14/05/2026
🇵🇭 Top 5 Major News in the Philippines Today (May 15, 2026)
1. Standoff Ends: Bato dela Rosa Leaves Senate Building Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has officially left the Senate premises in the company of Senator Robinhood Padilla, ending a high-stakes standoff with the NBI. Senate President Alan Peter Cayetano confirmed that the chamber's protective custody of the senator has ended after days of lockdown and reported gunfire involving security forces. philstar.com
2. Senate to Convene as Court for VP Sara Impeachment Trial The Philippine Senate is scheduled to formally convene as an impeachment court on Monday, May 18, to establish the rules and procedures for the trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The Vice President faces charges including the alleged misuse of public funds and betrayal of public trust, which she continues to deny. politiko.com.ph
3. Rice Price Cap Enforcement Begins Nationwide The Department of Agriculture has begun enforcing Executive Order No. 118, which imposes a ₱50-per-kilogram price ceiling on imported rice for the next 30 days. The directive aims to curb market abuse and protect consumers from soaring food inflation, which recently hit 6.1%. manilatimes.net
4. Extreme Heat: 46 Areas Under 'Danger' Level Index PAGASA has issued an urgent warning as 46 areas across the country are expected to experience a "danger level" heat index today, ranging from 42°C to 44°C. In some regions like Tarlac and Aurora, previous recordings have climbed as high as 46°C, prompting severe health warnings for heatstroke. gmanetwork.com
5. Energy Crisis: Luzon and Visayas Grids on Red Alert The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has placed the Luzon and Visayas power grids on red alert once more as supply levels fail to meet peak demand. Over 50 power plants are currently offline or operating at reduced capacity, triggering the risk of rotational blackouts across Metro Manila and several provinces. philstar.com