He indicated that the platform is being closely monitored, and further incidents could trigger a full block.

“Illegal gambling has migrated to Telegram,” Aguda said. “If we see one more incident, I will not care who gets angry. We will block these platforms.”

The secretary stressed that child abuse and sexual exploitation are “non-negotiable.” 

He said the department has also engaged with Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, to tackle similar issues on its platforms.

Where Telegram is banned

Telegram has faced restrictions and bans in several countries, including China, Iran, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Germany, often over national security concerns.

The app’s co-founder and CEO, Pavel Durov, was arrested in France in 2024 over allegations that he failed to monitor criminal activity on the platform. He is currently released on bail and remains under investigation.

In the Philippines, the DICT has previously taken action against online platforms facilitating harmful content. 

In January, it temporarily blocked the AI chatbot Grok after users were able to generate manipulated images removing clothing from women and children . Access was later restored following assurances from the developers to remove the offending tools.

Telegram’s encryption and anonymous messaging features have made it a preferred channel for illegal activities in multiple countries.

With regulators worldwide increasingly scrutinising the platform, the Philippines’ potential ban could mark another step in global efforts to hold messaging apps accountable for cybercrime.

Education and infrastructure will get the lion’s share of the proposed P6.793 trillion national budget for 2026, which the Department of Budget and Management forwarded to the House of Representatives on August 12. Next year’s budget, an increase of 7.4% from the enacted 2025 budget, includes allocations of P928.5 billion for education, P881.3 billion for public works, and P320.5 billion for the health sector. Manila gave higher priority to the defence sector this year, giving it the fourth-highest allocation of P299.3 billion, above the interior and local government departments. Lawmakers from the Congress’s lower chamber will scrutinise the expenditure program before crafting a General Appropriations Bill, which will guide government spending for the upcoming year. 

Marcos signs law giving judiciary greater fiscal autonomy

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on August 14, signed the Judiciary Fiscal Autonomy Act , giving Philippine courts greater control over their budget and operations. The law mandates that the judiciary’s proposed budget be submitted directly to Congress and included in the national budget as is, with monthly automatic fund releases. It empowers the Chief Justice, with Supreme Court en banc approval, to reallocate funds for urgent needs and creates a Judiciary Trust Fund for court-generated revenues. Quarterly spending reports to the Executive and Legislative branches will be required to ensure transparency and uphold checks and balances.

AI can boost Philippine economy by P1.8 trillion, study says

Artificial intelligence could boost the Philippine economy by up to P1.8 trillion ($31 billion), equivalent to a 7% rise in gross value added, according to a study by Google Philippines and consulting firm Public First. Their 2025 Economic Opportunity Report said AI-driven skills could raise a worker’s productivity by P110,000 ($2,000) annually. Google’s Gabriel Roxas likened AI to adding a new growth engine to the country, with potential benefits in work efficiency, upskilling, and global competitiveness.

E-gambling ban from e-wallets sought

Philippine lawmakers have filed a bill to bar e-wallet apps from promoting or linking to online gambling platforms. House Bill 721 would make it illegal for e-wallet operators to redirect users to betting sites, display gambling ads, or promote wagers on their platforms. Offenders would face fines, with a third violation resulting in permanent loss of licence. The bill’s authors said e-wallets have become gateways to digital casinos and sports betting, raising social and cultural concerns.

Retail t-bonds now available in e-wallet apps

The Philippines’ Bureau of the Treasury has partnered with e-wallet giant GCash to make Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs) more accessible through its application. The 31st tranche (RTB31), a five-year peso-denominated bond with a 6% interest rate, is open for investments starting at P5,000 until August 15. Powered by the Philippine Digital Asset Exchange and bonds.ph, the platform aims to broaden public participation in low-risk government securities that fund priority projects, with returns guaranteed upon maturity in August 2030.

The Philippine economy is expected to withstand a potential 19% US tariff with minimal disruption, says DEPDev Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. He credits the nation’s diversified exports and focus on productivity and infrastructure. Balisacan noted that broad export markets cushion GDP from tariff shocks, while import changes may have a larger effect. He assured that GDP targets remain intact due to strong fundamentals. To sustain growth, Balisacan emphasised the need to diversify exports, boost productivity, and remove barriers for businesses and startups.

Philippines, Israel eye closer economic ties

The growing economic partnership between the Philippines and Israel was highlighted at a July 29 gala attended by Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat and DTI Secretary Cristina Roque. Both officials expressed optimism about a potential free trade agreement and deeper cooperation in trade, tourism, and innovation. Barkat proposed reducing tariffs to zero, calling the countries’ economies “complementary.” He also noted untapped tourism potential, citing low Israeli tourist arrivals in the Philippines compared to Thailand, and stressed the need for direct flights to boost travel and people-to-people exchanges. He invited Filipinos, especially Catholic pilgrims, to visit the Holy Land and shared plans to restore biblical sites like the Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem.

IMF raises 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines

The IMF has upgraded its 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines to 5.9% from 5.8%, citing strong economic fundamentals and ongoing reforms. The revised outlook reflects continued confidence in the country’s resilience despite global challenges. For 2025, the IMF maintained its 5.5% growth forecast, aligning with the government’s target range of 5.5% to 6.5%.

Philippines' clean energy transition sees coal decline

Coal-fired power in the Philippines is set to decline by 5.2% in early 2025, the first drop since 2008, signalling a shift toward cleaner energy, according to IEEFA. Despite claims linking the decline to LNG, no new gas-fired capacity was added from 2017 to 2024. In contrast, over 1 GW of solar was installed in 2024, boosted by government-led renewable auctions. The country’s competitive power market also mandates least-cost energy sourcing, further supporting clean energy growth.

Philippines considers raising online gambling tax to over 30%

The Philippine government is reviewing its online gambling framework, with talks underway to tighten regulations, according to Finance Secretary Ralph Recto. While seen as a key revenue source, officials are weighing the risks of higher taxes. Currently, operators contribute 25% of gross gaming revenue to PAGCOR. Proposed reforms may raise this to 30% or more. However, Recto warned that excessive taxation could drive more operators underground, especially with 60% of the sector already unregulated.