This week's roundup is dominated by rising prices, renewed volcanic activity, concerns over employment and agricultural production, and preparations for the Philippines' ASEAN chairship. October inflation climbed to its highest level in more than three years, Mayon Volcano erupted and returned to Alert Level 3, and the government stepped up preparations for a stronger El Niño expected in 2027.
The week also brought important developments in Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial and the International Criminal Court case against former president Rodrigo Duterte.
Top 7 Philippine News Stories
1. October Inflation Surges to 7.8 Percent, Highest Since February 2023
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported on November 5 that the country's inflation rate accelerated to 7.8 percent in October, up from 7.2 percent in September. This was the highest inflation reading since February 2023, when inflation reached 8.6 percent.
Transport costs were the biggest contributor to the increase, with the transport price index rising by 20.1 percent year on year, compared with 14.6 percent in September. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuel costs also increased, with inflation in this category reaching 9.3 percent.
Food inflation eased slightly to 6.4 percent from 6.8 percent, largely because of slower price increases for fish and vegetables. However, rice inflation accelerated to 20.7 percent, adding to concerns about household food expenses.
The figures put additional pressure on Filipino consumers already dealing with higher transport and energy costs. Average inflation from January to October reached 5.6 percent, well above the government's target range of 2 to 4 percent.
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas had already raised its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 5.5 percent in October in response to inflationary pressures. The latest figures will likely keep monetary policy and the cost of living firmly in focus.
2. Mayon Volcano Erupts, Alert Level 3 Raised in Albay
Mayon Volcano in Albay erupted on October 30, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to raise its alert status from Level 2 to Level 3.
The moderately explosive eruption began at approximately 11.53 a.m. and lasted nearly six minutes. It generated a dense ash plume that rose around three kilometres above the summit crater and drifted west-southwest. Ashfall was reported in communities around the volcano, including areas of Guinobatan, Daraga and nearby municipalities.
PHIVOLCS warned that the volcano had entered a new phase of magmatic eruption, increasing the possibility of lava flows, rockfalls and pyroclastic density currents, locally known as uson. Authorities advised residents to stay away from the six-kilometre Permanent Danger Zone and warned aircraft to avoid flying close to the summit.
The following day, Mayon continued to emit ash, with PHIVOLCS maintaining Alert Level 3. Tabaco City also implemented mandatory evacuation measures for residents in affected areas.
The renewed activity is a serious concern for communities around the volcano, particularly as volcanic hazards can be compounded by heavy rainfall, which may trigger lahars and sediment-laden flows.
3. Government Intensifies Preparations for Strong El Niño Expected in 2027
The government has ordered national agencies and local government units to intensify preparations for a stronger El Niño expected to affect the Philippines from January 2027.
Executive Secretary Ralph Recto led a coordination meeting on November 4 under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. The discussions focused on securing adequate supplies of water, food and electricity while protecting vulnerable communities and livelihoods.
The preparations are particularly important for the agriculture sector, which could face reduced rainfall, water shortages and lower crop yields. The government is also concerned about the possible impact on electricity generation, particularly in areas dependent on water resources.
The Department of Agriculture has separately announced plans to roll out approximately ₱1 billion worth of mobile solar irrigation systems as early as December. The initiative is intended to help farmers maintain production during periods of drought and limited water availability.
The Philippines has experienced significant agricultural losses during previous El Niño events. With food prices already elevated, a prolonged dry spell could create additional pressure on rice production, agricultural incomes and the cost of essential commodities.
4. Unemployment Rises to 5.4 Percent as 2.86 Million Filipinos Remain Jobless
The Philippine Statistics Authority reported on November 6 that the country's unemployment rate increased to 5.4 percent in September, compared with 5.3 percent in August and 3.8 percent in September 2025.
The number of unemployed Filipinos reached approximately 2.86 million, up from 2.77 million in August and 1.96 million a year earlier.
The number of employed people stood at 50.32 million, while the labour force participation rate was 64.5 percent. The underemployment rate, which measures workers who want additional hours or another job, declined to 11 percent from 11.9 percent in August.
Construction recorded a significant decline in employment, with approximately 416,000 fewer workers compared with August. Meanwhile, wholesale and retail trade and the repair of motor vehicles recorded the largest monthly employment increase.
The figures present a mixed picture of the Philippine labour market. Although the number of employed Filipinos increased compared with the previous year, the rise in unemployment and the decline in employment in certain industries highlight continuing challenges in generating stable and adequate work.
The latest figures also came as inflation accelerated to 7.8 percent, putting additional pressure on households dealing with higher living expenses.
5. Senate Impeachment Court Admits Financial Records in Sara Duterte Case
The Senate impeachment court admitted a substantial collection of financial records relating to Vice President Sara Duterte's impeachment trial, marking an important procedural development in the remaining allegations against her.
In an order dated November 5 and announced on November 6, the court accepted bank, tax, corporate, property, insurance and investment records submitted by the prosecution. These included statements of assets, liabilities and net worth, documents from the Bureau of Internal Revenue and Anti-Money Laundering Council, and records from several banks.
The remaining impeachment case centres on allegations of unexplained wealth and non-divestment from business interests. A financial analysis presented by the prosecution had estimated discrepancies involving at least ₱817.87 million, although the court stressed that admitting documents into evidence does not establish that the allegations or calculations are true.
The court also excluded certain records connected to charges that had previously been withdrawn, and restored restrictions under the sub judice rule governing public discussion of the proceedings.
The trial is scheduled to resume on November 9, when the defence is expected to begin presenting its evidence. The proceedings remain a significant political and constitutional issue, with the Senate ultimately responsible for evaluating the evidence and deciding the case.
6. Rodrigo Duterte's Final ICC Status Conference Held Ahead of November 30 Trial
The International Criminal Court held its fifth and final status conference in the case against former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte on November 2, ahead of the scheduled start of his trial proper on November 30.
The conference focused on procedural preparations, including the daily sitting schedule, witness arrangements, the presentation of prosecution evidence, potentially exculpatory material and security measures for defence missions.
Duterte was granted permission not to attend the conference and was represented by his lawyers. The hearing was part of the court's preparations for the proceedings concerning alleged crimes against humanity linked to the former administration's anti-drug campaign.
The upcoming trial is a major development in the long-running international legal proceedings surrounding the campaign. The allegations concern killings associated with the anti-drug operation, which have been the subject of domestic and international scrutiny.
The case remains subject to the ICC's judicial process. The forthcoming trial will provide an opportunity for the prosecution and defence to present their arguments and evidence before the court.
7. Philippines Steps Up Preparations for 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings
The Philippines continued preparations for its hosting of the 49th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings, with the government highlighting the opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships, attract investment and shape Southeast Asian priorities.
The summit will bring together leaders from ASEAN member states and dialogue partners to discuss regional security, economic cooperation, trade, investment and shared challenges.
The ASEAN 2026 National Organizing Council said the Philippines intends to use its chairship to promote the country's capacity, culture and business opportunities while ensuring that regional agreements produce practical benefits for communities.
The government also highlighted the importance of using the summit to advance discussions on regional economic resilience, supply chains and cooperation on issues affecting the wider region.
Hosting the summit gives the Philippines an opportunity to play a central role in regional diplomacy. It also places expectations on the government to manage security, logistics and diplomatic coordination while ensuring that the event delivers outcomes beyond the meetings themselves.
Three Other Major Philippine Headlines
8. DENR Orders Immediate Containment of Oil Spill in Mariveles, Bataan
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources ordered an immediate assessment and containment operation after an oil spill was reported in the coastal waters of Mariveles, Bataan.
The Philippine Coast Guard reported that approximately 25 litres of used oil had affected around 500 square metres of coastal waters near Sitio Naswe in Barangay Ipag. The spill was discovered on November 5, with initial findings suggesting that the substance may have originated from washing activities. The precise source remained under investigation.
Response teams deployed absorbent booms and more than 2,200 absorbent pads to contain the spill. By the evening of November 5, responders had collected approximately 800 kilograms of oil-contaminated debris and used absorbent materials.
The DENR said it would coordinate with the Coast Guard and local government units to prevent further environmental damage and ensure that responsible parties comply with environmental regulations.
Although relatively small in scale compared with previous major oil spills in the area, the incident raises concerns about coastal pollution and the protection of marine ecosystems and fishing communities.
9. Fuel Prices Expected to Drop by as Much as ₱14 Per Litre
Motorists may see substantial fuel price reductions in the following week, with the Department of Energy projecting a gasoline price rollback of as much as ₱14 per litre.
Based on the first four days of trading, the DOE estimated that diesel prices could decline by approximately ₱5 per litre, while kerosene could fall by around ₱5.20 per litre.
The expected reductions were attributed to movements in international oil markets and changing expectations surrounding geopolitical developments, including the possibility of reduced tensions affecting global oil supply.
The DOE cautioned that the projected reductions were not guaranteed and would depend on the direction of international oil prices and actual supply conditions.
If implemented, the rollbacks could provide some relief to motorists, transport operators and businesses following months of elevated fuel costs. They could also help ease some of the pressure on transportation expenses, one of the major contributors to the country's October inflation increase.
10. Marcos Signs New Rules Allowing Schools to Suspend Classes Based on Local Conditions
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 130 on November 3, establishing a unified framework for suspending and resuming in-person classes and onsite work in educational institutions.
The order allows schools to independently suspend in-person classes when local conditions pose an actual or imminent threat to the safety, health or welfare of students and school personnel. This applies even when no automatic suspension has been declared by national authorities or the local chief executive, provided the decision is supported by documented, site-specific conditions and coordinated with the relevant local government.
The framework also recognises automatic suspensions triggered by warnings and advisories from agencies such as PAGASA, PHIVOLCS and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The policy is intended to make decisions more responsive to local circumstances, particularly during extreme weather, natural disasters and other emergencies. It also requires schools to consider learning continuity arrangements when face-to-face classes are suspended.
The new rules could be particularly relevant as the country prepares for stronger El Niño conditions and faces the risks of extreme heat, drought and other weather-related disruptions.
The Week in Perspective
The developments of October 30 to November 6 show how economic pressures, environmental risks and political accountability continue to shape the Philippines.
The acceleration of inflation to 7.8 percent is particularly concerning for households, especially as transport, fuel and rice prices remain elevated. The rise in unemployment adds another dimension to the cost-of-living challenge, while the government's El Niño preparations highlight the risks facing agriculture, water supplies and electricity generation.
Mayon's eruption is a reminder of the country's exposure to natural hazards, while the Mariveles oil spill underscores the continuing need to protect coastal communities and marine environments.
Meanwhile, the impeachment proceedings involving Vice President Sara Duterte and the upcoming ICC trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte keep questions of public accountability and institutional responsibility in the national conversation.
As the Philippines prepares to host the ASEAN Summit, the coming weeks will test the government's ability to manage domestic pressures while taking on a prominent regional diplomatic role.
Editorial note — This roundup covers developments reported between October 30 and November 6, 2026. Allegations and ongoing legal proceedings are presented as such and should not be interpreted as final judicial findings. Forecast fuel price changes are projections and may differ from the final adjustments announced by oil companies.
