English-language news in the Philippines plays a central role in shaping public opinion and connecting the country to global audiences. 

With English being one of the nation’s two official languages, alongside Filipino, many of the country’s largest newspapers, television networks, and digital platforms publish extensively in English. 

This has created a diverse media landscape that not only serves local readers but also reaches millions of overseas Filipinos and international observers who want to follow political, economic, and social developments in the country.

The Philippines’ tradition of English news dates back to the early 20th century, when American colonial rule encouraged English as the medium of education and governance. 

Leading outlets such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer, The Manila Times, and Philippine Star continue this legacy, offering coverage on domestic affairs while maintaining a language accessible to business, diplomatic, and academic circles. 

Digital-first platforms and television broadcasters like ABS-CBN News and GMA News Online have further expanded the reach of English-language reporting, especially among younger audiences and readers abroad.

English news in the Philippines is also shaped by its role in fostering accountability and transparency. 

Journalists reporting in English often tackle issues such as governance, corruption, foreign investment, and regional security—topics that resonate strongly with both local stakeholders and international partners. 

This dual audience underscores why English remains the preferred medium for much of the country’s serious journalism, bridging the Philippines’ domestic debates with global conversations.

Key English news websites in the Philippines 2025

Leading English news websites in the Philippines provide coverage of politics, business, culture, and society. 

However, they may also be subject to the influence of their owners which are a mix of family-run enterprises, corporate holdings, and independent ventures.

These are some of the key English news websites in the Philippines.

ABS-CBN News

One of the largest media groups in the country, ABS-CBN News is majority controlled by the Lopez family through Lopez, Inc., which retains more than half of the company’s shares. 

Despite the loss of its free-to-air licence in 2020, ABS-CBN has sustained strong digital reach, making its English-language platform one of the most widely read in the Philippines.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

The online arm of the Philippine Daily Inquirer is operated by Inquirer Holdings, Inc., long associated with the Rufino-Prieto family. 

Inquirer.net has maintained its reputation for comprehensive reporting and remains a key platform for English-speaking audiences seeking political, business, and cultural coverage.

Philippine Star

The Philippine Star and its digital platform are majority owned by MediaQuest Holdings, part of the PLDT Group. 

The Belmonte family retains a minority stake, ensuring continuity in editorial influence. 

Philstar.com has become one of the most frequently updated sites, with wide coverage across news, business, and entertainment.

Manila Bulletin

The Manila Bulletin is operated by Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation, owned by the Yap family. 

Major stakes are held through US Automotive Co., Inc., USAUTOCO, Inc., and the Menzi Trust Fund. 

Known for its broad reach and longevity, the Bulletin remains a staple of English-language reporting.

Rappler

Founded as a digital-native outlet, Rappler is controlled by Rappler Holdings Corporation. 

Its shareholders include the Bitanga family’s Dolphin Fire Group, Maria Ressa, Hatchd Group, and other private investors. 

Rappler is recognised for its investigative reporting and strong digital presence, with English as its main publishing language.

GMA News Online

The digital news division of GMA Network is controlled by the Gozon, Jimenez, and Duavit families. 

GMA News Online is a key player in breaking news, multimedia coverage, and nationwide reporting. 

Its English-language output ensures accessibility for both domestic and international audiences.

Independent news sources in the Philippines

There are a number of independent news outlets in the Philippines. These include:

Vieter

Vieter is an independent English-language news and business intelligence platform focused on the Philippines and Southeast Asia. 

It publishes data-driven reports, market trackers, and policy analysis designed for investors, businesses, and policymakers. 

Free from corporate or political ownership, Vieter positions itself as an objective source of economic and trade insights, combining official statistics with original research to provide readers with clear, accessible, and reliable information.

Vera Files

Vera Files is a non-profit newsroom established by veteran journalists. 

It specialises in fact-checking, investigative journalism, and public interest reporting. 

Its English-language content has been widely used in the Philippines’ fight against misinformation and disinformation.

Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)

The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility monitors press freedom in the Philippines and promotes ethical journalism. 

Although it functions more as a watchdog and resource centre than a traditional newsroom, CMFR publishes regular reports and analyses in English that are used by journalists, academics, and policymakers.

MindaNews

MindaNews, based in Mindanao, is an independent online news service run by journalists who focus on the region’s issues of peace, governance, and development. 

Its English-language reporting offers perspectives often underrepresented in national outlets.

Bulatlat

Bulatlat is an alternative media organisation that publishes in both English and Filipino. 

It covers grassroots movements, labour rights, and social justice, positioning itself as a counter-narrative to mainstream, Manila-centric news.

International news organisations with local offices

Several international news organisations have local operations in the Philippines. 

These include:

Agence France-Presse (AFP)

AFP operates a Manila bureau that covers breaking news, regional politics, business, and natural disasters across the Philippines. 

It supplies content to international media networks and often provides wire service reports on developments in Southeast Asia.

Reuters

Reuters maintains a bureau in Manila, with journalists covering financial markets, government policy, business, and security issues. 

Its English-language output is widely syndicated across global outlets.

The Associated Press (AP)

AP News has correspondents and photographers based in Manila. 

Its coverage focuses on political developments, human rights issues, and regional security, while also offering cultural features for global readers.

BBC News

BBC News operates a Southeast Asia bureau with correspondents regularly reporting from the Philippines. 

Stories on politics, climate change, and social issues are written with international context for a global audience.

Al Jazeera English

Al Jazeera covers governance, human rights, and environmental issues in the Philippines through its Manila correspondents. These reports are featured globally across its English-language platforms.

Nikkei Asia

Nikkei Asia maintains reporters in Manila who specialise in economic policy, trade, and investment coverage. Its English-language reporting is tailored for international business readers.

Other news sources

Aside from professional news outlets, there are a number of other news sources in the Philippines, too. These include:

Data and statistics

Government sources

• Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – census, inflation, trade, and labour data.
• Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) – monetary policy, banking statistics, foreign reserves.
• Department of Finance (DOF) – fiscal updates and government financing.
• National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) – economic plans and infrastructure programmes.

International institutions

• International Monetary Fund (IMF) – economic forecasts, financial stability analysis.
• World Bank – lending, poverty reduction, and development indicators.
• Asian Development Bank (ADB) – research on infrastructure, climate, and inclusive growth.
• United Nations agencies (UNDP, FAO, etc.) – reporting on development, agriculture, and environment.

Private research and financial data providers

• Fitch Ratings – sovereign and corporate credit ratings.
• Moody’s – credit ratings and macroeconomic research.
• S&P Global – risk assessments and financial analysis.
• Oxford Economics – subscription research on economies and industries.
• IHS Markit – forecasts, sector insights, and geopolitical risk analysis.

Market and business platforms

• Bloomberg – financial news, data terminals, analysis.
• Refinitiv – financial market data and analytics.
• Trading Economics – macroeconomic indicators and forecasts.
• Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) – official disclosures and market statistics.

Industry groups

• Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation (SEIPI) – electronics exports and manufacturing updates.
• Makati Business Club – policy papers and economic commentary.
• Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands – trade and investment updates.

Law firms and consultancies

• SyCip Salazar Hernandez & Gatmaitan – legal updates and regulatory analysis.
• Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & De Los Angeles – corporate and compliance advisories.
• PwC Philippines (Isla Lipana & Co.) – tax and investment guides.
• SGV & Co. (EY Philippines) – auditing, taxation, and business insights.
• KPMG Philippines – governance, audit, and industry research.

Censorship in the Philippines

This section provides a short background on censorship in the Philippines.

Historical background

Censorship in the Philippines has roots in both the Spanish and American colonial periods, where publications critical of authorities were often suppressed. 

During Ferdinand Marcos’ martial law regime (1972–1981), press freedom was severely restricted, with media outlets either shut down or placed under state control. 

This period set a lasting precedent for the use of censorship as a political tool.

Legal and regulatory framework

The 1987 Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and of the press, but several laws and regulatory practices still limit expression. 

Libel and cyber libel remain criminal offences under the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which are often used against journalists and activists. 

The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) regulates broadcast licences, giving the government leverage over television and radio networks. 

In 2020, ABS-CBN, one of the country’s largest networks, lost its free-to-air franchise in what critics described as politically motivated non-renewal.

Contemporary issues

Today, censorship in the Philippines is less about outright bans and more about pressure, lawsuits, and regulatory control. 

Independent outlets such as Rappler have faced multiple court cases and regulatory scrutiny. 

Social media platforms are also monitored, with disinformation and “red-tagging” campaigns used to silence critics. 

While print, broadcast, and online news outlets continue to operate widely, the threat of legal harassment, economic pressure, and targeted online abuse has created a climate of self-censorship among journalists and commentators.

Philippines news media: Peer comparison

The Philippines has one of the freest media environments in ASEAN, with multiple independent outlets and wide-ranging debate. Yet journalists face harassment, libel cases, and political pressure, which continue to threaten press freedom despite constitutional protections.

Here’s how the Philippines compares to its regional peers.

Indonesia

Indonesia has one of the region’s largest media markets, with a strong digital shift driven by social media and online platforms. However, restrictive laws such as the Electronic Information and Transactions Law are often used against journalists, raising concerns about censorship and self-censorship.

Malaysia

Malaysia’s media has become more open since the fall of long-term one-party dominance, with a wider range of outlets offering diverse viewpoints. Still, sedition and communications laws continue to constrain journalists and create risks for independent reporting.

Thailand

Thailand’s media environment remains heavily influenced by the monarchy and military-backed governments. While online platforms allow more critical voices, strict lèse-majesté laws and state regulation limit freedom of expression.

Vietnam

Vietnam maintains strict state control over traditional and online media, with independent journalism largely prohibited. Social media remains an outlet for alternative voices, though it is closely monitored and subject to frequent takedowns.

Singapore

Singapore’s press is ranked among the most tightly regulated in ASEAN, with ownership concentrated in government-linked companies. While English-language media is highly professional and trusted, it often reflects official positions and avoids overt political dissent.

FAQ: English news in the Philippines

These are some of the most frequently asked questions about English news in the Philippines.

What are the best English-language news outlets in the Philippines?

The most widely read are Inquirer.net, ABS-CBN News, GMA News Online, Philstar.com, Manila Bulletin, and Rappler.

Is the media in the Philippines censored?

Yes, censorship exists through libel and cyber libel laws, regulatory pressures, and political influence, though outright bans are rare.

Where can I find more objective or independent news about the Philippines?

Independent sources include Rappler, Vera Files, MindaNews, and watchdog groups like the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR).

How do expats in the Philippines stay informed?

They typically follow local English-language outlets online, supplement with international agencies like Reuters, AFP, or BBC, and use social media and expat community forums.

Outlook for news in the Philippines

Looking ahead, several trends are likely to shape Philippine news. 

Media organisations are expected to rely more on subscriptions, reader payments, grants, and donor support, as advertising alone becomes less reliable. 

There will be a continued shift toward mobile-first, short-format content such as video, social posts, and podcasts to match audience habits.

Independent media and watchdogs will become more important in countering misinformation, while international pressure may push for stronger protections for journalists. 

At the same time, legislative and regulatory changes around libel, cyber-libel, broadcast licensing, and digital content are likely to play a decisive role in the future of press freedom.

That said, Southeast Asian economies can be dynamic and change quickly.

With this in mind, the best way to keep up to date with the changing business environment is to make sure to subscribe to Vieter.