Viral and Vital: Your Weekly Roundup of the Hottest Issues in the Philippines


 Based on the latest available information, here are the viral topics and major trending news in the Philippines right now:

1. The Corruption Scandal and Anti-Corruption Protests

This is a massive and overarching topic dominating headlines and social media.

  • The "Trillion Peso March": There is a highly-publicized anti-corruption protest scheduled for Sunday, September 21.1 It is being promoted by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) and has garnered support from various sectors, including celebrities like Anne Curtis and Vice Ganda.2

  • DPWH Scandal: The public is heavily focused on the ongoing corruption investigations within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), particularly involving alleged anomalies in flood control projects.3 This has led to the resignation of Speaker Romualdez and preventive suspensions of several DPWH officials.4

  • The Brice Hernandez Hearing: A key figure in the investigation, a man named Brice Hernandez, has been a central topic, with his testimony and the dramatic events surrounding the hearings, including his turning over a luxury car, drawing widespread attention.5

  • PhilHealth Funds: President Marcos's order to return P60 billion in excess funds to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) has also been a major news item, as it is seen as a move in the broader anti-corruption drive.6

2. Typhoon Nando

With a powerful typhoon approaching the country, this is a critical and urgent topic.

  • Intensification: Typhoon Nando (international name: Ragasa) has rapidly intensified and is expected to become a super typhoon.7

  • Warnings and Preparedness: The public is closely following updates from PAGASA and the NDRRMC.8 Social media is filled with news and public service announcements about storm signals, evacuation advisories, and preparedness tips.9

3. Entertainment and Social Media

  • Celebrity Activism: The involvement of prominent celebrities like Sarah Geronimo, Vice Ganda, and Anne Curtis in the anti-corruption movement is a significant trend, as their platforms amplify the calls for public accountability.10

  • Showbiz News: Other trending entertainment topics include the new GMA-ABS-CBN collaboration project "The Secrets of Hotel 88" and news about celebrity relationships, like the reported breakup of Julia Barretto and Gerald Anderson.11

  • Reunion Concerts: The announcement of a reunion concert for the iconic dance group Sexbomb Girls is also a widely discussed topic, bringing a sense of nostalgia to many.12

4. Sports

  • Alas Pilipinas: The national volleyball team, Alas Pilipinas, is a big story.13 The team's performance in the FIVB World Championship has created a new wave of support and hope among Filipino sports fans.

  • Ateneo and Tab Baldwin: In college basketball, the new contract extension for Ateneo head coach Tab Baldwin is a major talking point.14

5. Other Notable Trends

  • Central Visayas Workers' Pay Hike: A recent pay hike for workers in the Central Visayas region is a notable local news story, particularly relevant to your location in Minglanilla.15

  • Transport and Commuting: The rollout of discounted Beep cards for students on the LRT-2 is gaining traction, as it directly impacts the daily lives of many students in the Metro Manila area.16

  • Technology and Innovation: Topics like the Philippines' climb to the 50th spot in the Global Innovation Index and the use of AI in content creation are also generating interest, though perhaps more within specific tech and business circles.17

Comments