The government’s total revenue collections for 2024 reached ₱4.419 trillion, surpassing the ₱4.270 trillion target and marking the highest revenue effort in 27 years at nearly 17 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). The budget deficit narrowed slightly by ₱5.7...
Office: Metro Manila’s office market thrives in 2024, driven by government and IT-BPO demand — KMC Savills Metro Manila’s office market experienced a remarkable resurgence in 2024, with overall net absorption reaching an impressive 282,600 square meters, a 290 percent increase from the...
The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) over the more than P615 million "overpayments" of pension benefits to 7,210 deceased pensioners from 2014 to 2023. In its audit report, the COA thumbed down what it called as "long-outstanding and uncollected...
The Commission on Audit (COA) has recommended the filing of charges by the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) against contractors for delays in the implementation of irrigation contracts and projects worth P2.04 billion. The recommendation was made as COA disclosed that the delays have...
The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) over its 13 dormant bank accounts with over P6 million in deposits as it warned that failure to properly handle the accounts might lead to misappropriation or misuse of funds. In its audit report, the COA...
This photo shows the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine’s devastation in Brgy. Poblacion 3, Laurel, Batangas on Oct. 29, 2024. (Santi San Juan/Manila Bulletin) In 2024, the Philippines experienced one of its most devastating storm seasons, with 18 tropical cyclones, including five that...
Despite long-standing challenges in the country’s healthcare system, 2024 has seen significant milestones in public health, according to the Department of Health (DOH). (DOH / MANILA BULLETIN) DOH Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa highlighted the department's notable strides in advancing...
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is ending 2024 with what could be one of its most significant achievements. The successful repatriation on Dec. 18 of Mary Jane Veloso, a Filipina drug convict imprisoned for 14 years and on death row in Indonesia, was the culmination of years-long efforts of...
As 2024 draws to a close, the Department of Tourism (DOT) celebrates a year defined by resilience, recovery, and progress. Significant strides have been made in revitalizing the Philippine tourism sector, setting the stage for sustained growth and global recognition. Under the leadership of DOT...
All is not lost as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. still has the power to ask the bicameral conference committee to reconvene and fix all the contentious items in the final version of the P6.532 trillion national budget for 2025, Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri said. Zubiri...
Some senators on Wednesday, December 11, expressed their sadness over some provisions in the final version of the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) which proposes a P6.352-trillion national budget for next year. This, even as the Upper Chamber, led by Senate President Francis...
The bicameral conference committee tasked to reconcile the conflicting provisions of the proposed P6.352-trillion national budget for 2025 have agreed to hold an “open bicam” during the next meeting. Sen. Grace Poe, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, said both the...
