AGP Executive Report

Critical Minerals Push: President Marcos approved an EO to build the country’s critical minerals industry, directing DENR/MGB to map new deposits and reserve areas, while encouraging higher-value processing for batteries, electronics, defense and clean energy. School Safety & Youth Protection: Manila Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula urged prayer and united action after the Aug. 18 Zamboanga school shooting, while Sen. Risa Hontiveros said preventing copycat attacks needs a multi-pronged approach, including tracing digital footprints. Habagat Storm Watch: Pagasa warned heavy monsoon rains may hit more Luzon areas early next week as STS Saudel strengthens habagat; DSWD said quick response teams and relief stocks are on alert. Electricity Theft Crackdown: PNP vowed to coordinate with DOJ and Meralco to build stronger cases after low conviction rates in electricity pilferage cases. Poverty Update: PSA data showed poverty incidence fell to 9.7% in 2025, with DSWD calling it proof of the administration’s poverty programs. Local Crime: A Marantao vice mayor in Lanao del Sur was arrested over murder and frustrated murder warrants. Sports: Vietnam swept mixed relays at the SEA Open Water meet in Boracay; Gilas Women closed with a win over Senegal in Olympic pre-qualifiers.

Weather Watch: Pagasa warns enhanced habagat may bring heavier rains to more Luzon areas, including Metro Manila, early next week as Severe Tropical Storm Saudel strengthens the monsoon. Public Safety & Justice: Sen. Panfilo Lacson denied claims that Sen. Loren Legarda is seeking asylum, saying there’s no case yet; meanwhile, PLDT says it will block over 100 sites streaming school-shooting footage and extreme violence. Crime & Policing: PNP steps up efforts to boost conviction rates in electricity theft and pilferage cases; in BARMM, a vice mayor in Lanao del Sur was arrested on murder and frustrated murder warrants. Local Governance: Manila Vice Mayor Chi Atienza was named 3rd Outstanding Vice Mayor in the Gawad Pilipino Awards. Sports: Gilas Pilipinas boys fell to Japan 80-75 in the U18 Asia Cup classification round; Vietnam swept mixed relays at the SEA Open Water meet in Boracay. Health: Leptospirosis cases rose in Manila amid flooding, with San Lazaro Hospital reporting 50 cases and two deaths. Defense Ties: The Philippines-Japan ACSA logistics pact took effect, enabling reciprocal supplies and services for joint activities.

School Safety & Gun Control: Cardinal Jose Advincula urged Filipinos to “listen deeply” to youth struggles after the Aug. 18 Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting, as Interior Sec. Jonvic Remulla said there was no security lapse and the Grade 8 shooter entered via an emergency exit; Sen. Risa Hontiveros meanwhile pushed for tighter firearms rules and safer storage after the spate of campus attacks. Anti-Scam Crackdown: The NBI arrested a Taiwanese man in Parañaque posing as an FBI agent, plus a Malaysian alleged accomplice and three Filipinos, in a scheme targeting foreigners. Monsoon Impacts & Worker Support: DOLE said workers injured due to weather may claim benefits under the Employees’ Compensation program, while DBM released P27.41B for DOH medical aid to indigent patients. Power & Cost Pressures: Metro Cebu’s prolonged power crisis is hitting remote workers and businesses, and NGCP is building a backup transmission route to Mactan Island. Politics & Governance: The Senate still hasn’t finalized changes to session and impeachment trial schedules, and ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio criticized proposed 2027 secret funds under the Office of the President. Poverty Snapshot: PSA reported poverty incidence fell to a record low 9.7% in 2025, though critics warn the official threshold may not match real living costs.

School Safety & Gun Control: The PNP confirmed a firearm was recovered from a Grade 9 student’s bag in Pinamungajan, Cebu; the gun had no ammo and authorities are still verifying ownership and circumstances, while the child was turned over to social welfare. Firearm Storage Rules: After the Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting, the PNP said it will strengthen rules on securing firearms off duty and at home, and Sen. Raffy Tulfo urged mandatory checks of gun storage before licenses are issued. Online Protection vs Violence: PLDT and Smart blocked more than 100 sites streaming or hosting videos of school shootings and other violence, saying it’s to protect the public—especially children. Flood Response & Health Risks: Manila declared a state of calamity in 27 flood-hit barangays to speed up relief funds, as Quezon City reported a leptospirosis spike tied to habagat flooding. Disaster Coverage: The NDRRMC said 88 local government units nationwide are under calamity status due to monsoon and tropical cyclones. Politics & Governance: On Ninoy Aquino Day, President Marcos urged Filipinos to fight disinformation and protect democracy, while lawmakers renewed calls for transparency over proposed 2027 secret funds. Economy & Markets: Japan-based R&I affirmed the Philippines’ “A-” investment-grade rating, citing a stable outlook as growth is expected to recover. Sports: Palarong Pambansa standout Anton Paulo Dominick Della won silver in the 18-19 men’s 10K open water event in Boracay. Crime & Justice: The NBI arrested 12 people in Parañaque for alleged online scams using fake social media profiles.

Ninoy Aquino Day: Senators Kiko Pangilinan and Bam Aquino IV marked Aug. 21 by saying Ninoy’s fight against abuses and disinformation is still unfinished, urging Filipinos to demand accountability, not just remembrance. Metro Manila Flood Response: President Marcos said 13 more pumping stations will be added to MMDA’s 73 to speed drainage, with new sites in Quezon City and upgrades aimed to be ready by end-2026 or early 2027. Gun Safety After School Shootings: BuCor chief Catapang ordered tighter control of firearms and ammunition, warning against leaving guns unattended in areas accessible to minors after recent school incidents. School Security & Online Risks: DepEd chief Sonny Angara inspected schools in Negros to review safety protocols and mental health support after the Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting; DOJ also urged parents to monitor kids online and avoid reposting violent clips. Cybercrime Probe: CICC sought to block the site used to livestream the Zamboanga attack, noting viewers were being routed to messaging platforms. Aviation Rules: Sen. Migz Zubiri pressed for the Philippines to ratify the 2014 Montreal Protocol on unruly airline passengers, saying other countries already adopted it. Environment Enforcement: DENR issued show-cause letters to 155 firms under the EPR law over plastic waste obligations, amid worries about clogged waterways during heavy rains. Health Tech: Acer Medical is seeking FDA approval for AI tools that can screen patients and help address doctor and specialist shortages. Economy Watch: BSP reported the balance of payments swung to a $1.47B deficit in July as external pressures returned.

School Safety & Gun Control: BuCor chief Gregorio Catapang Jr. ordered tighter firearm storage after children accessed guns linked to recent school shootings, while lawmakers push tougher rules like a proposed Final Firearms Amnesty and Loose Firearms Accountability Act. Online Extremism & Censorship: DOJ and cybercrime officials are tracking networks that mentor minors into violent extremism; CICC also recommended blocking the site that livestreamed the Zamboanga school attack. Flood Response & Weather: PAGASA said fairer conditions may return in Metro Manila and Luzon, but Malacañang flagged habagat-linked flooding risks; Marcos announced 13 rain-catchment pumping stations to curb Metro Manila floods. Power Costs: NGCP reported transmission and ancillary service rates jumped, likely raising August electricity bills for co-ops like FIBECO. Governance & Accountability: Malacañang rejected claims that uniform P180M regional evacuation-center funds could be used as campaign money, citing safeguards against “ghost projects.” Economy & Markets: PSEi rebounded on bargain-hunting as the peso stabilized; separate reports showed self-rated poverty rising to 39% of families in Octa’s latest survey.

Habagat Flood Response: President Marcos identified 30 rain-catchment sites in Metro Manila, including Malate and Quezon City areas, with detailed plans due end-August and some aimed to be operational before next rainy season; DPWH also moved on a Malate detention basin project expected in 4–6 months. School Safety Push: DepEd wants school heads to decide on face-to-face class resumptions using site-specific safety checks with mayoral concurrence, after monsoon disruptions; meanwhile, lawmakers and officials are reacting to the Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting, as PNP logged 50 school incidents involving children in conflict with the law since June 16. Health Watch: DOH is monitoring a possible leptospirosis rise amid flooding, noting 3,440 cases since Jan. 4 to Aug. 8 and sending doxycycline supplies to health centers. Accountability & Infrastructure: Sen. Lacson urged forensic inspections of flood-damaged roads and bridges to pinpoint design or implementation lapses and hold responsible parties to account. Economy & Markets: The peso hit a record low near 62 per US dollar and the PSEi slid to 6,158.34 as oil prices and Middle East tensions spooked investors. Power & Industry: ERC extended suspension of the green energy auction allowance charge for four more months, while PLDT/Smart tested direct-to-device satellite emergency messaging in Batangas.

School Safety & Gun Control: Sen. Loren Legarda urged stricter enforcement of gun laws after the Ateneo de Zamboanga University shooting that killed two students, warning firearms must not be easily accessible—especially to minors. Impeachment Watch: In Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial, the prosecution said “transparency” should start with her, questioning how confidential funds were used for non-confidential activities. Habagat Disruptions: Malacañang ordered alternative work and learning modes for Metro Manila and 17 provinces on Aug. 20 as heavy monsoon rains continue; PNP also boosted “Libreng Sakay” rescue efforts. Flood Control Push: Marcos backed plans for 30 rain catchment sites, while DPWH is set to build detention basins in Manila and is eyeing a facility at SM Sucat in Parañaque. Power Worries: NGCP put the Visayas grid under red alert for possible interruptions due to thin supply. Drugs: Police and the NBI reported buy-bust arrests and shabu seizures in Caloocan and Taguig. Local Governance: Oriental Mindoro officials inspected a damaged dike in Naujan that could put over 1,000 residents at risk.

Habagat Watch: Pagasa said the southwest monsoon will keep bringing heavy rains over Luzon and parts of Visayas, with possible flooding and landslides, while Tropical Depression Neneng is forecast not to directly affect the country. Metro Manila Flooding & Cleanup: DENR reported clearing 1,255 sacks of garbage from 27 waste-clogged waterways in NCR to reduce further inundation, as Valenzuela also logged multiple flooded areas. School Shooting Shock: Senators pushed for tighter safeguards on firearm access and a review of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act after the Ateneo de Zamboanga University attack left two junior high students dead, including the shooter, and prompted calls for stronger school security and mental health support. Budget Scrutiny: Lawmakers questioned the 2027 flood control allocation of about ₱107.4B, warning it could be wasted without a clear long-term flood management plan. Governance & Courts: The Ombudsman ordered preventive suspension of two former LTO chiefs over alleged misuse of an old IT system, while DOJ filed sexual assault and acts of lasciviousness charges against Marikina Rep. Marcelino “Marcy” Teodoro. Health: Baguio is being considered as a pilot site for Wolbachia to help curb dengue transmission as cases rise.

School Safety Crisis: A shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University left two dead, with authorities probing how a government-issued firearm ended up with a Grade 9 student; President Marcos ordered a thorough investigation, while lawmakers urged stronger safeguards and psychosocial support for learners. Weather Disruptions: Malacañang ordered alternative work arrangements for Aug. 19 in NCR and 17 provinces as habagat effects continue, with classes also suspended in affected areas; flooding also drove evacuations, including 173 residents in Occidental Mindoro. Public Health After Floods: DOH warned of leptospirosis risks after wading through floodwaters, urging immediate consultation and possible prophylactic antibiotics like doxycycline, as QC distributed free doxycycline to evacuees. Transport & Governance: LTO will penalize vehicles with unauthorized improvised plates starting Sept. 1, while the Ombudsman placed LTFRB chief Vigor Mendoza II and OTC chair Teofilo Guadiz III under preventive suspension over alleged P13.3B “computer fees.” Justice & Politics: The Ombudsman flagged suspicious travel extensions by Sen. Loren Legarda as Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste seeks leave amid graft cases. Sports: Kai Sotto returned to Gilas practice ahead of crucial home games vs Jordan (Aug. 28) and Iran (Aug. 30).

Habagat Response: Metro Manila and parts of Luzon stayed on alert as monsoon rains continued, with PAGASA warning of ongoing downpours and a possible low pressure area that could develop into a tropical cyclone; local governments expanded evacuations and shifted to alternative work or learning setups, while DOTr rolled out “LIBRENG SAKAY” free rides on key routes to help commuters. Flood Toll & Evacuations: PNP reported at least 27 deaths nationwide from habagat-related incidents, as Quezon City and Pasig City logged thousands in evacuation centers and residents faced rising river levels and localized flooding. Anti-Hospital Detention: The Senate approved the Enhanced Anti-Hospital Detention Act, strengthening protections so hospitals can’t hold patients or relatives over unpaid bills, with higher penalties for violators. Impeachment Trial Update: In VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment case, a witness testified Duterte ordered the release of P125 million in confidential funds to a security official, while Duterte also filed another perjury complaint against Ramil Madriaga. NCR Wage Hike Fight: DOLE asked a Pasig court to lift an injunction blocking the first tranche of the P85 NCR minimum wage increase, as the legal battle over Wage Order No. NCR-27 continues. Budget Scrutiny: House lawmakers began reviewing the 2027 national budget amid claims of “padding” and possible congressional insertions, with the House also moving some briefings to virtual sessions due to bad weather. Volcano Watch: Phivolcs flagged an abrupt rise in Mayon’s sulfur dioxide emissions, hinting at possible renewed eruptive activity.

Habagat Disruptions: Heavy southwest monsoon rains kept Metro Manila and nearby areas on alert, with flooding reported in multiple cities and rivers like the San Juan River hitting critical levels; Pasig alone had 1,845 evacuees in 14 centers as local governments urged voluntary evacuation and emergency hotlines. Work and Class Suspensions: Malacañang ordered alternative work arrangements for government offices in NCR and 14 nearby provinces, while schools shifted to online or modular learning; the House also cancelled its Aug. 18 budget briefing and moved plenary and committee work to virtual sessions. Senate Trial Paused: Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial and Senate plenary were suspended due to inclement weather, with Senate leadership weighing how to make up missed hearings. Minimum Wage Fight: Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino filed a motion for reconsideration to lift a Pasig court injunction blocking the P85 Metro Manila wage increase, as labor groups criticized the delay. 2027 Budget Scrutiny: The House began reviewing the ₱7.2-trillion 2027 national budget, while lawmakers renewed calls for transparency and tighter control of “insertions.” Crime and Safety: PNP reported arrests tied to online sexual abuse of children, with mothers making up most suspects, as authorities also intensified anti-illegal mining operations and continued enforcement against illegal POGO hubs.

Habagat Watch: Pagasa expects moderate to heavy rains over parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, with 50–100mm possible in several provinces as the southwest monsoon persists for the next five days; a low-pressure area east of Northern Luzon entered the PAR but has a low chance of becoming a tropical cyclone. Power Supply: The Visayas grid was placed under red alert for several hours Monday as capacity dropped amid unavailability of major coal plants and limited imports. 2027 Budget Scrutiny: The Senate vowed tighter checks on confidential and intelligence funds and flood control spending as Congress reviews the P7.2-trillion 2027 national budget, while lawmakers also face calls to block “congressional insertions” and ensure transparency in bicam talks. Impeachment & Due Process: House officials said the sub judice rule should apply to Vice President Sara Duterte as well, amid debate over her statements and absence from proceedings. Education Support: DBM released about P9.75 billion to settle arrears for free higher education for 108 SUCs, and Sen. Erwin Tulfo pushed a bill for a 20% student discount on mobile load and internet. Food & Social Aid: The Marcos administration said free rice distribution will continue every two months, targeting nearly 8 million poor households nationwide. Local Governance & Funds: Economist Cielo Magno urged clear rules for allocating special local government support funds to prevent political patronage ahead of 2028 polls. Public Health: Cebu’s provincial veterinary office reported rabies vaccination coverage reaching 986 barangays, with over 104,000 pets vaccinated. Energy Infrastructure: Regulators are studying Ramon Ang’s stake in Lopez Inc. for possible competition and affiliate-control issues.

BARMM Security: President Marcos condemned the ambush of BARMM interim chief Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua’s convoy and ordered tighter security ahead of the Sept. 14 parliamentary elections, as AFP and PNP vowed to identify the attackers. 2027 Budget Watch: House leaders said the OVP will get courtesy during budget talks, but lawmakers will still scrutinize its spending; meanwhile, ACT Teachers warned against “performative” transparency in bicam talks, and Sen. Panfilo Lacson flagged “questionable” lump-sum infrastructure items. Local Governance Funds: Economist Cielo Magno urged Congress to set clear rules for allocating special funds to LGUs to prevent patronage, while 1Sambayan threatened Supreme Court action over the return of P107B to PDIC. Disaster & Safety: PAGASA said Habagat will keep affecting Luzon and western Visayas for five days, with possible 50–100mm rain in parts; DILG is investigating a reported delay in Taguig’s 911 ambulance response. Agriculture & Power: The House approved a bill strengthening PCIC coverage for farmers and fisherfolk; ERC suspended flawed LLCC charges in Visayas, with lawmakers expecting lower bills. Crime & Enforcement: Police seized smuggled cigarettes worth over $340,000; PDEA arrested a drug suspect in Tacurong with about 50g of shabu. Tech & Society: An Oton community consultation on a proposed AI data center ended abruptly after residents questioned water use.

BARMM Security: Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia ordered the PNP and AFP to hunt the gunmen behind the ambush of Bangsamoro interim chief minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua’s convoy in Maguindanao del Norte, hours after he took on a new regional party role. Budget Watch: Sen. Panfilo Lacson said he’ll push for review of “questionable” lump-sum infrastructure items in the 2027 proposed budget, warning some allocations lack clear execution details. National Budget Pressure: Finance chief Frederick Go said next year’s P7.2T budget is squeezed as National Tax Allotment for LGUs and debt interest already take about 33% of the total. Wage Hike Fight: The Federation of Free Workers urged the Marcos administration to step in as a Pasig court order keeps the first tranche of the P85 wage increase on hold. Weather & Disruptions: Pagasa warned habagat will keep bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms across Luzon and parts of Visayas, with 50–100mm possible in some areas. Local Governance: DPWH is set to issue cease-and-desist orders on Taguig City reclamation projects, after Lacson flagged alleged illegal works covering at least 85 hectares. Children Online: CitizenWatch Philippines said parents—not just government—must protect kids online, even as it backs safeguards against harmful content and excessive screen time. Sports: Coach Tim Cone said Gilas will train separately for the Fiba World Cup Asian Qualifiers and the Asian Games, with June Mar Fajardo’s availability still uncertain.

Budget Watch: The House will start tackling the 2027 national budget next week after DBM submitted the P7.2-trillion National Expenditure Program, with hearings beginning via DBCC briefings and PAGCOR among early topics. Impeachment Update: Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante said VP Sara Duterte’s grave threats case is unlikely to derail budget timelines, while Duterte’s camp seeks to dismiss the case and push for oral arguments. Budget Oversight: Sen. JV Ejercito warned the bicam should not become a “backdoor” for last-minute insertions, calling for public, livestreamed tracking of changes. Flood & Food Security: Farmers in Ilocos are demanding aid as habagat and typhoons damage crops and fisheries, while a senator-backed bill seeks to institutionalize community gardens under Gulayan sa Barangay at Paaralan to fight hunger and malnutrition. Tech & Consumer Protection: A Senate bill aims to cut default prepaid call/text costs and tighten rules on promo pricing and load deductions. Security & Diplomacy: Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro hit back at China’s claims over a steel-plant raid, saying Philippine law enforcement was based on court warrants and that embassy intervention was raised in a Senate hearing. Weather: Pagasa says habagat will keep bringing scattered rains and thunderstorms across Luzon and parts of Visayas.