Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Peter Fernández
NCRPO tightens security ahead of ASEAN Summit
With the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits just days away, NCRPO Officer-in-Charge PBGen Christopher N. Abrahano has directed all security units to strictly enforce designated security perimeters and access-control protocols around summit venues, ensuring that only authorized individuals and vehicles are allowed into restricted areas. PBGen.
Ridon: Sara camp may need 2028 alternative
Political succession frameworks, constitutional disqualification mandates, and institutional stability parameters have come under strategic examination as legislative prosecutors highlight the statutory consequences of a potential impeachment conviction on future executive candidacies. VICE President Sara Z. Duterte’s camp would need another candidate if she were convicted and disqualified from holding public office. This was according to House prosecutor and Bicol Saro Rep.
Ridon questions Carpio’s lavish credit card spending
Financial disclosure integrity, personal expenditure verification, and household asset tracking have taken center stage in the Senate impeachment trial as prosecution leaders demand full administrative accounting of high-value card transactions linked to the executive household. A House impeachment prosecutor said the alleged lavish credit card spending of Vice President Sara Z.
House questions financial records of Carpio-linked Cale88 Foods
Corporate regulatory oversight, asset declaration compliance, and commercial tax audits have taken center stage in the Senate impeachment trial as prosecutors raise structural questions regarding corporate filings and undeclared wealth metrics. THE House prosecution has questioned a P174.21-million financial discrepancy involving Cale88 Foods Corp., a banana chips company linked to Vice President Sara Z. Duterte and her husband, Atty.
BIR probes alleged data leak
Government data security protocols, regulatory compliance mechanisms, and inter-agency cybersecurity oversight are confronting heightened examination as authorities launch investigative procedures into reported data compromises across state platforms.
Jolie, Salonga headline 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit
Angelina Jolie and Lea Salonga are among the featured speakers at the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in Manila on November 11, bringing two internationally recognized names in entertainment into discussions on the region’s future. Their appearances will explore different connections between creative work and community progress: Jolie through her longstanding involvement in Cambodia, and Salonga through the opportunities available to Southeast Asian artists.
ARTA: One valid ID enough for government transactions
Public administration standards, compliance enforcement, and institutional service delivery benchmarks have come under strict regulatory review as oversight authorities move to eliminate redundant identity verification requirements and enforce public service mandates.
We Are Imaginary looks ahead to new music after 18 years
Eighteen years in the Philippine indie music scene, and We Are Imaginary still has one question: “Are We There Yet?” For a band that has spent nearly two decades navigating lineup changes, shifting musical trends, and the unpredictable world of independent music, the answer might just be the most interesting part of their story.
SLAYYYTER drops flirty new single ahead of December album
Pop provocateur SLAYYYTER is keeping her momentum alive with a flirty new anthem, a self-directed music video, and an upcoming album that promises another bold chapter in her musical evolution Fresh from a breakthrough year that saw her climb the Billboard charts and sell out New York’s Madison Square Garden in just 15 minutes, the American singer-songwriter has released her latest single, “hey boyyy,” offering fans a playful glimpse into her next musical era.
Manila PESO sets mega job fair for November 12
Public sector labor interventions, municipal employment services, and institutional placement strategies are drawing policy focus as local government authorities coordinate job matching operations to address urban workforce displacement. Job seekers will have an opportunity to find employment as the Manila Public Employment Service Office (PESO) holds a local and overseas mega job fair on November 12, 2026 (Thursday).
EDCA sites for defense, not Taiwan strikes — Teodoro
National security frameworks, treaty boundaries, and constitutional prohibitions governing foreign military presence face heightened public scrutiny amid growing geopolitical tensions and discussions over regional defense posture. DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Friday said the United States is not allowed to use Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites in the Philippines to launch offensive military operations in case hostilities break out in Taiwan.
PH Navy begins construction of third Miguel Malvar-class frigate
Force posture adjustments, fleet interoperability, and long-term defense capital investments have come into focus as the military advances its maritime deterrence capabilities through foreign shipbuilding contracts. The Philippine Navy (PN) reached another significant milestone in its modernization program with the official steel-cutting ceremony for its new guided-missile frigate, held at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) Shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea, on November 4, 2026.
Converge posts higher sales but lower nine-month profit
Infrastructure capital expenditure requirements, network resilience investments, and shifting revenue allocations have drawn institutional focus as commercial telecommunications providers navigate lower net profitability despite steady top-line growth. Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions Inc.
House panel seeks tighter rules for party-list groups
Legislative oversight, statutory qualification frameworks, and systemic electoral integrity take priority in Congress as lawmakers evaluate legislative measures to address institutional weaknesses and enforce genuine constituency representation. Speaking at a press conference following the first public consultation on House Bill (HB) 9906 in Butuan City, House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms Chairman and Lanao del Sur Rep.
Unemployment hits 5.4% as 2.86M Filipinos remain jobless
Labor market capacity, economic absorption rates, and systemic workforce conditions face heightened analytical focus as rising joblessness underscores growing challenges in institutional employment generation despite expanding participation. The country’s unemployment rate climbed to 5.4 percent in September 2026 from 5.3 percent in August, with the number of jobless Filipinos reaching 2.86 million, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).
306 LGUs get ₱8.6B for disaster rehabilitation
State disaster management protocols and fund distribution channels are undergoing structural reform, shifting financial oversight and project execution responsibilities directly to local authorities to eliminate multi-layered administrative bottlenecks during post-disaster recovery. Malacañang has released P8.645 billion directly to 306 local government units (LGUs) to speed up the repair of damaged infrastructure and restore livelihoods in communities hit by disasters from 2024 to 2026.
Churches to pray for rain as strong El Niño nears
Resource management strategies and public preparedness protocols face urgent pressure as severe drought conditions threaten utility reserves, prompting calls for coordinated conservation measures across vulnerable communities. Manila Archbishop Jose Cardinal Advincula has directed all parishes and communities under the Archdiocese of Manila to pray for rain amid the threat of a strong El Niño that could bring prolonged drought and water shortages.
PAF retires last six UH-1H Huey helicopters
Military procurement priorities, maintenance protocols, and operational transition frameworks face continued evaluation as the armed forces replace aging legacy platforms with modern rotary-wing assets. The Philippine Air Force (PAF) on Thursday decommissioned all six of its remaining UH-1H or Huey helicopters, ending the aircraft type’s nearly six decades of service. “All UH-1H of the PAF were decommissioned. The PAF has six right now,” PAF spokesperson Col.
Marcos warns vs. corruption in ₱8.6B disaster fund
Fiscal controls, procurement compliance, and LGU reporting mechanisms face heightened national scrutiny as the government deploys multi-billion peso disaster relief allocations amid past infrastructure irregularities.
Sara’s defense names witnesses ahead of Nov. 9 trial
Procedural standards governing witness admissibility, financial documentation, and judicial decorum face heightened scrutiny as the Senate Impeachment Court prepares to evaluate the defense team’s evidentiary presentation amid ongoing debate over sub judice rules. The Senate Impeachment Court on Thursday came out with a list of witnesses to be presented by the defense team when the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte resumes on November 9.
Law dean declines defense role in Sara Duterte impeachment trial
Evidentiary prep and trial tactics face heightened scrutiny as defense efforts to secure expert testimony collapse, shifting attention back to strict financial documentation and witness vetting protocols in ongoing impeachment proceedings. House lead prosecutor and Batangas Rep. Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro has praised and commended former law dean Ralph Sarmiento’s decision to decline as a defense witness in Vice President Sara Z. Duterte’s impeachment trial.
Woven in Elegance: First Lady Liza Marcos’ ‘Filipiniana’ tells a story beyond fashion
Fashion is more than what we wear. More often, it tells the story of who we are, where we come from, and the traditions we choose to preserve. This is the spirit behind Filipiniana: A Celebration of Filipino Fashion, Heritage, and Craftsmanship, a coffee-table book documenting First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta Marcos’ evolving style while putting the spotlight on the Filipino designers and artisans behind her wardrobe.
NTF-ELCAC backs FBI probe into CPP-NPA links
Cross-border security operations and intelligence-sharing protocols are drawing increased focus as government agencies move to intercept international recruitment and financial channels feeding domestic armed insurgencies.
Malampaya Phase 4 boosts PH energy security
National energy policy and resource management strategies are shifting toward deepwater extraction to counter dwindling domestic reserves and prevent severe dependence on foreign fuel markets.
DOE pushes nuclear energy plan, cites strong community support
Institutional preparations and regulatory appointments are taking center stage as high local acceptance rates propel the government’s long-term plan to integrate nuclear power into the national energy mix. Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick Aquino said acceptance rates ranged from 60% to 90% in two surveys conducted in different locations. The DOE has identified seven potential sites, including Bataan, Palawan, Masbate, Pangasinan, and Camarines Norte.
NTF-ELCAC: 27,897 rebels, families return to society
Socioeconomic reintegration protocols and community infrastructure funding are operating as primary mechanisms to prevent armed resurgence across historically isolated provinces. Close to 28,000 former rebels and their dependents have returned to society under the Marcos administration, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) reported on Wednesday.
Teodoro rejects China’s call to silence PH officials
Efforts by foreign diplomats to restrict domestic commentary on territorial disputes and regional security align with broader tensions over state sovereignty and international legal mandates. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Wednesday dismissed a call by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi for the Philippine government to rein in Filipino officials who are said to be smearing China. “Restrict the truth, forget the Arbitral Award?
Gesmundo to retire Friday as Marcos prepares successor announcement
Leadership continuity in the judiciary takes center stage as mandatory retirement forces a change at the head of the country’s highest court, leaving key administrative reforms awaiting new leadership. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro on Wednesday said the next Chief Justice is expected to be announced within the week as Supreme Court Chief Alexander Gesmundo is set to retire by Friday.
Teachers’ groups: 172K laptops fall short of demand
Government procurement delays and structural funding shortfalls continue to shift the financial burden of basic instructional technology directly onto public school educators across the country. Teachers’ groups said the Department of Education’s (DepEd) planned distribution of 172,654 laptops will still leave the vast majority of public school teachers without government-provided devices, renewing calls for a dedicated laptop allocation for every educator.
PH, China agree to sustain dialogue amid tensions
Recent friction involving foreign envoys and territorial sovereignty claims has put Philippine diplomatic channels under intense scrutiny, testing whether high-level communication can stabilize bilateral ties without undercutting national interest assertions. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said Wednesday that the Philippines and China highlighted the necessity of sustained diplomatic engagement and mutual respect despite ongoing differences.
ERC issues 24 show-cause orders vs. 13 power firms
Strict reliability limits and regulatory accountability are taking center stage as energy oversight officials target chronic generator downtime driving elevated electricity rates and supply deficits across the southern grids. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) issued 24 show-cause orders (SCOs) against 13 power generation companies over recurring power outages in the Visayas and Mindanao. The orders, issued on Oct.
Maya pushes government-industry drive for safer digital space
Regulatory frameworks targeting digital financial fraud face ongoing operational tests, driving calls for faster inter-agency enforcement to turn legislation into active consumer protections. Maya, a digital financial services platform in the Philippines, is advocating for tighter operational alignment among government agencies, financial institutions, telecommunications providers, and law enforcement bodies to counter rising digital scams.
Prosecution: Sara Duterte violated ban on business, law practice
Prosecution strategies in the vice presidential impeachment proceedings are focusing on authenticated government records and sworn tax filings to anchor claims of constitutional violations rather than witness testimonies. House prosecution team adviser and spokesperson Robert Ace Barbers cited official records—including Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs), corporate General Information Sheets (GIS), and tax filings—proving Vice President Sara Z.
DA: Only 8 of 1,669 farm road projects have errors
Lawmakers are pushing back against claims of widespread budget irregularities in agricultural infrastructure, framing mapping discrepancies as isolated data entry mistakes rather than systemic funding flaws. Camarines Sur Rep. Arnie Fuentebella noted that public concerns over incorrect farm-to-market road (FMR) coordinates had been blown out of proportion after the Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed that only eight of 1,669 projects in the proposed 2027 national budget contained errors.
Duterte’s lead over Robredo narrows to 7 points
Malacañang is framing national administration priorities around looming international and environmental challenges as political tracking data indicates a tightening presidential race ahead of the 2028 elections.
BJMP: CCTV shows no irregularities in Romualdez custody
Surveillance footage reviews showed no power cuts or unauthorized movement at the Quezon City Jail following allegations that special privileges were granted to a high-profile detainee facing major corruption charges. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) launched an investigation into claims that former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was allowed to leave his cell at the Quezon City Jail.
DA: 8 farm road errors predate House budget review
A House committee inquiry revealed that project tracking failures in the proposed budget originated within executive agency drafting rather than legislative amendments, threatening the execution of key rural infrastructure. Department of Agriculture (DA) Assistant Secretary for Operations U-Nichols A.
House demands faster El Niño aid for farmers, fisherfolk
Lawmakers are focusing on legislative oversight to track field-level disbursements as critical funding deficits threaten cloud seeding operations and pest control in drought-hit farming communities. The House Committee on Agriculture and Food, chaired by Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, continued its inquiry under House Resolution No. 967, introduced by Sultan Kudarat Rep. Bella Vanessa Suansing, to review government preparedness, funding, and measures to protect agricultural livelihoods.
Gesmundo to receive Order of Lakandula from Marcos
State leadership is preparing to bestow one of the nation’s premier civilian awards on the head of the judiciary, highlighting a upcoming leadership transition in the Supreme Court. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will confer the Order of Lakandula, with the rank of Grand Cross (Bayani), on Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Wednesday in recognition of his public service and contributions to the judicial system.
3 foreigners arrested, 159 rescued in Pasay scam raid
A law enforcement raid on a Pasay City fraud hub exposed how transnational criminal syndicates utilize local bases to execute high-value parcel scams against foreign nationals across Southeast Asia. Operatives of the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested a Chinese national and two Malaysians during a Tuesday morning operation along Cuneta Avenue, while securing 159 foreign workers, mostly Vietnamese, inside the facility.
Palace: Marcos seeks secure, affordable internet for Filipinos
State leaders and private sector partners are aligning strategy to fortify the nation’s digital ecosystem against systemic cyber threats while expanding high-speed connectivity to isolated rural communities. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. met with the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC) Digital Infrastructure Sector Group in Malacañang on Tuesday to evaluate recommendations aimed at expanding internet access, strengthening cybersecurity defenses, and expanding the domestic digital economy.
Gatchalian flags 295 DPWH projects over missing documents
Strict financial scrutiny in Congress is halting billions in public works spending as lawmakers enforce zero-tolerance standards against unverified infrastructure line items. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian announced on Tuesday that the Senate will axe 295 infrastructure projects worth P8.836 billion from the proposed 2027 national budget due to missing documentation from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Teodoro urges business groups to call out China
National security priorities take precedence over commercial concerns as the defense sector pushes back against attempts to equate legitimate state claims with foreign aggression. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. stated that calls for a halt to the word war between the Philippines and China regarding the West Philippine Sea should be directed principally to Beijing rather than Manila.
DPWH targets 2028 completion of C-5 rehabilitation
Budgetary efficiencies from earlier infrastructure projects are being redirected into major Metro Manila thoroughfares as state planners prepare to repair one of the capital’s busiest arterial routes. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced it will begin the P2.5-billion rehabilitation of the 23-kilometer Circumferential Road 5 (C-5) in the last week of November.
DOE eyes special floating solar auction amid El Niño
State energy planners are positioning floating solar technology as a dual-purpose strategy to generate clean power while conserving critical water levels in key dams across the country. The Department of Energy (DOE) announced it is considering a special Green Energy Auction specifically for floating solar projects to mitigate the severe effects of El Niño.
PNP rejects calls for ‘shoot-to-kill’ approach vs. Dela Rosa
Police authorities have drawn a firm line against extrajudicial methods and public agitation, asserting that high-profile arrest warrants will be executed strictly within constitutional boundaries despite growing public pressure. The Philippine National Police (PNP) said that enforcement actions will follow standard legal protocols following the spread of social media claims advocating violent measures against Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C.
Nationwide drill to test quake, tsunami readiness
Disaster management authorities will stress-test inter-agency coordination and emergency response networks against a catastrophic coastal threat during the Fourth Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) on Thursday, November 5, 2026.
AdSpark brings AI campaign testing to brands
Digital agencies are overhauling campaign risk management by adopting predictive simulation tools to evaluate consumer response before committing marketing funds. AdSpark, a digital advertising and marketing technology agency under Brave Connective and Globe-backed 917Ventures, partnered with Netopia AI to integrate an artificial intelligence-powered behavioral simulation platform into its marketing and advertising technology capabilities.
Bohol gets local access to DFA apostille services
Residents and overseas workers in Bohol and adjacent island provinces no longer need to undertake costly maritime and air travel to secure government-authenticated documents following the launch of a localized processing facility in Tagbilaran City. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) opened its newest Authentication Hub at the Alturas Mall in Tagbilaran City on Oct. 30, shifting document authentication services directly to local applicants.
NCDA urges safer, inclusive transport for PWD passengers
Institutional safeguards across public transit systems face heightened scrutiny after a Deaf woman was subjected to sexual harassment onboard a commercial bus in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, prompting calls for strict legal enforcement and structural transport reforms. The National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) issued a formal demand to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to pursue full criminal accountability against the bus conductor involved in the November 1, 2026 incident.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Peter
Contact Peter, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack