm storage after children accessed guns. Economy & Finance: BSP reports the balance of payments swung to a $1.47B deficit in July; Meralco eyes cooperative partnerships to cut system losses and lower rates; PNB extends a P1B secured credit facility to BillEase. Foreign Affairs & Labor: DFA says OFWs often can’t land jobs matching their qualifications and end up in lower-paying work despite credentials. International Links: Scoot launches thrice-weekly flights to Guiyang from October, and Busan nears opening a Philippine consulate to deepen ties with Cebu and maritime cooperation.

Flood Control & Metro Manila Infrastructure: President Marcos released a shortlist of 39 possible rain-catchment sites for large flood-control structures, aiming for operations before next year’s rainy season, while MMDA said 13 pumping stations (four new, nine upgrades) are being built or upgraded to boost discharge capacity. Habagat, Health & Waste: DENR warned that garbage clogging waterways worsens flooding and issued show-cause letters to 155 firms under the Extended Producer Responsibility law; PAGASA said weather may improve as Neneng weakened into an LPA. School Shooting Aftermath & Gun Safety: BuCor chief Catapang ordered tighter firearm storage after children got access to licensed guns; a Zamboanga police chief said vehicle checks at Ateneo de Zamboanga were only “visual,” prompting calls for better screening. Impeachment Politics: House prosecution panelists said Duterte’s push for a speedy impeachment trial must still respect due process, as Duterte’s camp continues to frame proceedings amid weather delays. Flood-Control Scandal Watch: Malacañang said investigations into alleged flood-control anomalies will continue despite Orly Guteza’s recantation, stressing accountability for anyone behind fabricated testimonies. Energy Costs: NGCP reported transmission and ancillary service rates jumped, driving higher August electricity bills, as lawmakers and regulators debate how to cut system-loss charges. Economy & Markets: The PSEi rebounded on bargain-hunting and easing US Treasury yields, while the peso steadied after recent weakness.

Flood Control & Infrastructure: President Marcos says 30 large rain-catchment sites are being readied across Metro Manila, including Malate and Quezon City, with detailed plans due end-August, as Sen. Lacson pushes for forensic inspections of flood-control and other infrastructure to pinpoint accountability. Disaster Response & Health: DOH is monitoring a possible leptospirosis uptick amid habagat flooding, while PNP ramps up “Libreng Sakay” transport, rescues, and relief operations. Education & Campus Safety: DepEd wants school heads to resume face-to-face classes based on site-specific safety assessments with mayor concurrence, after deadly shootings at Ateneo de Zamboanga University; lawmakers and educators renew calls for tighter gun access rules and whole-community security. Impeachment & Governance: In VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, prosecutors debate trial scheduling to prevent witness coaching, while Duterte’s camp faces renewed perjury moves involving former aide Ramil Madriaga. Economy & Budget: CPBRD warns the 2027 budget has shrinking “fiscal space” for new priorities as NTA and mandatory spending crowd out room for emerging needs, as the peso nears record lows. Power & Regulation: ERC says a Villar-led power firm’s permit lapsed, and it must reapply; separately, Negros Power plans P2.1B network upgrades without higher rates.

School Safety & Gun Control: Sen. Loren Legarda urged stricter enforcement of gun laws after the Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting left two students dead, as Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla pushed for Congress to repeal the “Robin Padilla law” and make loose firearms non-bailable, citing how the alleged shooter entered via a vehicle and how firearms were reportedly left in the father’s car. Child Protection & Media Restraint: The CHR and CPD called for stronger school safety, psychosocial support, and safeguards to keep guns away from children, while Malacañang urged media restraint in reporting incidents involving minors to avoid copycat harm. Government Response to Habagat: PNP said it deployed 689 officers for “Libreng Sakay,” rescues, and relief as habagat worsened flooding; Malacañang also ordered alternative work and learning setups in NCR and 17 provinces for Aug. 20, and DepEd backed a flexible approach letting individual schools resume face-to-face after disasters if local safety conditions allow. Flood Control Projects: President Marcos said Dutch firm Haskoning identified 30 rain catchment sites for Metro Manila, while DPWH flagged fast-track detention basins like a 3-million-liter facility near Malate Church. Impeachment Politics: In Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, prosecutors challenged her transparency claims tied to confidential funds, as Duterte maintained she has no need to attend and the trial faced weather-related delays. Local Governance: In Oriental Mindoro, a damaged Bagto River protection dike put over 1,000 residents at risk, prompting inspections and temporary measures.