Energy Transition
‘It’s not safe here anymore’: Life in a small Philippine coal town
In Villanueva, Misamis Oriental — where two coal-fired power plants dominate the skyline — residents live with health worries they’ve grown almost accustomed to. Many have accepted…
By Carmela Fonbuena·September 10, 2025
CORRUPTION WATCH
All the Presidents’ Contractors: For 20 years, Malacañang has been unable or unwilling to stop corruption in public works
For the past 20 years, across four presidential terms, the same contractors have been awarded the largest public works contracts. Whether the president is a Marcos, a Duterte, an…
By Philippine Center For Investigative Journalism·September 4, 2025
Document
Cartels, Collusion & Corruption: Findings of a World Bank Investigation
An investigation by the World Bank Group’s Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) found evidence of a well-organized cartel consisting of local and foreign companies, actively supported…
By Philippine Center For Investigative Journalism·September 4, 2025
Energy Transition
In one small town, a coal plant may hold the key to Philippines’ dirty energy exit
The government’s move to retire its last coal plant is expected to send a strong signal to private coal plant owners that the reign of fossil fuels is ending. Following the buyout…
By Carmela Fonbuena·September 2, 2025
Energy Transition
Do you live near power plants? Check our map
Data from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) show that the Philippines has an installed generating capacity of 28,390 megawatts (MW) as of July 2025. Luzon accounts for the…
By Carmela Fonbuena·September 1, 2025
CORRUPTION WATCH
Five Reveals from the Flood-Control Data
Flood-control projects fund extravagant lifestyles. It pays to be the House appropriations committee chair. Many lawmakers own or are linked to contracting firms. Bad contractors…
By Guinevere Latoza·August 31, 2025
Data
DOCUMENT: Records of flood-control contractors
Got any story tips or documents you'd like to share, or need contractor records for your area? Contact us on Facebook (fb.com/pcijdotorg) , Twitter (@PCIJdotorg) , Instagram…
By Philippine Center For Investigative Journalism·August 30, 2025
Disinformation
Five Ways the Duterte Influence Machine is Deceiving Filipinos
A cyborg operation—part-human, part-machine—made up of hyper-partisan influencers, trolls, and true believers is mounting a long-running political influence campaign to defend Sara…
By Regine Cabato·August 7, 2025
JAC
Call for Proposals: JAC Reporting Grant on Corruption and Trafficking for Forced Criminality
Corruption is fueling one of the region’s most urgent human rights crises: trafficking in persons for forced criminality. If you’re a journalist ready to expose the networks behind…
By Philippine Center For Investigative Journalism·August 5, 2025
20th Congress
Five Things to Watch Out for in the 20th Congress
As the 20th Congress convenes, these five issues will likely define not just the next few years of Philippine politics, but potentially the direction of the country's democracy.
By Guinevere Latoza·July 27, 2025
Land Rights
‘Confusion’ about San Miguel’s Intentions in Idyllic Mariahangin
While SMC denies current interest and calls the situation a "confusion," the company is simultaneously building a massive luxury resort on the neighboring island, complete with a…
By Redempto D Anda·July 23, 2025
Duterte ICC Tracker
ICC Tracker: Two judges have no bias on Duterte case, says plenary of judges
Timeline of the International Criminal Court’s Investigation into the Crimes Against Humanity Charge Against Rodrigo Duterte. Compiled by TJ Burgonio, Rosmae Armeña and Reinnard…
By Philippine Center For Investigative Journalism·July 5, 2025
CAMPAIGN FINANCE
DOCUMENT: SOCE of 2025 senatorial candidates
By Carmela Fonbuena·July 3, 2025
CAMPAIGN FINANCE
Top spender Camille Villar reports P179.6-M spending in 2025 campaign
Villar is followed by winning senators Lito Lapid and Pia Cayetano, as well as losing candidates Benjamin Abalos and Abigail Binay. All four reported spending more than P150…
By Carmela Fonbuena·July 3, 2025
Congress
8 in 10 district reps still from dynasties
15 political clans control multiple legislative districts in the Philippines
By Guinevere Latoza·June 30, 2025
Environment
Mariahangin Island: A tale of indigenous land, power and resistance
At the core of the resistance on the island are at least three indigenous families who have lived on Mariahangin for generations, primarily relying on fishing and agar-agar…
By Redempto D Anda·June 15, 2025
Elections
2025 Elections Blog: Comelec promises to release SOCEs of 2025 bets
Bookmark this blog to follow key developments in the 2025 elections. For investigative and in-depth reports, please visit our election microsite at www.pcij.org/elections.
By Philippine Center For Investigative Journalism·June 13, 2025
Elections
8 years on, Marawi voters remember siege in polls that expand Gandamra family’s rule
Drieza Lininding, leader of the civil society group Moro Consensus Group, lamented that the online discourse was largely 'propaganda,' with netizens splitting into 'Team Gandamra…
By Erica Nicole Espanola·May 23, 2025
Elections
Pacquiaos keep 5 seats in Soccsksargen; Mangudadatus win in Sultan Kudarat
Boxing champion Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao failed in his senatorial comeback, but his relatives fared better in local races. His political clan retained five seats in General Santos…
By Liam Reece Basigsig·May 22, 2025
Elections
In CARAGA, Bag-ao defeats Ecleo, but Plaza dynasty wins 5 seats across 3 provinces
At least five members of the Plaza political clan, one of the obese dynasties of the Philippines, are scattered throughout CARAGA region. Nasipit, mayor Roscoe Democrito Plaza…
By Liam Reece Basigsig·May 22, 2025
Elections
12 dynasties lose gubernatorial races, but 71 of 82 provinces still led by political clans
It’s the same number as before the May 12 elections. But despite the outcomes, the clans did not always win gubernatorial races with ease. A deeper study of the electoral contests…
By Guinevere Latoza·May 22, 2025