According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA-6), the sharp decline was mainly driven by the slower increase in the prices of Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels (-0.5 percent from 7.8 percent).

Other contributors were Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages, which decreased from 2.3 percent to 1.7 percent; Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, which declined from 6.6 percent to 5.0 percent; Clothing and Footwear, which slightly fell from 0.9 percent to 0.8 percent; and Information and Communication, which decreased from 1.6 percent to 0.8 percent.

On the other hand, higher inflation rates were observed in the indices Furnishings, Household Equipment, and Routine Household Maintenance (from 12.6 percent to 12.5 percent); Health (from 6.0 percent to 6.2 percent), Recreation, Sport and Culture (from 2.1 percent to 3.2 percent); Restaurants and Accommodation Services (from 1.5 percent to 3.1 percent);  and Personal Care, and Miscellaneous Goods and Services (5.0 percent to 5.7 percent).

The Transport commodity, while still in deflation, slightly increased from -3.6 percent to -0.8 percent.

Meanwhile, there were no changes in the inflation rates of Education Services, which remained at 3.4 percent, and Financial Services, still at 0.0 percent.

Despite, the slower August inflation, the city’s rate remained the highest among the areas in the Western Visayas.

Iloilo province had the secon-highest inflation in the region at 0.2 percent, followed by Guimaras (-0.2 percent), Capiz (-0.3 percent), Aklan (-1.4 percent) and Antique (-3.2 percent).IMT

The post Iloilo City inflation drops to 1.7% in August first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Service between Manila and Butuan will rise from 14 to 21 flights weekly, while Manila–Cagayan de Oro will grow from 35 to 42 flights weekly.

Flights to Cotabato will increase from 11 to 14 weekly, while services to Legazpi (Daraga) will climb from 21 to 28 weekly.

Flights between Manila and Dumaguete will expand from 14 to 18 weekly, Manila–Tacloban service will increase from 21 to 25 flights weekly.

PAL said it is also upgrading five of its weekly frequencies between Manila and Iloilo by utilizing Airbus A330 aircraft, from Dec. 8, 2025 to March 28, 2026.

“By expanding our domestic flight route network through increased frequency of flights, we are able to efficiently cater to the needs of travelers. These additional flights and greater seat capacity reflect PAL’s commitment to increase connectivity across the archipelago, boost the local economy, and help drive tourism across our network,” PAL Express president Rabbi Vincent Ang said in a statement.

For the peak travel season, PAL said it will operate 1,154 flights per week between the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and destinations in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, increasing flight frequency by 7 percent.

With the added flights, PAL’s weekly seat capacity out of Manila will increase by over 14,000 seats, reflecting an uptick of 7 percent, the airline said. 

The post PAL to add flights to key domestic routes starting October first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

At a hearing on Monday, Sept. 15, Pangilinan grilled broker Lujin Ramos Tenero of 1024 Consumer Goods Trading, who admitted signing BOC import papers for P68 million worth of smuggled frozen mackerel misdeclared as chicken poppers. 

Tenero, however, claimed he only knew the BOC contact as “Mr. Carlos” and refused to give further details.

Pangilinan warned he could cite Tenero in contempt for refusing to answer. He gave him three days to explain in writing why he should not be detained.

The senator decried the use of small-time individuals as scapegoats by big syndicates. He also flagged practices such as dummy companies, fake or expired broker licenses, and the misuse of legitimate brokers’ credentials.

“Hindi naman maglalakas ang loob ng mga ito kung walang nasa likod nila na kumakamada. Kamadang sindikato ito, maliwanag. Kamada ng malaking sindikato ang nangyari dito,” said Pangilinan, vowing to hold the real masterminds accountable.IMT

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Escudero was reacting to Deputy Speaker Ronnie Puno’s remarks that Romualdez had no direct role in budget insertions tied to the projects from 2022 to 2024. He said such claims mislead the public and undermine ongoing probes.

“Ang isyu ay ghost projects, substandard projects at mga kickback na karamihan ay nasa budget ng 2022, 2023 at 2024 at bago ang mga taong ‘yan, ayon mismo sa Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at paglalahad ng whistleblowers,” he stressed.

The senator from Sorsogon pointed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s disclosure that P545 billion was allotted for flood control from July 2022 to May 2025, with P100 billion, nearly 20%, going to just 15 contractors.

Escudero urged vigilance, warning against narratives that downplay the scandal. He added that the 2025 budget is only starting implementation, with some projects put on hold per the President’s directive.IMT

The post Chiz warns against diversions in flood control scandal first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Gatchalian, who sponsored the law, said it institutionalizes a career system to support the development and advancement of teachers and school leaders.

The law directs the Department of Budget and Management to create new positions — Teacher IV to VII, Master Teacher V and VI, and School Principal V.

It also requires the Department of Education to craft clear promotion guidelines, ensuring advancement is merit-based, non-hierarchical, and aligned with professional standards.IMT

The post Gatchalian lauds new law on teachers’ career progression system first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

In a statement, the Palace also thanked former Speaker Martin Romualdez for helping advance President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Bagong Pilipinas legislative agenda.

“The President recognizes the vital role of the House of Representatives, especially at a time when the public demands visible results and Congress is called upon to take active steps that address people’s concerns and deliver real improvements in daily life,” it said.

Malacañang also said that while it respects the chamber’s independence, it is committed to working with Speaker Dy and all lawmakers to pass measures that strengthen the economy, improve services, and safeguard democracy.

Dy secured 253 votes in Wednesday’s (Sept. 17) plenary session, with no negative votes, 28 abstentions, and four lawmakers not voting.IMT

The post Palace welcomes new Speaker Dy, thanks Romualdez first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

The village head allegedly violated the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act (RA) 6713, or the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The complainant, a private citizen who requested anonymity, said that the punong barangay committed grave abuse of his authority by doing acts beyond what are expected of him.

He claimed that the respondent failed to issue a written summon when he was forced to appear at the barangay hall.

“The invitation was done without any written summon addressed to me, to my shock and dismay,” the complainant lamented.

The punong barangay also allegedly ordered his other officials to pick up the complainant through a motorcycle and ensure that he boards it and is transported to the barangay hall.

“He ordered barangay tanods and barangay officials to forcibly take me to the barangay hall. I was standing in the middle of the road, carrying 10 banana plants supposedly to be planted, when a speeding motorcycle suddenly took a sharp turn to block my way. The two onboard were  directed by the Punong Barangay when they did those things,” said the complainant.

According to the complainant, during the barangay confrontation, the punong barangay told him to pay P30,000 so that he will not be reported to the police and will not face charges. This, despite the absence of evidence against him

The punong barangay, the complainant added, also allegedly exhibited manifest partiality when he issued a certification of ownership of cattle, the power to issue such only rests with the Municipal Treasurer.IMT

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ICPO spokesperson Maj. Shella Mae Sangrines on Thursday, Sept. 18, said that although the “no permit, no rally” policy has been lifted in line with the activity, three groups decided to secure permits for the rally on Sunday.

“We welcome that because we can deploy the needed personnel to ensure peace and order, and at the same time, ensure protection for the participants,” Sangrines in a video message to the media.

She said the ICPO is ready and the deployed police force will remain professional and apolitical, with the rights of everyone respected.

The ICPO Civil Disturbance Management Unit (CDMU) is on standby and ready for deployment should any eventualities arise.

Orders have likewise been issued to all stations and unit commanders to remain vigilant, alert, and ready to assist when necessary.

ICPO Director Col. Kim Legada also urged the public, particularly organizers and supporters, to extend courtesy and respect to authorities in the maintenance of peace and order.

“Let your grievances be heard through a peaceful conduct of the assembly,” Legada said.

Meanwhile, the Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperatives (WVATC) Inc., composed of 50 transport cooperatives and associations, did not join the transport strike on Thursday because they have confidence in the government’s public transport modernization program.

“Transport strike is counterproductive and a violation of our franchise. It is not the solution to the challenges we are facing,” WVATC president Sherry Rose Songano said in a media conference on Wednesday.PNA

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Dy secured a total of 253 votes from the lower chamber on Wednesday, Sept. 17. He replaced Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez.

Among those who cast their vote in favor of Dy were Julienne Baronda of Iloilo City, Janette Garin of Iloilo province’s First District, Kathryn Joyce Fermin-Gorriceta of the Second District, Lorenz Defensor of the Third District, and Ferjenel Biron of the Fourth District.

Jojo Ang of USWAG Ilonggo Party-list and Binky Binky Tupas of the Fifth District were absent during the session.

In a statement, Baronda said she expects that “the Gordian knot that tied Congress to the anomalous flood control projects to be cut” with the election of Dy.

“He has my full support as he leads the House to restore the faith, trust, and confidence of the Filipino in the legislature, which the controversy has tarnished,” she said.

“I reiterate my unequivocal support for any and all investigations, such as those of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure and the House InfraCom, which would bring to light the truth, penalize or jail the guilty, and put in place measures, legislative and otherwise, against the repeated plunder of our public coffers,” Baronda added.

In an interview prior to the session, Defensor said: “The House needs this change. The House needs to rebuild its reputation and regain its integrity after what has happened with the anomalous budget on the flood control. We have to rebuild the public trust.”

Romualdez and Ang were among the lawmakers accused by contractors Sarah and Curlee Discaya of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects.

The two denied the Discayas’ accusations.IMT

The post 5 Iloilo lawmakers vote to elect Dy as new House Speaker first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.

Nearly ₱1 billion in flood control funds has been funneled into Iloilo City this year, yet residents still find themselves wading through murky waters each time heavy rains fall, raising doubts over whether the massive spending has truly made a dent.

Documents obtained by IMT NEWS showed that ₱945,985,191.41 in flood control allocations were secured in 2025 through the office of Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda. The amount dwarfs the ₱737.3 million released in 2024 and the ₱71.1 million in 2023, bringing the city’s three-year flood control budget to ₱1.75 billion.

The biggest beneficiaries of the 2025 contracts are firms linked to the Discaya family — St. Timothy Construction, St. Gerard Construction, Alpha & Omega, and YPR — which together cornered ₱526 million worth of projects in 2025 alone.

In 2024, the same firms also bagged ₱374.6 million worth of contracts, cementing their dominance over the city’s flood control allocations.

Funds poured, floods persist

Despite the staggering outlay, critics argue that the projects fail to confront the city’s most pressing problem: a long-overdue drainage master plan.

Instead, much of the funding has gone into embankments and seawalls — measures engineers and community groups dismiss as piecemeal “band-aid” solutions. In some cases, these structures have even made flooding worse.

In Barangay Mohon, for instance, a flood embankment was built directly inside the Iloilo River, narrowing the waterway and triggering an overflow that left seven barangays in neighboring Oton submerged for four consecutive days.

“Before, we had flooding, but never like this,” a resident lamented. “Now every downpour feels like a disaster waiting to happen.”

Complaints reach Malacañang

Projects like the multimillion-peso Bo. Obrero seawall have been flagged in complaints lodged with Malacañang. Yet some remain missing from the Palace’s online anomaly tracker, fueling concerns about transparency and accountability.

Baronda silent

Baronda has yet to explain why her office poured nearly ₱1 billion into flood control this year — or why firms linked to the Discaya family have consistently cornered hundreds of millions of pesos worth of contracts year after year.

Critics contend that had the funds been channeled into a comprehensive drainage plan, Iloilo might finally have seen long-term relief from perennial flooding. Instead, billions have flowed — but so has the water.

For detractors, the unanswered questions — and Baronda’s silence — have earned her an unflattering new moniker: Iloilo’s “Flood Control Princess.”IMT

The post When billions fail: Iloilo City’s flood control funds washed away first appeared on Iloilo Metropolitan Times.