THE STATE weather bureau is closely monitoring a low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR), which could intensify into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours.

As of 2 p.m. on Wednesday, the LPA, monitored inside the Philippine area of responsibility, has a “high” potential of developing into a tropical depression within the next 24 hours, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in a Facebook post.

The weather disturbance, identified as LPA 08g, was estimated at 305 kilometers west of Dagupan City, Pangasinan as of 3 p.m., it said in a 4 p.m. advisory.

The bureau advised the public to remain alert and to monitor further updates, particularly residents in areas prone to flooding and landslides.

In its 5 p.m. Weather Advisory No. 14, PAGASA warned of heavy rainfall due to the southwest monsoon from Wednesday through Saturday, Aug. 30. Rainfall amounts may reach more than 200 millimeters in some areas, posing risks of widespread flooding and landslides.

Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, and Antique are expected to receive 50–100 mm of rain until Thursday afternoon.

From Thursday to Friday, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan, Antique, and Iloilo are forecast to experience the same rainfall levels.

Localized flooding is possible in urban, low-lying, or river-adjacent areas, while landslides may occur in highly susceptible zones.

PAGASA cautioned that rainfall totals may be higher in mountainous or elevated areas, and flooding impacts could worsen due to prior heavy rains. The agency urged the public, along with disaster risk reduction and management offices, to take precautionary measures to protect life and property.

The next weather advisory is set to be issued at 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday unless significant changes in weather conditions occur.

The Philippines has experienced nine tropical cyclones so far in 2025. According to PAGASA, an additional seven to 13 cyclones are expected to develop or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility before the year ends, close to the annual average of 20. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., is set to embark on two different foreign trips next month, Malacañang confirmed on Wednesday.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told a news briefing that the President will conduct a state visit to Cambodia from Sept. 7 to 9.

He will also fly to New York City (NYC) late in September to attend the 80^th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

Ms. Castro said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will release further information at a later time.

Josue Raphael J. Cortez, a diplomacy lecturer at De La Salle-College of St. Benilde, said Mr. Marcos’ upcoming state visit to Cambodia is seen as a move to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture and people-to-people exchanges, while also signaling early lobbying ahead of the Philippines’ Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) chairmanship next year.

With the Philippines aiming to push for a binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, the trip reflects efforts to engage Cambodia, a close partner of China, and to position Manila as a stabilizing actor amid regional tensions.

“One may remember that during Cambodia’s Chairship, the dispute over the tensions in the South China Sea was not mentioned in the communique that was released after the Summit, which is reflective of its intention to maintain its position vis-a-vis Beijing,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat. 

“The visit may also be a way for the Philippines to show that it is willing to broker a more stable ceasefire in light of the tensions that happened recently between Cambodia and Thailand,” he noted.

His last visit to Phnom Penh was in November 2022.

Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos’ attendance at the UNGA next month is expected to advance the Philippines’ bid for a non-permanent UN Security Council seat in 2026, Mr. Cortez noted.

The President is likely to emphasize the country’s commitment to international agreements and its role as a credible partner in promoting peace and stability despite regional vulnerabilities, he added.

“With the elections happening in the second quarter of 2026, this visit will be strategic, as we can expect the President to highlight how, despite tensions and vulnerabilities, we strive to adhere to the international agreements and covenants we are a state party to — hence, making us a credible actor in promoting global peace and stability,” he noted.

Mr. Marcos delivered a speech before the UNGA last September 2022. His last visit to the US was in July, when we met with US President Donald J. Trump to discuss trade and defense. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. named Deputy Ombudsman for Visayas Dante F. Vargas as the acting Ombudsman as the Judicial Bar and Council set interviews for the next appointee from Aug. 28 until Sept. 2.

This was confirmed in a message to reporters from the Office of the Ombudsman.

Mr. Vargas was appointed in 2022 by former President Rodrigo R. Duterte. He has a fixed term of 7 years.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday announced the schedule of public interviews for nominees seeking to replace Ombudsman Samuel R. Martires, who retired last month.

Mr. Martires stepped down on July 27 after completing his seven-year term. Before heading the anti-graft office, he served as a Supreme Court associate justice, Sandiganbayan justice, and regional trial court judge. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

THE PALACE assured the public that the country will have enough rice despite the 60-day suspension of imports beginning on Sept. 1, pointing to local harvests and tighter government monitoring as support.

Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said in a press briefing on Wednesday, the Department of Agriculture (DA) does not expect major supply issues, citing the ongoing harvest season and the agency’s weekly monitoring of rice stocks across the country.

“According to the DA, they will conduct price monitoring to enforce the maximum suggested retail price,” she said in Filipino.

Although some stakeholders have raised concerns that the suspension might lead to shortages, Ms. Castro said the DA maintains that there will be no disruption in supply.

The DA also committed to tighter enforcement of suggested retail prices, along with weekly inspections to monitor any potential attempts at price manipulation.

These measures follow President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s order to suspend rice imports for 60 days starting Sept. 1 to protect local farmers amid low palay prices.

Meanwhile, Mr. Marcos ordered the auction of 100,000 metric tons of locally produced rice this week as part of efforts to stabilize supply and strengthen food security. This will be implemented by the DA through the release of 1.2 million bags of rice via public auction.

Ms. Castro, said the floor price of rice is expected to range between P25 and P28 per kilo, depending on the age of the grains. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana