Key Points
- Maritime Tensions Escalate in West Philippine Sea – Philippine Coast Guard patrol aircraft faced repeated radio challenges from Chinese vessels while searching for a damaged China Coast Guard ship that collided with a Chinese Navy vessel near Bajo de Masinloc. U.S. warships conducting freedom of navigation patrols were also shadowed and challenged by Chinese ships.
- ₱237 Billion Flood Management Budget Proposed – The 2026 National Expenditure Program includes major funding for flood control projects nationwide, with a separate ₱2.6 billion allocation for Metro Manila’s pumping stations.
- Election Lawyer Challenges Barangay Polls Postponement – Atty. Romulo Macalintal plans to question the new law postponing the Barangay and SK elections to November 2026, arguing it unlawfully extends officials’ terms.
- Congress Shares 2026 Budget Proposal with Civil Society – In a transparency move, the House handed copies of the ₱6.793 trillion proposed national budget to various civic groups ahead of deliberations starting August 18.
- KWF Urges Parents to Teach Filipino and Native Languages – The Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino warns that languages die if not spoken, urging families to integrate Filipino and local dialects into daily life.
📢 Where to Catch SBS Filipino
🔊 On Air – Tune in to SBS Filipino on radio stations across Australia and website live stream, and TV Channel 302 from 10 AM to 11 AM AEST daily.
📲 Catch up episodes and stories – Visit sbs.com.au/filipino or stream on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube Podcasts, and SBS Audio app.
