15/01/2026
🇵🇭 Top 5 Major News in the Philippines Today (January 16, 2026)
1. House Overrides Marcos' P92.5B Budget Veto in Historic VoteIn a landmark session, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly to override President Marcos Jr.'s veto of P92.5 billion in unprogrammed funds from the 2026 national budget. The unprecedented move saw 205 members vote to restore the funds, setting the stage for a potential showdown with the Senate and a constitutional challenge to presidential power.https://www.manilatimes.net
2. Mayon Volcano Sees 'Full-Blown Magmatic Eruption'; Lava Flows Reach 2km MarkPhivolcs confirmed that Mayon Volcano is now experiencing a "full-blown magmatic eruption," with sustained lava flows extending up to 2 kilometers down its southeastern flank. Ash plumes continue to billow, and authorities are warning that pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) could occur, posing extreme danger to those within the danger zones.https://www.philstar.com
3. Senate Vows Full Probe into Cabinet Secretary, DPWH Officials Implicated in Flood ScamThe Senate Blue Ribbon Committee vowed a thorough investigation into the Cabinet Secretary and three DPWH officials now under preventive suspension for their alleged involvement in the P10-billion flood control scam. Senators emphasized that no one, regardless of position, will be spared from accountability.https://newsinfo.inquirer.net
4. BSP Hikes Interest Rates by 50 Basis Points in Off-Cycle Move to Stabilize PesoIn an unexpected move, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) today raised its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points, bringing the overnight reverse repurchase facility rate to 7.0%. The off-cycle hike aims to curb inflation and stabilize the peso, which has continued to weaken amidst domestic uncertainties.https://www.bworldonline.com
5. Thousands Stranded as Mayon Eruption Grounds More Flights, Closes RoadsThe escalating eruption of Mayon Volcano has led to further disruptions in transportation across the Bicol region. More flights have been cancelled in Legazpi and Naga, and major roads leading to Albay have been closed due to heavy ashfall and the threat of pyroclastic flows, leaving thousands of travelers stranded.https://www.gmanetwork.com