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The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) has formally filed a petition to the Tariff Commission to implement an additional 30% safeguard duty on imported rice.
On August 4, the Department of Agriculture (DA) reported that an estimated 3.3 million metric tons of imported rice have entered the country. For local, farmers, this will be a serious concern, especially with the upcoming harvest season.
According to the group, local farmers allegedly lose nearly P50 billion annually due to oversupply of imported rice.
However, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stressed that it is important to make sure that the supply of rice is sufficient, as the country is preparing for the impacts of El Niño on agricultural lands in the coming months.
“There will be no import ban definitely because, as I mentioned a while ago, there is big El Niño coming,” he said
“Medyo nakapag-stock tayo. Kaya nga kaya nga nag 3.3 million na tayo ngayon. Maaga pa lang is because meron na tayong stock na may nakatago tayo for a rainy day,” he added
Based on the assessment of the DA, the unmilled rice (palay) could decrease by 750,000 metric tons due to El Niño, that’s why the agency is not considering a suspension of rice imports at this time.
Nevertheless, alongside continued importations, the DA stated that the National Food Authority (NFA) is ready to purchase palay from local farmers to prevent the sharp drop in its prices.
The NFA targets to buy around 500,000 metric tons of palay during wet harvest season of at least P21 per kilogram for wet palat and P25 to P27 per kilogram for dry palay.
The LTO has intensified its operations against traffic violators, particularly over the past few months.
Reckless driving, carrying passengers in cargo beds or truck beds, counterflowing on expressways, road obstruction, hit-and-run incidents, and road rage — these are among the top violations of motorists, based on the record of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Marcus Lacanilao, a total of 1,170 driver’s licenses were revoked and suspended from October 2025 to July 31, 2026.
From this total, 679 were revoked, while 491 were suspended.
From May 1 to July 31, 2026, the LTO recorded 169 suspended licenses and 228 were revoked.
Additionally, Asec. Lacanilao emphasized that blinkers are allowed strictly for authorized vehicles, such as emergency response units and law enforcement vehicles.
The advisory was made following the Show Cause Order (SCO) issued against 19 motorists for illegal use.
Hence, the LTO reminded the public to refrain from using unauthorized blinkers.
The LTO also emphasized that video reports from netizens played a vital role, as it enables law enforcement to identify violators faster and take immediate action.
The Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a faith healer in Cavite, following a complaint from a patient regarding its alleged fraudulent scheme.
According to Cavite CIDG Chief Lt. Col. Mark Jason Gatdula, aside from offering healing services, the faith healer was also selling amulets, locally known as anting-anting, as protection against bullets.
Gatdula added that the faith healer also possesses unlicensed guns.
“Pinagyabang po ng ating albularyo ang kanyang mga di-lisensiyadong baril kagaya ng caliber 357, 45, at ng 22,” he said
[“Our faith healer boasted his unlicensed firearms, including a 357, 45, and 22 caliber revolver.”]
Hence, the authorities arrested him. The faith healer is currently in CIDG custody and will face charges for violating Republic Act 10591 o Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Law.
The 14-year-old student from Las Piñas National High School who stabbed a 13-year-old student was allegedly a victim of bullying, according to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).
In an interview with NCRPO Spokesperson PMaj. Hazel Asilo, the alleged bullying prompted the suspect to buy a knife online, which was later used in the crime.
“Ayon sa kaniyang kwento sa pagtatanong ng ating taga-women’s desk, parang umiiwas siya o may prior incident siya ng bullying although hindi niya nasabi kung sino ‘yong mga nangbu-bully sa kaniya,” she said
[“Based on his story to our women’s desk, he was trying to avoid or he has a prior incident of bullying although he didn’t specify who was bullying him.”]
According to PMaj. Asilo, the child in conflict with the law (CICL) has already undergone inquest proceedings for the complaint. The minor is currently in the custody of Bahay Pag-asa.
The investigation revealed that the CICL concealed the knife inside a tumble; that’s why the material was not detected during the baggage check.
The incident allegedly stemmed from a conflict, where the CICL instructed the victim to buy water at the school canteen. Unfortunately, the victim forgot to return the P10 change to the CICL.
Currently, the local government unit (LGU) and the police are implementing stricter security measures at the school.
The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) calls on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Department of Economic Planning and Development (DepDev) to protect and defend workers with minimum wage.
Under House Resolution No. 1291 filed by the group, the three agencies were urged to uphold the legality of NCR Wage Order No. 27, which grants the P85 wage increase for minimum wage earners in Metro Manila, and to ensure that all Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Boards continue conducting regular reviews and adjustments of minimum wages nationwide.
According to TUCP Spokesperson Carlos Oñate, protecting workers is crucial amid reports that other employers are allegedly planning to report to the court.
“Meron na kaming mga balita na may iba't ibang mga employers na nagpa-file na ngayon sa RTC, sa iba't ibang RTC ng temporary restraining order, declaratory relief sa iba ating mga regional trial courts,” he said
[“We have received reports that various employers are currently filing for temporary restraining orders in the RTC, declaratory relief in different regional trial courts.”]
Meanwhile, six pro-worker legislative measures were also filed in the House of Representatives:
According to Kamanggagawa Party-list Rep. Eli San Fernando, the proposed bills were formed based on the complaints raised by workers.
“Ito ay bunga ng napakaraming sumbong ng mga manggagawa na hindi pinapatupad sa kanilang mga companies o kung saan sila nagtatrabaho. So with the aim na ma-correct itong mga seemingly small pero malaki ang impact sa buhay ng mga kamanggagawa natin,” he said
[“These measures stem from numerous complaints from workers regarding policies or rights not being implemented in their workplaces. The goal is to address these seemingly small issues that actually carry a huge impact on the lives of our fellow workers.”]
The lawmaker expressed hope that despite their simple proposal, Congress will prioritize these bills for the benefit of the nation’s labor force.
