The Philippines endured another difficult week as prolonged Southwest Monsoon rains caused widespread flooding, a deadly school shooting in Zamboanga raised fresh questions about gun safety, and the government's controversial flood control programme returned to the centre of the national conversation.

Politics also remained a major focus as the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte continued, while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pursued a diplomatic reset with China and discussed possible joint oil and gas exploration. At the same time, Washington signalled plans to expand military exercises with the Philippines amid continuing regional security concerns.

Here are the seven biggest stories from 14 to 20 August 2026, followed by three other national developments that also made headlines.

1. Habagat Rains Cause Widespread Flooding Across the Philippines

Prolonged Southwest Monsoon rains caused some of the worst flooding of the month across Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon during the week.

The situation intensified on August 17, when Metro Manila recorded approximately 201.7 millimeters of rainfall in just five hours. Roads were submerged, rivers approached critical levels and several communities experienced severe flooding. Government offices and schools were placed under alternative work and learning arrangements as the rains continued.

The weather situation persisted through August 20. PAGASA warned that Habagat would continue affecting large parts of Luzon and the Visayas, while Tropical Depression Neneng further enhanced the monsoon.

The Department of Agriculture estimated that the combined effects of Habagat and previous tropical cyclones had caused approximately ₱1.73 billion in agricultural damage and losses, affecting more than 40,000 hectares of agricultural land.

The flooding once again raised questions about the country's preparedness and the effectiveness of existing flood control infrastructure.

2. Flood Control Controversy Intensifies After Witness Recants Allegations

The government's flood control controversy took another dramatic turn after former soldier Orly Guteza recanted allegations that he had delivered millions of pesos in cash to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Guteza had previously claimed during investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control projects that he delivered cash to Romualdez and other personalities. His decision to withdraw those allegations triggered an immediate political dispute over the credibility of witnesses and the integrity of the investigations.

The Ombudsman said the recantation would not automatically derail its investigation and maintained that it had other witnesses whose testimonies could support the case. Reports indicated that the agency was relying on dozens of witnesses in its proceedings involving Romualdez.

Romualdez's camp, meanwhile, denied involvement in the alleged cash deliveries and argued that the accusations were based on conflicting testimony without sufficient documentary or forensic evidence.

The controversy became even more significant as Metro Manila and other parts of the country experienced severe flooding during the same week.

3. Senate Impeachment Trial Continues With New Testimony on Confidential Funds

The Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte remained a major political story as proceedings continued during the week.

A former disbursing officer testified that ₱125 million in confidential funds was released in 2022 to the Vice President's security aide on her orders. The testimony formed part of the prosecution's broader effort to establish allegations concerning the handling and use of confidential funds.

The impeachment proceedings have become one of the country's most closely watched political events, with senators continuing to hear testimony and examine documents relating to the allegations against the Vice President.

The trial is unfolding against a wider political backdrop in which the relationship between the Marcos and Duterte political camps has deteriorated significantly since their alliance won the 2022 elections.

4. Marcos Pursues a Reset With China and Possible Joint Oil and Gas Exploration

President Marcos said the Philippines was pursuing a reset in relations with China aimed at reducing tensions and preventing maritime disputes from escalating into conflict.

Speaking on August 14, Marcos said the two countries needed to return to dialogue whenever tensions increased. The comments came amid continued disagreements over the South China Sea and the Philippines' maritime claims.

Marcos also expressed optimism about the possibility of joint oil and gas exploration with China. He said discussions were progressing and that both sides were working toward terms of reference for a possible arrangement.

The President stressed that any cooperation would not mean surrendering Philippine rights or requiring permission from Beijing to conduct activities in areas covered by Philippine sovereign rights.

The potential for energy cooperation is particularly significant because the Philippines has been dealing with energy security concerns and volatile fuel prices.

5. US Special Operations Forces Prepare for Expanded Military Exercises in the Philippines

The United States indicated that its special operations forces were prepared to expand warfighting and readiness exercises with the Philippines and other Asian partners.

US Special Operations Command chief Admiral Frank Bradley said during a visit to Manila that regular exercises and close cooperation were important for regional deterrence and preparedness.

American and Philippine forces have already conducted a series of military exercises, including activities in areas close to the northern Philippines. The latest comments indicate that Washington intends to maintain and potentially expand its security cooperation with Manila.

The development comes as the Philippines continues strengthening defence relationships with the United States, Japan, Australia, Canada and other regional partners amid growing strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific.

6. Peso Slides Toward ₱62 Against the US Dollar as Oil Prices Rise

Financial markets came under pressure during the week as the Philippine peso approached the ₱62 level against the US dollar, reaching a new record low.

The peso's weakness coincided with higher global oil prices and renewed concerns about geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets. Philippine stocks also fell as investors reacted to the combination of a weaker currency and higher energy costs.

The developments are particularly significant for Filipino consumers because a weaker peso can increase the local cost of imported fuel and other goods. Higher energy prices can also feed into transportation, electricity and food costs.

The financial market pressure comes as the Philippine economy is already dealing with a sharp slowdown in growth and persistent concerns about inflation.

7. Government Moves Toward Stronger Firearm Regulation After School Shooting 

A deadly shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University in Zamboanga City became one of the week's most disturbing national stories.

On August 18, a student opened fire inside the school's junior high school campus, killing another student before taking his own life. Several others were injured in the incident.

Authorities recovered two firearms and a large quantity of ammunition as investigators examined how the weapons reached the school premises.

The incident triggered a national discussion about firearm access, school security, mental health and the role of social media in violent incidents. It was particularly alarming because it came less than two months after another deadly school shooting in Tacloban City.

President Marcos ordered authorities to investigate the incident and determine what measures could be taken to prevent similar attacks.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government and other officials subsequently called for stronger firearm safety measures, while educators and civil society groups urged restraint in the circulation of graphic footage from the incident.

Other National Headlines

Government Orders Alternative Work Arrangements as Flooding Continues

Malacañang ordered government offices in Metro Manila and several provinces to adopt alternative work arrangements on August 20 as heavy Habagat rains continued.

Schools in affected areas also suspended classes or shifted to alternative learning arrangements. The measures were intended to reduce the risk to students, teachers and government employees while transportation and local infrastructure remained affected by flooding.

National Grid Faces Renewed Power Supply Pressure

The Visayas power grid was placed under yellow alert during the week, highlighting continuing pressure on the country's electricity system.

The alert was subsequently lifted, but the situation underscored the importance of maintaining adequate generation reserves as demand and weather conditions place additional pressure on the national grid.

The government has been pursuing reforms intended to reduce electricity costs while simultaneously trying to improve reliability and expand renewable energy capacity.

Government Moves Toward Stronger Firearm Regulation After School Shooting

The Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting prompted renewed calls for stricter accountability among firearm owners and stronger enforcement of existing gun safety regulations.

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla called for changes to legislation governing firearm ownership and accountability, while police officials reviewed security protocols following the school attack.

The debate is expected to continue as lawmakers and government agencies consider whether existing regulations are sufficient to prevent firearms from reaching minors and other unauthorised users.

Looking Ahead

The coming week is likely to remain dominated by three interconnected issues.

The government will face continuing pressure over flood control spending as communities recover from another round of severe flooding. The recantation of a key witness has also added another layer of uncertainty to the investigations into alleged irregularities in infrastructure projects.

The Senate impeachment trial will continue to command national political attention, while the government will have to balance its diplomatic engagement with China against its security relationships with the United States and other regional partners.

For Filipino households, economic pressures may be even more immediate. A weaker peso and higher oil prices could affect transportation, food and other everyday expenses, while continuing weather disruptions threaten agricultural production and local livelihoods.

The events of 14 to 20 August show how closely connected many of the country's biggest challenges have become. Infrastructure, corruption, weather resilience, energy security, national defence and the cost of living are no longer isolated issues. Each increasingly affects the others and will remain central to the national conversation in the weeks ahead.