Context.ph

As part of the 80th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Australia, a Philippine mission in Australia visited the Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) at the Port of Melbourne last week, highlighting the terminal as a model of advanced logistics and port automation.

The Office of the Ombudsman on Thursday said it found “probable cause to indict” Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former Public Works Secretary Emmanuel Bonoan, and several DPWH engineers before the Sandiganbayan for plunder and graft over alleged illegal insertions in the DPWH’s 2025 infrastructure budget in exchange for kickbacks. Investigators said P573 million in illicit payouts was systematically funneled to Estrada, backed by what the Ombudsman described as “solid, immovable evidence” and testimony from state witnesses. Should the Sandiganbayan affirm probable cause, prosecutors will seek immediate arrest, deny bail, and request travel restrictions. The Ombudsman said other similar indictments involving flood-control projects will be pursued.

Interest in solar energy is accelerating across the Philippines as households grapple with rising electricity prices and an increasingly unreliable power grid, according to a new nationwide survey.

Liwayway Holdings Co., Ltd., the group behind the popular Oishi snack brand, is deepening its investment in the Philippines with plans to establish a coconut processing hub aimed at supplying China’s rapidly expanding demand for coconut-based products.

Global food and beverage ingredients leader ofi has partnered with WNC Capital Holdings Inc., parent firm of Wills International Sales Corp. to launch a new joint venture called ofi Philippines Blends.