Our Scans · Manila · Weekly Summary

• [New] If Manila becomes consumed by internal conflict, its ability to contribute to regional counterterrorism efforts, maritime security and South China Sea diplomacy will diminish. Asia Times
• [New] Manila Water and Maynilad have given an assurance that there will be no water crisis in 2025. GMA News Online
• [New] Manila hopes other countries can stand up against China on behalf of everyone to hold Beijing accountable for infringing the rights of all UNCLOS signatories. Peter Lewis' Money Talk
• Thousands of people are expected to join a mass protest in Manila on Sunday amid a groundswell of anger in the Philippines against perceived corruption in government-funded flood control projects. The Guardian
• Consumers of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) will experience lower rates this month by P0.2189 per kilowatt hour due to lower generation charges, which translates to a decrease of around P44 in the total electricity bill of customers with an average consumption of 200 kWh. Manila Standard
• According to GWEC, a powerful partnership is being firmed up between the Norwegian Training Center in Manila and the Norwegian Shipowners Association (NSA) in Oslo; to ensure that the Philippines will be able to produce the right personnel needed for offshore wind deployment. Manila Bulletin
• TOKYO extended to Manila a second Official Security Assistance amounting to 1.6 billion yen, or P611 million, to further support the Philippines' efforts to deter external threats and contribute to peace in the Indo-Pacific region. The Manila Times
• The US has pledged to defend Manila in the event of an armed attack, and as reported incidents become more frequent and more intense, there are growing concerns that a miscalculation could pull the US into direct confrontation with Beijing. The Guardian
• Parts of Asia's largest cities could be under water by 2100 due to rising sea levels, and coastal flooding events in Manila within the next century will occur 18 times more often than before - solely because of climate change. Channel3000.com
• In urban centers like Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta and Manila, after-school activities have somewhat evolved from optional extras to expected components of a child's development. Tech Collective
• China has complained loudly about the US missile system's positioning on Philippine soil, which gives Manila the capacity to hit the Chinese mainland and is seen by Beijing as a threat in the context of a possible contingency with the US over Taiwan. Asia Times
• The 5.57-hectare terminal will be connected to the future North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway Project. Rappler
• Major initiatives like the North-South Commuter Railway and the Metro Manila Subway, which are integral to easing congestion and boosting economic productivity, will continue as planned. BusinessWorld Online
• Manila Water, which provides water and wastewater services to the East Concession Area, will implement an upward FCDA of 1.39% of its 2025 Average Basic Charge of P47.10 per cubic meter, or P0.65 per cubic meter. philstar.com
• Manila Water customers should expect a slight increase in their water bills starting in April. philstar.com
• Another area which could face a Big One is the Marikina Valley fault system near Luzon in the Philippines, which is spread across a densely populated region of almost 3,000 square kilometers, including the capital, Manila. The Indian Express
• In Metro Manila, NAIA Pasay City could see a heat index of 41 °C, while Science Garden Quezon City is facing a high of 38 °C. GMA News Online
• Cebu Pacific will increase its flights to Manila from three to four times weekly in December, using its fleet of A330 - 900 neos. Australian Aviation

Last updated: 02 October 2025