AGP Executive Report

Undas Travel: Marcos says agencies are checking transport hubs and speeding road repairs as millions travel; Pagasa warns rain and possible flooding in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. Dela Rosa Manhunt: Sen. Ronald dela Rosa missed the PNP’s surrender deadline. Police say they remain ready to arrest him under an ICC warrant linked to the drug war. Defense Ties: The US pledged more funding for AFP modernization, while Japan is fast-tracking a warship transfer as Manila seeks to strengthen security amid tensions with China. Budget Probe: A former DPWH official told court that 25% of some infrastructure funds went to project “commitments,” including kickbacks; the allegations remain under judicial review. Climate Resilience: Residents of flood-prone Pamarawan Island are using bamboo and discarded oyster shells to blunt waves and manage floods. Food Tourism: Marcos says improved transport links and culinary training can help Michelin-recognized Filipino restaurants draw visitors and support local livelihoods.

Budget Accountability: Former public works officials testified in separate court hearings that infrastructure budgets carried alleged kickback “commitments,” while a witness accused former senators of seeking or receiving cuts; the claims have not been established in court. Sara Duterte Inquiry: An alleged former driver told the NBI he delivered suitcases of cash to the vice president, while an impeachment prosecutor said her undeclared assets could be difficult to explain. The allegations remain disputed. Dela Rosa Manhunt: Police renewed calls for Sen. Ronald dela Rosa to surrender ahead of a Friday deadline, citing an ICC arrest warrant; the government has offered P50 million for information leading to his capture. Undas Safety: The Red Cross is deploying 1,848 personnel, 65 ambulances and hundreds of aid stations, as authorities prepare for holiday crowds. One transport worker tested positive in an initial drug screening; confirmatory tests are pending. Power and Climate: Visayas faces red and yellow alerts as available capacity falls short of peak demand. The DENR has also launched ecosystem restoration efforts ahead of a forecast strong El Niño. Local Industry: Marcos urged EV makers to source more parts locally, while promising better transport links to help spread culinary tourism beyond Manila and Cebu.

North Cotabato Shooting: Two Philippine Army soldiers were arrested after allegedly shooting and wounding a 23-year-old man in Pigcawayan, police said. Budget Probe: Former DPWH official Roberto Bernardo testified that Sen. Jinggoy Estrada asked for help securing a P1-billion “leadership fund,” an allegation Estrada has disputed. Power Supply: The Visayas grid faces red and yellow alerts Thursday, with forecast peak demand exceeding available capacity. Undas Readiness: More than 73,000 police are being deployed for the holiday rush, while Metro Manila hospitals will be on alert from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2; rain is also forecast across parts of Luzon. Regional Defense: At talks in Cebu, the US proposed a new defense framework with ASEAN, while the Philippines and Japan agreed to work toward transferring an Abukuma-class warship to the Philippine Navy. Economy and Health: The peso recovered slightly to P64.025 per dollar Wednesday after a run of record-low closes, as Marcos pledged to defend it. Nationwide flu-like cases rose 35% in the latest two-week reporting period.

Peso and Prices: The peso hit a record low of P64.17 to the dollar, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to urge the public not to panic and pledge to defend the currency. Undas Safety: The PNP raised its deployment to 73,034 personnel ahead of the holiday rush, with full alert set from Oct. 30 to Nov. 2; rain is forecast in parts of the country. Bato Dela Rosa: The senator’s lawyers again asked the Supreme Court to block his arrest over an ICC warrant, as police opened hotlines for tips on his whereabouts. Drug Shipment Probe: The PNP has enlisted the Anti-Money Laundering Council to trace finances linked to 521 kilos of shabu seized in Laos, while a police officer told senators she arranged an aircraft she believed would carry vapes and cigarettes. Power Supply: Visayas grid alerts returned amid a shortfall in generating capacity, as consumer advocates called for penalties against power firms over recurring outages. Returning OFWs: Iloilo City provided cash aid and reintegration support to 64 workers and seafarers repatriated amid Middle East tensions.

Economic Pressure: The peso has fallen past ₱64 to the dollar, raising the cost of imported fuel and power, the Energy Department warned. Visayas faces fresh red and yellow grid alerts today as plant outages squeeze supply. Budget Watch: Church and civic groups are demanding explanations for nearly 7,000 projects worth ₱190 billion added to the proposed 2027 budget without publicly available supporting documents, as senators race to review spending. Regional Security: The Philippines is hosting ASEAN defense meetings in Cebu on Oct. 28–29, with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expected to attend as Manila seeks closer security ties amid South China Sea tensions. Undas Preparations: More than 72,000 police will be deployed nationwide for the holiday travel rush, while Metro Manila hospitals and emergency teams will be on heightened alert from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. El Niño Risks: Farmers in Negros Occidental have reported ₱41.9 million in crop damage from dry conditions, and officials are seeking funds to expand cloud seeding.

Economy: The peso sank to a record low of ₱64.17 per US dollar on Tuesday, pressured by economic uncertainty and external headwinds. Sara Duterte Impeachment: Prosecution spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers says evidence against the vice president will be difficult to refute; the Senate trial resumes Nov. 9. Budget Scrutiny: Former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan testified that Sen. Jinggoy Estrada had more than ₱7 billion in “congressional initiatives” in the 2025 budget; Estrada denies having insertions. Bato Dela Rosa: Malacañang again urged the fugitive senator to surrender, rejecting his wife’s claim that he is being persecuted. Public Works: New DPWH chief Giovanni Lopez pledged to continue reforms as Vince Dizon handed over files on personnel linked to alleged corruption and flagged unfinished flood-control projects in Bulacan. Regional Security: Cebu hosts ASEAN defense meetings, with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expected to attend; the military says it can assist police in the search for Dela Rosa. Public Services: Sulu is set to gain 3,627 teaching and related positions as its schools transition to DepEd control. Heat and Power: Calamba reached a danger-level 43°C heat index, while the Visayas grid faced red and yellow alerts amid tight electricity reserves.

Budget Accountability: Civil society groups told senators that more than P1 trillion in proposed 2027 spending raises red flags, including politically directed aid and infrastructure. The Ombudsman says it will study the Supreme Court ruling that struck down parts of the 2024 and 2025 budgets and provisions in the 2026 budget, and identify who may be responsible. Dela Rosa Arrest: Malacañang says President Marcos did not authorize the P50-million bounty for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa; the reward was ordered by the interior secretary and police leadership. The NBI says an encounter is possible as authorities pursue the fugitive senator. Power Supply: The Visayas grid faces a red alert from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, with yellow alerts before and after, as available capacity falls below forecast demand. Weather: PAGASA says the northeast monsoon, or amihan, may be declared in the coming days, bringing cooler conditions and rain to parts of Luzon. OFW Repatriation: The government brought 117 workers home from Saudi Arabia amid Middle East tensions, providing assistance and onward transport.

Budget Accountability: The Supreme Court struck down provisions in the 2024 and 2025 budgets and parts of the 2026 budget. As lawmakers debate a P7.2-trillion 2027 plan, civil society groups flagged more than P1 trillion in suspected pork, while officials called for audits and a bill would give watchdog groups a formal role in budget hearings. Cabinet Changes: Giovanni Lopez is moving from the DOTr to lead the DPWH, while Vince Dizon returns to head transportation. Security and Justice: Authorities say they will seek Sen. Ronald dela Rosa’s arrest with minimal violence; the government has announced a P50-million bounty. Agriculture and Climate: Marcos inaugurated irrigation projects in Ifugao and Cagayan, including a solar-powered system expected to cut operating costs as the country prepares for El Niño. Military: Four Air Force pilots died when two SF-260 training planes collided in Batangas; the fleet is grounded as investigators examine the crash. Overseas Workers: The government helped 117 OFWs return from Saudi Arabia amid regional tensions.

Budget Accountability: The Supreme Court struck down the 2024 and 2025 national budget laws over congressional spending increases and invalidated provisions on unprogrammed funds in the 2026 budget, putting next year’s spending plan under fresh scrutiny. Political Tensions: Alan Peter Cayetano urged senator-judges to reject the vice presidency if Sara Duterte is convicted; meanwhile, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla told Sen. Bato dela Rosa to surrender or face an intensified manhunt, as Senate leaders called for a peaceful arrest. Power and Weather: The Visayas grid faces a yellow alert Monday evening as outages and reduced plant capacity squeeze reserves. El Niño is also damaging crops, with Tumalog Falls in Cebu set to close temporarily from Oct. 28. Military: Four Air Force pilots killed in a Batangas midair collision were mourned in their hometowns as investigators examine the crash. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN is expected to hold an in-depth discussion on Myanmar at next month’s summit in Manila.

Land and Environment: Aeta residents in Capas, Tarlac, and environmental advocates warn that land conversion for a proposed New Clark City security zone could threaten ancestral lands, water and biodiversity. Military: Four Air Force pilots died when two SF-260 training planes crashed in Batangas; the fleet is grounded as investigators examine the cause. Dela Rosa Case: The Senate minority is urging dialogue and a peaceful process for Sen. Ronald Dela Rosa, who faces an arrest drive linked to an International Criminal Court warrant. Press Freedom: Veteran journalist Philip Lustre was arrested on a cyberlibel warrant; his lawyer says he had not known about the case. El Niño Preparations: Sen. Panfilo Lacson proposed directing potential Senate budget cuts toward climate preparations, health and education. Social Welfare: The government approved 5,703 regular posts for 4Ps, offering job security to workers who have largely relied on temporary contracts. Wildlife: DENR monitoring spotted six dugongs and five green sea turtles off Sultan Kudarat, up from one dugong recorded in the previous semester.

Weather: PAGASA forecast scattered rain and thunderstorms across the Visayas, Mindanao, Bicol, Romblon and Palawan, with possible flash floods and landslides. Air Force Tragedy: Four pilots died when two SF-260 trainers crashed in Batangas. The fleet is grounded as investigators examine flight planning, training, maintenance and command procedures. Press Freedom: Veteran journalist Philip Lustre Jr. remains jailed on a cyberlibel charge; his lawyer says he had no prior notice of the case. The National Press Club is demanding a clear account of the arrest and respect for due process. Budget Transparency: TESDA chief Jose Francisco Benitez denied authorizing a P5-million allocation offer to Sen. Panfilo Lacson and ordered an investigation. Lacson also urged cameras to keep running during budget talks, including recesses. Dela Rosa Case: Senate minority members called for dialogue with Sen. Ronald dela Rosa after authorities announced a P50-million bounty for his arrest, saying he should have a chance to answer the allegations through a lawful process. National Defense: Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro urged faster, more ambitious plans to strengthen the country’s military capabilities, saying the Philippines cannot afford complacency over its sovereignty and territory.

Air Force Crash: Four pilots died when two SF-260 trainer aircraft collided during a rehearsal in Batangas. The fleet is grounded as investigators examine flight planning, training, maintenance and command procedures. Dela Rosa Hunt: The government gave Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa a week to surrender and announced a P50-million bounty over an International Criminal Court warrant. His lawyers call the reward illegal and risky; Senate minority members urged dialogue. Press Freedom: Veteran journalist Philip Lustre Jr. was arrested in Quezon City on a Davao court’s cyberlibel warrant. The National Press Club called for a clear account of the arrest and safeguards for his rights. Typhoon Rosal: The storm affected 41,868 people in Northern Luzon and Bicol, with 125 families still displaced as of Saturday morning; no house damage was reported. BARMM Leadership: A 46-member coalition has the backing of all five regional governors and MNLF chair Nur Misuari ahead of the Bangsamoro Parliament’s Oct. 30 opening and chief minister vote. El Niño Preparations: President Marcos says the government is expanding solar-powered irrigation; about 3,000 solar pumps are installed nationwide.

Public Safety: A 15-year-old was killed and two people wounded in a shooting in Agusan del Sur after a local concert. UST shifted classes online Saturday while police investigated a bomb threat on campus. Weather: Typhoon Rosal (Champi) is forecast to bring rain and strong winds to Batanes, where Signal No. 1 remains in effect. El Niño Preparations: Marcos is expanding solar-powered irrigation, while Marikina formed a task force and hired a meteorologist to prepare for drought and extreme heat. Government Accountability: COA flagged delays and other deficiencies in P17.27 billion worth of DOH infrastructure projects. ICC Case: Police gave Sen. Ronald dela Rosa a week to surrender, and the DILG offered P50 million for his arrest; his lawyers questioned the bounty’s legal basis. Cybercrime: The NBI arrested more than 80 people in Makati over alleged abusive lending-app collection practices and raided a suspected scam hub in Subic, where about 200 Vietnamese nationals were found.

Economy: The peso hit a record low of ₱63.615 to the US dollar as inflation climbed to 7.2% and growth slowed; the central bank raised its key rate by 50 basis points to curb price pressures. El Niño and Food Security: President Marcos says 3,000 solar-powered irrigation pumps are in place as the country braces for a severe dry spell. Farmers, meanwhile, warn of inadequate preparations, and hog raisers in Negros Occidental joined a three-day pork sales halt over import competition and rising costs. Duterte Case: The government announced a ₱50-million reward for Senator Ronald dela Rosa, wanted by the ICC, while his lawyers questioned the bounty’s legal basis. ICC prosecutors are seeking to admit testimony from six more witnesses in the case against former president Rodrigo Duterte. Bangsamoro Peace Process: Moro groups urged Marcos to meet MILF chair Murad Ebrahim before BARMM’s inaugural parliamentary session on Oct. 30 to advance their peace agreement. Scam Crackdown: The NBI raided an alleged Subic scam hub and secured about 200 Vietnamese nationals as it investigates possible trafficking and financial crimes. Maritime Safety: The Coast Guard warned vessels to avoid areas where debris from a scheduled Chinese rocket launch could fall in Philippine waters on Sunday.

Budget Battle: The Supreme Court upheld unprogrammed funds in principle but imposed safeguards and struck down provisions in earlier budgets. The solicitor general plans to seek clarification as lawmakers debate changes to the 2027 spending bill. El Niño: Farm losses have reached ₱8.57 billion, affecting more than 288,000 farmers. Officials are urging water conservation, while farmers criticize the government’s preparations. Philippines-China Tensions: Manila warned Beijing’s embassy that further diplomatic action is possible over its confrontational online posts, amid a dispute over the West Philippine Sea. Accountability: The Ombudsman has begun fact-finding on an alleged discrepancy in Vice President Sara Duterte’s asset declarations; separately, ICC prosecutors want more witness accounts admitted in the case against former President Rodrigo Duterte. Jobs: Sen. Mark Villar proposed discounts and fee waivers on pre-employment documents for indigent job seekers. Illegal Operations: The Justice Department says small-scale POGO and scam hubs persist despite the ban and warns they could grow again.

Economy: The BSP raised its key rate by 0.5 percentage point to 5.5% as inflation and a record-low peso intensify pressure on households and businesses. Budget and Courts: The Supreme Court struck down several budget provisions, including limits on standby funds; the Solicitor General will seek clarification and partial reconsideration. Politics: Impeachment prosecutors withdrew some charges against Vice President Sara Duterte, while a survey found just 42% closely followed her trial. China Ties: The DFA criticized the Chinese Embassy’s online remarks as undiplomatic; the embassy rejected the rebuke, deepening a public diplomatic spat. Weather: Typhoon Rosal weakened after reaching super-typhoon strength, but Batanes and parts of northern Luzon remain affected. Officials are also urging science-based preparation for El Niño. Overseas Filipinos: Filipino workers were injured in attacks in Saudi Arabia, and OWWA is verifying reports of a Filipino death. Para Games: Lhey Manginsay and Wilfred Redulla won silver in table tennis, the Philippines’ first medal in the sport at the Games in eight years.