Teacher Hiring Freeze in Philippines: DepEd says it can’t recruit 14,274 new teachers in 2027 unless Congress restores funding, after the budget request was cut to zero—while a watchdog warns DepEd’s plan is becoming a “centrally pooled” budget that muddies transparency and weakens civil society oversight. Local Budget Participation: Quezon City approved an ordinance for participatory budgeting, letting residents and accredited CSOs help set priorities, review programs, monitor projects, and feed back via digital channels. Clean Air Push in Nigeria & Iraq: Environmental groups warn air pollution is worsening in Iraq/KRI and Nigeria, pointing to emissions from vehicles, generators, unregulated refineries, waste burning, and weak monitoring; Nigeria’s environment ministry is moving toward emissions testing centers and cleaner fuel transitions. Anti-Corruption Court Move (Nigeria): Nigeria’s Code of Conduct Tribunal seeks National Assembly approval to become a National Anti-Corruption Court with dedicated divisions and judges, including for cases brought by anti-graft agencies and civil society. Civil Society Under Pressure at UN: CIVICUS flags barriers to meaningful participation at UNGA, including badge suspensions for NGOs and reprisals, as the UN prepares for a 2027 leadership change. Peace & Rights Narratives: Azerbaijan’s rhetoric on “Western Azerbaijan” draws criticism despite claims of de facto peace, while faith leaders in Haiti convene to promote nonkilling and reconciliation. Accountability & Justice: Nigeria’s police deny a RULAAC-linked claim that a suspect’s sister was arrested and extorted ₦600,000; in India, a Supreme Court push for a remission decision in the Graham Staines case renews pressure on the state.