PH Political Issues September 2025: A Timeline of Events
September 2025 proved to be a turbulent month for the country. From mass protests to leadership shakeups, Filipinos saw a wave of events that shaped both governance and public sentiment. Here’s a rundown of the political issues in the PH in September 2025.
Rice Import Suspension Sparks Debate (September 1)
September began with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. implementing a 60-day suspension on rice imports. The administration argued the move was meant to protect local farmers and stabilize prices. However, it immediately stirred economic and political debate, with critics warning of possible price hikes for consumers.
Independent Probe on Flood Control Projects (September 11–15)
Just days later, Malacañang announced the creation of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate alleged corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects. By mid-September, its commissioners had taken their oath, signaling the start of a high-profile inquiry that would dominate headlines throughout the month.
Mass Protests Shake the Capital (September 21–22)
On September 21, tens of thousands joined rallies in Manila and other cities, branded as the “Baha sa Luneta” and the “Trillion Peso March.” Protesters demanded transparency and accountability in infrastructure spending. Clashes near Malacañang led to dozens of arrests, and the following day, authorities confirmed more than 200 protesters were detained nationwide.
Leadership Resignations in Congress (September 23–24)
The political pressure quickly reached Congress. Senate President Francis Escudero and House Speaker Martin Romualdez both resigned amid mounting scrutiny over their ties to the flood control projects. Their departures marked one of the most significant leadership shakeups in recent memory.
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Human Rights and International Scrutiny (September 25)
Former President Rodrigo Duterte returned to the spotlight when international coverage focused on his ICC trial for alleged crimes against humanity. Reports revealed that some of his former death squad members remained unrepentant, intensifying domestic debates on justice and accountability.
Rice Import Ban Extended (September 26)
By the end of the month, Marcos Jr. extended the rice import ban beyond 60 days, while also considering higher tariffs on imports. The decision reinforced the administration’s agricultural agenda but also exposed the economic balancing act between protecting farmers and ensuring food security.
A Defining Month for Philippine Politics
Taken together, the PH political issues in September 2025 revealed how corruption scandals, citizen protests, leadership changes, and human rights debates collided in just a few weeks. The flood control controversy and the massive rallies showed how public frustration with governance has reached a boiling point, while the sudden resignations in Congress highlighted cracks in political leadership. At the same time, the rice import ban underscored the country’s struggle to balance protecting farmers with ensuring food security.
More importantly, these events reflect a nation at a turning point. The demand for transparency and accountability is louder than ever, and the ICC’s spotlight on Duterte has revived global conversations on justice in the Philippines.
But the bigger question remains: will these issues finally push the country toward real reform, or will they fade into another cycle of scandals? What do you think—are we witnessing change, or just history repeating itself?
