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The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 Episode 4 Review: Will Connor Get Cooked?

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:03:06 -0600

Critic’s Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

4.5

Food is magic. Really.

How many fairy tale, folklore, and mythological characters were lured away from safety or tempted into danger by a shiny apple, a tantalizing (!) smell, or the promise of a full belly?

And monsters need to eat too. Right?

(Courtesy of TNT)

The Librarians: The Next Chapter “And the Recipe for Disaster”

Once again, as has been the trend this season, the Librarians must confront and defeat magical beings on The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 Episode 4, “And the Recipe for Disaster.”

And for the second time in two consecutive offerings, one of the team members is targeted and caught up in the magical occurrence.

We learned on The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 Episode 1 “And the Burning Heart,” that Connor’s deepest fear was losing his mind, something he was accused of when he first began to research and teach about the existence of magic in the world.

Harboring that fear still, he subconsciously feels alone on the team and falls victim to the smell spell projected out by the Cooked! show’s hosts, Gunther and Hilda.

(Courtesy of TNT)

Cooked!

As a retooling of the Hansel and Gretel story, “And the Recipe for Disaster” does a brilliant job of fracturing the classic fairy tale, first published in 1812 by the Brothers Grimm but with roots in the 14th century’s prevalence of famine and child abandonment.

I assume that Gunther and Hilda were once mortal children. In order to survive their family’s abandonment, they overpowered the witch who would’ve eaten them and their despair.

In doing so, they inherited her hungry magic, transforming into creatures that must feed on the sorrows of humanity.

Then, Vikram’s release of magic combined with the modern trend for cooking shows inspired them to take their hunger to the masses rather than wait for meals to come to them.

It’s all so weirdly logical. Of course, they’d feed on those attracted by the smell spell. Why wouldn’t they consume the very people who seek comfort in cooking competition shows?

(Courtesy of TNT)

Smell-o-Vision

The sense of smell is such an evocative thing. It can stir up memories and emotions, triggering all sorts of unexpected reactions.

As Lysa bemoans the loss of her olfactory abilities to her cold, the others lose their memories to Hilda and Gunther’s magical studio scent spell.

It seems their magic predominantly utilizes smell, as people have to breathe, so they really have no defense against it.

If memory serves, Hansel and Gretel were first attracted to the witch’s gingerbread house by the smell of food. Smell magic would be far-reaching and most effective at attracting hungry prey.

(Courtesy of TNT)

By projecting the attracting gingerbread spell through the television, they amplify their reach even further.

And the novelty of smelling something through the TV means their victims take even deeper breaths, falling further under the spell. How deliciously clever!

The (Micro)Wave of the Future

My second favorite element of “And the Recipe for Disaster” is Vikram’s use of the microwave to foil Gunther and Hilda’s gingerbread spell.

“That’s the real magic of food. It’s not about the competition. It’s not even about the meal, really. It’s about breaking bread with people who accept you.”

Microwave mug bread > Gingerbread spell. Who would’ve thunk it?

Vikram’s expertise isn’t just in what he knows: it’s the zeal with which he learns. He, like the other Librarians, implicitly knows that knowledge is infinite. There’s always something new to absorb and process.

(Courtesy of TNT)

The Most Delicious Easter Egg

I did say the microwave mug bread solution was my SECOND favorite thing, right?

Can you guess what my first favorite thing is?

Here’s a hint: It’s in the background.

Another hint: It’s Dean Devlin (show creator) related.

Last hint: If you didn’t see it when it happened, you probably don’t watch The Ark.

(Courtesy of TNT)

Yup, Dean Devlin’s other show currently running, Syfy’s The Ark, also films in Belgrade, Serbia, at the PFI Studios. So having the uniforms cameo in the background while at the Cooked! studios was delightfully easy-peasy.

Seriously, how fun is that?

Cooking Up a Storm

To extend the metaphor, “And the Recipe for Disaster” feeds the soul and thoroughly satisfies with its message of community, support, and comfort.

(Courtesy of TNT)

Connor’s memory of the team’s first meal together is a cornerstone to his sense of self.

Each of the contestants on Cooked! feels connected to their recipes through the happy memories their food evokes.

Even Gunther and Hilda find food motivating and comforting.

Going back to my assumption that they were human children at one point, it was famine and hunger that drove their family to abandon them. Food was safety and security.

(Courtesy of TNT)

Threatening food security brings out the monster in all of us. It literally made monsters of Gunther and Hilda.

At the same time, the fact that they sought to eat the Cooked! contestants, only to be turned into food themselves, is an incredibly fitting solution.

But like the Genie from The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 Episode 2, “And the Tethered Wish,” something about storing them in a cookie jar for the rest of time doesn’t quite sit right with me.

Could this be leading to a Merlin-led uprising of jailed magical folk? Who else has been incarcerated in the Library for the crime of existing or surviving? There’s some food for thought, Fanatics!

Hit our comments with your thoughts on “And the Recipe for Disaster,” and vote for which Belgrade Library Annex team member you think would be the best cook!

On The Librarians: The Next Chapter, “And the Recipe for Disaster,” the team must crack the magic of a deadly cooking show. We review it all!
On The Librarians: The Next Chapter, “And the Vanishing Bankers,” Charlie gets the chance at a second childhood! We review how that goes…
On The Librarians: The Next Chapter “…And the Tethered Wish,” a freed genie causes havoc & Jacob Stone (!) gets dragged into it. Our review!
On the Season 2 premiere of The Librarians: The Next Chapter, “And the Burning Heart,” tempers get strangely spicy. Also, #Merlin! Our review!
The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 1 Episode 12 wraps up many plots and kicks off a new one with Dominic Monaghan.

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Trump claims ‘100% control’ of Hormuz, demands Iran pay reparations

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:03:05 -0600

US President Donald Trump speaks before signing an executive order calling for more research and flexibility on vaccines, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 10, 2026.

Jim Watson | Afp | Getty Images

President Donald Trump said Monday the U.S. Navy had swept the Strait of Hormuz clear of mines and now holds “100%” control of the waterway, with reparations emerging as the latest flashpoint between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said the U.S. Navy now has full control of the waterway. “It’s open now,” he said, adding that the U.S. was “the only one that has control of the Strait of Hormuz right now.”

He described the U.S. posture as a “steel wall” and said sporadic Iranian mine-laying hasn’t changed that. “They will, on occasion, drop a mine, and we find the mine,” he said. The U.S. has maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports since mid-April.

Iranian officials have insisted that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until the U.S. agrees to its demands including lifting their naval blockade, while its discussions with Oman over a shipping arrangement would not lead to the waterway being fully reopened.

In an attempt at turning the tables on Iran, Trump in a Truth Social post early Tuesday stateside said Tehran’s demand for war-damage reimbursements gave him “an interesting idea” — that Iran should instead compensate the U.S. for the people killed or wounded in roadside bombings and other attacks linked to Iran, as well as Iranian protestors that he said have been killed over the past 50 years by the country’s regime.

Trump’s reparations demand has introduced a new sticking point after Iran laid out its own conditions for reopening the strait on Saturday, a vital waterway that carried roughly a fifth of the world’s oil before the war.

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Saturday the strait won’t reopen until Washington lifts its naval blockade and sanctions, withdraws American forces from the region, pays war reparations and releases frozen Iranian assets. The council also called for an end to U.S. attacks on Iran’s regional allies.

Trump has signaled that he was prepared to let the mounting economic distress take its toll on Iran rather than launch further military strikes.

Iran’s foreign ministry on Tuesday pushed back on the economic front. The spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei responded to the U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s claims that U.S. sanctions were “suffocating” Iran.

He said that Washington opts for sanctions whenever diplomacy fails and escalates them when they don’t work — a pattern he said has become less a “policy” than a “compulsive addiction.”

The impasse leaves Washington treating its naval presence as a permanent fixture guaranteeing access, while Tehran treats that same presence as the primary obstacle to normalizing traffic. Iran has insisted that it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as the U.S. continues to blockade its ports.

Energy supply disruptions remain a key market concern, with tanker traffic through the strait still subdued, said Lloyd Chan, senior currency analyst at MUFG Bank in Singapore, noting that Brent prices remain way above above pre-conflict levels.

While periodic flare-ups remain possible, a full-blown regional war is still not the base case, Chan added.

Oil prices rallied on Monday on the hardening rhetoric, reversing a brief retreat last week. West Texas Intermediate crude for September climbed about 5% to settle near $82.13 a barrel, while Brent crude rose by a similar margin to around $87.72. Oil was slightly higher Tuesday in Asia trading.

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Apple May Introduce A Photo Authentication Tool In iOS 27

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:03:05 -0600

Reference Image could be a new way to prove provenance in the wake of generative AI.

Apple

We’re looking forward to seeing the new artificial intelligence side of Siri when iOS 27 launches, but it appears that Apple may have additional tools in the works. In its analysis of the latest operating system beta, 9to5Mac noticed some signals that Apple might be working on a photo authentication feature. Apple Reference Image appears to be a tool that will verify that a photo was taken with an iPhone camera. To confirm that a photo is an iPhone capture, select sensor information and metadata for an image can be sent to Private Cloud Compute for verification. A new Reference mode will need to be enabled on an iPhone’s camera in order for this authentication option to be available.

Resources for checking an image’s source in this age of AI slop is more critical than ever. Thus far, most of the tools involve putting a digital watermark onto generative AI creations, such as those in Apple’s Image Playground and its other forthcoming image editing capabilities. Google also continues to expand its SynthID AI watermarking program. This approach of Reference Image to create confirmation of content’s provenance could be a useful counterpart to those metadata watermarking efforts. Since all this is happening in an ongoing beta test, however, it’s possible that Reference Image won’t be included when iOS 27 does have its public rollout this fall.

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Morrissey pays tribute to late manager Peter Katsis: “A world has ended”

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Morrissey has shared a personal tribute to his late manager Peter Katsis, describing him as “a very unusual star” and saying “a world has ended”.

Katsis died last Thursday (August 6) at the age of 69, from what has been reported to be the result of complications from congestive heart failure.

The Chicago native was a major figure in the music industry, having managed the Smashing Pumpkins, Backstreet Boys, Snoop Dogg and Jane’s Addiction among others, and when his passing was first announced, the former Smiths frontman posted a photograph of Katsis.

Now, Morrissey has shared a lengthier tribute, alongside a photograph of Katsis when he went to see the New York Dolls in Chicago in 1973 in drag.

Reflecting on the photo, Morrissey wrote: “He certainly got into the spirit of things. Given his bustling masculinity, he would roar with laughter to know that I have used this shot in summation of his life.”

“I am justifiably glum this week, and it has taken me several days to even face writing this because PK was a very unusual star: an adventurer who enjoyed biting off more than most people could collectively chew,” he continued. “He was very much liked – which was unusual in a music manager. In a way, a dreamy-eyed romantic, but when necessary, a trick octopus.”

Morrissey added: “All liberties were taken; all fun encouraged and consumed. He knew how and when to give momentum another good shove. Sometimes his Chicagoan knuckle-district dialogue was slightly comic strip, but it was all part of his self-destructive charm… taunting an overdose of Dom Perignon because… well, why not?”

He went on to reflect on their shared outlook on the music business. “We were similar in that we were both correct too early – on all predictions. He knew that most modern bands contained neither danger nor mystery, but he gritted his teeth and dealt with the platitudinous industry gabble of Los Angeles.”

In a more personal note, he continued: “When my mother died in 2020, he raced to my side. He knew I couldn’t deal with it. He immediately introduced me to Andrew Watt and we recorded “Bonfire Of Teenagers” faster than the speed of sound – an undreamed-of rescue at a time when another day, for me, might not have come.”

“The future is now merely the remainder of life,” he concluded. “Dead brother buried. A world has ended.”

‘Bonfire Of Teenagers’ was recorded in 2020 and 2021 with Watt as producer, with guests including Miley Cyrus, Iggy Pop and members of Red Hot Chili Peppers, but it remains unreleased.

Among others to pay tribute to Katsis following his death was Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan, who called him “a dear friend and extended member of our family”, crediting him with helping to “usher in the alternative revolution of the ’80s and ’90s and beyond”.

See further tributes here.

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10 Songs You Should Listen to Now: This Week’s Pitchfork Selects Playlist

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:03:04 -0600

The staff of Pitchfork listens to a lot of new music. A lot of it. On any given day our writers, editors, and contributors go through an imposing number of new releases, giving recommendations to each other and discovering new favorites along the way. Each Monday, with our Pitchfork Selects playlist, we’re sharing what our writers are playing obsessively and highlighting some of the Pitchfork staff’s favorite new music. The playlist is a grab-bag of tracks: Its only guiding principle is that these are the songs you’d gladly send to a friend.

This week’s Pitchfork Selects playlist features Ravyn Lenae, @, Ela Minus and Nick León, and more. Listen below and follow our playlists on Apple Music and Spotify. (Pitchfork earns a commission from purchases made through affiliate links on our site.)

Pitchfork Selects: August 9, 2026

Ravyn Lenae: “Potential” – Hattie Lindert
@: “Punish My Mind” – Nina Corcoran
Meshell Ndegeocello and Cat Power: “Don’t You Want Me” – Jazz Monroe
Susanne Sundfør: “I It Am” – Walden Green
Cruel Santino: “Oz (ft. Jeriq)” – Alex Suskind
Helena Gao: “Lao Wai 老外 (ft. Shushu)“ – Anna Gaca
Prairie Princess: “Hold on to Me” – Lily Goldberg
Pixel Grip: “Reason To Say (Matrixxman Remix) – HL
Ela Minus and Nick León: “Qué le pasó a mis amigos?” – WG

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Philippine FDI net inflows plunge to 11-year low in May

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:00:12 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI) net inflows into the Philippines sank to their lowest level in more than 11 years in May amid still-cautious investor sentiment, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed.

Based on preliminary BSP data released on Monday, FDI net inflows plunged by 64.7% to $210 million in May from $595 million in the same month last year.

Month on month, it slid by 16% from April’s $250 million, which was the lowest in over a decade. This was the second straight month that inflows declined annually.

The net inflows of FDI in May were the lowest in 11 years and two months or since March 2015, when the country attracted $200 million in FDI.

“The sharp drop in FDI net inflows suggests that foreign investors remain cautious amid elevated geopolitical risks, persistent inflation pressures, subdued economic activity, and peso weakness,” Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said the latest FDI decline was due to guarded investor sentiment amid global and domestic headwinds.

“Globally, investors remain cautious amid heightened geopolitical tensions, trade uncertainties, and volatile financial markets, leading many firms to delay or scale back investment decisions,” Mr. Ravelas also said via Viber.

“Domestically, while the Philippines continues to post respectable growth, investors are looking for clearer signals on policy execution, infrastructure rollout, power costs, and the overall ease of doing business,” he added.

However, Mr. Ravelas noted that the latest FDI figures show investors still have confidence in the Philippines but are merely being selective in their investment decisions as uncertainty clouds the investment climate.

“What is noteworthy is that the decline appears to be driven more by investor caution than a loss of confidence in the Philippines,” Mr. Ravelas said. “We are seeing investors become more selective rather than exiting altogether. The country’s strong consumer market, favorable demographics, and ongoing economic reforms remain compelling long-term attractions.”

According to central bank data, investments in equity and investment fund shares rose by 13.6% to $175 million in May from $154 million a year earlier.

Net investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings climbed to $77 million, up 24.5% from $62 million in the prior year.

However, equity placements declined by an annual 19.4% to $87 million from $108 million, while withdrawals plunged by 78.3% to $10 million from $46 million.

Reinvestment of earnings inched up by 5.7% year on year to $98 million during the month from $93 million.

On the other hand, net investment in debt instruments slumped by 92.1% to $35 million in May from $440 million a year ago.

These consisted mainly of intercompany borrowing or lending between foreign direct investors and their subsidiaries or affiliates in the Philippines, according to the central bank.

FIVE-MONTH INFLOWS
For the first five months of 2026, the country’s average FDI net inflows stood at $2.178 billion, 33.4% lower than the $3.27 billion recorded last year.

“The decline was driven by lower foreign net investments in debt instruments and reinvestment of earnings, which more than offset the increase in net equity capital investments (other than reinvestment of earnings),” the central bank said in a statement.

“This reflected lower intercompany borrowings from foreign direct investors and reduced earnings retained for reinvestment during the period,” it added.

As of May, nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments of local affiliates declined by 49.5% to $1.253 billion from $2.482 billion in the same period last year.

Investments in equity and investment fund shares, meanwhile, jumped by 17.4% to $925 million in the five months to May from $788 million last year.

Reinvestment of earnings slipped by 9.7% to $383 million in the five-month period from $424 million a year earlier.

However, foreigners’ investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings stood at $541 million, 48.7% higher than the $364 million recorded as of May 2025.

Equity capital placements slipped by 0.6% year on year to $613 million from $617 million, most of which came from Japan, the United States, and Singapore.

“These were channeled largely into the manufacturing, financial and insurance, and real estate industries,” the central bank added.

On the other hand, equity capital withdrawals plunged by 71.5% to $72 million from $253 million previously.

UnionBank’s Mr. Asuncion said the year-to-date decline suggests that the FDI trend reflects a wider deterioration of investor sentiment.

“Since the decline is evident not only in May but also in the year-to-date figures, it points to a broader softening in investment sentiment rather than a temporary fluctuation,” he said.

Mr. Asuncion also noted that global and domestic headwinds will continue to weigh on FDI net inflows in the coming months.

“It is still too early to say that FDI has bottomed out, and inflows could remain weak in the coming months if current global and domestic challenges persist,” he said.

FDIs refer to cross-border investments in which a nonresident investor holds at least 10% equity in a resident enterprise. These may take the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings and intercompany borrowings.

The BSP’s FDI data reflect actual investment flows. This differs from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s approved foreign investment data, which represent investment commitments that may not necessarily be realized within the reference period.

For this year, the central bank expects FDI net inflows to decline to $7 billion from the estimated $7.8 billion seen in 2025.

Deaths climb to 19; affected people surpass 2 million due to bad weather — OCD

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:00:12 -0600

At least 19 deaths were reported, while nearly 2.3 million people have been affected by the combined effects of the enhanced southwest monsoon, and tropical cyclones Luis and Maymay, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday.

Benguet reported the majority of deaths at 12, including nine in Baguio, two in La Trinidad, and one in Atok, all due to landslides, Diego Agustin Mariano, deputy spokesperson of OCD, told reporters via Viber, citing 6:00 a.m. data.

Rizal logged four deaths, including two in Rodriguez due to a landslide, one in Antipolo City caused by a fallen tree, and one in Binangonan due to drowning.

Batangas City, Lipa, and Sta. Teresita in Batangas Province also reported one death each due to drowning, electrocution, and a landslide, respectively.

Meanwhile, four individuals remain missing, with three recorded in Benguet and one in Batangas.

Injured individuals reached 15, with Benguet still reporting the majority at 12, primarily due to landslides. Other areas such as Ilocos Sur, Rizal, and Cavite each reported one injured person.

Meanwhile, affected individuals due to recent inclement weather reached nearly 2.3 million, or 646,676 families, OCD said.

The affected population is concentrated in Regions I, II, III, V, VI, IX, CALABARZON, CAR, NCR, and MIMAROPA.

As of the report, nearly 95,000 people were displaced and taking shelter in 919 evacuation centers, while over 26,000 displaced individuals were staying with family and friends.

The recent inclement weather has caused more than P1.45 billion in damage to infrastructure and over P135 million in damage to agriculture.

Damaged houses reached 684 in total, of which 45 are totally damaged and 639 are partially damaged.

OCD said that the total cost of humanitarian assistance provided has already reached more than P73 million. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. delivers 5th State of the Nation Address

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:00:12 -0600

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Trump flew secretly from Turkey due to Iranian threat, the Washington Post reports

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:00:12 -0600

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump departed on a secret military flight from Turkey last month when the White House said he was flying aboard Air Force One, an extraordinary move prompted by an Iranian assassination threat, the Washington Post reported Monday.

Mr. Trump had taken the newly renovated Qatari-donated jet to Ankara for the NATO summit but he unexpectedly used an older Air Force One when departing the country, a move that prompted questions about the newer plane’s security.

The trip to NATO was the first international travel for the new plane, whose speedy upgrades triggered questions over its cost and security, and took place as hostilities escalated with Iran, which borders Turkey.

Before departing Ankara, Mr. Trump said on Truth Social that he would use an older baby blue Air Force One plane “for old time’s sake” ⁠to RAF Mildenhall in Britain while the new plane stopped at the same base so US service members stationed there could tour the aircraft.

After Mr. Trump boarded the old Air Force One in front of cameras in Ankara, he was secretly shuttled by an airport catering truck to a smaller plane, an Air Force C-32A, the Post reported citing a US official familiar with the operation and corroborating material it reviewed.

The deception operation was triggered by a credible threat to Mr. Trump, the Post reported. A similar operation had taken place in 2000, when President Bill Clinton used an unmarked executive jet to fly into Pakistan while sending his formal Air Force One as decoy.

On this occasion, the journalists who thought they were traveling with Mr. Trump on the older Air Force One, which was effectively used as a decoy, reported being advised to keep their window shades in the press cabin closed. The Post said aside from reporters, some White House staff also believed that the president was on board. When asked later by reporters why they had to keep their shades shut during the flight, Mr. Trump said it was because they were “probably on a dangerous flight.” He went onto say: “But if I go, you go. Right?”

The C-32A carrying Mr. Trump flew to Britain, arriving at around 10:20 p.m. with the older Air Force One and media, arriving minutes later, the Post reported. It was not clear, the paper said, how Mr. Trump was moved from the C-32A back to the older Air Force One.

Mr. Trump’s traveling press pool reported he climbed down the stairs of the older Air Force One at 10:56 p.m. local time. He gave press a peace sign but didn’t walk over to talk to them. He then spent some time greeting service members before walking to the new, Qatar-donated plane.

When asked for comment on the revelation of a secret flight on a third plane, the White House provided a statement from Communications Director Steve Cheung saying the Qatari-donated jet has been fitted with high-level security protocols that ensure the safety of the president and his staff.

“As the President has said recently, there are many enemies of America who have their sights on him, and we use every tool at our disposal to address those threats,” Mr. Cheung said. It was the same statement provided to the Post.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. — Reuters

Hopes for Hormuz deal fade as Trump demands Iranian reparations

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 21:00:12 -0600

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump on Monday responded to Iran’s conditions for a peace deal with his own demands that Iran pay compensation for people killed in wars, attacks and protests, in a rhetorical escalation likely to complicate efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Mr. Trump’s proposal, which had not been raised before, was a response to Tehran’s demands for compensation and an end to sanctions. The Iranian demands were largely in line with the terms of a preliminary peace deal signed in June, which has since broken down.

Since the war began in February, Mr. Trump has repeatedly oscillated between threats of escalation and claims that a peace deal is imminent.

“We’re going to ask for money for the damage they’ve done over a 50-year period,” Mr. Trump said at the White House, saying payments would cover deaths among both civilian demonstrators and US forces in the region.

“So if there’s damages to be paid, I think Iran should pay those damages,” Mr. Trump said.

Oil prices settled 5% higher on Monday after the demands dimmed prospects for a deal to reopen the strait.

TRUMP CITES ATTACK BLAMED ON AL QAEDA, NOT IRAN

Referring to Tehran’s crackdown on demonstrations in late 2025 and 2026, Mr. Trump said Iran had killed some 52,000 protesters as of six weeks ago. While some Iranian opposition and exile groups have claimed tens of thousands killed, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) in February reported around 7,000 deaths including 6,500 protesters.

Mr. Trump encouraged protesters to overthrow the Iranian government when the war began with US and Israeli airstrikes in February. Rights groups say the Iranian government has continued to crack down on opponents since then.

Mr. Trump also said Iran should compensate families of the 17 US sailors killed in an October 2000 attack in Yemen on the naval vessel USS Cole, which has been blamed on al Qaeda, not Iran.

“Also, with respect to the Iran negotiations, Iran should be responsible for the damages and death caused to the people of Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza!” Mr. Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

Iran earlier said it was nearing a final pact with Oman defining new shipping lanes between them through the Strait of Hormuz but repeated that the US must meet conditions, including compensation and an end to sanctions and military threats before the key waterway is reopened.

The strait, through which about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flowed prior to the conflict, has been effectively blocked since the war began, pushing up oil prices and inflation.

TRUMP UNDER PRESSURE

Ironically, the agreement with Oman would give Tehran more leverage over the key waterway than it had before the war began.

Mr. Trump is under pressure to end a war that is deeply unpopular at home ahead of midterm elections in November, and high fuel prices are a top issue in rural areas that have backed him in the past.

“What you’re seeing here is the beginning of a capitulation,” Democratic US Representative Bill Keating said on CNN. “This is reality. It’s sinking in.”

Earlier on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said talks with Oman were “progressing smoothly and constructively”, with an agreement reached on a shipping route map, while some technical issues remained unresolved.

Mr. Baghaei said the discussions also covered services which would normally involve payment, such as safe navigation, environmental protection, maritime services and combating crime.

US officials have repeatedly ruled out any deal that would allow Tehran to charge fees for access to the strait.

But months of US military efforts, including a two-week campaign of strikes in July, have not broken Iran’s grip on the strait, despite Mr. Trump’s misleading claim, repeated on Monday, that the strait was open and, “The only one that has control of the Strait of Hormuz right now is the United States Navy.”

Washington and Tehran agreed to a ceasefire in June, but the US reimposed a blockade on Iranian shipping in July, a move that Tehran said violated the truce.

Iran has been striking back with missiles and drones against Washington’s allies in the region, while also targeting commercial ships transiting the strait without its permission. — Reuters

Meralco to refund P0.59/kWh this month

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:02:06 -0600

MANILA ELECTRIC CO. (Meralco) will refund residential customers at a rate of P0.59 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in their August electricity bills following approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

The refund is part of a P9.5-billion amount approved by the regulator after Meralco over-recovered distribution charges due to delays in the rate-setting process.

“We expect that the latest refund will be enough to offset other upward adjustments in the August bills,” said Joe R. Zaldarriaga, Meralco’s vice-president and head of corporate communications, in a statement on Sunday.

Other adjustments include higher reserve market prices, an increase in the feed-in tariff allowance (FIT-All), and the recovery of pass-through costs.

The ERC approved a P0.1348-per-kWh increase in the FIT-All collected by the National Transmission Corp. starting in August.

The increase will be added to the existing FIT-All rate of P0.2011 per kWh, bringing the total to P0.3359 per kWh.

FIT-All is a uniform charge collected from on-grid electricity consumers to pay renewable energy developers that have secured fixed rates for the electricity generated by their projects.

Meanwhile, the ERC allowed Meralco to collect P8.7 billion from customers over three years for unrecovered generation, transmission, and system loss charges, as well as real property taxes.

“We are hoping that the downward adjustment will bring relief to Meralco customers, especially with the lower overall demand observed in the Luzon grid as earlier reported by IEMOP (Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines),” Mr. Zaldarriaga said.

Electricity prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market in Luzon declined by 8.2% to P7.95 per kWh as demand and supply softened.

Meralco is the Philippines’ largest private electricity distribution utility, serving more than 8.2 million customers in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, including Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal, as well as parts of Laguna, Batangas, Pampanga, and Quezon.

ENERGY SALES RECOVERY
Meralco expects electricity sales within its distribution network to grow this year after recording a recovery in July.

Ronnie L. Aperocho, executive vice-president and chief operating officer of Meralco, said the company expects its energy sales volume to increase by 2% to 2.5% this year after remaining relatively flat in 2025.

“At present, our sales are relatively flat, but in the second half of the year, with the onset of El Niño, we expect a recovery,” he told reporters last week.

Energy sales volume increased by 6.9% in July, with Meralco expecting the growth to be sustained.

In the first six months, energy sales in its distribution utility segment declined by 0.5%, which the company attributed to the increasing adoption of rooftop solar systems.

“Some of these new residential customers that we’re energizing also have their own rooftop solar, so that’s really the challenge,” Mr. Aperocho said.

Meralco is also seeking to capture part of the rooftop solar market through its subsidiary MSpectrum, Inc., which provides solar systems to residential and commercial customers.

Meralco’s controlling stakeholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

NG debt service bill increases to P77.2 billion in June

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:02:06 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

THE NATIONAL Government’s (NG) debt service bill jumped in June on higher interest and amortization payments, the Bureau of the Treasury said.

The latest Treasury data showed payments made by the government for its obligations rose by 18.5% to P77.22 billion in June from P65.14 billion in the same month a year ago.

Month on month, however, debt service declined by 20.5% from P97.18 billion in May.

Debt service refers to payments made by the NG for its domestic and foreign debt.

The bulk or 80.8% of debt payments in June consisted of interest payments, while the rest were amortization payments.

The government’s interest payments rose by 8.7% to P62.43 billion in June from P57.42 billion in the same month a year earlier.

Interest payments for domestic debt stood at P39.92 billion in June, up by 3.7% from P38.48 billion in the same month in 2025.

Of the total, P19.09 billion went to interest payments for retail Treasury bonds, P15.16 billion for fixed-rate Treasury bonds, and P4.32 billion for Treasury bills.

Meanwhile, interest payments for foreign borrowings rose by 18.9% to P22.51 billion in June from P18.94 billion a year prior.

On the other hand, NG’s repayment of its loan principal surged by 91.5% to P14.79 billion in June from P7.72 billion a year ago.

These consisted of P540 million in amortization on domestic obligations, surging tenfold from P54 million a year ago, and P14.25 billion for foreign obligations, which rose by 85.8% from P7.67 billion.

SIX-MONTH BILL
For the first six months, the government’s debt service bill increased by 59.7% to P1.23 trillion from P768.11 billion in the same period last year.

In the first half, the NG’s repayment of its loan principal accounted for more than half or 60.6% of the total debt service bill.

Amortization payments in the January-to-June period jumped by 110.3% to P743 billion from P353.29 billion a year ago.

Broken down, principal payments for domestic debt soared by 270.1% to P630.91 billion, while payments for external borrowings declined by 38.7% to P112.1 billion.

Meanwhile, interest payments stood at P483.69 billion in the six months ending June, up by 16.6% from P414.82 billion in the same period a year ago.

Interest payments on domestic debt jumped by 20.3% year on year to P360.72 billion in the first six months from P299.83 billion a year ago.

This consisted of P242.16 billion in fixed-rate Treasury bonds, P87.5 billion in retail Treasury bonds, P25.15 billion in Treasury bills, and P5.9 billion in interest payments for other domestic borrowings.

Interest payments on foreign obligations increased by 6.9% year on year to P122.97 billion in the January-to-June period from P114.99 billion a year ago.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the higher debt service bill reflects maturing debt and the wider budget deficit.

The NG’s budget deficit widened by 9.39% year on year to P264.3 billion in June, bringing the six-month gap 2.79% higher at P786.8 billion.

Meanwhile, NG’s outstanding debt climbed by 2.8% to P19.07 trillion at end-June from the P18.55-trillion end-May level.

“Higher US dollar/peso exchange rate in recent years also bloated the peso equivalent of foreign debt in recent years, as well as interest payments for those foreign debts,” Mr. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

The local currency closed at P61.36 versus the dollar on June 30, weakening by P2.57 from its P58.79 close on Dec. 29, 2025.

“For the coming months, debt servicing bill would be a function of maturing debt, such as the P100-billion maturing Treasury bonds and retail Treasury bonds in September,” he said.

However, Mr. Ricafort said possible rate hikes and a still relatively higher US dollar/peso exchange rate may increase principal and interest payments.

Semiconductor exports could reach up to $54B this year — SEIPI

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:02:06 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

PHILIPPINE EXPORTS of semiconductor and electronic products could reach a new high of $54 billion this year amid surging demand for tech components needed to support artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and data centers, an industry group said.

“Initially, we were conservative at 5%, but looking at the performance of the other industries, we upped it to 10% for 2026. So, that would be around $53 billion to $54 billion,” Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI) President Danilo C. Lachica told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Friday.

The 10% forecast is higher than SEIPI’s initial 5% growth forecast for semiconductor and electronics exports this year.

“For 2025, we did not expect exports to hit 16%, so we only projected flat growth [for this year] because of the geopolitical wars and supply-chain (disruption), but what happened is [export growth] was driven by AI,” Mr. Lachica said.

Electronics exports rose by 16.11% to $49.64 billion in 2025 from $42.75 billion in 2024, according to SEIPI data.

Mr. Lachica noted that while the Philippines does not produce AI chips, it specializes in support equipment to power AI engines and data centers.

“Since AI and data centers are still gonna grow, and then there’s automotive electronics, so we’re projecting 10% growth in exports,” Mr. Lachica said.

He noted that Hong Kong remains the top destination for Philippine-made electronics and semiconductor exports, followed by the United States and China.

On the other hand, China remained the top source for electronics imports, driven mainly by silicon wafers.

“We have to strengthen our localization initiatives,” Mr. Lachica said.

The Philippines’ share in the global semiconductor market is about 5% as of 2025, he noted.

SEIPI is also looking to increase the country’s share in the electronics manufacturing services market, the sector which specializes in the complete assembly of consumer electronic devices like mobile phones.

“It’s a very big trillion-dollar market, but our share is only 1% for now,” Mr. Lachica said.

The group is also hoping to resubmit to the Department of Science and Technology its proposal to establish a lab-scale wafer fabrication facility by 2027.

“It will be the proof-of-concept to show the world that we can [specialize] in wafer fab,” he said, noting that semiconductor companies still identify the Philippines as a hub for back-end semiconductor manufacturing.

“We’re good in assembly, test and packaging, and we’re starting to grow the IC (integrated circuit) design industry, but without the wafer fab, we’re not realizing the full potential to complete the semiconductor supply chain,” Mr. Lachica said.

On the possibility of building a wafer fab facility inside the Philippines’ AI-native hub in New Clark City, Tarlac under the Pax Silica initiative, Mr. Lachica said this might not be possible at the moment.

“I would love to have a wafer fab in Pax Silica, but we’re not ready for that. You can’t convince like a TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.) or a TI (Texas Instruments, Inc.) to build a wafer fab in the Philippines if we don’t have the track record,” he said.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said the upcoming AI-native hub in New Clark City, Tarlac under the Pax Silica initiative would help increase the value of the country’s electronics and semiconductor exports.

“If you look at our semiconductors and electronics, they are somewhat left behind because of the new technologies,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a briefing last week.

“So, with this Pax Silica, if we succeed in attracting these kinds of industries, it is going to be a game changer for that sector to become more robust,” Mr. Balisacan said.

Electronic products remained the Philippines’ top export in first half of 2026, rising by 20.7% to $26.1 billion from $21.62 billion last year, according to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data.

Semiconductor exports, which accounted for the bulk of electronic products, also climbed by 21.7% to $19.5 billion in the six-month period from $16.02 billion a year ago, PSA data showed.

Proposed higher excise taxes likely to further stall consumer spending

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:02:06 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES’ already subdued consumer spending could come under further pressure if the government pushes through with plans to hike taxes on sugary drinks, e-cigarettes and alcohol, despite the expected income tax relief, analysts said.

Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes, a senior research fellow at the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development, said while higher excise taxes could provide some fiscal relief, it could also dampen household spending.

“Raising excise taxes improves fiscal sustainability and creates room to finance public services and infrastructure,” he told BusinessWorld via Facebook Messenger. “However, if implemented when consumer demand is already weakening, those taxes can reduce household spending in the short run.”

The levies’ impact, according to Mr. Peña-Reyes, would depend on the coverage of the tax reform package proposed by the Department of Finance (DoF).

“Yes, it could dampen consumption, but the magnitude depends on which goods are taxed, how large the tax increase is, and whether income tax relief reaches the same households that bear the higher excise taxes,” he said.

In the second quarter, household final consumption expenditure — a key driver of the economy — grew by 2.8% in the second quarter, further slowing from the 5.2% print in the same quarter last year and 3% in the previous quarter.

This was the weakest pace since the 4.8% contraction in the first quarter of 2021. Excluding the pandemic, this was the slowest growth in consumption since 2.6% in the third quarter of 2010.

This could weaken even further if the government raises excise taxes, Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco said.

“Yes, increased excise tax may dampen consumption growth more, which had become anemic since the Middle East crisis,” he told BusinessWorld in a Viber message.

“Higher inflation is already a tax on income earners,” he added. “Higher excise taxes risk slower consumption and growth. Of course, the increased excise taxes are targeted to vice products and demand elasticity will determine how much consumption will decrease due to the increased excise taxes.”

On Monday, the DoF unveiled tax reforms under the proposed Promoting Growth, Revenue, and Equity towards Socio-economic Sustainability (ProGRESS) bill.

The measure covers new or higher taxes on sweetened beverages, e-cigarettes, flexible plastic products, luxury vehicles and private aircraft, and is projected to generate an average revenue of P129.68 billion annually from 2027 to 2030.

According to the DoF, this could offset the estimated P81.73-billion annual foregone revenue from raising the threshold for income tax exemptions to P350,000 from P250,000 for low- and middle-income earners and the tax exemptions for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Filomeno S. Sta Ana, III, coordinator of the Action for Economic Reforms, noted that expected losses from the proposed tax breaks likely forced fiscal authorities to look for new revenue streams.

“The administration has no choice but to find new sources of revenues. Not only to compensate for the revenue losses from increased income tax relief but also to prevent a fiscal crisis amid a deteriorating fiscal situation. So, the will (to impose new taxes) should be there,” he said via Viber.

If the ProGRESS bill is enacted, the excise tax on beverages using caloric or noncaloric sweeteners would more than triple to P20 per liter from P6, while the levy on beverages using high-fructose corn syrup would climb to P40 per liter from P12.

The DoF also seeks to expand the excise tax coverage to edible ices, including ice cream, sorbets, ice lollies and frozen yogurt.

It likewise wants to impose by 2027 a unified P72.93 excise tax rate per milliliter of salt nicotine, per two milliliters of freebase nicotine and per pack of 20 heated tobacco products.

For distilled spirits, the excise tax could rise to P157.21 per proof liter, with the DoF proposing to tax premixed alcoholic beverages or alcopops as well.

The DoF also plans to impose a P150-per-kilogram excise tax on sando bags, labo bags, and sachets. It also wants to increase the excise taxes on automobiles and nonessential goods, including private aircraft, with a 75% tax rate on vehicles with a net manufacturer’s or importer’s price exceeding P8 million.

“We note that this excise tax reform package is a bundle of potentially unpopular and favorable tax adjustments,” University of Asia and the Pacific Economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

“While many may view higher taxes on sweetened beverages, plastics, and e-cigarettes unfavorably, similarly higher taxes on discretionary items such as luxury cars and private aircraft may be more palatable to many Filipinos, along with the increase in the income tax exemption threshold,” he added.

‘DOUBLE WIN’
Meanwhile, Mr. Sta. Ana dubbed the proposed excise taxes as a “double win” for the country, as it could discourage the use of harmful products while also boosting the government’s revenues.

“(T)he excise taxes on these products benefit health. Thus, one goal is precisely to discourage consumption of such unhealthy products,” he said. “But at the same time the taxes generate revenues. A double win.”

Despite the new and updated excise taxes, Mr. Agonia hinted that consumption will still likely hold as consumers resort to alternatives for the affected products, especially with additional budget from the income tax relief.

“This income tax relief may still have a net positive effect on consumption. With BSP’s estimated household marginal propensity to consume being close to 1.0, that implies that most of every additional peso of income for households gets spent back into the consumer economy,” he said.

“Recipients of the annual income tax-exempt threshold will likely spend their additional income to purchase goods and services. Furthermore, additional prices for sugary drinks and plastics may simply encourage consumers to substitute for other goods,” Mr. Agonia added.

He also noted that individuals falling under the P350,000 annual income bracket are unlikely to be affected by the higher levies on luxury vehicles and personal aircraft.

For Mr. Peña-Reyes, on the other hand, keeping the expanded excise tax package targeted to sin products could limit its impact on consumer spending.

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Europacific Aboitiz Philippines, the country’s Coca-Cola bottler and distributor, said it is reviewing the proposed changes to the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.

“At this time, we are in the process of gathering and reviewing all available information to fully understand the potential implications,” the company told BusinessWorld in an e-mailed reply to questions.

“Generally, any increase in taxes on food and beverage products has the potential to affect consumers, retailers, and small businesses across the value chain. Our focus remains on continuing to provide Filipinos with a range of beverages choices while supporting affordability and accessibility for consumers,” it said. — with Alexandria Grace C. Magno

Rate hike seen despite growth slump

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:02:06 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

A THIRD STRAIGHT rate hike from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected later this month as it seeks to steer inflation back to target even as economic growth slumped to a new post-pandemic low in the second quarter.

Security Bank Chief Economist Angelo B. Taningco said the BSP could remain hawkish but with a less aggressive stance after weaker-than-expected inflation and gross domestic product (GDP) growth.

“We think the slower-than-expected second-quarter GDP growth performance together with another month of downside CPI (consumer price index) inflation surprise in July have reinforced our less aggressive monetary tightening outlook,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

This means ending its tightening cycle with a final 25-basis-point (bp) rate hike at its upcoming policy review on Aug. 27.

“The continued weakness of the economy means the case for further hikes is less clear-cut,” Capital Economics Senior Asia Economist Gareth Leather said in a report.

“But with inflation still well above target, we expect one more 25-bp hike at the BSP’s next meeting on 27^th August before it calls a halt to its hiking cycle,” he added.

Mr. Leather noted that further tightening will strain domestic activity, especially as he sees GDP growth missing the government’s target at around 3% this year and 4.5% next year.

In the second quarter, GDP growth slowed to 2.3% from 5.4% a year ago and 2.8% in the previous quarter as the oil shock-driven inflation dampened household spending and lingering governance issues subdued investments.

This marked the fourth consecutive quarter of slowing growth. It was also the economy’s worst performance since the pandemic or when it contracted by 3.8% in the first quarter of 2021.

The latest GDP print brought the country’s first-half growth to 2.6%, below the government’s 3.5%-4.5% full-year target.

Meanwhile, headline inflation slowed for a third straight month at 6.2% in July. This was, however, the fifth month in a row that inflation settled above the central bank’s 3% target. Inflation averaged 5% in the seven-month period.

Bank of the Philippine Islands Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri, Jr. said potentially heavier price pressures from the El Niño event and expectations of a second-half economic rebound may leave the door open for “a larger rate increase later in the year.”

“Recent policy actions suggest that the central bank is attempting to balance the need to bring inflation under control while avoiding a sharp slowdown in economic activity, resulting in a gradual pace of tightening in recent months,” he said in a report.

“However, a larger rate increase later in the year cannot be ruled out, particularly if the impact of El Niño on food prices proves more severe than currently anticipated. Moreover, a potential rebound in economic growth in the second half of the year may allow BSP to place greater emphasis on anchoring inflation expectations,” he added.

On the other hand, Nomura Global Markets Research is projecting up to a fourth straight 25-bp rate hike, noting that inflation concerns outweigh growth woes in the BSP’s policy framework.

“The Q2 GDP disappointment will unlikely derail BSP’s hiking cycle, in our view, because it remains focused on bringing inflation back to target over the policy horizon (2027-2028) and anchoring inflation expectations, rather than supporting domestic demand,” Nomura economists Euben Paracuelles and Nabila Amani said in an e-mailed note.

Mr. Paracuelles and Ms. Amani said the central bank may remain measured as it balances fresh inflation risks, improved fiscal spending, and a still-negative output gap.

University of Asia and the Pacific Economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia likewise sees the BSP delivering two additional 25-bp rate increases before standing pat this year.

“The expected second-half recovery narrative may keep the BSP in a moderately conservative stance,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail. “BSP may continue tightening to manage inflation expectations, but we think they won’t tighten by too much as implementation risks still exist for these (infrastructure) projects.”

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has said that there is a “small chance” that emerging inflationary risks from the Middle East war-driven volatility, wage hike, and the government’s new tax reforms could prompt them to deliver a 50-bp rate hike.

He also earlier said that the economy can likely absorb a third-quarter-point hike, with the government’s catch-up measures projected to boost growth in the second half.

A PAUSE?
For Philippine National Bank Chief Economist Alvin Joseph A. Arogo, however, the current macro backdrop calls for the BSP to hit pause on tightening before economic growth suffers further.

“It is very clear that the rate hikes have been quickly felt by the real economy,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail. “Although headline and core inflation are still above the BSP’s target, the July print suggests the trend is downward.”

“Therefore, the BSP should keep the policy rate unchanged on Aug. 27 as another hike will do more harm than good since it would put at risk the potential for growth recovery in the second half but not solve the supply-shock driven inflation,” Mr. Arogo added.

Miguel Chanco, chief Emerging Asia economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics, also expects the central bank to stand pat, saying that inflation likely peaked, but growth might not have bottomed out.

“Our core view is that further tightening now from the Board later this month would be overkill,” he also told BusinessWorld in an e-mail. “It’s quite clear that the postwar surge in inflation has peaked, even if we might see some stickiness in the headline rate in (the) short run due to the temporary rise in oil prices last month.”

“What is a bigger doubt is whether the slowdown in growth has bottomed out, which is where I think the Board’s attention should now turn to,” he added.

Mr. Chanco noted that the economy might not recover as much in the second half as the government expects, citing the damage the Middle East war has inflicted on business and consumer confidence, alongside persistently weak infrastructure spending.

Since it began tightening in April, the central bank has so far lifted benchmark borrowing costs by 50 bps, which brought the policy rate to a near one-year high of 4.75%.

“I don’t think we’ve seen enough hikes this year to materially impact growth in the near term, due to the natural lags between monetary policy and the real economy,” Mr. Chanco added. “At least, however, it will hold back the prospects of a decent recovery.”

The Monetary Board will hold its fourth rate-setting meeting this year on Aug. 27, with two more to follow on Oct. 22 and Dec. 17.

The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 Episode 3 Review: And the Vanishing Bankers

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:01:06 -0600

Critic’s Rating: 4 / 5.0

It’s rather amusing to have a Librarian who predates the magical source material. It never occurred to me there could be new mythology.

Vikram, being a product of the first half of the 1800s, has a well-versed knowledge of classic mythology and folklore. However, he knows nothing about J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan character.

Fun fact, Peter Pan was actually first introduced in Barrie’s 1904 West End play, Peter Pan, or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up, not the book, which wouldn’t be published until 1911.

(Courtesy of TNT)

Meanwhile, Charlie’s feeling the weight of responsibility as Guardian and the idea of flying away to Never-Never Land is probably looking rather tempting.

I love a good mash-up, and The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 Episode 3, “And the Vanishing Bankers,” mashes up two of my favorite things: mythology and children’s literature.

In a delightfully innovative twist, Pan, the Greek god of wild things, is reincarnated as Peter Pan, an immortal boy who leads a pack of Wild Boys.

I’d never considered the fact of the parallels, but, as it turns out, *does a quick Google search* Barrie actually drew direct inspiration from the god Pan when creating Peter.

(Courtesy of TNT)

The Librarians: The Next Chapter “And the Vanishing Bankers”

To be honest, the Peter Pan books are a bit of a tedious read as far as children’s books go. I remember making the effort after watching the 2003 movie, and only Nana, the dog, was truly memorable.

However, the lore of Peter and Wendy and the Darling children is well-known and beloved by many thanks to Disney and other film and literary adaptations.

So having him leap to life, weaponizing the allure of eternal childhood to ensnare those who have given in to the quiet despair of adulting, is not too hard to imagine.

(Courtesy of TNT)

Casting Ty Tennant, one-time Targaryen and IRL son and grandson of two Doctor Who actors — another iconic character known for regenerating — as the perpetually prepubescent Peter Pan is a fabulous get for the role.

He not only exudes the energy and careless chaos Peter is known for, but also shades it with the malevolent intent of the Pan persona, determined to escape the mundane world for Neverland, taking his playmates along.

Guardian Blues

Modern-day Guardians are a special subset of Library denizen. Charlie, like Eve Baird before her, has multiple Librarians under her care, which is a lot.

It’s no wonder that historically, when there was only a singular Librarian on duty, there would be one Guardian assigned to keep them alive.

(Courtesy of TNT)

Dealing with magical artifacts and beings means they have to contend with dangerous situations, deadly enemies, and daily threats.

Multiply that by three Librarians who are often in disagreement, going their own way, or flat-out refusing to follow procedure, and a responsible-minded Guardian is well on their way to burnout.

Where Librarians lean into their mercurial, brilliant minds, often leaping into action without consideration for their safety, Guardians are meant to be prepared for every possible outcome.

Again, times three, in Charlie’s case.

So, when she seems a bit enamored with the idea of becoming Peter’s Wendy and foregoing her seemingly undervalued Guardian duties, it feels believable.

(Courtesy of TNT)

Playing the Part

To be fair, Vikram, Lysa, and Conner would never deliberately undervalue Charlie’s work. They are just completely clueless about how much a Guardian does.

Vikram never worked with one before. And Lysa and Conner barely know what Librarian duties entail.

Only Mrs. Astolat sympathizes with Charlie’s plight, but mostly because her work and expertise get overlooked just as much.

And at least Mrs. Astolat has the freedom to leave them to their shenanigans. Charlie has to police them.

For the Librarians to take on Peter Pan in all his egocentric glory is for them to see what their behavior borders on. Childlike wonder and enthusiasm is one thing. Juvenile heedlessness and reckless hedonism another.

(Courtesy of TNT)

The Upside to Downers

In the context of a very clever script, Charlie’s solution to Peter’s attempt to take her with him to Neverland is a sparkling topper.

How does one foil an opponent who flies on the power of whimsy? Weigh yourself down with thoughts of responsibility and obligation.

It’s such a brilliant ploy that simultaneously delivers the message that maturity and accountability can save us when our imaginations get out of hand.

(Courtesy of TNT)

There’s nothing necessarily wrong with feeling the bounds of adult commitments. Being a reliable person who follows through on pledges builds bonds of trust and faithfulness with your team.

But it’s vital that you feel valued by those you make the effort to protect and prepare. As a Guardian, there won’t ever be a time Charlie won’t feel the pressure to keep the Librarians safe.

If she feels her contributions are appreciated, she’ll rise to the occasion as effectively as fairy dust. Moving forward, the team will hopefully be less likely to take her for granted.

Sometimes, it takes a change in perspective to remind you what makes the magic work.

(Courtesy of TNT)

Magical Beings

So far, The Librarians: The Next Chapter Season 2 has been more concerned with magical beings than mortals messing with magical artifacts.

There was the fear demon at the school, then the genie, now Peter/Pan. But, of course, the season’s Big Bad is Merlin, who isn’t a magical being as much as a great user of magic.

So, there’s balance.

Who do you think The Librarians will come up against next, Fanatics? Are there any boogey beings you’d like to lurk under their beds? Or a favorite character from mythology?

Hit our comments with who/what you’d like to see next. Also, rate the episode in the poll below!

On The Librarians: The Next Chapter, “And the Vanishing Bankers,” Charlie gets the chance at a second childhood! We review how that goes…
On The Librarians: The Next Chapter “…And the Tethered Wish,” a freed genie causes havoc & Jacob Stone (!) gets dragged into it. Our review!
On the Season 2 premiere of The Librarians: The Next Chapter, “And the Burning Heart,” tempers get strangely spicy. Also, #Merlin! Our review!

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Ocasio-Cortez hasn’t ruled out running for president or Senate in 2028

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:01:05 -0600

US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) speaks on the first day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, on August 19, 2024.

Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Sunday she has not “ruled out” a run for president in 2028 as the Democratic Party‘s left flank surges in midterm primaries across the country.

“I haven’t ruled out the possibility, and I’m very humbled [by] the tremendous amount of support out there,” Ocasio-Cortez said when asked about a potential run on ABC’s “This Week.” “I think that we have a responsibility to remain focused on the midterms and not on our individual aspirations.”

LA Jazz Festival featuring John Legend, Janelle Monáe and many more cancelled

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:01:05 -0600

The LA Jazz Festival featuring John Legend, Janelle Monáe, Ezra Collective and many more has been cancelled.

READ MORE: Ezra Collective interview: “If someone is at the BRITs because we inspired them, then we last forever”

The bash was set to start on Friday (August 7) with an opening night event in Leimert Park Village and run until August 23 with further performances from Parliament-Funkadelic, Raphael Saadiq, Ezra Collective, Big Freedia, Free Nationals, Terrace Martin and Charlie Wilson.

But it was axed just hours before it was due to start.

Organizer Martin Ludlow, a former LA city council member told the Los Angeles Times: “Due to significant, unanticipated last-minute public safety and municipal costs associated with the final permitting of the On The Beach Festival, we have reached the decision to unfortunately postpone this year’s inaugural LA Jazz Festival.

“Although this decision was an extremely difficult one to reach, our commitment to the audiences and artists participating in the festival is to have a first-class experience worthy of the great legacy of jazz and our great city.

“We were encouraged by the enthusiastic support of the artists on the bill, the fans and our sponsors for this inaugural event, and we look forward to presenting all of the components of this incredible cultural opportunity for Los Angeles and the world in 2027 and beyond.”

He went on to say that all current ticket holders for LA Jazz Festival events will be refunded in full within 30 days.

The festival’s official website is now currently advertising an event on the weekend of August 22-23 with “updated event info coming soon.”

Elsewhere, Ezra Collective announced their fourth studio album, ‘Here Because Of Hope’, earlier this year.

The London jazz group will release the follow-up to 2024’s ‘Dance, No One’s Watching’ on September 18 via Partisan. Pre-order/pre-save here.

Read the original article here

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Watch Charli XCX Join the Strokes for “Take It Or Leave It” at Outside Lands

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 09 Aug 2026 21:01:04 -0600

Just a few weeks after their respective new albums dropped on the same day, Charli xcx made an appearance during the Strokes’ Saturday headlining set at Outside Lands in San Francisco. She joined the band to perform their 2001 track “Take It Or Leave It.” Watch it go down below.

“We’ve got a special little guest; a big guest. Well, a superstar,” Julian Casablancas said onstage before bringing Charli out. Jokingly pointing Reality Awaits and Music, Fashion, Film’s shared July 24 release date (and sales competition), he added: “We had a great battle. You defeated us.” Charli headlined Outside Lands on Friday night, making her debut at the festival.

Outside Lands continues in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park tonight, with performances set to come from Baby Keem, Death Cab for Cutie, Empire of the Sun, Mariah the Scientist, and more. Find out how to livestream the festival here.

Read Shaad D’Souza’s profile The Life of the Party: A Week on Tour With Charli xcx.

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Big Brother Spoilers: Veto Winner Leads to a Shifting Target

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:01:05 -0600

Who would have thought that Big Brother Season 28 would get good after so many meandering weeks?

All the season needed was a blindside to shift the house dynamic and introduce a new set of targets.

As TV Fanatic previously reported, LaTrice won the Week 5 Head of Household competition, beating out Kamu at the final hurdle.

(CBS/Screenshot)

This happened hours after Kamu, Hayley, and Chuk were left out of a vote flip to save Drew and Melody and send Lyric out of the house.

That left outgoing HOH Hayley with a sour taste in her mouth. Initially, she wanted to take out Taylor, but that plan blew up when Taylor won the Veto competition.

Then, she wanted Drew or Melody gone, and that blew up when Angela, Dee, and Devens worked the house to flip the vote.

Hayley’s reaction during the eviction episode was priceless.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Her week of power culminated in confusion, and she went from the most powerful place in the house to the most vulnerable: The block.

We saw LaTrice on Friday morning trying to come to terms with who to target this week, and after the way Hayley treated the rest of the house, she was high up on her list.

Hayley has ruffled feathers for complaining that the game has been hard, yet she spent the first four weeks on the side of the house with all of the power.

Hayley thought her game was so tough as HOH that she would win the next Big Brother Time Capsule.

The delusion is real with her, but then, it’s real with most people in the game.

LaTrice nominated Barrett and Chuk alongside Hayley for eviction. For now, Barrett is a pawn, and Chuk is only up because LaTrice heard he said he would target her.

So, LaTrice felt that putting him up now was good for her game. It also meant that if he won the Veto, he couldn’t save Hayley.

He’d likely want to save himself first. So, you can only imagine my surprise when Hayley started floating ideas to keep her, Chuk, and Kamu safe.

(CBS/Screenshot)

She initially said she would remove Chuk from the block and stay on it until Thursday.

She then said that she or Chuk could win and keep the nominations the same because she believes Kamu is the target and she doesn’t want to be on the block with two of her allies.

It’s a wild sentiment to make, but why does she think that she could rally the votes against Barrett?

Barrett is safe because he’s played the middle and has won no competitions on Big Brother. There’s no way that he would be seen as a bigger threat than Chuk, Hayley, or Kamu.

The target so far this week seems to be Hayley, but with how quickly things have changed in the house in a few days, it’s anyone’s guess as to who will be put on the block on Monday if someone comes down.

LaTrice seems intent on shaking up the game, and it’s long overdue.

The Big Brother Live Feeds went down on Saturday afternoon and returned later, revealing that Kamu won the latest Power of Veto.

This is sure to cause some big changes to LaTrice’s plans.

What are your thoughts on the winner?

Do you expect the Veto to be used?

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.

Big Brother just changed the game again thanks to the Week 5 Veto results. Get all the details inside about what’s going down.
The power has finally shifted on Big Brother Season 28! Is the Toolshed dead and buried? Who’s been nominated? Get the spoilers.
Project Runway finally delivered one of the best, most creative, strongest challenges in years, and then Law and Tyra Banks derailed it. We vent!

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Hunter Biden says Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, is ‘very debilitating’

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:01:04 -0600

President Joe Biden stands with his son Hunter Biden after the president arrived at the Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, June 11, 2024.

Anna Rose Layden | Reuters

Former President Joe Biden’s prostate cancer has spread further, his son Hunter Biden said in a BBC interview, offering a stark update on the 83-year-old’s health.

“It’s really, really hard, and it’s really sad to watch… I wish he would complain more, because it’s not good,” Hunter Biden said in the interview. “The cancer has spread, is metastasized into his bones and further. It’s very painful. It’s very debilitating in many respects, but he’s still out there. He’s still doing his thing… he so believes in this country.”

Joe Biden was diagnosed in May 2025 with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The former president later underwent hormone treatment and a course of radiation therapy.

In the wide-ranging BBC interview, Hunter Biden also discussed his father’s decision to pardon him in the final weeks of his presidency, saying he remains deeply grateful for the move.

“I am the most privileged person, as it relates to that, that there could possibly be,” Hunter Biden said. “I was one of one, and I’m eternally grateful for it.”

Joe Biden issued a sweeping pardon to his son in December 2024, reversing earlier pledges that he would not use his presidential powers to intervene in Hunter Biden’s federal criminal cases. The pardon covered his convictions on federal gun and tax charges.

Read the complete BBC article here.

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Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter says writing the score for ‘Tron: Legacy’ was “depressing” and “limiting”

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:01:04 -0600

Daft Punk‘s Thomas Bangalter has said writing the score for Tron: Legacy was a “depressing” and “limiting” experience.

READ MORE: The enduring influence of Daft Punk: “They gave off this attitude of not giving a fuck”

The musician and producer reflected on working on the 2010 Disney film during a recent episode of The A24 Podcast, in conversation with Dev Hynes, aka Blood Orange.

He explained that director Joseph Kosinski – who went on to make Top Gun: Maverick and F1, had expected Daft Punk to create an entirely electronic score, but Bangalter and Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo actually wanted to use the opportunity to work with a full symphony orchestra.

“Initially, he was like, ‘Oh no I want you guys to do a full electronic score’,” Bangalter said. “By that time, I’d done that music for 15 years, [so I said], ‘No, we’re going to Hollywood. We’re gonna use Fantasia. Like, it’s Disney. So it’s like a full orchestra’.”

He said he spent months working on synth tones for the score, but making it fit with the film was a huge challenge. “The problem was that when we started to experiment with picture, anything that was in the medium range, frequency-wise, would conflict with dialogue.”

“It was so limiting to feel like, ‘Oh yeah, I have all these ideas about things that we can really make music. But the whole thing about film score music is to take a step back and have the performance and not be in the way.”

“It’s always very depressing, actually, when you have all these ideas , and you say, ‘OK, I’m gonna bring that’, and you end up almost having to go back to a more traditional way of doing it,” he said.

“The tradition is not just rules. It’s sometimes, like, common sense. It’s the idea of saying, ‘OK, yeah, you know, we tried that, and it doesn’t work.”

The Tron: Legacy soundtrack was Daft Punk’s first full film score, and at the time, Bangalter called it “by far the most challenging and complex thing we have ever been involved with”. A complete edition with previously unavailable tracks was released for the film’s 10th anniversary in 2020, and a vinyl reissue followed a year later.

NME gave Tron: Legacy a two-star review, writing: “Now it’s been rebooted, it is unlikely Tron fans will have to wait another three decades before they see a third instalment in the saga. Yet however quickly the third movie does comes around, by the time it does, the aforementioned fans might realise they’re not quite as keen on Tron as they might have thought they were.”

Daft Punk, meanwhile, split in 2021 after 28 years, and earlier this year, Bangalter ruled out a reunion as there were still “other things to explore” outside of the duo. They were still heard a lot this summer, though, as their track ‘One More Time’ was France’s official goal music at the FIFA World Cup.

The post Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter says writing the score for ‘Tron: Legacy’ was “depressing” and “limiting” appeared first on NME.

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Liim Lines Up New Album A Sunflower Garden in Harlem Is Hard to Find

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 08 Aug 2026 21:01:03 -0600

Liim has announced his second album in the space of a year. A Sunflower Garden in Harlem Is Hard to Find is due August 28 via Three Times Louder. Accompanying the news are the AJRadico-assisted “1980” and its video, inspired by Eric B. & Rakim, as Liim notes in press materials.

“Paid in Full & Juice are just two movies that are where I’m from,” he said. “I grew up in almost every scene, and I think what those movies do for me is they spike memories.” “1980” will live on the Liim Lasalle Loves You follow-up alongside recent singles “R.I.P Peace” and “Is Loving Really Bad?” Watch the video below.

Read the original article here

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Philippines’ dollar reserves plunge to 18-month low in July

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

The Philippines’ dollar reserves plunged to its lowest level in nearly two years as the central bank used its dollars to support the peso amid renewed volatility last month, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Friday.

Preliminary central bank data showed the country held $103.379 billion in gross international reserves (GIR) as of end-July, a level the regulator said “remained adequate.”

However, this reflected a 1.3% dip from the $104.745 billion the prior month, and a 1.93% drop from $105.418 billion a year ago.

This was the lowest GIR level in 18 months or since the $103.271 billion logged in January 2025, and marked the fifth straight month that the GIR level slipped on an annual basis.

In a statement on Friday, the central bank said its reserves shrank mainly due to its net foreign exchange operations, especially as the strong dollar weighed once again on the peso.

In July, reignited conflict in the Middle East jolted markets anew and triggered safe-haven demand for the greenback. This dragged the peso to its new historic low of P61.847 against the dollar on July 24, breaking its previous record of P61.75 on July 23.

Based on BSP data, the local unit continued to average above the P61 handle for a third straight month with P61.5963 per dollar in July.

The central bank also said the country’s GIR fell after the national government withdrew from its foreign currency accounts with the BSP to pay its external debts, with its total withdrawals exceeding its deposits during the month.

However, the decline was partly offset by higher valuations of the BSP’s gold holdings amid elevated global gold prices as well as the central bank’s net income from its foreign investments.

Dollar reserves are the central bank’s foreign assets held mostly as investments in foreign-issued securities, foreign exchange and monetary gold, among others.

These are supplemented by claims to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the form of reserve position in the fund and special drawing rights (SDRs).

As of end-July, the BSP’s gold holdings stood at $17.49 billion, rising by 1.72% from $17.194 a month earlier and by 26.89% from $13.783 billion the previous year.

Its reserve position in the IMF also inched up by 0.08% to $725.2 million from $724.6 million at end-June but dropped by 0.52% from $729 million a year ago.

Meanwhile, its SDRs — or the amount the Philippines can tap from the IMF’s reserve currency basket — climbed by 0.56% to $3.937 billion from end-June’s $3.915 billion and by an annual 1.22% from $3.89 billion.

The BSP’s foreign currency and deposits, however, decreased by 19.16% month-on-month to $1.849 billion at end-July from $2.287 billion. Year on year, it saw a sharper decline of 75.4% from $7.516 billion.

Its securities likewise dropped by 6.63% to $67.264 billion from $72.037 billion the prior month and by 7.81% from $72.958 billion in the same period last year.

On the other hand, its other reserve assets amounted to $12.115 billion in July, soaring by 41.08% from $8.587 billion at end-June. It was also nearly double the $6.542 billion seen a year ago.

The central bank noted that its end-July reserves could cover about 3.6 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity.

It likewise translates to 6.7 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income, exceeding the three-month standard.

“These provide sufficient foreign currency to meet the country’s import needs, service its external debt obligations, and serve as a buffer against external economic shocks,” the BSP said.

The BSP expects its foreign reserves to fall to $104 billion by end-2026 from the $110.8 billion it held last year.

Over 20,000 Filipinos file virtual assistant applications monthly

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

The Philippines is seeing a surge in virtual assistant (VA) applications, with monthly job submissions exceeding 20,000, according to a report by global recruitment agency VA Masters.

Data from the State of the Filipino Virtual Assistant Industry report showed that the company’s monthly application volume increased from 10,857 in January to 23,874 in June, representing a more than double increase in the first half of the year.

“Everyone talks about the Philippines as a source of affordable talent,” VA Masters Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alon Pearl said in the report.

“What the data actually shows is a talent pool so deep that we place fewer than one in 500 applicants,” he added. “The story here isn’t cost, it’s selectivity.”

A VA offers administrative, marketing, technical, and customer service support to clients from a remote office. Common tasks include managing email, handling social media, bookkeeping, data entry, and customer support.

Despite the rise in applications, the agency noted that only 0.20% of its applicants, or 327 out of 166,350, were actually hired by employers.

Throughout the hiring process, 49% are invited to a skills test, and only 8.3% complete the screening. Some 4.5% are scored and evaluated, while 1.2% can score an interview.

The majority of those who applied (61.5%) and got hired (69%) were female.

On the employers’ side, 69% of the agency’s clients are located in the United States. The United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, Europe, and other countries followed at 11%, while Australia and New Zealand trailed behind at 9%.

86% of VA demands also come from businesses with fewer than 50 employees. Of which, 53% are micro-businesses, 30% from small businesses, and 3% are solo-founders.

Larger companies, or those that handle over 200 employees, accounted for 8% of the demands, while mid-size companies accounted for 5%.

“The offshore VA model is above all a small-business growth tool,” the agency said. “For many, a VA is their first or second hire.”

The Philippines accounts for an estimated 38% of the global VA workforce, making it the single largest source of VA talent worldwide. The global virtual assistant services market is estimated to reach $6.5 billion in 2026, and is expected to hit $34 billion by 2030. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

Pag-IBIG partnership with P.A. Alvarez to accelerate delivery of over 7,300 affordable homes under Expanded 4PH

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

Pag-IBIG Fund has entered into an investment partnership with P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corp. (PAAPDC) to accelerate the construction of more than 7,300 affordable homes across 10 housing developments in Batangas, Laguna and Pampanga under President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (Expanded 4PH) Program.

The developments will consist of 80% socialized and 20% economic housing units, expanding the supply of quality, affordable homes in key growth areas across South and Central Luzon and helping meet the housing needs of Filipino workers and their families.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who also chairs the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said the partnership reflects the administration’s continuing efforts to accelerate housing delivery through stronger collaboration with the private sector.

“As we continue to heed the directives of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., we are strengthening our partnerships with the private sector to accelerate the delivery of affordable homes for Filipino families. Through this partnership, we are bringing together government financing and private-sector capability to increase housing supply, help more Filipino workers achieve the dream of homeownership, create jobs, support industries and drive inclusive economic growth,” Mr. Aliling said.

To finance the construction of the housing developments, Pag-IBIG Fund will subscribe to preferred shares to be issued by PAAPDC amounting to P2.9 billion, payable in tranches. The investment will earn a fixed annual return of 9% over the next three years.

The investment underwent Pag-IBIG Fund’s comprehensive evaluation process, which included an assessment of the proposed developments, their locations and market demand, PAAPDC’s financial and operational capacity, and the safeguards incorporated into the transaction to ensure the continued protection of members’ savings.

Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the partnership reflects Pag-IBIG Fund’s continuing commitment to help more Filipino workers achieve homeownership while prudently investing members’ savings to generate secure and sustainable returns.

“This partnership demonstrates how Pag-IBIG Fund fulfills its dual mandate of helping more Filipino workers achieve the dream of homeownership while prudently investing and growing our members’ savings. By supporting the construction of more than 7,300 affordable homes through a prudent investment that provides stable returns, we protect our members’ hard-earned savings, sustain competitive dividends and strengthen our capacity to finance even more homes for Filipino workers,” Ms. Acosta said.

Pag-IBIG Fund is likewise assessing additional investment partnerships with qualified housing developers as part of its continuing efforts to accelerate the construction of socialized and affordable homes while generating secure and sustainable returns for members’ savings.

In the first half of 2026, Pag-IBIG Fund released P69.19 billion in housing loans to help 43,051 Filipino workers acquire their own homes. Socialized housing financing more than doubled during the period, with 6,601 minimum-wage and low-income members securing homes under the Expanded 4PH Program.

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LOJEL celebrates everyday movement with the Niru Collection

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

Featuring the stories of Filipino artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives whose journeys embody the spirit of ‘From Here to Everywhere.’

Every journey begins somewhere. More often, they’re built through the everyday moments that quietly move us forward. Today, journeys extend far beyond travel, unfolding through the everyday moments that shape how we work, create, connect, and pursue what matters most. Embracing this evolving way of moving, LOJEL expands its beloved NIRU Collection with six new styles thoughtfully designed to adapt to every moment.

Rooted in LOJEL’s philosophy of purposeful design, the expanded collection combines versatility with understated aesthetics, featuring durable recycled nylon paired with LWG Certified full-grain leather. Designed to transition seamlessly between environments while offering intuitive organization and everyday functionality. Designed for life in motion, NIRU adapts to every transition, making it a natural companion from here to everywhere.

LOJEL Niru Collection

Designed around this evolving lifestyle, the Niru Collection offers twelve silhouettes spanning weekender bags, backpacks, totes, slings, and crossbody bags.

Travel Bags

Designed for journeys that go beyond the everyday, NIRU’s travel bags offer spacious versatility without compromising on style. The 24H Overnighter is thoughtfully crafted for overnight stays and quick escapes, while the 48H Weekender provides generous capacity for extended weekends and short getaways.

Backpacks

Whether navigating daily commutes or exploring new cities, NIRU’s backpacks are built to move effortlessly with modern life. The Daypack delivers generous storage for work and travel essentials, while the Daypack Mini offers the same thoughtful organization in a more compact silhouette. Completing the lineup is the Journey Pack, which combines a roomy 35L capacity with two-way carry functionality, making it equally suited for business trips, spontaneous adventures, and everything in between.

Totes

Balancing practicality with understated elegance, NIRU’s tote collection adapts to every pace of the day. The City Tote is designed for everyday essentials, featuring spacious interiors and a convenient trolley sleeve, while the City Tote Plus offers additional capacity and enhanced organization for longer days on the move. For added versatility, the 3 Way Tote and 3 Way Tote Mini effortlessly transform between tote, shoulder, and crossbody bags, adapting to changing routines with ease.

Crossbody Bags

Created for effortless movement, NIRU’s crossbody collection keeps everyday essentials close while offering the flexibility to move hands-free. The City Sling Mini is designed for minimalist carry and can be worn as a crossbody, waist bag, or pouch, while the City Sling provides additional storage for daily necessities. Completing the category is the City Shoulder, a refined everyday companion that combines clean aesthetics with intuitive organization for life on the go.

The Faces of “From Here to Everywhere”

For a growing generation of Filipinos, movement has become part of everyday life — not simply between cities or countries, but between passions, professions, and possibilities. This latest chapter also marks the launch of From Here to Everywhere, LOJEL’s regional campaign celebrating the many ways people move through work, passion, creativity, and everyday life.

LOJEL Philippines partnered with individuals whose work reflects the many ways Filipinos move through the world. Artists, entrepreneurs, designers, musicians, and storytellers whose days rarely follow a single path, they represent a generation building meaningful careers through creativity, sustainability, curiosity, and purpose. Each portrait captures them within their own environment, spaces where ideas are created, communities are nurtured, and everyday journeys begin.

Each bringing a different version of what “everywhere” means.

From award-winning singer-songwriter Nica Del Rosario; restaurateur of OnlyPans Taqueria and entrepreneur Audrey Cruz; illustrator and founder of Ang Manileña, Ross Du; sustainable fashion designer and founder or RIOTaso, Rio Cuervo; perfumer and founder of Tadhana, Shale Albao; fashion stylist and creative director of Gotsauce Studios Jana Silao; model and dancer Agatha Gutierrez; landscape architect or CLARQ Landscape Design, Vincent Lim; photographer and documentary filmmaker Renzo Maano; creative director of Jagger Studios, Arj Madarang; and terrarium artisan of Moss Escape, Brian Dimarucot. Though they come from diverse disciplines, each is driven by creativity, purpose, and a passion for their craft. Photographed within the environments where they create and thrive. Together, they embody LOJEL’s belief that meaningful journeys are not measured by distance, but by the ideas we pursue, the lives we touch, and the purpose that moves us from here to everywhere.

The L’Essentiel Niru Collection Launch

The campaign officially debuted through L’Essentiel: The NIRU Collection Launch, an intimate gathering that brought together LOJEL’s community of media, ambassadors, creators, collaborators, and longtime friends of the brand. Inspired by the French word l’essentiel, meaning “the essential,” the event celebrated the people and relationships that continue to shape LOJEL’s journey while unveiling the expanded NIRU Collection and the regional From Here to Everywhere campaign.

LOJEL Niru Everyday Extension Exclusive Preview

An exclusive preview of the NIRU Everyday Extension Collection extension also gave attendees an early look at LOJEL’s latest everyday carry innovations. Thoughtfully designed to complement the collection’s existing lineup, the new silhouettes further reinforce the brand’s commitment to creating products that adapt effortlessly to modern movement.

The story doesn’t end with the campaign’s featured creatives. Through #FromHereToEverywhere, LOJEL invites everyone to contribute their own journeys, building a community shaped by authentic experiences. As these stories unfold, they transform individual experiences into a growing archive of journeys that resonate far beyond geography. Because every meaningful destination begins somewhere.

The Niru Collection is now available at the LOJEL store on Level 2, South Main Mall, SM Mall of Asia, at The Travel Club stores nationwide, Rustan’s Makati, select SM Stores, and online via The Travel Club. Follow @lojeljourneys and @primergroup on Instagram and join the conversation by sharing where your Niru takes you using #FromHereToEverywhere, #LojelPH, and #LojelJourneys.

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Microsoft: 1 in 4 Filipino professionals among most advanced AI users, above global average

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

One in four Filipino professionals are considered among the most advanced users of artificial intelligence (AI), exceeding the global average and indicating the growing maturity of AI adoption in the country, according to a new report released by tech giant Microsoft Corp. on Friday.

In the 2026 Microsoft Work Trend Index Annual Report released on Friday, one in four Filipinos, or about 25%, are classified as “Frontier Professionals,” a category given to the most advanced users of AI. This is above the global average of 16%.

Filipinos are also 56% more likely than the global average to be operating at the most advanced level of AI use.

“Note the distinction: This is not adoption, it’s maturity. It’s a signal of maturity,” Josh Aquino, head of communications for Microsoft Philippines, said during the report’s launch.

Frontier Professionals, Mr. Aquino said, are AI users who employ AI agents for complex, multi-step workflows and redesign work around what AI does well.

These users also set quality standards for their teams and continue to think critically, refusing to outsource their judgment to AI.

The Philippines also led the global average across every key measure in the study. It found that 77% of Filipino respondents said they could produce work they were incapable of doing a year ago. Meanwhile, 65% identified critical thinking as the most important human skill, 59% cited quality control of AI-generated output as the top priority, 93% said they treat AI output as a starting point rather than a final answer, and 86% said they remain responsible for the thinking behind their work.

While the Philippines ranks above the global average in terms of the share of advanced AI users, Filipino Frontier Professionals still want to retain the human touch in their work. About 53% said they intentionally complete some tasks without AI to keep their skills sharp, while 61% said they deliberately pause before starting work to determine which tasks should be handled by AI and which should remain human-led. Both figures are above the global average.

“Our most advanced users are the most deliberate about staying human. This is not hesitancy, it’s discipline,” Mr. Aquino said.

The report also found that while Filipino workers are rapidly adopting AI, many organizations have yet to fully catch up with the technology’s transformation.

Microsoft described this as the “Transformation Paradox,” where employees are embracing AI faster than the organizations they work for.

About 35% of Filipino AI users said their company’s leadership is clearly and consistently aligned on AI, higher than the global average of 26%.

Still, 66% of respondents said they worry they will fall behind if they fail to adapt quickly to AI, while 53% admitted it feels safer to focus on existing priorities than redesign work around the technology.

Only 25% said they are rewarded for reinventing how they work using AI, although this was nearly double the global average of 13%.

The study also found that advanced AI users, or Frontier Professionals, receive stronger workplace support than their peers.

Among Frontier Professionals, 86% said their managers openly use AI and set quality standards for AI-assisted work, while 87% said their managers encourage teams to take more ambitious approaches in redesigning work.

Their teams also collaborate more actively in adopting AI. About 74% regularly brainstorm ways to identify AI opportunities in business processes, compared with 55% among non-Frontier teams. Meanwhile, 61% said they actively share AI tips, tools, and lessons learned, while 56% discuss quality standards for AI-assisted work.

Microsoft said organizational factors, such as workplace culture, manager support, and talent practices, have more than twice the influence on successful AI transformation than individual mindset and behavior alone, accounting for 67% of the impact compared with 32%.

The company cited PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. as examples of organizations embedding AI into everyday operations after rolling out 1,000 Microsoft 365 Copilot licenses across their workforce.

The report also noted the accelerating pace of AI adoption, with AI agents growing 15-fold year on year across the Microsoft 365 ecosystem and 18-fold among large enterprises.

Microsoft said organizations that are able to capture, share, and scale what employees learn from working with AI—or what it calls a “Learning System”—will be better positioned to create long-term business value.

The 2026 Microsoft Work Trend Index Annual Report was based on a global survey of 20,000 full-time employees across 10 countries, including the Philippines, conducted from Feb. 18 to Apr. 20, 2026. The study also drew from trillions of anonymized Microsoft 365 productivity signals and interviews with experts in artificial intelligence, work, and organizational psychology. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Big Brother Spoilers: Week 5 Nominations Revealed as Power Finally Shifts

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:00:13 -0600

Well, after four weeks of the Toolshed at the wheel of Big Brother Season 28, it’s time for a big shift.

LaTrice won the endurance HOH competition, beating out every other houseguest, and I couldn’t be more proud of her.

She knew what she had to do and persevered.

(CBS/Screenshot)

It’s a big achievement, particularly because I saw many fans writing things along the lines of she’d be first or second to drop from the wall.

As TV Fanatic previously reported, it came down to LaTrice and Kamu and the feeds went dark for around 10 minutes, before returning to LaTrice in the house with the key.

Kamu should be very worried at this point because he nominated LaTrice and didn’t seem interested in cutting any deals with her.

Wouldn’t it be perfect if LaTrice nominated Kamu? It’d be like returning the favor.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Then again, he’s one of the players where you really need to send out with a backdoor eviction.

Kamu is strong, so I think LaTrice’s only real play to get him out of the house is by putting him up with Hayley.

That way, the two allies cannot save each other. LaTrice already told Chuk he’s safe, so he won’t be seeing the block on LaTrice’s Head of Household.

Big Brother Season 28 Is Getting Good

Hayley is worried about the possibility of going up, but Angela has vowed to go to bat for her and convince LaTrice that she should not be the target this week.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Angela may think she has pull with LaTrice but the only person who really does is Taylor.

Taylor has helped LaTrice greatly in the game, offering coaching on how to play the more strategic elements of Big Brother.

There’s an argument to be made for this being Taylor’s week in power, but I hope that LaTrice doesn’t hand over all the power here.

LaTrice is a bit of wildcard because I could see her making a big mistake if she lets the wrong people get in her head.

(Courtesy of CBS)

The good thing is that LaTrice said after the competition that she would not be doing her one-on-ones until the morning.

It makes sense. It will give her time to process her power and then think about who to nominate based on what they tell her.

Drew believes that he’d be a target of LaTrice’s, but something tells me he may not be in as much danger as he thinks he is.

LaTrice could see how the other side of the house has been winning and could put all people who have not hit the block yet up.

(Courtesy of CBS)

Remember, Rick still has his Diamond Power of Veto and Dee still has her Big Brother Bribe to use.

I don’t know that LaTrice would put the two Survivor alums up this week, but it would be fun seeing Rick’s power flushed.

The reality TV icons have had too much power so far and it’s time to change that up.

When the Big Brother Live Feeds returned on Friday afternoon, LaTrice had nominated Barrett, Chuk, and Hayley for eviction.

(CBS/Screenshot)

What are your thoughts on these nominations? Do you think she made the right call?

Who do you think should be the target this week?

The power has finally shifted on Big Brother Season 28! Is the Toolshed dead and buried? Who’s been nominated? Get the spoilers.
Project Runway finally delivered one of the best, most creative, strongest challenges in years, and then Law and Tyra Banks derailed it. We vent!
Big Brother just crowned another Head of Household. Is the Toolshed still a thing? Did they win power? Get the details inside.

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Trump revives effort to fire Fed’s Lisa Cook

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:00:13 -0600

Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook participates in a board meeting at the Federal Reserve on March 19, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Kevin Dietsch | Getty Images

President Donald Trump is “considering” firing Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook, the White House said this week, reviving an effort that had been stymied by the Supreme Court in June.

White House presidential aide Dan Scavino, in a letter to Cook dated Wednesday, said there is “sufficient reason to believe that you made false statements on one or more mortgage agreements.”

Those are the same allegations Trump and his allies floated when he first moved to fire Cook from the central bank last year. Cook denied the charges and filed a lawsuit challenging her dismissal.

A federal court blocked Trump from firing Cook while her suit was pending. The Supreme Court, in a 5-4 ruling in late June, upheld that decision against a challenge the president.

But Chief Justice John Roberts noted that the court’s decision did not stop Trump from trying again to remove Cook over the mortgage fraud allegations. Any new attempt to fire her would require additional steps in order to protect Cook’s Constitutional due process rights, Roberts wrote.

Scavino, Trump’s deputy chief of staff and director of the Office of Presidential Personnel, wrote that he was sending Wednesday’s letter “pursuant to the Supreme Court’s opinion.”

He instructed Cook to provide an “explanation for your false statements and accompanying evidence” within three weeks.

Abbe Lowell, a lawyer for Cook, told CNBC in a statement that the allegations “are as baseless now as they were a year ago when President Trump tried to remove Governor Cook and interfere with the independence of the Federal Reserve.”

“No matter what President Trump tries to do next, this much is clear under the facts and Supreme Court precedent — there is no valid cause for removing Governor Cook,” Lowell’s statement said. “As we did before, we will challenge this latest pretext and preserve her position and the historic role of the Fed.”

The Federal Reserve declined to comment on the White House’s letter.

Trump’s initial move to fire Cook, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, came as he ramped up his efforts to pressure the Fed to slash interest rates.

The mortgage-related allegations were surfaced by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, who has been criticized as an “attack dog” for Trump.

Pulte has also targeted other of Trump’s perceived political foes, including New York Attorney General Letitia James, who also faced allegations of mortgage-related wrongdoing.

— CNBC’s Dan Mangan and Jeff Cox contributed to this report.

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KATSEYE’s Sophia Laforteza announces hiatus to focus on “mental health”

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:00:13 -0600

KATSEYE singer Sophia Laforteza has announced she is taking a break from the girl group to focus on her mental health.

Her hiatus comes just six months after band member Manon Bannerman also announced a temporary hiatus after it was announced that she would be stepping back “to focus on her health and wellbeing”. She is yet to return to the band.

In a statement on her Instagram Story, Laforteza said: “It truly breaks my heart to have to miss out on a lot. You know how much I love being on stage, performing, and sharing these moments with you. Making this decision wasn’t easy, but I’m learning that health has to come first. I’m realizing that if I don’t take care of my mind and body now, I won’t be able to keep doing what I love the most for so long.”

In a post on Weverse, HYBE x Geffen Records said Laforteza “will be temporarily unable to participate in upcoming promotional activities”.

“We understand how much EYEKONS were looking forward to seeing Sophia on stage, but it is imperative that her mental health and wellness are prioritized,” they added.

“Sophia has been receiving the utmost support, and following thorough consultations with medical professionals, it has been advised that she take dedicated time for extended rest and ongoing care to ensure a full recovery. While Sophia herself is eager to perform alongside her members, the health, safety, and long-term well-being of our artists will always remain our highest priority.”

Meanwhile, KATSEYE recently defended Manon Bannerman’s ongoing hiatus from the group, saying speculation that it was about race “goes against everything that we stand for”.

KATSEYE are set to release their next EP, ‘WILD’, on August 14 (pre-order here), following last year’s ‘Beautiful Chaos’, which included ‘Gnarly’, named by NME as the fifth best song of 2025.

Speaking to NME about ‘Beautiful Chaos’ last year, the group said they were embracing a bolder era after the release of ‘Gnarly’. “If you don’t get it, then it’s not for you,” they said at the time.

They have since announced their 2026 ‘WILDWORLD’ tour, which will take them across the UK, Europe and North America. The run will include shows at London’s The O2 and Manchester’s Co-op Live – see all of the dates here and find any remaining tickets here.

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Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts Return With New Album Second Song

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 07 Aug 2026 21:00:13 -0600

Neil Young has unveiled an 11-minute single to go along with the announcement of his next Chrome Hearts album Second Song. You can listen to the title track below. The LP, out September 18 on Reprise, features seven songs in total: five new and two unreleased dating back to the 1960s.

Second Song is the follow-up to last year’s Talkin to the Trees, the debut project from Young’s band the Chrome Hearts. The group recorded the new album at the same location (Shangri-La Studios) and with the same producers (Lou Adler, joined by “the Volume Delaers,” aka Young and Niko Bolas) as the first. It arrives three months after the clothing company Chrome Hearts dropped its trademark infringement claim against Young.

Revisit our Best New Reissue review of Chrome Dreams.

Second Sing:
01 The Foggy Edge Of Time
02 Day After Day
03 Earth Girl
04 Second Song
05 Casting Me Away From You
06 Soon I Might Be Going
07 I’ll Love You Forever

Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts: Second Song

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Philippine GDP growth sharply slows in Q2 2026

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:05:07 -0600

The Philippine economy sharply slowed in the second quarter as the Middle East conflict drove up inflation and weighed on household spending and investments.

Gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 2.3% in the second quarter from a year earlier, slowing from the 5.4% expansion in the same quarter last year and the 2.8% growth in the first quarter.

This is below the median GDP estimate of 2.8% in a BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts last week. It was also the slowest expansion since the fourth quarter of 2009, excluding the pandemic.

“Domestic demand remained subdued, mainly because total investment continued to contract as public construction declined. Household consumption growth also moderated amid higher inflation, job losses, and lower remittance receipts arising from the Middle East conflict,” Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said during a press briefing on Friday.

“However, government final consumption spending accelerated as social assistance was expanded to cushion vulnerable households and sectors,” he added.

On the demand side, household final consumption expenditure expanded by 2.8% in the April to June period, while government final consumption expenditure grew by 8.3%.

Exports of goods and services; and imports of goods and services expanded by 12.2%, and 5.5%, respectively. Gross capital formation contracted by 9.2% in the second quarter.

PSA data showed the main contributors to the second quarter year-on-year growth were wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles at 4.6%; education at 12.7%; and manufacturing at 2.6%.

Among major economic sectors, agriculture, forestry, and fishing grew by 2.7%, while services expanded by 4.5%. However, industry declined year-on-year by 2.4%.

“There were also clear areas of strength. Agricultural output recovered with the help of favorable weather conditions. Manufacturing growth improved, while exports of goods and services gained momentum. Stronger semiconductor exports, supported by global demand for AI-related products, helped net exports rebound during this semester or the quarter,” Mr. Balisacan said.

For the first semester, GDP growth averaged 2.6%.

Mr. Balisacan said Philippine GDP must grow by 4.4% in the second half to reach the 3.5-4.5% growth target for 2026. — Cathy Rose A. Garcia

MTRCB does not support ban on violent movies, TV

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

IN LIGHT of suggestions to ban violent movies and television shows because of several recent incidents involving minors, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has said that it does not support that option. Instead, it is encouraging increased supervision of children by their parents and schools.

The MTRCB “believes that banning movies and television programs with violent themes is not the appropriate solution, as this could infringe upon the constitutional right of Filipino creatives to freedom of expression and creation,” it said in a statement released to the press.

It is instead urging “the active participation of parents and educators in ensuring that children are properly and adequately supervised while watching TV shows or movies, or while viewing content on social media platforms. This is so that children properly understand the context of what they are watching, while allowing parents and guardians to further instill Filipino values and culture in their children.”

It “considers the protection of Filipino children from harmful content as a shared duty of the government, parents, educators, media practitioners, digital influencers, and stakeholders from the film and TV industry.”

The agency’s mandate, as per Presidential Decree No. 1986, is to assign age-appropriate classifications to movies and TV shows while supporting the growth of the entertainment industry. It said that it “actively partners with stakeholders in the movie and TV industry in ensuring that Filipino cultural values are upheld and respected” while at the same time “advocating for a culture of authentic, responsible self-regulation.”

This comes as Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said they may recommend a ban on “excessively violent” TV shows and restricting violent content on social media platforms as among the steps needed to address the rising number of violent incidents involving minors.

“Maybe we can recommend banning movies and TV shows with a lot of violence. We can make a similar recommendation for social media apps and other solutions. It is not only limited to that,” he said during a press briefing on Aug. 3.

Among the recent incidents, was a mass shooting in a high school in Tacloban City, Leyte on June 22 where three students were killed and more than 20 others wounded when two young teenagers opened fire. There have also been several stabbings, the most recent of which was in Las Piñas when a 13-year-old Grade 9 student was killed by his 14-year-old classmate.

First-quarter GDP growth unchanged at 2.8%

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE Statistics Authority (PSA) on Thursday said it kept the country’s first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate unchanged at 2.8%.

Meanwhile, gross national income growth — which measures GDP plus net primary income from the rest of the world — was revised downward to 2.9% from the 3% initially reported.

Growth in net primary income from the rest of the world was lowered to 3.5% from 4.5%.

The PSA also revised figures for several components of the national accounts, particularly on the supply side.

Downward revisions were recorded in other services to 2.9% from 3.9%; electricity, steam, water and waste management to 0.03% from 0.7%; and education to 5.9% from 6.1%.

Meanwhile, manufacturing growth was revised upward to 0.7% from 0.5%; transportation and storage to 5% from 4.4%; and wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles to 4.7% from 4.6%.

The PSA said it revises GDP estimates based on an approved policy aligned with international standard practices. The revisions came ahead of the release of second-quarter GDP data on Friday (Aug. 7).

Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said the revisions suggest that income flows from abroad were weaker than initially estimated, although the adjustments were relatively modest.

“The revision implies that compensation of overseas Filipino workers, investment income, or other primary income receipts from the rest of the world contributed less to overall national income growth than first reported,” Mr. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

“That said, the revisions do not materially change the broader narrative. Income from abroad continued to expand even after the adjustment, indicating that external income remained a positive contributor to economic activity,” he added.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the unchanged 2.8% headline masked stronger growth in some domestic sectors and lower contributions from income earned abroad.

“Domestically, faster growth [was] revised for major economic growth engines such as manufacturing, transportation and trade,” he said in a Viber message.

Mr. Ricafort said households and businesses had prioritized essential spending, reduced costs and brought forward some purchases amid the Middle East conflict and expectations of higher inflation and borrowing costs. These adjustments may have provided additional support to manufacturing and trade, he added.

Mr. Asuncion said net primary income from abroad could still provide a buffer against weak domestic growth

“While external income can cushion households and consumption, sustainable growth ultimately depends on domestic investment, employment generation, and productivity improvements,” he said.

TARGET WITHIN REACH
Mr. Asuncion said achieving the government’s 3.5%-4.5% full-year growth target had become more challenging after the weak first-quarter performance, although the lower end remained attainable if growth accelerated during the rest of the year.

“The areas that would need to rebound most strongly are household consumption and investments. Household spending remains the largest component of GDP, making it a critical source of growth,” he said.

“Meanwhile, gross capital formation, which contracted in the first quarter, would need to recover as stronger investment activity tends to generate broader multiplier effects across the economy,” he added.

In the first quarter, household final consumption expenditure grew by 3%, slower than 5.3% a year earlier, and 3.8% in the fourth quarter.

Gross capital formation contracted by 3.3%, reversing the 4.5% growth recorded a year earlier, but the decline was narrower than the 9.4% contraction in the fourth quarter.

“From a sectoral perspective, a stronger performance from industry, particularly manufacturing and construction, would help lift growth momentum. Agriculture, which contracted in the first quarter, also has room to contribute if weather conditions and production trends improve,” Mr. Asuncion said.

“While the services sector is likely to remain the principal growth driver, a more balanced recovery that includes investment-led growth and stronger production sectors would improve the prospects of meeting the government’s full-year target,” he added.

More BSP rate hikes likely on sticky core inflation

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

HEADLINE INFLATION may have peaked but core inflation still shows signs of persistent underlying pressures, which could keep the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on its tightening path, analysts said.

This as the softer core print in July was likely temporary given other energy-sensitive commodities continued to rise, according to Nomura Global Markets Research Chief ASEAN Economist Euben Paracuelles and Economist Nabila Amani.

“The decline was not broad-based, as it was mainly due to lower education fees, led by a drop in fees at the primary and secondary education levels, which are likely one-off, in our view,” they said in a report on Wednesday.

“Other items sensitive to high energy costs are, by contrast, still adjusting higher, in line with our view, including food services, recreation activity and accommodation,” they added.

Headline inflation cooled for a third straight month at 6.2% in July from 6.4% in the previous month, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Wednesday.

However, core inflation, which excludes volatile food and energy prices, slowed to 4.2% in July from 4.4% in June, but accelerated from 2.3% a year ago.

The core print captures second-order effects or when initial price shocks prompt businesses to pass on the burden of higher costs to consumers by raising the prices of commodities and services, such as utilities and transport.

This allows economic managers to determine whether prevailing consumer price movements reflect short-lived disruptions or a long-term trend.

“In terms of trajectory, we continue to believe headline inflation has already peaked, underpinned in part by our crude oil price assumption, but core inflation has not, as we see pass-through effects from energy prices continuing,” Mr. Paracuelles and Ms. Amani said.

Their projection comes with the assumption that the cost of global crude oil will fall to $72.4 a barrel in the second half of the year from $85.4 a barrel in June.

Nomura also kept its forecast that headline inflation will average 5.1% this year, with core inflation at 3.9%.

For Maybank Investment Bank Chief Economist Suhaimi Illias and Economist Azril Rosli, however, the sticky core inflation and fresh risks could drive inflation to 5.3% this year and 4.9% next year. These are higher than their previous forecasts of 4.7% and 4.5%, respectively.

“Looking ahead, we expect headline inflation to moderate gradually in the second half of 2026, supported by easing global oil prices, improved food supply conditions and government measures to stabilize essential commodity prices,” they said in a separate report dated Aug. 5.

“Nevertheless, sticky core inflation, higher labor costs, the proposed income tax revision and lingering geopolitical uncertainties are likely to keep price pressures elevated.”

As of July, headline inflation stood at 5%, still below the central bank’s 6.4% estimate for the year, while core inflation averaged 3.6%.

“Philippines’ inflation remains the highest in the region, with July’s print of 6.2% yoy (year on year) still breaching the central bank’s target, despite easing from its recent peak,” DBS Group Research said in a separate note on Thursday.

According to the Singaporean bank, the latest reading and BSP’s hawkish stance have raised the odds of a third straight rate hike to manage inflationary expectations.

“The latest CPI inflation reading is unlikely to change that stance from BSP, in our view, but justifies its preference for a measured approach to its hiking cycle,” Mr. Paracuelles and Ms. Amani also said.

The Nomura economists are anticipating two more rounds of measured tightening by the BSP, with one 25-basis-point (bp) hike each at its August and October meetings.

“We reiterate our forecast for BSP to hike by another 50 bps this year, delivered in 25-bp clips over each of the next two meetings (August and October),” they said.

“We believe BSP remains concerned about rising core inflation and is highly vigilant of upside risks overall, likely due a combination of still-high uncertainty in crude oil prices, some impact from higher-than-expected wage hikes and prospects of a strong El Niño,” they added.

The case for further rate increases also remains strong amid lingering price pressures and emerging inflation risks from multiple fronts, according to Mr. Illias and Mr. Rosli.

They now expect the BSP to deliver two more 25-bp increases, larger than its earlier call of a final 25-bp hike this month.

“We expect the BSP to raise the policy rate to 5.25% by end-2026 (previously: 5%), while maintaining a restrictive policy stance to anchor inflation expectations and contain second-round effects,” Mr. Illias and Mr. Rosli said.

Since it began tightening in April, the Monetary Board has delivered a cumulative 50 bps in hikes to bring the key policy rate to a near one-year high of 4.75%.

In its statement following the July inflation report, the central bank reaffirmed that it remains open to taking monetary policy action to ensure inflation will return near its 3% target.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has also left the door open to further tightening, with a “small chance” of a 50-bp increase at their meeting later this month.

The Monetary Board will hold its fourth policy review this year on Aug. 27, with its two remaining meetings scheduled on Oct. 22 and Dec. 17.

Jobless rate hits 3-month high in June as more Filipinos join workforce

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

PHILIPPINE jobless rate hit a three-month high in June, signaling weaker labor market conditions that could weigh on household spending and complicate the government’s efforts to sustain economic growth.

The unemployment rate rose to 4.9% from 3.7% a year earlier, with 2.59 million Filipinos out of work, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday.

The June jobless rate was up slightly from 4.8% in May, and was highest in three months or since the 5% in March.

National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said the rise in unemployment was driven by the higher labor force participation as many new graduates entered the workforce.

“Our labor force participation increased. Year on year, this increased by around 822,000. Of course, when labor force participation increases, there are employed and unemployed,” Mr. Mapa said.

The labor force participation rate (LFPR) stood at 65.1% in June, slightly lower than the 65.7% in June 2025 but higher than 63.8% in May. This translated to 53.25 million Filipinos aged 15 years and over who were in the labor force.

Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino on Thursday said the rise in labor force participation reflected growing confidence among Filipinos to seek employment.

“While year-on-year figures highlight areas that require sustained attention, they likewise reinforce the importance of advancing reforms that raise both the quantity and quality of jobs,” Mr. Tolentino said in a statement.

Mr. Mapa said about 650,000 Filipinos entered the labor force for the first time in June. Of these, around 592,000 were aged 15 to 24, suggesting that many were fresh graduates looking for their first jobs. However, only about 310,000 found employment.

“Higher living costs likely encouraged more Filipinos to seek work. However, job creation has not kept pace, particularly among those aged 15-24, resulting in a higher unemployment rate,” Chinabank Research said in a note.

PSA data showed the youth labor force participation rate rose to 33.7% in June from 33.1% a year earlier and 32.3% in May.

However, the youth employment rate fell to 86.5% from 90.6% a year earlier, indicating that more young Filipinos entered the labor force but a smaller proportion were able to find jobs.

Underemployment, a measure of workers seeking additional hours or another job, stood at 12.1% in June, up from 11.4% a year earlier but slightly lower than the 12.2% in May.

The June underemployment rate is lowest since 11.8% in February.

The ranks of underemployed Filipinos — those who want longer work hours or an additional job — stood at 6.11 million.

The unemployment rate averaged 5% in the first half, while underemployment averaged 12.8%.

Services remained the biggest source of jobs, accounting for 62.7% of total employment, followed by agriculture at 20% and industry at 17.3%.

In June, accommodation and food services posted the largest annual employment gain at 481,000, followed by administrative and support services (including call center jobs) at 456,000, and public administration and defense at 440,000.

Meanwhile, the biggest job losses were seen in wholesale and retail trade at 903,000 jobs year on year, while fishing and aquaculture lost 467,000 jobs and construction shed 139,000 jobs.

“Rising consumer prices will likely continue to weigh on hiring in the (retail) sector that has been contracting for a 12^thstraight month,” Chinabank Research said. “Employment in the construction sector also declined likely due to high construction material costs,” it added.

Jose Ramon G. Albert, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) said the latest data show the labor market is expanding in headcount but not necessarily in quality.

“The uptick in underemployment to 12.1% is the more telling signal here. It suggests that a good chunk of those already employed are still looking for additional hours or a second job because their current earnings or work hours are insufficient. Taken together, this points to continued softness in the quality of job creation, with hiring likely concentrated in informal, part-time, or lower-paying segments rather than full-time, higher-value positions,” he said.

University of the Philippines School of Labor and Industrial Relations (SOLAIR) Assistant Professor Benjamin B. Velasco said the latest labor data continued to reflect longer-term challenges in the Philippine labor market.

“Beyond the seasonal trend, the latest LFS show the long-term labor market pattern remains challenging. Job creation does not track economic growth. Thus, overseas migration will remain a safety valve, to cite one labor market response,” he said.

IBON Foundation Executive Director Jose Enrique A. Africa said the latest figures showed that the economy was not generating enough jobs for the growing labor force.

“The year-on-year trends confirm that the economy is unable to generate enough work for the growing population,” Mr. Africa said.

Mr. Africa said weak employment generation should not be attributed solely to recent external factors, citing a slowdown in net employment growth in previous years.

“Weak net employment generation cannot be wholly blamed on the recent oil shock because this has been falling even before from 1.3 million in 2023, to 665,000 in 2024, and then just 170,000 in 2025,” he said.

Mr. Africa said higher unemployment and underemployment, alongside elevated inflation, could weaken household purchasing power.

“However, growing unemployment and underemployment combined with the most recent report of high inflation especially for the poorest income groups strongly points to weakening family purchasing power and worsening welfare,” Mr. Africa said. — M.J.M. Sanchez

Philippine farm output growth slows in Q2

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Marron Joshua F. Mendoza

THE PHILIPPINES’ agricultural sector posted slower growth of 2.9% in the second quarter, down from 6% a year earlier, despite improved output across all subsectors, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

The PSA reported that the value of production in agriculture and fisheries at constant 2018 prices rose by 2.9% to P452.22 billion from P439.66 billion in the second quarter last year.

Farm output growth eased from the 6% in the second quarter of 2025 but improved from the 0.3% contraction in the first quarter.

“This expansion was driven by gains across crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries,” the PSA said.

At current prices, the value of production in agriculture and fisheries edged up by 0.2% year on year to P610.62 billion in the second quarter from P609.63 billion previously.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a statement that the “strong” second-quarter performance shows the government’s farm modernization efforts are delivering results.

“These gains also give us a stronger buffer against the production slowdown we expect from El Niño in the fourth quarter. We cannot control the weather, but we can equip our farmers to overcome it through irrigation, mechanization, climate-smart technologies, quality seeds, modern post-harvest facilities and better market access,” he said.

Former Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar told BusinessWorld that the slower year-on-year growth in the second quarter reflected geopolitical tensions and inadequate government interventions to agricultural issues.

“There is a convergence of factors why Q2 growth is significantly slower than last year, namely, geopolitical tensions leading to high energy prices, high fertilizer prices and higher logistics costs,” Mr. Dar said via Viber.

“You can add the delayed distribution of government assistance of inputs including lack of extension services,” he added.

For the first six months, the value of agricultural production inched up by 1.3% to P889.67 billion, slower than the 4% a year ago.

CROPS
Crop production, which accounted for 55% of the total value of agricultural production, rose by an annual 1.6% in the second quarter to P248.9 billion. This was significantly slower than the 11.3% increase in the second quarter of 2025, but an improvement from the 2.4% decline in the first quarter this year.

For the first half, crop production contracted by 0.4% to P492.46 billion, a reversal of the 5.9% growth last year.

The value of palay production jumped by 5.7% to P93.69 billion in the April-to-June period, slowing from the 13.9% growth a year earlier. Palay output in the first semester dipped by 0.5% from 6.5% growth a year ago.

PSA data showed the value of corn production grew by 0.8% in the second quarter, sharply slower than 27.3% a year ago. Corn output contracted by 3% in the first half from 5.4% a year ago.

Coconut jumped by 2.4%, a tad slower than the 3% a year ago but faster than the 1.4% growth in the first quarter. For the first half, the value of coconut output grew by 1.9% from 1.3% a year ago.

Double-digit increases in the second quarter were seen in mongo (14.6%), cabbage (12.3%), cassava (11.4%), tobacco (10.6%), and coffee (10.2%).

On the other hand, sugarcane production plunged by 22.5% in the second quarter, a reversal of the 341% surge a year ago.

Declines were also seen in rubber (-16.4%), tomato (-10.1%), calamansi (-7.7%), onion (-6.1%), banana (-3.5%), sweet potato (-2.7%), and potato (-2.4%).

Mr. Dar said that the weak growth in crop production in the second quarter may be partly attributed to “the problem of irrigation systems that were not functional this time.”

GROWTH CHALLENGES
Poultry, which accounted for 17.7% of total production, jumped by 6.3% to P79.84 billion in the second quarter, slower than the 7% a year ago and 7.1% in the first quarter. This was the fastest growth among subsectors during the quarter.

Chicken production went up by 4.1% in the second quarter (from 8.2% a year ago), while chicken eggs jumped by 13.2% (from 4.8%).

Duck output shrank by 1.3%, worsening from the 1.1% drop a year ago, while duck eggs declined by 4% (from -0.7%).

In the January-to-June period, poultry output increased by 6.7% to P160.67 billion, slowing from 8.4% last year.

Elias Jose M. Inciong, chairman of the United Broiler Raisers Association, said the slower year on year growth in poultry sector reflected the general economic slowdown.

“Demand was affected by the increase in fuel and fertilizer prices brought about by the Iran-US war. Production was similarly bogged down. Costs went up. Growth will necessarily be a challenge under these circumstances,” Mr. Inciong told BusinessWorld via Viber.

He also cited the drop in average farmgate prices to P105.94 per kilo as of July, the lowest in five years, compared to P119 per kilo in 2025.

LIVESTOCK
Production of livestock went up by 3.6% to P61.83 billion, accounting for 13.7% of the total output. This was a turnaround from the 5.9% contraction in the second quarter of 2025, but slower than the 5% in the first quarter.

Hog production grew by 5.6% in the quarter ending June, a turnaround from the -7.5% a year ago, while dairy surged by 37.8% from 6% a year ago.

However, declines were noted for cattle (-5.2%), carabao (-6.6%) and goat (-3.3%).

For the first six months, livestock output expanded by 4.3% to P122.53 billion, an improvement from the -4.5% a year earlier.

“Obviously Q2 2026 growth will be slower due to negative effects of US Iran war, inflation due to oil price increases, depressed economic activity, wage freeze resulting to lower disposable income. These all contributed to poor pork demand and depressed liveweight prices,” Alfred Ng, vice chairman of the National Federation of Hog Raisers, told BusinessWorld via Viber.

Mr. Ng said the continued growth in pork imports, rising feed prices, and African Swine Fever (ASF) continue to affect the hog industry.

“ASF continues to be a problem for big pig producing provinces though not completely and accurately reported,” he added.

Meanwhile, the value of fisheries production rose by 2.7% to P61.64 billion in the quarter ending June. This made up 13.6% of total agriculture output during the period.

Higher output was seen for squid (42.2%), roundscad or galunggong (38%), fimbriated sardines (33.7%), P. vannamei (23.2%), tilapia (13.1%), grouper (6.7%), and Bali sardinella or tamban (1.4%).

On the other hand, double-digit declines were seen in mudcrab (-30.2%), cavalla or talakitok (-21.4%), bigeye tuna (-20.1%), skipjack (-14%), blue crab (-10.1%), big-eyed scad (-11.5%), and frigate tuna (-10.6%).

An annual drop in production was also recorded for yellowfin tuna (-8.5%), slipmouth (-7.4%), milkfish or bangus (-7.1%), threadfin bream (-6.6%), and tiger prawn (-5.6%).

In the January-to-June period, fisheries output contracted by 1.5% to P114.02 billion, reversing the 0.1% growth in the same period last year.

Jayson H. Cainglet, executive director of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura, said the growth in fisheries production only covers commercial fishers and not local small-scale fishers, citing the Supreme Court ruling on commercial fishing vessels in 15-kilometer (km) municipal fishing zones.

“Since last year, a Supreme Court ruling allowed commercial vessels to fish inside the 15-km municipal waters. The 15-km municipal waters should be exclusive to artisanal/small fishers,” Mr. Cainglet told BusinessWorld via Viber.

LOOMING EL NIÑO
Meanwhile, experts warned about the impact of the looming Super El Niño on the agriculture and fishery sectors for the rest of the year.

Mr. Dar noted agricultural output, particularly crops, will be badly impacted by the Super El Niño in the second half of the year.

Mr. Ng said the Super El Niño would drive up the price of local feeds, as well as affect water supply.

“Super El Niño will put pressure on the local feeds produced like corn, rice bran, coco oil, molasses both on availability and affordability. It will also dampen the growth rate of our animals and may caused higher mortality figures due heat stress,” Mr. Ng said.

“Water source for drinking of our animals may also be compromised and short,” he added.

Mr. Inciong said the fourth quarter is usually the most challenging for the broiler industry.

“There is always an expected oversupply because of better production conditions and the very heavy influx of imported chicken meat,” he said. “Super El Niño will devastate market demand especially in the rural areas, adding to the oversupply,” Mr. Inciong added.

For his part, Mr. Laurel said that the DA’s continuing efforts to open new export markets and expand overseas shipments of Philippine farm products would drive growth for the agricultural and fisheries sector for the rest of the year.

Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Season 1 Episode 3 Wastes Time on Denise

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Critic’s Rating: 3 / 5.0

I was seated for Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Season 1 Episode 3 after the way the previous episode ended.

And then, meh.

This was a mediocre installment in what could have been a fun romp into witch trials and a magical threat.

(Colin Remas Brown/HBO Max)

Even The Big Bang Theory cameos couldn’t save this one, as the entire focus was on Denise for absolutely no reason at all.

Why Did Denise Decide to Leave?

During Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Season 1 Episode 2, naturally, Stuart decided he needed to see the love of his life.

However, this isn’t the same world that he left behind, and Denise is somewhat happily married to Gary.

In a surprising turn of events, she decides to leave Gary and follow Stuart, taking her into a new universe where she has to face the choices she’s made.

(Colin Remas Brown/HBO Max)

Now, I get it. Denise is from a world where she and Stuart were never together. She later tells the Magic World Gary that they had six years of happiness together.

They barely argued — although that’s because they weren’t allowed to get mad thanks to the cube floating in the sky.

So, why would she leave that? What did she think she was missing?

I don’t even think we get to the bottom of it all. Honestly, I lost track of the whole thing because I just didn’t care.

There’s so much more going on throughout the episode that was far more interesting, and each time we went back to Denise at the bar or with Gary, I just rolled my eyes.

(Colin Remas Brown/HBO Max)

I don’t mind Denise, and I liked her character from the apocalypse world they were in, but now we’re stuck with this one, which has a lot of unresolved issues.

I guess in a way it’s supposed to be a look at how emotions being controlled and suppressed lead to these issues.

But there’s a universe to save!

Bert Finally Took Control

My favorite part of the 18 minutes of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe was seeing Bert take control.

As Will Wheaton shows up to kill Stuart for helping Bernadette, Bert steps in the way.

(Colin Remas Brown/HBO Max)

He’s magic, and that’s what saves him from being burned at the stake.

Now, I will say that I could have done with a little more of an explanation as to why Bert was being burned at the stake.

I assumed it was because he was magic, but he suddenly gained groupies as a result.

This is why the time spent with Denise was a waste. There was so much more to delve into and explain in this universe.

I feel like we learned so much about the apocalypse and the cube worlds. Why not this magic one? Was it because the writers didn’t know where to go with it?

(Courtesy of HBO Max)

However, Bert finally took control, and we got to see some actual emotion from him.

Yes, I laughed out loud when Kripke was turned into a penguin. He deserved it, although I think a weasel would have been more appropriate.

The fight between Will and Bert added some fun action to the episode, something the previous installment missed.

I ended up with a lot more questions about how powerful Bert was, considering he was able to take on Will so easily, and Will came across as such a high-ranking magical being — although he could have been faking that!

I know we won’t revisit that world, but I would love to just get some niggling questions answered.

(Courtesy of HBO Max)

Of Course, Bernadette Is a Demon

I’ve always loved how The Big Bang Theory grew Bernadette’s character into a sweet-sounding dictator. And I say that lovingly.

She’s so charming and nice when she wants to be, but when she gets mad, she’s scary. Many of the characters on the original series pointed it out, including Penny and Howard!

So, it made perfect sense that she would turn out to be a demon in this magic world. Even then, she had the sweet voice and apologized as she stepped on people.

It brought the heart of the original series through in just a short scene.

(Colin Remas Brown/HBO Max)

What could have happened had she managed to get her hands on the universe-jumping machine?

I would love to see an alternate universe where that happened, but that isn’t the point of this series. That’s for fanfiction, I guess!

Nobody would stand a chance against Bernie.

Another question came up as I watched: how did the magical council bind her powers?

She seems so unstoppable, and Will turned up almost in fear that Bernadette was loose. It would suggest that it took a lot of power to contain her and strip her of her powers.

(Courtesy of HBO Max)

I will say that while Stuart Fails to Save the Universe Season 1 Episode 2 reminded me a lot of Charmed in the way the utopian society was set up, this episode reminded me a lot of Angel in the way Bernadette looked.

She was the spit of Lorne, just a giant version. Now I want to see some sort of karaoke bar where she sings and where other demons and magical creatures can hang out.

It does bring up the wonder of how many other TV shows and movies have been used as inspiration for future episodes of the series.

At least the series is keeping things unique and adding its own twists, so it is paying homage to the sci-fi that has come before rather than a direct copy, and I appreciate that.

However, I need more of the failing-to-save-the-universe storyline in future episodes. No more of Denise wallowing in a bar.

(HBO Max/Screenshot)

We love to hear from you!

Not only do your comments help to keep independent journalism alive, but we just love to connect with fellow fans.

So, drop your thoughts on the latest episode, and share your wishes for future ones in the comments below!

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Iran’s chief negotiator accuses Trump of ‘theater diplomacy’

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf speaks at a press conference in Tehran, Iran, Dec. 2, 2025.

Shadati | Xinhua News Agency | Getty Images

Iran’s chief negotiator has accused U.S. President Donald Trump of staging “theater diplomacy,” as Washington and Tehran offer conflicting accounts of bilateral engagement aimed at ending their months-long hostilities.

“‘Massive attack coming … wait, never mind, they want to negotiate.’ That’s theater diplomacy on loop,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker and top negotiator, wrote in a post on X on Thursday in an apparent jibe at Trump.

The remarks came days after Trump called off planned strikes and said the outlines of a deal had already been settled with Tehran. Iranian officials have rejected the claim, saying no talks were underway.

The conflict is meanwhile broadening across the region, with Gulf energy infrastructure and key shipping chokepoints under renewed threat.

Saudi Arabia is bracing for “multiple coordinated attacks” by Iraqi militia factions working with Iran-backed Houthis, a Saudi official told CNN. Intelligence reports from Saudi Arabia and regional governments reportedly indicated that the groups planned to strike the kingdom “in the very near future” under the guidance of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The warning came a day after the Houthis claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Gulf of Aden, another critical shipping chokepoint. Saudi Arabia has come under Houthi missile fire and drone attacks by Iran-backed Iraqi militias in recent weeks.

Shipping through the region’s two critical chokepoints has fallen sharply in recent days. Only two vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, down from eight a day earlier, according to Kpler vessel-tracking data, against a pre-war baseline of roughly 130 to 140 daily transits. Traffic through the Bab el-Mandeb collapsed to a single dry bulk carrier, from 20 vessels the previous day.

Flows via Hormuz are unlikely to return to pre-war levels anytime soon, even after a deal is reached between Oman and Iran for managing traffic via the critical waterway.

U.S. and Israeli ships would be barred from the Strait of Hormuz under a draft plan involving Iran and Oman for managing the waterway, Tehran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported Thursday, with restrictions extending to countries that have “caused damage” to Iran, until compensation is paid.

Iran also plans to issue penalties of up to 20% of the value of the cargo of those who violate the terms of the agreement, which is currently under review, according to Fars.

Oil jumped on signs of Tehran’s hardening stance on the Hormuz traffic. Brent crude futures for October delivery gained 1.3% to $83.55 a barrel, while September futures for WTI crude rose about 1.1% to $78.17 on Friday, extending losses from a day earlier and reversing an earlier slide driven by brief optimism that a Hormuz deal was days away.

Earlier, regional officials said that Iran and Oman were close to finalizing a framework covering all inbound traffic via Iranian territorial waters as well as outbound traffic through a route closer to Oman, though the arrangement would not automatically reopen the waterway.

In a Truth Social post on Thursday, Trump pushed back on reports that U.S. munitions stocks have been depleted by the war. “The U.S. has massive amounts of ‘munitions,’ especially of certain types,” he said, vowing to pursue “long-term jail sentences” for leakers.

CNN reported later in the day that, in the Oval Office, Trump acknowledged that certain munitions are in “tighter” supply, while insisting less-advanced weapons remain in virtually unlimited supply.

Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.

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Watch Timbaland perform only the times he says “EH” in Nelly Furtado’s ‘Say It Right’

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Footage has gone viral of Timbaland performing only his “EH” backing vocals to Nelly Furtado‘s ‘Say It Right’ – check out some of the reactions below.

The producer was making an appearance at the Łódz Summer Festival in Poland on July 25 and as part of his set, he played Furtado’s 2006 hit and somewhat hilariously decided to sing his original backing vocals from the track – which consist entirely of him repeating the same grunt over and over again.

With Furtado not there, he was left alone on stage to “perform” the track, with one Instagram user quipping, “Crazy that he still remembers all his lines”.

Another commented that Timbaland “sounds like the birds outside my window every morning at 6 a.m.”, while another said, “I wonder if they did sound check to make sure he stayed in key”.

Check out the footage here:

“Say It Right”: Timbaland “canta” seu hit com Nelly Furtado e emociona seguidores ao mostrar que não esqueceu sua parte da letra. pic.twitter.com/9T1AabT8Ml

— Nazaré Amarga (@NazareAmarga) July 30, 2026

Timbaland performing “Say it Right” without Nelly Frutado is so funny to me. Man knows his lyrics! pic.twitter.com/Yxp0QEmkMk

— Chappell Ryan (@RyanTroutSays) August 6, 2026

I fear it is real… https://t.co/26PcGP4r7L

— Dave Discoballs (@Davediscoballs) July 30, 2026

Others were more impressed, with one poster describing it as “the most baller shit I’ve ever seen”, while another pointed out that “this man’s grunts were many times the genius small details that together with his production, made some of the best pop songs of this century”.

Timbaland co-produced ‘Say It Right’ with Nate “Danja” Hills and it was released as part of Furtado’s third studio album ‘Loose’. It became her second US number one single and went on to be nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the Grammys, losing out to Amy Winehouse‘s ‘Rehab’.

‘Say It Right’ went on to be covered by Tame Impala in a special performance for BBC Radio 1 in 2020.

Furtado spoke to NME in 2024 about her work with Timbaland, which also included the singles ‘Maneater’, ‘Promiscuous’ and ‘In God’s Hands’, as well as the Justin Timberlake team-up ‘Give It To Me’.

She said the pair “didn’t want it to sound perfect, we wanted it to sound real”, adding that they were aiming to make “trippy, melancholic, bittersweet melodies and lyrics over Tim’s heavy beats and make a dreamy type of mix within that.”

She also suggested that the two of them could celebrate the ‘Loose’ album with a Las Vegas residency. “We could play the album from beginning to end, because I do think it captures the world were in at the time.”

Furtado announced last October that she was stepping away from live performances for the foreseeable future, and in March, she was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame.

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Listen to Madonna and Kylie Minogue’s “Love Sensation (Afterhours Mix)”

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 06 Aug 2026 21:00:04 -0600

It was the WorldPride Amsterdam appearance heard ’round the world: Kylie Minogue strutting onstage to join Madonna during her “Club Confessions” set to perform a new duet. The two veteran divas have now officially released that song, a Minogue remix of Madonna’s Confessions II track “Love Sensation.” (Balking at the track’s six-minute runtime? Never fear, there’s also a “Radio Edit.”) Check out “Love Sensation (Afterhours Mix)” and “Love Sensation (Afterhours Radio Edit)” below.

Madonna’s WorldPride show two unexpected places Minogue popped up in over the weekend, the second being at Nick Cave’s hometown concert in Brighton. Although such a formidable link-up only comes along so often, Madonna and Minogue have, in fact, collaborated before—they covered Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” at the Los Angeles stop of Madonna’s 2024 Celebration Tour. Minogue’s most recent solo album Tension—featuring the runaway hit “Padam Padam”—came out in 2023.

Read about Madonna’s “School” in 20 Contenders for 2026 Song of the Summer.

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July inflation cools to 4-month low

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

PHILIPPINE INFLATION cooled to its slowest pace in four months in July as transport costs eased and food inflation steadied, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

Data from the PSA showed headline inflation slowed to 6.2% from 6.4% in June but quickened from 0.9% a year ago.

July saw the slowest headline inflation in four months or since 4.1% in March.

July also marked the third straight month that inflation eased.

The July print fell within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 5.6%-6.6% forecast for the month, but below the 6.4% median estimate in a BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts.

Year to date, inflation averaged 5%, well above the BSP’s 3% target.

“Headline inflation further slowed to 6.2% in July from 6.4% in June as easing transport costs and improving supply conditions tempered price pressures,” the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said in a statement.

Transport inflation slowed to 11.9% in July from 12.8% in June.

In July, pump prices in the domestic retail market climbed by as much as P11.70 per liter for gasoline, P26.19 per liter for diesel, and P23.89 per liter for kerosene.

However, this was tempered by slower inflation in maintenance and repair of personal transport as well as other services related to personal transport equipment, National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said.

PSA data also showed inflation for other passenger transport by road eased to 5.3% from 5.4% in June.

Still, Mr. Mapa noted that the recent peso depreciation against the greenback renewed price pressures last month, considering the country uses US dollars to purchase its fuel stock.

“Regarding the peso depreciation’s impact on the inflation rate, of course, it directly affects fuel prices,” Mr. Mapa told a press briefing in Filipino. “This is because we purchase fuel in US dollars, while our pump prices are peso denominated. This is where the direct effect is felt, and then of course there are also indirect effects after that.”

As of end-July, the local unit averaged P60.2042 versus the greenback, about 5% or P2.85 weaker than its P57.12 average in the same period last year, according to BSP data.

It plunged to a new historic low of P61.847 per dollar on July 24, breaking its previous record-low finish of P61.75 on July 23.

COSTLIER RICE, ELECTRICITY
Meanwhile, inflation for the heavily weighted food and nonalcoholic beverages index steadied from June at 5.2%, lifting some pressure off the headline print.

This came as “lower meat prices and slower increases in vegetable prices offset sharper rice inflation,” the DEPDev said.

However, the overall inflation remained elevated as electricity and rice inflation accelerated last month.

Rice inflation stood at 17.1% from 15% in June, the fastest pace in two years or since the 20.9% in July 2024.

Mr. Mapa said this was driven by the staple grain’s significant price growth versus a year ago, offsetting the marginal month-on-month decline.

PSA data showed the average price of regular milled rice dipped by 0.9% to P49.55 a kilo in July from about P50 in the previous month but jumped 19.9% from P41.31 a kilo in July 2025.

Meanwhile, a kilo of well-milled rice was sold at P55.41 last month, up by 0.75% from P55 in June and by 16.4% from P47.60 a year ago. Special rice also fell month on month by 0.3% to P63.75 from P63.95 but climbed by 12.2% annually from P56.83.

On the other hand, the Manila Electric Co. hiked electricity rates by 34.28 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P14.8261 per kWh in July.

This brought electricity inflation to its fastest pace in over three years, or since March 2023, at 17% from the revised 12.3% in June.

RISKS REMAIN
Mr. Mapa said the latest figure points to a downward trend at the headline level, with inflation peaking in April, but risks remain from high electricity rates and potential increases in food prices.

“This year, (inflation) peaked in April, wherein we recorded 7.2% and then it went down to 6.8% in May, 6.4% in June, and 6.2% in July,” he told a press briefing in mixed English and Filipino. “So, basically the trend that we’re seeing right now is good news that the inflation rate is going down at the headline level. But as I’ve been mentioning, there are risks.”

Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy prices, eased to 4.2% from 4.4% in June, but picked up from 2.3% in July 2025.

Mr. Mapa noted that core inflation remains sticky as several nonvolatile commodity groups continue to see price increases.

Meanwhile, PSA data showed inflation in the National Capital Region (NCR) cooled to 4.4% in July from 4.9% in June but quickened from 1.7% last year.

Outside NCR, it eased to 6.7%, slightly slower than 6.8% in the previous month but faster than 0.7% a year earlier.

However, high rice prices weighed heavily on the bottom 30% of income households, with their inflation hitting 8.2% from 8% in June and -0.8% a year ago.

As of July, inflation for the bottom 30% averaged 5.9%.

The food index accounts for over 51% of inflation for the bottom 30%, even higher than its nearly 35% share in headline inflation, making these households more vulnerable to food price swings.

“So, when food prices rise, they are really affected. So, there is one commodity that really drives the inflation rate for the bottom 30% of income households, and that is the price of rice,” Mr. Mapa said, noting that rice holds 18% of the bottom 30% basket, double the 9% share at the headline level.

If rice prices ease in the coming months, inflation for the bottom 30% will likely mirror the downward trend of headline inflation, the national statistician added.

BSP HIKING PATH
The central bank said it will continue to use its monetary policy tools to steer inflation back to its 3% target, with its latest forecast showing the headline clip may hit 6.4% by yearend.

“The BSP will continue to monitor recent developments and their potential impact on inflation and growth,” it said in a statement on Wednesday. “The BSP is prepared to take further monetary action as needed to ensure that inflation returns close to the 3% target.”

Despite inflation softening for three consecutive months, the BSP might cap its tightening cycle with a final hike this month, according to Chinabank Research.

“Despite this extended rebound, we believe the BSP is likely to end its rate-hiking cycle this month, as second-round inflation effects appear to have largely run their course,” it said in a report.

The Monetary Board’s next policy review is on Aug. 27

However, Chinabank noted that it may be “too early” to say that the country is now seeing a sustained disinflation trend, with risks looming from potential wage and transport fare hikes.

“However, risks remain, especially if higher-than-expected minimum wages and transport fares are approved,” it said.

The dual tranche P85 minimum wage hike in Metro Manila was suspended after a Pasig City Regional Trial Court issued a 20-day temporary restraining order on its implementation.

Higher fuel costs have also prompted petitions for fare hikes ranging from P2 to P10, all of which are undergoing government review.

On the other hand, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. sees a longer tightening path for the BSP, although noted that future moves will likely remain measured.

“We maintain our expectation for the BSP to carry out measured rate increases,” it said. “The downward trajectory suggests that BSP was correct in holding off on overzealous aggressive rate tightening and we expect the BSP to continue this pace as BSP Governor Remolona balances inflation fighting with support for growth.”

The central bank has so far raised its key policy rate by 50 basis points (bps), with two consecutive 25-bp hikes in April and June which brought the benchmark to 4.75%.

Last month, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said he sees a “small chance” that the ongoing volatility and emerging threats to inflation would prompt them to deliver a 50-bp hike.

The BSP has said that it will continue to use its monetary policy tools to steer inflation back to its 3% target, with its latest forecast showing the headline clip may hit 6.4% by yearend.

Farm output rises 2.9% in Q2 on strong crop, livestock, poultry, fisheries output

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

Agricultural production increased 2.9% year-on-year in the second quarter year due to gains in crop, livestock, poultry, and fisheries output, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

The PSA reported that the value of production in agriculture and fisheries at constant 2018 prices grew to P452.22 billion in the second quarter from P439.66 billion a year earlier.

The increase lagged the year-earlier performance of 6.0%.

Posting growth were crops (1.6%), livestock (3.6%), poultry (6.3%), and fisheries (2.7%).

Crop output, which accounted for 55% of the total value of agricultural production, grew 1.6% to P248.90 billion in the second quarter. Palay (unmilled rice) and corn posted improvements in total value of 5.7% and 0.8% respectively.

Livestock production, which accounted for 13.7% of overall production, grew 3.6% to P61.83 billion in the second quarter. Hog production posted 5.6% growth.

Poultry, which accounted for 17.7% of total farm output, jumped 6.3% in the second quarter to P79.84 billion.

Fisheries production increased 2.7% to P61.64 billion. The sector accounted for 13.6% of the total output. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza

Wealth of Philippines’ 50 richest tycoons falls 8% to $79 billion — Forbes

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

The combined wealth of tycoons on the 2026 Forbes Asia Philippines’ 50 Richest list fell 8% to $79 billion from $86 billion a year earlier, according to the 2026 Forbes Asia Philippines’ 50 Richest list.

Only 14 listees were better-off from a year ago, Forbes Asia said in a news release on Thursday.

Forbes Asia attributed the decline in combined wealth to slower economic growth after the Philippine economy expanded 2.8% in the first quarter, its lowest quarterly growth rate since the pandemic, as well as an energy shock from the Iran conflict that stoked inflation and weakened the peso.

Ports businessman Enrique K. Razon, Jr. topped the annual ranking for the first time with a record net worth of $21.8 billion after adding $10.3 billion to his fortune.

The global expansion of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. boosted the listed port operator’s share price, helping increase Mr. Razon’s wealth despite geopolitical tensions, Forbes Asia said.

The Sy siblings, heirs to the SM group built by the late retail tycoon Henry Sy, Sr., slipped to second place after their combined fortune fell by $2.6 billion to $9.2 billion as shares of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. declined 18% from a year earlier amid a weak residential property market.

San Miguel Corp. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang climbed one spot to third despite a slight decline in his net worth to $3.5 billion as investor concerns over the conglomerate’s debt load triggered a nearly 10% decline in the company’s share price, Forbes Asia said.

Puregold Price Club, Inc. co-founders Lucio and Susan Co entered the top five for the first time with a shared fortune of $3.3 billion, ranking fourth on the list.

Isidro A. Consunji and siblings of DMCI Holdings, Inc. completed the top five with a fortune of $3 billion, down from $3.7 billion a year earlier.

Meanwhile, property businessman Manuel B. Villar, Jr., who ranked third last year, dropped to ninth spot after his wealth plunged by $8.6 billion to $2.4 billion.

Businessman Robert Coyiuto, Jr. posted the biggest percentage gain after more than doubling his fortune to $925 million as shares of Synergy Grid & Development Phils., Inc., the controlling shareholder of the country’s sole high-voltage power transmission operator, rallied on favorable regulatory changes, Forbes Asia said.

Property businessman Manuel B. Villar, Jr., who ranked third last year, dropped to ninth after his wealth plunged by $8.6 billion to $2.4 billion following a 99% markdown in the value of prime Metro Manila land parcels acquired by Villar Land from his privately held firms. Trading in the company’s shares was suspended in June after the market regulator cited delays in the filing of audited financial statements.

The minimum net worth required to make this year’s list remained unchanged at $185 million.

The rankings were compiled using shareholding and financial information obtained from the families and individuals, stock exchanges, analysts, and other sources, with net worths based on stock prices and exchange rates as of the close of markets on July 17, Forbes Asia said. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

Health chief denies allegations over new graft complaint, vows cooperation

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

Health Secretary Jose Brittanio “Brix” S. Pujalte Jr. on Thursday denied allegations that he deliberately delayed the procurement of anti-tuberculosis commodities after a graft complaint was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, adding that he would cooperate with the investigation.

In a statement released by the Department of Health (DoH), Mr. Pujalte said the P3-billion procurement of tuberculosis commodities must undergo careful review to “verify the quantity, quality, and safety of medicines and ensure compliance with government rules, thus preventing irregularities involving taxpayers’ money.”

Mr. Pujalte said conducting due diligence should not be misconstrued as an attempt to stall the government’s tuberculosis program or deprive patients of needed medicines.

“We have not even been in the position for 30 days, yet there is already pressure to fast-track the approval of the P3-billion tuberculosis procurement without a thorough review,” Mr. Pujalte said in a statement in mixed English and Filipino.

“That is P3 billion in taxpayers’ money — it is not something to be taken lightly. We should have learned our lesson from what happened with Pharmally. People’s lives are at stake here,” he added.

The health chief said he respects the mandate and processes of the Office of the Ombudsman and is prepared to submit all relevant documents and records required for the investigation.

In an 18-page complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman, a group of anonymous health advocates accused Mr. Pujalte of violating Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, by allegedly issuing a memorandum that halted the procurement of tuberculosis commodities, which they claimed was intended to delay the public bidding process in favor of an unnamed supplier.

The complainants also asked the Ombudsman to place the health chief under preventive suspension and file criminal charges against him.

The complaint came a week after Mr. Pujalte denied allegations that he had been gambling at two resort casinos in Parañaque City under a fictitious name.

He also dismissed the allegations, saying he was at a restaurant in a hotel complex to meet local government officials for a courtesy call.

“No matter how relentless the demolition job is, we will not be distracted. The people’s money and the lives of Filipinos must be protected,” Mr. Pujalte said.

The health chief added that he remains focused on protecting patients and strengthening the integrity of the agency’s procurement process.

Mr. Pujalte was appointed Health secretary less than a month ago, replacing Teodoro J. Herbosa, who resigned due to health reasons. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Philippine Jobless rate rises to 4.9% in June

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

Philippine joblessness worsened in June, signaling weaker labor-market conditions that could weigh on household spending and complicate the government’s efforts to sustain economic growth.

The unemployment rate rose to 4.9% from 3.7% a year earlier, with 2.59 million Filipinos out of work, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported on Thursday.

The jobless rate was also up slightly from 4.8% in May. The employment rate fell to 95.1% from 96.3% a year earlier, even as the number of employed Filipinos increased to 50.66 million from 50.47 million.

The labor force participation rate declined to 65.1% in June from 65.7% a year earlier, although it improved from 63.8% in May.

Underemployment, a measure of workers seeking additional hours or another job, also climbed to 12.1% from 11.4% a year earlier. About 6.11 million employed Filipinos were underemployed in June.

Services remained the biggest source of jobs, accounting for 62.7% of total employment, followed by agriculture at 20% and industry at 17.3%.

Accommodation and food services posted the largest annual employment gain at 481,000, followed by administrative and support services at 456,000 and public administration and defense at 440,000.

Wholesale and retail trade recorded the biggest employment decline, shedding 903,000 jobs year on year, while fishing and aquaculture lost 467,000. The data point to a labor market losing momentum even as the economy seeks to maintain growth. — Norman P. Aquino

Sha-boing-boing, Baby! Nostalgic Martin Spinoff Is Finally Here

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:00:03 -0600

Dammmmmnnn, it took a long time to get here!

Martin is easily one of the greatest sitcoms, let alone Black sitcoms of its time, and it’s such a cultural staple that it still resonates some 30 years later.

In many ways, it’s the blueprint, which is why viewers were stoked to learn that The Varnell Hill Show, a sitcom that would follow Tommy Davidson’s iconic character, would get its own series in the 21st century.

(Courtesy of Paramount+)

If CBS is leaning into procedurals and everything that still speaks to its core demographic in the broadcast world, then Paramount+ is definitely leaning into some of its nostalgia.

And it also has an impressive slate of series centering Black stories, whether it’s the delightfully endearing Diarra from Detroit or the ridiculously grim and action-packed Average Joe.

This Martin-spinoff landing on Paramount+ is exciting and also lends itself to the desired tone that can match just what Martin was doing on HBO in the ’90s.

The Varnell Hill Show will make its official debut on the streamer this Fall, and unlike most of the frustratingly delayed slate of series that results in shows getting pushed back into October, we’ll get to see the first two episodes of The Varnell Hill Show on September 1.

(Courtesy of Paramount+)

Yes, that’s like, right around the corner, and it’s exciting to get a taste of Fall programming this early on.

The series will blessedly be a weekly drop that airs new episodes every Tuesday right up until October 13.

That means Paramount+ isn’t fumbling a good thing by dropping every episode at once in a binge and leaving the return of an iconic character disappearing from watercooler conversations in a week.

Good television is something worth savoring, and dipping into the nostalgia pond to bring back two comedic legends in Martin Lawrence, who executive produces, and Tommy Davidson is certainly worth savoring.

The series will follow Davidson’s Varnell Hill as he struggles to stay relevant behind the scenes of a late-night talk show in this era wherein those are dying off.

(Courtesy of Paramount+)

The industry is constantly changing. We at TV Fanatic know the painful reality of that truth all too well.

Within this series, we’ll see a veteran like Varnell pushing back and trying to make sense of the entertainment industry he’s navigated for decades.

He has network executives eager to modernize the show, a chaotic writers’ room, celebrity guests, family drama, and we’ll see him obviously grappling with that sizable ego of his, too.

The tagline teases that Varnell will soon figure out that the only thing more difficult than building a television empire is keeping it together.

And the cast feels like it’ll perfectly pay homage to comedic geniuses, which is already promising.

(Courtesy of Paramount+)

Accompanying Tommy Davidson, we have Kym Whitley, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Nick Cafero, Emmanuel Hudson and Chris Williams as series regulars.

And the guest stars include Ms. Pat, Deon Cole, Damon Wayans, Mike Epps, Omarion and Martin Lawrence.

It’s a formula that should most certainly work and maybe find a way to recapture the magic of what Martin itself did as far as having its finger on the pulse of pop, namely Black culture — or hell, creating the culture.

We shall see. And we have some excited people who will be providing more coverage, so if you’re tuning into this, let us know below!

The Varnell Hill Show premieres on September 1 on Paramount+.

We finally have a premiere date for The Varnell Hill Show, the Martin spinoff that already has us hype, and Fall TV is back, baby!
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The post Sha-boing-boing, Baby! Nostalgic Martin Spinoff Is Finally Here appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

Trump admin refunds $100 billion in ‘liberation day’ tariffs

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:00:03 -0600

An American flag flies near the Ever Memo container ship at the Port of Los Angeles on May 28, 2026 in Los Angeles, California.

Mario Tama | Getty Images

The Trump administration said it has refunded about $100 billion of the tariff revenue that was collected before President Donald Trump‘s “liberation day” duties were struck down by the Supreme Court.

The figure, reported Tuesday in a filing in the U.S. Court of International Trade, represents about 60% of the roughly $166 billion the government says it raked in from the sweeping tariffs Trump imposed in 2025 using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA.

Those tariffs were scrapped in late February after the high court ruled IEEPA did not authorize them. About two weeks later, federal Judge Richard Eaton ordered that tariffs collected under IEEPA must be refunded to the importers.

Trump, who placed heavy-handed tariffs at the center of his economic and foreign policy agendas, has vented his rage over the court rulings, and his administration has recently taken a series of steps to effectively re-create the IEEPA tariff regime using other legal authorities.

“Tariffs have been incredible. We’ve taken in hundreds of billions of dollars,” Trump said Tuesday in a Fox News interview. “Supreme Court gave us a little shot, but we’re allowed to do it in a different manner.”

Those different tariff methods are already facing their own court challenges. In the meantime, the Trump administration has been doling out refunds to the defunct IEEPA regime.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection in late April implemented a system called Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries, or CAPE, to track and deliver tariff refunds.

As of July 31, CAPE has received 252,496 tariff refund declarations covering more than 25 million import entries, CBP official Brandon Lord said in Tuesday’s filing, a court-ordered update on the administration’s progress delivering the refunds.

Listen to Jay-Z’s first verse since 2022 on Beyoncé’s ‘Morning Dew (Donk)’ remix

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:00:03 -0600

Jay-Z has delivered his first original rap verse in four years on a new remix of Beyoncé’s ‘Morning Dew (Donk)’ – listen below.

The track was released today (August 5) as part of a four-track remix pack, with Jay’s verse coming after a reworked chorus and post-chorus. He uses the appearance to brag about his marriage to Beyoncé on lines including, “Bitch so bad, I had to give her my last name” and “We just makin’ love, we just gettin’ rich“.

The original ‘Morning Dew (Donk)’ was surprise released on July 4, making it Beyoncé’s first new song in two years. It is set to feature on the upcoming 20th anniversary reissue of ‘B’Day‘, her second solo record, which is expected next month to coincide with the singer’s 45th birthday on September 4.

Check out ‘Morning Dew (Donk) Remix’ here:

‘Morning Dew (Donk)’ dates from the ‘B’Day’ sessions and was written by Beyoncé, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream and Darius Dixon, with production by Beyoncé and Pharrell.

Jay-Z’s last original rap verse was his guest appearance on DJ Khaled’s 2022 track ‘God Did’. He later collaborated with D’Angelo on ‘I Want You Forever’ in 2024, although his contribution to the track was spoken word rather than a rap verse.

The married couple also recently performed together during Jay-Z’s three-night run at Yankee Stadium in New York, with Beyoncé joining him on the opening night for ‘Can’t Knock The Hustle’ and on the final night on ‘Drunk In Love’.

Jay-Z will continue his run of big shows with two nights at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 4 and 5. He then heads to Paris’ Stade De France on September 10, before two shows at Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium on October 23 and 24. Find any remaining tickets here.

For a while now, there have been rumours that he is is working on a the follow-up to his last album, 2017’s ‘4:44’. Despite speculation, though, friend and collaborator Cash Cobain recently dismissed hopes and said that the rapper told him recently that he is “absolutely not dropping an album” anytime soon (via Variety).

The rapper will be releasing one new song with Eminem and Rakim, though, and it will be their first partnership in 25 years and feature on the latter’s upcoming album, due out on August 28.

As for Beyoncé, the speculation about her next full-length project is ongoing, with fans continuing to look for clues about the long-awaited ‘Act III’. It is expected to complete the trilogy that began with 2022’s ‘Renaissance’ and continued with 2024’s ‘Cowboy Carter’, although no official details about the project have been confirmed.

Read the original article here

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Outside Lands 2026: Amazon Music Livestream Schedule & Details

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 05 Aug 2026 21:00:03 -0600

The dog days of summer may be fast approaching, but festival season is still in full swing. Outside Lands returning to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park this weekend (August 7-9), for its first edition since the death of co-founder Jonathan Mayers last year. The lineup includes headliners Charli XCX, the Strokes, and Rüfüs Du Sol, as well as performances from the xx, Turnstile, Baby Keem, Death Cab for Cutie, Geese, Ethel Cain, and more.

The festival’s livestream is available at Prime Video and Amazon Music’s Twitch channel at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time each day. Find this weekend’s livestream and streaming schedule below.

Outside Lands 2026 Schedule

(All times listed in Pacific Daylight Time)

Schedule is subject to change

Friday, August 7, 2026

Channel 1

3:05 PM – Grace Ives
3:50 PM – Kerala Dust
4:40 PM – Sierra Ferrell
5:45 PM – Tinashe
6:40 PM – Geese
7:45 PM – Clipse
8:40 PM – Charli XCX
10:05 PM – Turnstile

Channel 2

3:05 PM – Die Spitz
3:55 PM – Durand Bernarr
4:50 PM – The Story So Far
5:40 PM – Wet Leg
6:35 PM – ALLEYCVT
7:30 PM – Labrinth
8:50 PM – Modest Mouse
9:55 PM – GRiZTRONICS

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Channel 1

3:05 PM – TBD
4:00 PM – Lucy Dacus
4:55 PM – Łaszewo
5:45 PM – Ethel Cain
6:50 PM – It’s Murph
8:05 PM – Djo
9:10 PM – The xx
10:30 PM – The Strokes

Channel 2

3:05 PM – Read Leather
3:30 PM – Haute & Freddy
4:20 PM – Yard Act
5:10 PM – After
5:55 PM – Audrey Hobert
6:50 PM – ¥ØU$UK€ ¥UK1MAT$U
7:45 PM – Malcolm Todd
8:50 PM – Snow Strippers
9:40 PM – Odd Mob & Omnom present Hyperbeam

Sunday, August 9, 2026

Channel 1

3:05 PM – Death Cab for Cutie
3:55 PM – Sosocamo
4:45 PM – Jade
5:50 PM – The Temper Trap
6:45 PM – Empire of the Sun
7:50 PM – Not for Radio
8:45 PM – Baby Keem
10:05 PM – Death Cab for Cutie

Channel 2

3:05 PM – SF Gay Men’s Chorus
3:45 PM – Momma
4:35 PM – Balu Brigada
5:30 PM – Destin Conrad
6:25 PM – Kingfishr
7:20 PM – Sultan + Shepard
8:15 PM – Disco Lines
9:20 PM – Mariah the Scientist
10:25 PM – Lane 8

Read the original article here

The post Outside Lands 2026: Amazon Music Livestream Schedule & Details appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

Philippine exports seen resilient despite 12.5% US tariff

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES’ merchandise exports are expected to weather the United States’ 12.5% tariff as exemptions for key products, particularly electronics and agricultural goods, help cushion the impact, analysts said.

However, vulnerable sectors such as garments and leather goods risk losing their competitiveness, which could force companies to cut jobs, they added.

“If Philippine semiconductor and other electronic exports continue to be exempt under the Section 301 measures, as they were under the earlier tariff regime, the overall impact of the new tariff on bilateral trade should be manageable,” Former Tariff Commissioner George N. Manzano said in a Viber message.

On July 24, the US government imposed new tariffs on 60 trading partners, including the Philippines, over allegations that these countries were not doing enough to stop the imports of goods made with forced labor.

The US slapped the new 12.5% tariff on Philippine-made goods, which replaced the 10% baseline tariff on Philippine exports, which expired also on July 24.

The Department of Trade and Industry earlier said that $11.98 billion worth of Philippine exports, including key electronic, mineral and agriculture products, are exempt from US tariffs.

“It is worth noting that for most of the first half of the year, Philippine exports were already subject to the US’ 10% global tariff, yet bilateral trade performance remained robust,” Mr. Manzano said.

The United States was the Philippines’ top export market in the January-to-June period, with exports up 27.7% to $8.44 billion from $6.61 billion in the same period last year, according to Philippine Statistics Authority data.

“With the removal of the 10% global tariff and its replacement by the 12.5% Section 301 tariff, the effective increase in the tariff burden on Philippine exports is only 2.5 percentage points,” Mr. Manzano noted.

Washington accounted for 18.1% of the country’s exports during the first six months of the year.

“The 12.5% tariff is a headwind, not a knockout blow. The key is to help affected exporters stay competitive while accelerating market diversification and moving up the value chain,” Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said in a Viber message.

However, about $6.25 billion or 34.28% of Philippine-made goods exported to the US, such as leather and travel goods, apparel, footwear, and toys, are exposed to the new levy.

Francisco Cid L. Terosa, a former dean at the University of Asia and the Pacific School of Economics, said while the 12.5% tariff spared the Philippines’ major exports, the affected sectors risk losing their competitiveness.

“It is worrisome that these exports are produced by industries that have low margins and greater labor demand, as the tariff can make them lose competitive advantage and force them to lay off workers,” he said in an e-mail.

“Given these contrasting effects on our export sectors, I think the trade deficit will widen further in the second half of 2026, averaging about $4 billion to $6 billion per month,” Mr. Terosa said.

The country’s trade-in-goods deficit widened by 25.86% to $30.81 billion in the first half of 2026, amid the double-digit growth in both imports and exports.

In the first half of the year, merchandise exports jumped by an annual 13.1% to $46.72 billion, while imports surged by 17.84% to $77.53 billion during the period.

Leonardo A. Lanzona, an economics professor at the Ateneo de Manila University, said state support for tariff-hit industries should go beyond providing subsidies.

“Government support should focus on cash flow: faster duty drawback and VAT (value-added tax) refund processing, working-capital loans for exposed exporters, and stepped-up efforts to diversify into markets like the European Union and Canada,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

Mr. Lanzona noted that the country’s trade deficit is set to widen as the growth in exports and imports has been well above the government’s targets this year.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee expects imports and exports to grow by 5% and 3% respectively, this year.

FREE TRADE AGREEMENT
Meanwhile, the Philippine government is betting on its free trade agreements (FTAs) to help exporters look beyond the US and explore other markets, Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque said.

“Just by looking at the growth of the exports, the world is our market, not just the US. So, we need to get these FTAs going so that we can also penetrate the bigger markets of the world,” she said in an interview on Money Talks with Cathy Yang on One News on Monday.

The Philippines is slated to conclude five FTAs this year, Ms. Roque said.

She earlier noted that the country is on track to finish negotiations for its bilateral FTAs with Canada and the European Union, as well as the updated Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement, within the year.

The Philippines signed free trade deals with the United Arab Emirates in January and Chile in July — its first FTAs with a Middle Eastern nation and a Latin American country, respectively.

BofA sees BSP ending its tightening cycle in August

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) will likely end its tightening cycle after delivering a third straight rate hike later this month, the Bank of America (BofA) Global Research said.

In a report on Tuesday, BofA economists said the BSP may raise its policy rate by 25 basis points (bps) at its Aug. 27 meeting if July inflation settled below 7%. This would bring the benchmark rate to 5%.

“We think a moderate inflation print (i.e. <7% year on year) may be enough for the Bangko Sentral to proceed with one more rate hike in August but signal that they may have already reached their target, having raised the policy rate 75 bp YTD (year-to-date) by then,” BofA Global Research said.

The BSP has so far raised its benchmark policy rate by 50 bps to 4.75% via two consecutive 25-bp hikes at its April and June meetings.

For BofA, inflation remaining above the BSP’s target would also warrant the final 25-bp hike it called for this month.

“The Philippines may require further tightening as inflation stays above target,” it said.

“Inflation expectations have eased from worst-case scenarios as oil prices subside, but rice and wage inflation remain key risks,” BofA added.

In June, headline inflation cooled for a second straight month to 6.4% from 6.8% in May, but marked the fourth month in a row that it breached the BSP’s 3% target.

The Philippine Statistics Authority is scheduled to release July inflation data on Wednesday (Aug. 5). Based on the median forecast of 21 economists and analysts polled by BusinessWorld last week, headline inflation will likely hold steady at 6.4% in July.

BofA currently estimates Philippine inflation to settle at 6.7% by yearend. If realized, this would be the fastest pace in three years or since the 7.2% in 2023. This is also faster than the central bank’s projected 6.4% average inflation for 2026.

At the same time, BofA’s latest projections show the National Government could miss its growth targets again over the next two years, with economic expansion seen at 2.5% for 2026 and 3.5% for 2027.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) is targeting 3.5%-4.5% GDP growth this year and 5%-6% next year.

According to BofA, the country’s economic figures in the second quarter are pointing to “mixed signals,” especially with higher government spending but lower revenue.

In the second quarter, government expenditure climbed by 6.5% to P1.684 trillion from the P1.582 trillion a year ago. Revenues dipped by 0.71% year on year to P1.253 trillion from P1.262 trillion.

TWO MORE HIKES?
Meanwhile, Japan-based MUFG Global Markets Research is pricing in two more 25-bp rate increases as the BSP holds to its hawkish stance, bringing the key policy rate to 5.25%.

After its meeting this month, the Monetary Board will hold two more policy reviews this year on Oct. 22 and Dec. 17.

Also, MUFG sees the peso recovering eventually to trade below the P61-a-dollar level at a gradual pace.

“With our expectation for BSP to remain hawkish and deliver two more 25 bps rate hikes over the coming meetings, coupled with our forecasts for some tentative improvement in government spending, we remain comfortable with our baseline view for USD/PHP to move lower as such,” it said in its monthly foreign exchange outlook published late on Monday.

However, the looming “super El Niño” event poses a significant risk to the peso’s projected rebound, MUFG added.

MUFG projects the local unit settling at P61.75 against the greenback in the third quarter, before strengthening further to P61.50 in the fourth quarter and P61 in the first quarter of 2027.

By the end of the second half of 2027, the peso will likely climb to P60.50.

As of end-July, the local unit averaged P60.2042 versus the greenback, about 5% or P2.85 weaker than its P57.12 average in the same period last year, BSP data showed.

It slumped to an all-time low of P61.847 per dollar on July 24, breaking its previous record-low finish of P61.75 on July 23, amid the renewed escalation of the Middle East war.

The DBCC forecasts the peso to range between P60 and P62 against the dollar this year until 2030. — Katherine K. Chan

Hot money inflows hit $170M in June

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

NET FOREIGN portfolio investment inflows into the Philippines extended to a second straight month in June as investor activity improved despite lingering financial market volatility, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data.

Transactions on foreign investments registered with the central bank through authorized banks posted a net inflow of $170.12 million in June, lower than the $232.46-million inflows in May but exceeded the $18.34 million seen a year ago.

This was the second straight month that the country saw a net inflow in short-term foreign investments.

Foreign portfolio investments (FPI) are also referred to as “hot money” due to the ease with which these flows enter or leave the country.

Investors’ sustained interest in emerging market assets, confidence in the Philippines’ macroeconomic fundamentals, as well as the attractiveness of domestic financial instruments likely led to the back-to-back hot money net inflow, Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said.

“The positive net inflow recorded in June suggests that foreign investors remained interested in Philippine financial assets despite heightened global uncertainty,” he said via Viber.

“While net inflows eased to $170.12 million from $232.46 million in May, the fact that inflows exceeded outflows for a second consecutive month indicates that the Philippines continued to attract foreign portfolio investments on balance.”

Based on central bank data posted on its website, gross inflows jumped by 51.52% to a four-month high of $2.942 billion in June from $1.942 billion in the previous year.

Month on month, it surged by 69.4% from $1.737 billion.

“The substantial increase in gross inflows to $2.94 billion, the highest level in four months, also points to sustained foreign participation in local markets even as investors navigated a volatile global environment,” Mr. Asuncion said.

Meanwhile, gross outflows of hot money soared by 44.13% year on year to $2.772 billion in June from $1.924 billion. It also ballooned by 84.26% from the $1.504-billion outflows a month earlier.

Mr. Asuncion said the rise in outflows reflected investors’ cautious stance and need to rebalance their portfolio amid challenging and uncertain economic global conditions.

Most or $540 million of the net inflows were recorded in investments in peso-denominated government securities, larger than the $410-billion net inflow in June last year.

BSP data also showed net outflows of investments in Philippine Stock Exchange-listed securities slightly narrowed to $370 million in June from $392 million in the previous year.

FIRST-HALF FLOWS
In the first half of the year, the country’s total hot money net outflow stood at $4.005 million, a reversal from the $1.542-million hot money that flowed into the country at end-June last year.

“The first-half outflow was driven more by global uncertainty than by the Philippine economy itself,” SM Investments Corp. Vice-President and Group Economist Robert Dan J. Roces said in a Viber message.

“Many investors simply chose to keep more money in US dollar assets while markets were dealing with higher oil prices and geopolitical risks.”

During the six-month period, inflows went up by an annual 10.63% to $13.241 billion from $11.969 billion.

Meanwhile, total gross outflows surged by 65.39% to $17.245 billion in the period ending July from $10.427 billion in the prior year.

Mr. Asuncion noted that hot money flows would depend on geopolitical developments.

“Looking ahead, we expect portfolio flows to remain sensitive to developments in the global financial environment, particularly movements in interest rates, geopolitical risks, and investor risk appetite,” he said.

The BSP expects FPIs to end this year at a net inflow of $1.8 billion, lower than the $3.7-billion total estimated net inflows in 2025.

Philippine inflation eases to four-month low in July

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

PHILIPPINE inflation cooled to its slowest pace in four months as transport prices eased and food inflation steadied, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

PSA data showed headline inflation slowed to 6.2% in July from 6.4% in June. However, this was much faster than the 0.9% a year ago.

This was the slowest headline figure in four months or since the 4.1% in March.

July also marked the third straight month that inflation eased.

The July print fell within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 5.6%-6.6% forecast for the month, but below the 6.4% median estimate in a BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts.

July’s reading brought the year-to-date average inflation to 5%, well above the BSP’s 3% target.

Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, eased to 4.2% from 4.4% in June, but picked up from 2.3% in July 2025.

Inflation in the National Capital Region (NCR) also cooled to 4.4% in July from 4.9% in June, but quickened from 1.7% last year.

Outside NCR, it eased to 6.7%, from 6.8% in the previous month but faster than 0.7% a year earlier.

However, inflation for the bottom 30% of income households came in faster at 8.2% from 8% in June and -0.8% a year ago, bringing the average to 5.9% as of July. — Katherine K. Chan

McDonald’s expands loyalty push as Rewards program hits 5 million members

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

McDonald’s Philippines is expanding its digital loyalty strategy after its MyMcDonald’s Rewards program reached five million members in its first year, with the company rolling out new rewards, exclusive merchandise, and experiential perks to deepen customer engagement and grow its digital ecosystem.

The loyalty program, embedded within the McDonald’s App, allows customers to earn points on every eligible purchase, which can be redeemed for free food, limited-edition merchandise, and exclusive experiences.

The McDonald’s App, first launched in 2019, has grown to around 19 million users, according to McDonald’s Assistant Vice President for strategy & insights, and digital Katrina Lee-Chua.

“MyMcDonald’s Rewards is actually the loyalty program within the McDonald’s App. Currently, we have roughly five million that are already subscribed or opted in,” Ms. Lee-Chua said during a media interview.

Unlike app-exclusive discounts, the rewards program enables customers to accumulate points from virtually any purchase, including dine-in, takeout, drive-thru, and even McDonald’s party bookings, making it easier for customers to redeem rewards.

“It’s not hard to earn points,” Ms. Lee-Chua said. “Every purchase is easy, you can earn points and you have rewards.”

McDonald’s Philippines said the program was the first digital loyalty platform introduced by a quick-service restaurant (QSR) chain in the country, building on its earlier launch of app-exclusive deals. The company said Filipino consumers’ familiarity with loyalty programs helped drive adoption.

“Consumers love that it’s so differentiated with McDonald’s. They don’t just save money, they earn more by using it,” Ms. Lee-Chua said.

To celebrate the program’s first anniversary, McDonald’s will introduce a refreshed rewards catalog beginning Aug. 17, adding new menu items that customers can redeem using accumulated points. The company is also launching a limited-edition McDo Denim Jacket, available for redemption using 1,200 points at 30 participating stores, alongside anniversary missions that allow members to earn bonus points faster.

The expansion comes as the company shifts its loyalty strategy beyond traditional food rewards, responding to consumers’ growing interest in exclusive merchandise and experiences.

“We realized, especially with the younger market now, it’s not just claiming food rewards. They really want something different. Experiences [are] something that they resonate with,” Ms. Lee-Chua said.

Past rewards have included merchandise from McDonald’s collaborations, such as the Friends collection and the Grimace tumbler. The denim jacket is the latest addition, while future rewards are expected to include more partnerships, gamified experiences, and exclusive collectibles.

Ms. Lee-Chua said the gamified features are already available through McDonald’s Global and will be adapted for the Philippine market. The company also plans to introduce partnerships as part of the loyalty program’s second year, although details have yet to be disclosed.

Currently, MyMcDonald’s Rewards can be used for dine-in, takeout, and drive-thru transactions by scanning a QR code through self-order kiosks or at the counter. Ms. Lee-Chua said the company also plans to extend the program to delivery orders, but declined to provide a timeline.

Among the most redeemed rewards are World Famous Fries, McFlurry, and Chicken McDo, reflecting the products that remain popular among Filipino consumers.

Over the long term, McDonald’s aims to grow the McDonald’s App to between 50 million and 60 million users, with the loyalty program serving as a key driver of customer engagement.

“Value is not only about giving customers more for their money—it is also about recognizing every time they choose McDonald’s,” Ms. Lee-Chua said in a statement. “As we mark our first anniversary, we are building on that promise by giving McDo fans even more rewarding ways to experience ‘May Point ‘Yan!'” — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba

Big Brother Spoilers: The Target Finally Learns They’re in Danger — But Is It Too Late?

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:00:06 -0600

When a majority alliance on Big Brother takes out one of their own, it tends to send the game into a bit of a tailspin.

Blindsides are a big part of the experience, but it seems that Drew is finally realizing that his time in the game could be numbered.

As part of the Toolshed alliance, Drew felt untouchable, but alarm bells started ringing the moment his ally told him she was putting him on the block as a pawn.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Pawns go home on Big Brother.

When the Veto came and went, and Taylor took herself off the block, Lyric was Hayley’s pick to take her place.

But that kept Drew firmly on the block, alongside Lyric and Melody.

Drew is a big target because his allies know he’s playing every side of the house that will listen to him.

Naturally, the Toolshed believes he’s untrustworthy.

I don’t think Hayley actually entertained the possibility of him going home until she realized that he felt too safe on the block.

Big Brother Season 28 Could Lose Drew

With Drew’s game in jeopardy, Barrett has been trying to recalibrate his own game and may have made a huge blunder.

He told Mallory that Drew’s fate was sealed in an attempt to build trust with her.

But Mallory didn’t keep that information to herself and went straight to Drew to tell him that he had to win the Big Brother Blockbuster or else his game was likely over.

This was the first time that Drew realized the jig was up and that his allies were actively plotting his demise.

He didn’t do himself any favors by opening up about Mallory’s sentiments, but he’s now aware that he’s in danger.

By bringing up what Mallory said and saying her name, he has made Mallory a target of the Toolshed all over again.

(CBS/Screenshot)

But sadly for him, Mallory is not on the reality TV hit’s block this week, and it’s Drew who seems the most likely person to go.

Drew and Melody have formed a bond that the rest of the house can see, and they will be split up this week … unless Lyric blows up her game between now and Thursday and loses the Blockbuster competition.

Could Lyric Get Evicted?

All Lyric has to do is not ruffle any feathers, and she should be safe against either nominee if she’s still on the block at the vote.

From an entertainment standpoint, I want Drew and Melody to survive the week because Melody actually wants to take shots at the Toolshed.

The game so far has been so one-sided because the Toolshed has steamrolled the competition. It’s time for things to shift, and I bet it will happen over the next week.

Hayley and Kamu are both emerging as big targets, and I bet that Angela, Dee, and Rick will be forced to play dirty when people go after those two.

There are still a few days for things to change in the house, and this is Big Brother, so anything can shift.

What are your thoughts on Drew likely being the next person evicted from Big Brother Season 28?

Do you think he can pull off a Big Brother Blockbuster win?

Who do you want to win the next Head of Household and take control of the game?

Big Brother’s latest target now knows they’re in danger, but is it the end of the line for their game? Get the latest spoilers.
Big Brother Season 28 has just confirmed its final nominees for Week 4 after a Veto Meeting blindside. Get the details.
From blindsides to big twists, Big Brother is full of iconic moments. We discuss the moments all new fans should know. Read on to find out!

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Susan Collins will oppose Blanche, a critical blow for Trump’s AG pick

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:00:06 -0600

U.S. Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) speaks during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 21, 2026.

Eric Lee | Reuters

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, will vote against Todd Blanche’s nomination to be attorney general, dealing a blow to President Donald Trump‘s pick for the nation’s top law enforcement job ahead of a confirmation vote in the Senate.

“While I believe Mr. Blanche is a capable lawyer, the Department of Justice has become increasingly political,” Collins, who is facing a tough reelection fight, said in a statement. “Mr. Blanche has taken several actions that have further eroded the Department’s independence, and that is the basis for my vote to oppose his confirmation.”

Collins listed several reasons for her “no” vote, including Blanche’s role in a controversial settlement between Trump and the Internal Revenue Service that resulted in an audit shield for the president and his family and the now-canceled “anti-weaponization fund.” Collins also noted Blanche “promised an anti-abortion organization that he would seek to prohibit the mailing of abortion medication to women nationwide.”

Blanche can only afford to lose two GOP votes to be confirmed, given Republicans’ 53-47 majority and the extended medical absence of Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Bill Cassidy, R-La., have yet to decide on Blanche’s nomination — meaning the pair could sink him if they decide to join Collins in opposition.

Blanche was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier Tuesday by a vote of 12-10, sending his nomination to the Senate floor for a confirmation vote.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche gets sworn in at his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Capitol Hill July 15, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Win Mcnamee | Getty Images

The committee vote came after Blanche, the current acting attorney general, struck a deal with Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who said they are satisfied that the controversial “anti-weaponization fund” is dead. The pair of senators deadlocked the committee by refusing to vote for Blanche until he confirmed the program’s end in writing, despite verbal assurances.

Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats on Tuesday ahead of the vote on Blanche, said they are concerned the fund could still be revived. All of the committee’s Democrats opposed Blanche’s confirmation, while all the Republicans voted in favor.

“This document is a sham,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said, referring to files Blanche posted to social media that he said mark the end of the fund. “It is a sham and a fraud on the Congress.”

We do not appreciate being gaslit

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:00:06 -0600

Wings of Desire have decried the way the music industry treats artists after travelling hours with their baby to play a music festival, only to learn the stage they were booked to play didn’t exist.

Husband and wife duo James Taylor and Chloe Little were due on stage at Valley Fest last Friday (July 31), but ended up having to go home without playing, an experience they likened to “going to an airport, through security and waiting three hours for a non-existent flight”.

In a lengthy post shared on social media, they told fans they’d been booked to play the festival’s Yard Stage back in February. After travelling with their 11-month old in tow, they said they finally arrived at the “infamous not-on-the-site-map stage” they were booked on, only to find it was hosting a “PowerPoint presentation about property development”.

“The curator of the stage confirms he hadn’t booked us,” they wrote, “and the line-up had been in place for months”. They were left to wander around, with their calls to the bookers going unanswered, after which it was: “Back to the car, pack up the stuff, nappy change on the back seat, more tears, drive 2 hours home.”

The festival’s website described this year’s edition as a “programme crafted with care across every stage”, and said: “Every booking, every collaboration, [and] every experience has been chosen with intention.”

The band said that they shared the story as “a lovely example of how the music industry treats artists”. After sharing that Instagram post, Little spoke to the BBC, shedding further light on the ordeal.

“We didn’t end up playing our set,” she told them. “That’s never happened to us before. We’re used to no dressing room, but there was nowhere to go with the baby, and that added to the stress.”

In response, festival founder Luke Hasell said he was “really sorry to hear about Wings Of Desire’s experience”, and said that ahead of the festival, a decision was made to merge the Yard Stage with another venue, with artists due to perform there being reprogrammed across the weekend.

“Unfortunately,” he said, “it appears there was a breakdown in communication around Wings Of Desire’s performance, which meant they weren’t given the information they needed ahead of arriving on site.

“We’ll be reaching out to the band’s management to apologise, better understand their experience and make sure this doesn’t happen again.”

In a subsequent Instagram post, Wings Of Desire said: “We have of course heard nothing from them and have not been compensated. We do not appreciate being gaslit into being told it was a miscommunication. We have all the receipts.”

It echoes a comment the duo gave to NME today (August 4), in which they said: “We are sharing this story on behalf of all musicians who have been treated poorly within the live industry.

“Quite often it is considered a bad look to kick up a fuss, however we felt it necessary after turning up to a festival with our baby and being tossed around and then completely ghosted. We have yet to hear anything from Valley Fest.”

NME reached out to Valley Fest for comment.

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Kanye West’s Vultures II and Bully Used AI, New Lawsuit Alleges

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 21:00:06 -0600

When Kanye West released Vultures 2, his second collaborative LP with Ty Dolla $ign, in 2024, he quickly drew accusations of using AI to deepfake his own voice. Now, a lawsuit filed by a producer who claims to have worked on the album appears to corroborate those rumors.

According to a new Rolling Stone report, the producer, who filed his suit anonymously in Los Angeles’ Superior Court, alleges that he was brought in to work on Vultures 2 on “an emergency basis” just two days before the album’s release. His work, which he claims appears on five tracks, included, per RS, the creation of “at least 13 custom AI voice models, more than 400 individual vocal generations, and source material using his own voice.” Pitchfork has reached out to West’s representatives for comment.

The producer reportedly contributed further AI vocal programming to Bully, West’s most recent solo album, beginning in October 2024. His suit claims that he has not yet been paid for his work on Bully or Vultures 2, and that West and his label, YZY, have failed to include him in the albums’ production credits on streaming services. He is seeking at least $110,000 for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law and the Los Angeles Freelance Worker Protections Ordinance.

Bully dropped in March of this year. At the time, West explicitly stated that the album used “no AI”—despite having previously gone on record as saying that he uses the technology in his songwriting and recording process. Last week, he settled a 2024 lawsuit brought against him by Lauren Pisciotta, his former assistant, who had accused him of sexual assault and harassment. Another lawsuit against West—this one over an uncleared sample in an early version of his Donda track “Hurricane”—recently went to court and broke in favor of the plaintiff, with West himself ordered to pay just shy of $200,000.

Revisit the review of Vultures 2.

Read the original article here

The post Kanye West’s Vultures II and Bully Used AI, New Lawsuit Alleges appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

7 Philippine firms included in Forbes Asia’s 2026 ‘Best Under A Billion’ list

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:41:07 -0600

Seven companies from the Philippines have been included in Forbes Asia’s 2026 “Best Under A Billion” list, which recognizes the top 200 performing small and midsized companies in the Asia-Pacific region.

The list includes publicly listed Asia-Pacific companies, with sales above $10 million and below $1 billion.

The seven Filipino companies that made it to the list are A Soriano Corp., Apex Mining Co., Inc., Asia United Bank, Far Eastern University (FEU) , Pryce Corp., STI Education Systems Holdings, Inc., and Vivant Corp.

A Soriano, a holding company with interests that include cable and wire manufacturer Phelps Dodge Philippines Energy Products Corp. and Amanpulo Resort owner Seven Seas Resorts and Leisure Inc., reported sales of $256 million.

Razon-backed Apex Mining posted $357 million in sales. It is among the Philippines’ largest gold producers, with a daily output of about 3,000 tons.

Asia United Bank, a commercial lender controlled by food and property tycoon Jacinto Ng and his family, recorded $505 million in sales.

FEU, one of the oldest academic institutions in the country, generated $100 million in sales.

Pryce, which develops and operates memorial parks in Mindanao, reported $370 million in sales. Its business also spans to importation and distribution of industrial gases.

STI, one of the largest private school operators in the country, posted $97 million in sales.

Cebu-based Vivant Corp., a power generation and water infrastructure firm, made the list with $177 million in sales.

Forbes said it uses annual results based on the latest publicly available data as of July 10, 2026.
Full list is available on Forbes website. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

ICTSI Q2 profit rises 21% on higher port revenues

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:01:08 -0600

INTERNATIONAL Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) posted a 21% increase in attributable net income for the second quarter (Q2), driven by higher revenues from port operations, as cargo volumes and contributions from new terminals boosted its performance.

Attributable net income rose to $296.41 million for the April-to-June period from $244.88 million a year earlier, the company said in a disclosure on Monday.

Gross revenue increased 25.38% to $958.73 million from $764.63 million, while total expenses climbed 34.24% to $449.28 million from $334.68 million.

“We remain focused on executing our expansion program, integrating new operations, and maintaining financial discipline across the business. We continue to invest to strengthen capacity and service levels across our portfolio while supporting sustainable long-term growth,” ICTSI Chairman and President Enrique K. Razon, Jr. said.

For the first six months, attributable net income increased 21.94% to $589.98 million from $483.84 million in the same period last year.

Gross revenue for the January-to-June period rose 27.15% to $1.92 billion from $1.51 billion.

“ICTSI delivered a strong first half, with double-digit growth in volumes, revenues and earnings supported by contributions from recently added terminals and stable performance across our existing portfolio. Despite a more challenging operating backdrop in some markets during the period, our diversified footprint continued to provide resilience and support strong financial and operational performance,” Mr. Razon said.

The company attributed revenue growth to higher cargo volumes and a favorable container mix, increased revenues from ancillary services, and sustained contributions from Durban Gateway Terminal and Batu Ampar Container Terminal. It also said favorable foreign exchange translation benefited operations in Brazil and Australia.

For the first half, consolidated container throughput increased 16.1% to 8.12 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) from 6.99 million TEUs a year earlier.

Asia accounted for the largest share of throughput at 3.95 million TEUs, followed by the Americas with 2.23 million TEUs, and Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) with 1.94 million TEUs.

By region, Asia generated $753.26 million in revenue during the first half, while the Americas contributed $750.96 million, and EMEA accounted for $415.62 million.

ICTSI said favorable foreign exchange movements partly offset lower volumes at Basra Gateway Terminal in Iraq, the deconsolidation of Yantai International Container Terminals Ltd. (YICTL) in China, and the unfavorable translation impact from the depreciation of Philippine peso-denominated revenues.

The company previously divested its stake in YICTL, which operates a container terminal in Shandong province, China.

Excluding nonrecurring charges related to the sale of YICTL, attributable net income for the first half would have increased 25% to $604.94 million, ICTSI said.

Capital expenditures, excluding borrowing costs, reached $320.05 million in the first half.

The company has allocated $740 million in capital expenditures this year, primarily for expansion projects in Mexico, the Philippines, and Brazil.

ICTSI operates ports in 20 countries across Asia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

At the Philippine Stock Exchange on Monday, ICTSI shares gained P42, or 4.36%, to close at P1,005 each. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Weak consumption, public spending likely weighed on Q2 growth

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:01:08 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

TEPID CONSUMER and government spending likely slowed Philippine economic growth for a fourth consecutive quarter in the second quarter, analysts said.

Germany-based Deutsche Bank Research sees the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth at 2.5% in the April-to-June period, while Fitch Solutions unit BMI gave a 2.7% forecast.

Their forecasts are much slower than the 5.4% expansion in the second quarter of 2025 and the 2.8% growth in the first quarter this year.

For Deutsche Bank Research economists, growth may have weakened for a fourth straight quarter as inflation woes strained consumer spending and state spending remained sluggish.

They noted that the country’s public spending as of June was weaker than its five-year average.

In the second quarter, government expenditure reached P1.684 trillion, 6.5% higher than the P1.582 trillion spent in the same period last year and nearly 13% from the P1.491 trillion in the first quarter.

This brought the government’s first-half spending up by 4.94% year on year to P3.18 trillion from P3.03 trillion.

“Fiscal disbursements remained slow, with the public expenditure run-rate of 46.7% as at June YTD lagging the 5-year average of 47.7%,” Deutsche Bank Research economists noted in a July 31 report.

“Net trade is likely to exert a heavier drag to headline growth as costlier imports of fuel and raw materials would more than offset the AI (artificial intelligence) tailwinds to electronics exports,” they added.

According to BMI Country Risk Analyst Brandon Ong, they would likely cut their full-year growth forecast for the Philippines if the second-quarter reading comes in weaker than expected.

“Our nowcast points to a further slowdown in Q2 to 2.7%, from 2.8% in Q1. A weaker-than-expected Q2 reading would prompt us to revise down our full-year growth forecast,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

BMI projects the economy to grow by 3.9% this year, although Mr. Ong noted that the risks to their outlook are “skewed to the downside.”

This is slower than 4.4% expansion seen in 2025, but within the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s 3.5%-4.5% target for this year.

SLIGHT RECOVERY
Meanwhile, Japan-based Nomura Global Markets Research is anticipating a slight recovery despite weaker spending due to the lingering effects of the flood control mess and the ongoing Middle East war.

“We expect Q2 GDP growth to rise only slightly to 3.2% y-o-y after slumping to 2.8% in Q1, owing to another slowdown in government spending growth after it showed signs of a recovery in early 2026,” Yiru Chen, research analyst at Nomura Global Markets Research, said in a report dated July 31.

“Household consumption and private investment spending growth also remained lackluster, reflecting weak sentiment due to the corruption scandal that led to a sharp fiscal tightening, weighed down further by the impact on domestic energy prices from the war in Iran,” she added.

Based on the median estimate in a BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts conducted last week, Philippine GDP likely grew by 2.8% in the second quarter.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release the second-quarter GDP data on Friday (Aug. 7).

INFLATION AND POLICY
At the same time, analysts expect inflation to remain above 6% in July amid a fresh spike in energy prices due to the Middle East conflict.

Deutsche Bank Research economists said headline inflation may have steadied at 6.4% last month, matching the median forecast of 21 economists and analysts polled by BusinessWorld last week.

However, Nomura’s Ms. Chen sees pressures from higher pump and electricity costs driving the headline print to 6.6% in July from 6.4% in June.

“We expect CPI inflation to rise again to 6.6% y-o-y in July from 6.4% in June, led by a significant pickup in retail fuel prices due to higher crude oil prices and upward adjustments to electricity generation charges,” she said.

If both projections hold true, July will mark the fifth month in a row that headline inflation exceeded the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 3% target.

The BSP expects the headline figure to be between 5.6% and 6.6% in July.

Meanwhile, core inflation, which discounts volatile food and fuel prices, also likely picked up for a seventh consecutive month to 4.7% from 4.4% in the prior month as elevated oil prices continued to ripple to other commodities, Ms. Chen added.

Last month, retail pump prices jumped by as much as P11.70 per liter for gasoline, P26.19 per liter for diesel, and P23.89 per liter for kerosene.

Manila Electric Co. also raised its electricity rate for a second straight month by 34.28 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P14.8261 per kWh in July from P14.4833 per kWh in June.

For Maybank Investment Bank, persistent inflation risks could prompt the hawkish BSP to hike its key policy rate by another 50 basis points (bps) before yearend.

Maybank Chief Economist Suhaimi Ilias and Economist Azril Rosli noted that the central bank will likely prioritize containing inflationary pressures despite a weak growth backdrop.

In a July 31 report, the Maybank economists said they now expect the BSP to bring the benchmark rate to 5.25% this year, before delivering one more 25-bp hike to 5.5% in 2027.

It earlier priced in a terminal rate of 5.25% by 2027, with one 25-bp hike each before end-2026 and next year.

“While the pace of tightening will remain conditional on incoming inflation and growth data, we believe the BSP will continue to prioritize anchoring inflation expectations and restoring price stability over the near term,” Mr. Ilias and Mr. Rosli said.

The Monetary Board has so far increased the key interest rate by 50 bps to a near one-year high of 4.75%.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. sees a small chance for a 50-bp hike as the reignited conflict in the Middle East sparked inflation concerns amid rising oil prices and weak peso.

The Monetary Board will hold three more policy reviews this year on Aug. 27, Oct. 22, and Dec. 17.

World Bank keeps 2026 growth forecast unchanged

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:01:08 -0600

THE WORLD BANK kept its 2026 Philippine growth forecast but trimmed its 2027 projection as it expects external risks to weigh on economic activity until next year.

In its Philippine Economic Update released on Monday, the multilateral lender maintained its 3.7% growth forecast, within the government’s 3.5%-4.5% target for this year.

However, the World Bank now expects the economy to expand by 5.2% next year, lower than its 5.6% projection in April. This is also at the low end of the government’s 5%-6% target.

World Bank Senior Country Economist Jaffar Al-Rikabi said the slower growth trajectory

is mainly due to weaker investment amid global uncertainty and slower project execution following last year’s corruption scandal.

He also cited the Middle East conflict, which caused a negative terms-of-trade shock as surging fuel prices pushed average inflation to 4.8% in the first half.

“This explains the revision in our growth forecast for 2027 because we see that the investment climate is still quite challenging externally,” he told a media briefing on Monday.

Mr. Al-Rikabi said that although the World Bank expects infrastructure spending to accelerate by the fourth quarter, the external environment remains highly uncertain.

“We should see high execution from perhaps the fourth quarter onwards for this year. So, next year we should expect a stronger contribution to growth from public investment. But we think the external environment is still highly uncertain, highly challenging,” he added.

Mr. Al-Rikabi said external headwinds, including the Middle East conflict, would keep inflation elevated, eroding real incomes and weakening household consumption.

“In our earlier forecasts, our baseline was for a shorter conflict. Now, we’re kind of in a wait-and-see [mode] to look at its likely impact. And so, if you notice, we’ve increased our average inflation forecast,” he said.

The World Bank also sharply raised its inflation forecast for 2026 to 5.8% from 2.8% previously. It also increased its 2027 inflation projection to 3.9% from 2.8%.

Both projections would also put the headline print well above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 3% target for two straight years, but slower than its 6.4% estimate for 2026 and 4.5% for 2027.

MIDDLE-CLASS SOCIETY
Meanwhile, World Bank Philippine Lead Economist Gonzalo Varela said that the Philippines could achieve high-income status by 2053 if structural reforms lift its potential growth rate to 6.8% from the current 5.4%.

Under the current potential growth rate, the country’s gross national income (GNI) per capita would reach only 73% of the high-income threshold by 2050, he said.

“If we commit to a reform plan… we estimate that growth of potential output goes from 5.4% to 6.8%. And if the Philippines manages to get there, then we get to high-income status by 2053,” he said at a briefing on Monday.

Mr. Varela said the additional growth would continue to come from investments but would require a much larger contribution from productivity.

“So, the national ambition of having a middle-class society where no one is poor is achievable within a generation. It requires a commitment to reforms and to their implementation,” he added.

Reforms include improving connectivity among regions, increasing productivity, directing resources toward more productive uses, and helping businesses take advantage of free trade agreements.

The Philippines was recently reclassified as an upper-middle income economy after its GNI per capita rose to $4,850 in 2025 from $4,470 a year earlier.

Upper-middle income economies are those with a GNI per capita of between $4,636 and $14,375, while economies exceeding $14,375 are considered high income.

Mr. Varela said the Philippines’ GNI per capita is currently equivalent to about 35% of the threshold for becoming a high-income economy.

He said sustaining rapid growth becomes more difficult at higher income levels as additional investments begin to generate diminishing returns, requiring productivity and innovation to play larger roles.

Of the 73 economies that entered the upper-middle income category over the past four decades, 50 remained in the group, while only 14 successfully transitioned to high-income status and stayed there.

“Regressions are possible, but they are more the exception rather than the rule. What we do see is that it is difficult to get out of this upper-middle income country status,” Mr. Varela said.

Meanwhile, World Bank Division Director for the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei Zafer Mustafaoğlu said the country’s prolonged stay in the lower-middle income bracket did not necessarily mean it would take as long to reach high-income status.

“The fact that the Philippines took a little bit longer in the lower-middle income country group doesn’t mean that it will take the same [amount of time],” he said.

Mr. Mustafaoğlu cited the country’s large consumer market, stable remittance inflows and integration into Asian trade as advantages.

However, he said the pace of its ascent would depend on improvements in production, infrastructure, and human capital. — J.I.D.Tabile

Philippine manufacturing PMI hits 5-month high in July

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:01:08 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

PHILIPPINE manufacturing activity rose to a five-month high in July, as production and new orders grew at the fastest pace since February, S&P Global said.

The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) improved to 51.8 in July from 50.9 in June.

July also marked the third straight month of expansion, in line with the long-run average.

A PMI reading above 50 signals an improvement in operating conditions from the previous month, while a reading below 50 shows deterioration.

“Manufacturers in the Philippines reported stronger demand conditions in July following the more subdued conditions seen in the second quarter,” Maryam Baluch, an economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said in a report.

However, the Philippines’ PMI was below the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) average of 52.8 in July, which climbed from an 11-month low of 50.5 in June.

The Philippines posted the third-highest PMI among ASEAN economies in July, behind Thailand (54.2) and Vietnam (52.9). It was ahead of Malaysia (50.7), Indonesia (50.2), and Myanmar (49.3).

S&P Global said the Philippines’ PMI received a boost from the sharp rise in new orders.

“Filipino manufacturers reported that stronger underlying demand and new project wins supported the latest increase in new sales. The rate of growth was the fastest since February and above the historical trend,” it said.

A strong uptick in sales prompted Philippine manufacturers to raise production at the quickest pace since February.

“Production and new order growth strengthened as a result, rising at a solid pace that was the fastest since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East,” Ms. Baluch said.

S&P Global noted purchasing activity also increased at a faster rate than June as production requirements grew.

Meanwhile, supplier delivery performance deteriorated sharply in July, with input lead times lengthening at the quickest pace since December 2024.

“Firms commonly linked the latest lengthening in average lead times for inputs to the war in the Middle East and the impact on supply chain health,” S&P Global said.

As a result, firms drew down their inventories to meet the increase in orders. Stocks of purchases fell solidly, while finished goods inventories declined.

S&P noted that inflationary pressures intensified in July, with input costs and selling prices rising above their respective long-run averages.

“Qualitative evidence continued to show that the war in the Middle East was driving up costs, which firms then passed on to customers through higher charges for goods,” it said.

A BusinessWorld poll of 21 analysts and economists yielded a median inflation forecast of 6.4% for July, unchanged from June but sharply higher than the 0.9% recorded a year earlier. If realized, this would mark the fifth consecutive month that headline inflation exceeded the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2-4% target range.

Meanwhile, S&P Global said manufacturing jobs slipped moderately in July after remaining steady in June, with firms attributing the decline “to voluntary resignations and the non-replacement of leavers.”

“Despite the improvement in sector conditions, confidence remained historically muted. More notably payroll numbers fell in July, suggesting that firms may need clearer signs of a sustained improvement in economic conditions before resuming hiring,” Ms. Baluch said.

S&P Global said business confidence recovered from a five-month low in June as manufacturers expected improving demand to support production growth over the next 12 months.

“The level of positive sentiment remained among the weakest recorded over the past year and historically subdued, with ongoing geopolitical uncertainty and its impact on prices weighing on forecasts,” it said.

Bank of the Philippine Islands Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri, Jr. said the expansion in the manufacturing sector in July may have been partly driven by the recovery in electronics exports.

“It could be partly cyclical. We saw from the latest trade numbers, the electronics numbers recovered, so we think it is part of that and that we are in a cycle that allows for faster recovery in those leading segments,” he told reporters on the sidelines of an event on Monday.

Philippine merchandise exports grew by 13.1% in the first half to $46.72 billion from $41.31 billion in the same period a year ago, as exports of electronics jumped by 20.7% to $26.1 billion in the January-to-June period from $21.62 billion a year earlier.

Mr. Neri also cited possible front-loading in the food sector ahead of anticipated increases in fertilizer costs.

“I’m hoping that the first half of this year is already the bottom for growth. That, together with the recovery in manufacturing and hopefully some stability in the geoeconomics side, we can see a more meaningful recovery in the second semester and allow us to grow hopefully more than 3%,” he added.

A BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts conducted last week yielded a median gross domestic product (GDP) growth estimate of 2.8% for the April-to-June period.

If realized, this would be much slower than the 5.4% growth recorded in the second quarter of 2025 but match the 2.8% expansion in the first quarter.

This would bring average GDP growth to 2.8% in the first half, below the government’s 3.5%-4.5% full-year target.

DoF proposes higher excise taxes

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 03 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

THE DEPARTMENT of Finance (DoF) is proposing a package of new and higher taxes on sweetened beverages, e-cigarettes, flexible plastic products, luxury vehicles and private aircraft to offset revenue losses from proposed personal income tax relief measures.

At a briefing on Monday, DoF Undersecretary Karlo Fermin S. Adriano said these measures are part of the proposed Promoting Growth, Revenue, and Equity towards Socio-economic Sustainability bill.

Mr. Adriano said the tax measures are expected to generate an average of P129.68 billion in additional revenues annually from 2027 to 2030.

These revenues are expected to offset the estimated P81.73-billion average annual revenue loss from raising the personal income tax-exempt threshold to P350,000 and removing the minimum corporate income tax for micro and small enterprises.

Overall, the tax package is projected to generate average net additional revenues of P47.94 billion annually from 2027 to 2030.

Under the package, the excise tax on beverages using caloric or noncaloric sweeteners would increase to P20 per liter from P6, while the levy on beverages using high-fructose corn syrup would rise to P40 per liter from P12.

Mr. Adriano said the increase is meant to address the continued rise in the consumption of sweetened beverages since 2022, even after the excise tax took effect in 2018.

“Why is it increasing over time? Because unlike other sin products that have annual indexation, where the excise tax rate is increased every year, sweetened beverages do not have that mechanism,” he said.

The proposed sweetened beverage tax rates would be indexed by 5% annually.

The DoF also wants to remove selected exemptions and expand the coverage to edible ices, including ice cream, sorbets, ice lollies and frozen yogurt. It estimated this would generate an average of P74.24 billion in additional revenues annually.

Also, the Finance department is proposing a unified P72.93 excise tax rate on e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products beginning in 2027.

The new rate would be applied per milliliter of salt nicotine, per two milliliters of freebase nicotine and per pack of 20 heated tobacco products.

Novel tobacco products would be taxed at P72.93 per two grams or two milliliters, while devices used for heated tobacco, vapor and novel tobacco products would be subject to a P150-per-unit levy. The rates would be indexed by 5% annually beginning in 2028.

“The problem that we’re trying to solve here is, one, the unequal taxation of e-cigarettes,” Mr. Adriano said, noting that traditional tobacco products are generally taxed more heavily.

He cited government data showing that e-cigarette use among adolescents aged 10 to 19 increased to 39.9% in 2023 from 7.5% in 2021. Among adults aged 20 to 59, the proportion rose to 9.9% in 2023 from 1.4% in 2021.

The changes to e-cigarette and novel tobacco taxes are expected to generate average additional revenues of P8.26 billion annually.

Mr. Adriano said the package would also update excise taxes on alcoholic products to address the uneven taxation of fermented and distilled spirits relative to their alcohol content.

The DoF is proposing to raise the specific excise tax on distilled spirits to P157.21 per proof liter and expand its coverage to premixed alcoholic beverages or alcopops. The rate would be indexed by 6% annually.

The alcohol tax reforms are projected to generate an additional P7.82 billion in average annual revenues.

The DoF is proposing a P150-per-kilogram excise tax on sando bags, labo bags and sachets, subject to 5% annual indexation.

Mr. Adriano said the measure is expected to reduce plastic consumption by 31.45% to 38.4%, depending on the type of plastic packaging, and generate average annual revenues of P13.05 billion.

WEALTH TAXES
The package also proposes an update on “wealth taxes,” particularly excise taxes on automobiles and nonessential goods, including private aircraft.

The DoF wants to impose a 75% tax rate on vehicles with a net manufacturer’s or importer’s price exceeding P8 million.

The existing rates would be retained for the lower tiers: 50% for vehicles priced above P4 million to P8 million, 20% for those priced above P1 million to P4 million, 10% for those priced above P600,000 to P1 million and 4% for those priced up to P600,000.

“It’s really a wealth tax. Those who can buy more than P8 million worth of cars will have to pay a 75% excise tax rate instead of 50%,” Mr. Adriano said.

The DoF is also proposing to raise the excise tax on nonessential goods by 5 percentage points to 25% of the wholesale price or dutiable value and expand its coverage to private aircraft.

The tax package also seeks to adjust motor vehicle user’s charge rates, which have not been updated for more than two decades.

“The proposal is to adjust it by cumulative inflation,” Mr. Adriano said, adding that this would bring the rates to about 2.1 times their current levels.

The automobile tax is projected to generate average annual revenues of P3.91 billion, while the adjustment to the motor vehicle user’s charge is expected to yield P22.39 billion annually.

In his State of the Nation Address last month, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. urged Congress pass several tax relief measures, including raising the annual personal income tax exemption threshold to P350,000 from the current P250,000, removing the minimum corporate income tax for small businesses, and granting a tax amnesty covering unpaid income, estate, donor’s and value-added taxes, including penalties. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

BSP to crack down on online lenders’ unfair debt collection practices

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) will enforce tight regulations against unfair debt collection practices of online lenders once it gains full oversight of the sector, an official said.

BSP General Counsel Roberto L. Figueroa told BusinessWorld that the central bank will prioritize issuing regulations addressing predatory lending and abusive debt collection practices of online lending companies (OLCs).

“Once we have fully transitioned into being the regulator of online lending companies — online lenders — that’s the first thing we’ll look into,” he said on the sidelines of a central bank event last month.

“Because, in fact, under the Financial Consumer Protection Act that’s also already a prohibited act. So, yes, we’ll look into that.”

According to Mr. Figueroa, the BSP’s technical working group for the matter has been reviewing all existing laws related to regulating lending companies’ debt collection practices.

In a circular issued last month, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said lending companies proved to be engaging in unfair debt collection practices must pay a P60,000 fine for a first offense and P250,000 for a second offense, with larger fines of P100,000 for a first offense and P500,000 for a second offense set for financing companies.

The SEC may also impose a fine of at least twice the amount imposed for a second offense but not more than P1 million for succeeding offenses and suspend a firm’s certificate of authority for 60 days or revoke it.

In April, SEC Commissioner Rogelio V. Quevedo said they submitted a position paper to the Congress proposing to transfer the oversight of online lenders to the BSP. The corporate regulator has flagged the challenges of tackling rising cases of fraud in the sector.

Mr. Quevedo has noted that the BSP and legislators earlier wanted to pursue a joint regulatory approach, but Mr. Figueroa hinted that the BSP is now open to shoulder the full responsibility.

“Both regulators, SEC and BSP, are in agreement with this planned transfer — meaning there’s no opposition or objection on the part of the SEC to transfer it to us. On the part of the BSP, we also have no objection to us receiving that additional responsibility. For me, that’s a very positive sign,” the general counsel said.

However, discussions regarding the transition are still ongoing, with the central bank facing bottlenecks due to the two special laws placing the direct supervisory and regulatory powers over nonbank lenders under the SEC.

Mr. Figueroa noted that the BSP’s technical working group is still determining whether the oversight transfer could be implemented using circulars backed by existing laws, or if they would need legislation amending the special laws.

“What complicates it is that there are these two special laws. That’s why another option that we’re looking at right now is to do it through the legislative route, meaning another law that will be passed to maybe amend those two special laws to transfer the regulatory authority or jurisdiction from SEC to BSP,” he said.

However, according to Mr. Figueroa, the latter entails “cleaner” yet lengthier process, especially considering the Senate is busy with the ongoing impeachment trial.

The Financing Company Act of 1998 and the Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007 are special laws that grant the SEC authority over nonbank financing and lending firms in the country, including OLCs.

Meanwhile, the BSP Charter also grants the central bank jurisdiction over credit granting businesses but does not specify how they can act as regulators of OLCs, Mr. Figueroa noted.

“That’s why we’re doing this in parallel. We’re trying to talk to one another between BSP and SEC,” he said. “What are the things we can do even without a law? But at the same time, we’re not closing the option of going to Congress.”

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has previously said that the transfer of oversight of online lending companies and the Credit Information Corp. to the central bank are among the legislative priorities they are pushing for.

Fintech Alliance.PH, the country’s largest digital finance industry association, has also voiced its support for the transfer of online lenders’ oversight to the BSP, noting that the move will improve the sector’s regulation.

Earlier this month, the SEC announced that it will allow financing and lending companies to register new online lending platforms (OLPs) starting Aug. 1, ending the moratorium it set in August 2021.

An OLP refers to any borrower-facing digital platform, application, or system used for financing and lending activities such as loan applications, credit evaluation and loan repayment.

However, under the SEC’s new rules, financial firms should only own and operate up to five OLPs, and maintain a higher paid-up capital based on the number of platforms they have.

Financing companies with one OLP are required to have a minimum paid-up capital of P20 million, P40 million for two OLPs, P60 million for three OLPs, P80 million for four OLPs, and P100 million for five OLPs.

The regulator said the new rules aim to enhance the regulatory oversight of the sector and tighten consumer protection.

Poll: Philippine inflation steady at 6.4% in July

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

PHILIPPINE headline inflation likely held steady in July as lower food prices, particularly rice, offset higher fuel and electricity costs, analysts said.

A BusinessWorld poll of 21 analysts and economists yielded a median forecast of 6.4% for July inflation, the same as in June but sharply higher than the 0.9% recorded a year earlier.

This would make July the fifth month in a row that the headline inflation breached the central bank’s 4% ceiling.

The median estimate likewise falls within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 5.6%-6.6% forecast for the month.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release the July inflation data on Wednesday (Aug. 5).

Philippine National Bank Chief Economist Alvin Joseph A. Arogo said headline inflation likely remained unchanged in July amid offsetting price pressures.

“The higher cost of petroleum and electricity could have been offset by lower prices of major food commodities such as rice and vegetables,” he said in an e-mail.

Deepali Bhargava, regional head of research for Asia-Pacific at ING Bank, noted that lower rice prices likely kept the headline inflation steady, but pressures remained from higher retail pump prices and sticky services inflation.

“Services inflation is expected to remain sticky, reflecting persistent underlying price pressures in the sector,” she said in a report.

However, most analysts surveyed were split on the inflation reading for July, with 10 anticipating a softer headline figure and nine expecting a faster one.

For Oxford Economics Assistant Economist Jun Hao Ng, headline inflation may have picked up to 6.6%, largely driven by costlier fuel, especially diesel.

“The main driver was likely a renewed increase in fuel prices, following higher global oil prices amid renewed tensions between the US and Iran,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail. “Domestic pump prices, particularly for diesel, rose sharply during the month, with diesel prices now at its highest level since April after the recent large broad-based fuel price hike.”

Meanwhile, University of Asia and the Pacific Economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia sees July inflation heating up to 6.9% due to the continued transmission of second-order price effects and base effects from the significantly slower headline print in July 2025.

“We think inflation moved faster in July, mostly reflecting second-round inflationary effects, the immediate rebound in oil prices with the resurgence of tensions in the Middle East, and some base effects from last year’s below-target inflation,” he told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

In July, local fuel retailers raised pump prices by as much as P11.70 per liter for gasoline, P26.19 per liter for diesel, and P23.89 per liter for kerosene during the month, nearly reversing the price rollback delivered in the prior weeks.

Manila Electric Co. likewise hiked electricity rates by 34.28 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P14.8261 per kWh in July from P14.4833 per kWh in June. Its second straight month of increase translated to an additional P69 in the total electricity bill of households consuming 200 kWh monthly.

On the other hand, Marites M. Tiongco, a professor at the De La Salle University Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics, said softer rice prices may have eased inflation slightly last month.

“Food inflation showed mixed movements,” she told BusinessWorld via Viber. “Rice prices continued to stabilize, helping moderate overall food inflation. However, vegetables, processed food, and other commodities remained vulnerable to weather-related disruptions and higher transport costs.”

In the second half of July, the price of regular milled rice dipped by 0.74% to P49.30 a kilo from P49.67 in the same month-ago period, while well-milled rice fell by 0.82% at P55.69 a kilo from P56.15 in the previous month, PSA data showed.

“Rice prices continued to decline month on month for a third consecutive month even amid El Niño concerns,” China Banking Corp. Chief Economist Domini S. Velasquez also said in an e-mail. “Prices of other food items, including meat, fish, fruits, vegetables, eggs, sugar, and spices, also softened during the period.”

STICKY CORE INFLATION
Core inflation likely continued to quicken for the seventh consecutive month in July despite a potentially slower headline print, which analysts said would warrant at least one more rate hike from the BSP.

For Oxford Economics’ Mr. Ng, high energy prices likely continued to feed into other commodities.

“We also expect core inflation to quicken for a seventh straight month,” he said. “Elevated energy costs have likely continued to generate second-round effects, feeding into a broader range of consumer prices. The recent minimum wage increase may have added some pressure to underlying inflation.”

On July 25, the first tranche or P60 of the P85 minimum wage hike in Metro Manila took effect, bringing the daily rate to P755 for nonagricultural workers and to P718 for agricultural workers and employees of retail, service, and small manufacturing establishments.

However, it was later suspended after a Pasig City Regional Trial Court issued a 20-day temporary restraining order on its implementation.

The second tranche or P25 of the wage hike was supposed to take effect on Jan. 20 next year.

Ms. Tiongco also attributed the potentially faster core inflation to stickier prices in the services sector and the peso’s weakness.

“Restaurants, accommodation, education, healthcare, and personal services continue to face higher labor, utility, rental, and transportation costs, making price adjustments more likely,” she said.

“The depreciation of the peso further increases replacement costs for imported intermediate goods, encouraging firms to revise prices as inventories are replenished,” she added.

Strong US dollar and inflation concerns amid soaring oil prices dragged the peso to a new low against the greenback this month.

It sank to a historic low of P61.847 per dollar on July 24, weakening by 9.7 centavos to break its previous record-low finish of P61.75 on July 23.

Core inflation, which excludes volatile food and fuel prices, accelerated to 4.4% in June, the fastest pace seen in nearly three years or since the 4.7% in November 2023.

FURTHER TIGHTENING
Analysts see underlying pressures prompting the central bank to deliver at least one more rate hike this year, with a third straight increase at its upcoming Aug. 27 meeting.

For Maybank Investment Bank Economist Azril Rosli, the door for another 25-basis-point (bp) hike remains open for the BSP even as he expects a softer headline clip last month.

“(U)pside risks from the recent minimum wage hike, peso depreciation, higher US tariffs and geopolitical uncertainties continue to cloud the inflation outlook. As such, we expect the BSP to deliver at least a 25-bp rate hike at its upcoming meeting in August to contain mounting inflationary pressures and prevent second-round effects from becoming more entrenched,” he said in an e-mail.

Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion also noted that their base case points to another round of tightening this month, adding that the BSP must remain vigilant amid underlying price pressures.

“Another hike in the August Monetary Board meeting remains the base case, especially if no durable US-Iran ceasefire emerges and oil prices continue to trade within elevated ranges,” he said in an e-mail.

However, Moody’s Analytics Economist Sarah Tan and Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief Emerging Asia Economist Miguel Chanco are pricing in a pause this month, citing cooler inflation and still weak growth.

“The moderation in headline inflation should allow the BSP to remain on hold at its next policy meeting, although we would not rule out a rate hike later in the year should inflation reaccelerate or underlying price pressures prove more persistent than expected,” Ms. Tan said in an e-mail.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said last week that there is a slim chance for a 50-bp hike, citing emerging inflationary pressures from the renewed conflict in the Middle East and weak peso.

He added that he still expects the economy to rebound in the second half of the year, giving them room to tighten further.

In June, the central bank raised its key policy rate for a second straight meeting by 25 bps to 4.75%, bringing its total hikes to 50 bps.

The BSP wants inflation to stay near its 3% target, but its latest projection shows the headline print may average 6.4% this year.

Q2 growth likely slowed to 2.8% — poll

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY likely expanded at a slower pace year on year in the second quarter, as elevated inflation weighed on household spending while weak business confidence and sluggish public infrastructure spending dampened economic activity.

A BusinessWorld poll of 21 economists and analysts conducted late last week yielded a median gross domestic product (GDP) annual growth estimate of 2.8% for the April-to-June period.

If realized, this would be much slower than the 5.4% expansion in the second quarter of 2025 and match the 2.8% growth in the first quarter of this year.

This would bring the average GDP growth to 2.8% in the first half, below the government’s 3.5%-4.5% full-year target.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release the second-quarter GDP data on Friday (Aug. 7).

“We estimate slower growth in the second quarter where the brunt of the Middle East crisis weighed on the global economy. The Philippine economy experienced a steep run to triple-digit pump prices during that quarter, pushing average inflation for those three months to 6.8%. This likely weighed on consumption, with higher interest rate risk premia and subdued optimism putting down investment appetite as well,” University of Asia and the Pacific Economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia said in an e-mail.

Inflation averaged 6.8% in the second quarter, accelerating from the 1.4% in the same period a year ago, mainly due to high prices of fuel and food amid the Middle East conflict.

“The quarter also marked the full transmission of the US-Iran conflict to the domestic economy, with elevated oil prices and heightened geopolitical uncertainty further dampening business confidence and overall economic activity,” Bank of the Philippine Islands Lead Economist Emilio S. Neri, Jr. said in a commentary.

The country, a net importer of crude oil, has been under a year-long energy emergency since late March as the Middle East crisis threatens its fuel supply.

Oxford Economics Assistant Economist Jun Hao Ng projected 2.8% growth in the April-to-June period, citing subdued private consumption and investment.

“Investment also appears to have stayed weak, reflecting softness in both the public and private sectors. Businesses likely remained cautious about expansion amid economic uncertainty, while public infrastructure spending remained weak,” Mr. Ng told BusinessWorld via e-mail.

DROP IN CONSTRUCTION
China Banking Corp. Chief Economist Domini S. Velasquez, who expects GDP growth at 2.7% in the second quarter, said public construction activity has yet to recover.

“Public construction appears to have contracted for a fifth straight quarter amid delays in infrastructure disbursements due to tighter safeguards. At the same time, rising construction material and logistics costs likely weighed on private sector building activity,” she said in an e-mail.

BPI’s Mr. Neri said GDP likely grew by 1.9% in the second quarter, which he said would be the weakest quarterly expansion since 2009, excluding the pandemic.

“Public infrastructure spending continued to weigh heavily on economic activity, contracting by 43.4% year on year in the second quarter after a 45.4% decline in the first quarter amid ongoing project delays and slower-than-expected budget execution. Private investment likely softened further, evident in weaker building permit approvals and subdued business sentiment as firms adopted a more cautious stance amid the policy uncertainty,” Mr. Neri said.

The latest data from the Department of Budget and Management showed that infrastructure and other capital outlays fell by 35.3% year on year to P80.1 billion in May. In the first five months, these outlays declined by 42.9% to P269.4 billion.

Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief Emerging Asia Economist Miguel Chanco said he expects headline annual GDP to slow to 1.8% in the second quarter, as public spending remains stagnant.

“If our below-consensus projection proves to be correct, then we wouldn’t be surprised if there was another downgrade in the government’s growth target for 2026, given how weak the first half has turned out to be,” he said in an e-mail.

GROWTH DRIVERS
Meanwhile, Moody’s Analytics Economist Sarah Tan said merchandise exports growth should have contributed to GDP growth, although momentum may have slowed from the first quarter due to “global trade uncertainty and heightened geopolitical tensions.”

HSBC ASEAN Senior Economist Aris D. Dacanay, who forecast 2.7% growth, said goods exports, particularly semiconductors, provided support for economic growth.

“With roughly two-thirds of its exports in semiconductors and electronics, the Philippine economy is, to some extent, enjoying the gains brought by the AI (artificial intelligence) boom. Risks, however, are tilted to the downside, with global demand for services exports weakening amid the uncertain global economic environment,” he said in an e-mail.

Philippine merchandise exports grew by 13.1% in the first half to $46.72 billion from $41.31 billion in the same period a year ago, after electronic product exports jumped by 20.7% to $26.1 billion.

Marites M. Tiongco, a professor at De La Salle University’s Carlos L. Tiu School of Economics, said she expects GDP to grow by 3.6% in the second quarter, citing stronger manufacturing output, some recovery in agriculture and continued services expansion.

Manufacturing output, as measured by the volume of production index, grew by 11.7% year on year in April and 10.2% in May, preliminary PSA data showed.

“This suggests that industry recovered from its slight contraction in the first quarter, supported in part by electronics, food manufacturing and other export- and domestic-market-oriented activities,” Ms. Tiongco said in a Viber message.

Ms. Tiongco said agriculture may have seen a “modest recovery,” citing the increase in palay and corn production, as well as agricultural exports.

“Nevertheless, the sector remained vulnerable to weather disturbances, high fertilizer and fuel costs, and disruptions affecting fisheries and logistics,” she said.

However, Ms. Tiongco said the weakness in the jobs market relative to the previous year may have dragged second-quarter growth.

“The unemployment rate was 4.7% in April and 4.8% in May, compared with 4.1% and 3.9%, respectively, during the corresponding months of 2025… These indicators suggest that household income and employment conditions were not sufficiently strong to generate a robust consumption-led expansion,” she said.

EL NIÑO THREAT
Several economists said the government’s full-year growth target remains achievable, although this will require stronger GDP expansion in the second half.

Maybank Economist Azril Rosli, who forecast second-quarter growth at 2.7%, expects full-year growth to settle at 3.5%, at the lower end of the government’s target.

“Achieving this target will require a stronger rebound in economic activity over the second half of the year, supported by an acceleration in domestic demand and investment,” he said in an e-mail.

Mr. Rosli said continued infrastructure spending, resilient remittances and a gradual easing of inflation could support a firmer recovery if energy prices stabilize.

S&P Global Market Intelligence Principal Economist Harumi Taguchi expects the Philippines to post a full-year GDP growth of 4.2%.

“The main downside risks are persistently high oil prices, supply disruptions related to the US-Iran conflict, and continued weakness in investment,” Ms. Taguchi said in an e-mail.

However, Mr. Agonia said the Philippines’ second-half recovery will face “immediate headwinds such as resurgent tensions in the Middle East, minimum wage increases, and the threat of an aggressive El Niño season.”

“Elevated interest rates may also cast a shadow on medium-term growth prospects. Second-half performance will likely depend on more benign external conditions, faster rollout of government spending, and recovery of consumer and business sentiment,” he said.

Ms. Tan, who sees full-year economic growth at 3.8%, said El Niño poses a key downside risk as it impacts agricultural production and food inflation.

“A weaker global economy and persistent trade uncertainty could also weigh on exports and private investment,” she added.

GCash redefines payment convenience with direct Visa and Mastercard card linking

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

No need to cash in! GCash users will soon be able to link their Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards to pay instantly.

To deliver greater convenience and payment freedom, GCash, the country’s #1 finance superapp, will soon allow users to link their Visa or Mastercard debit and credit cards directly as a payment source for transactions. Set to roll out within August, this new feature will enable seamless in-store purchases even when a user’s wallet balance is low or even empty, eliminating the need to first cash in.

By allowing Visa or Mastercard cards to pay for purchases in real time, GCash ensures transactions never fall through. The seamless integration will remove the hassle of manual cash-ins while giving users the freedom to go fully cashless, leaving both physical bills and plastic cards safely behind.

Users will be able to link up to three (3) Visa or Mastercard debit or credit cards to their GCash account, set a default payment card, and manage or unlink cards directly within the app. The new feature will give users greater flexibility in how they fund everyday purchases.Security remains a key part of the payment experience. Card linking will be authenticated through a one-time password (OTP), while eligible transactions will also be authenticated using biometrics or a phone PIN where available, providing users with a secure and convenient way to pay using their linked cards.

“Our commitment to innovation means building solutions that make daily payments simpler, safer, and completely effortless. We are thrilled to soon allow GCash users to link their Visa or Mastercard directly for payments. As we prepare to roll out this feature, we remain committed to giving Filipinos the freedom to pay their way with ultimate convenience and total peace of mind,” said Ren-ren Reyes, President & CEO of G-Xchange, Inc. (the mobile wallet operator of GCash)

As GCash continues to redefine digital payments, this upcoming feature ensures everyday transactions remain convenient, adaptable, and secure. Users can expect direct Visa and Mastercard card-linking for payments to roll out nationwide within August.

For more information, visit https://www.gcash.com.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

Philippines manufacturing PMI expands for a third straight month in July

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:01:07 -0600

PHILIPPINE MANUFACTURING activity continued to expand in July, posting modest growth as stronger demand offset rising input costs, S&P Global said.

The S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) edged up to 51.8 in July from 50.9 in June, marking a third straight month of expansion.

A PMI reading above 50 signals an improvement in operating conditions from the previous month, while a reading below 50 shows a deterioration.

“Though the latest reading pointed to only a modest improvement in the health of the Filipino manufacturing sector, it marked a welcome shift from the subdued performance seen between March and June,” S&P Global said.

S&P Global said manufacturing output and new orders both rose at faster rates in July, supported by stronger client demand and new business wins.

Filipino manufacturers also increased purchasing activity amid higher production requirements.

However, firms reported a renewed intensification of inflationary pressures.

“Qualitative evidence continued to show that the war in the Middle East was driving up costs, which firms then passed on to customers through higher charges for goods,” S&P Global said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 Episode 2 Review: Maggie Builds a New Hope as Negan Makes a Tough Choice

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Critic’s Rating: 4 / 5.0

You know what I love? A show that can recognize when things are going awry and course-correct to become the best version of itself.

The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 Episode 2 continued the process of fixing the issues caused by The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 2.

It’s a refreshing change of pace for a spinoff that felt redundant not too long ago.

(Robert Clark/AMC)

Staying in Manhattan is not for the faint of heart, and I have mad respect for Maggie making it her mission to create another thriving community.

Most of what she’s done in the past has involved smaller communities tucked away in the countryside. Building one in zombie-ravaged Manhattan cannot be easy, and I respect the hustle.

This is the character Maggie became in the final season of The Walking Dead, so it’s satisfying to see her return to that version of herself.

Being the leader of a community comes with difficult questions about morality and leadership, so I appreciated that Maggie was forced to question what to do with the Dama.

The Dama has always been a frustrating villain because the show has given her this God complex, making her someone who believes she can overcome anything by convincing people she has some higher purpose.

(Robert Clark/AMC )

Of course, with civilization long gone, it’s understandable that some survivors are looking for something to believe in instead of simply moving from community to community.

I can understand why someone like the Dama would appeal to desperate people, but after watching her actions throughout the first two seasons of The Walking Dead: Dead City, I was ready for her story to end.

Beyond her superiority complex, she’s manipulative and dangerous. Keeping her alive would have been like allowing a disease to spread through Maggie’s new community.

The Walking Dead: Dead City Is Telling the Truth About New Communities

I appreciated Maggie and Renata weighing the pros and cons of rehabilitating the Dama versus deciding whether she’d even be worth the resources required to keep her alive.

This was a very grounded moment for a show that had gone off the rails not too long ago. Keeping the Dama locked away forever would have been unrealistic, as she would eventually have escaped.

(Robert Clark/AMC )

Negan killing her after deciding there was no redeeming her wasn’t surprising.

Negan understands rehabilitation better than most. He spent years being defined by his actions as the leader of the Saviors, but he’s also spent years proving that people can change.

It’s why it was so interesting to hear Maggie talk about him being a gym teacher before the apocalypse. She’s spent so long refusing to see the humanity in him, even though he’s slowly shown that he’s not the same person he was.

I don’t blame Maggie for hating him for years because his actions were horrific, but Negan has undeniably changed.

He went from being responsible for some of the most devastating losses in The Walking Dead universe to saving countless lives.

(Robert Clark/AMC )

It’s comical that he spent much of this episode playing Xbox before Maggie called on him for help.

He’s changed. There’s no doubt about that, and I believe he considered whether the Dama could make the same transformation before realizing the risks outweighed the potential reward.

Maggie’s reaction to the knife in the Dama was telling. It wasn’t like she immediately condemned Negan for what he did.

The look on her face felt more like she trusted his judgment, which is something we never would have expected from her.

Maggie wanted the Dama dead because of everything she had done to Hershel, but she also began to realize there was something bigger happening beneath the surface.

(Robert Clark/AMC )

It seems to have given Maggie a renewed sense of purpose to restore Manhattan, and if anyone can pull off something that impossible, it’s her.

Another strong point was Maggie and Renata discussing the politics of keeping their community hidden versus opening their doors to new survivors.

Maggie has witnessed communities collapse before, so her argument that they could survive a few months but not a harsh winter made complete sense.

Renata understands they’re surviving for now, but she wasn’t thinking about what happens next.

The image of the Statue of Liberty lit as a beacon of hope and a symbol of a safe haven in Manhattan was striking.

(Robert Clark/AMC )

However, seeing an entire community emerge from the trees to witness it makes me think they’re going to cause more problems than they’re worth.

Anyone who knows how densely populated Manhattan was before the apocalypse would understand how dangerous crossing the water from New Jersey could be. One wrong move and any community could be overwhelmed by a massive horde.

Is a War Brewing in Manhattan?

Either way, Maggie, Renata, Negan, Luis, and Hershel have their work cut out for them as we continue through The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3.

Building a community, deciding who can be trusted, and ensuring everything runs smoothly will be a long and difficult process.

Plus, I don’t believe for one second that the show isn’t building toward this new community eventually clashing with New Babylon.

(Robert Clark/AMC )

The collision feels inevitable. The only question is who makes the first move.

What are your thoughts on the Dama’s demise? Do you agree with Negan’s actions? And more importantly, do you think opening up this community is going to come back and bite everyone?

On The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 Episode 2, Maggie and Negan make a devastating choice. Read my full review.
The Walking Dead: Dead City Season 3 Episode 1 presents a bold reset that helps this zombie spinoff reach its potential. Read my review.
TV’s best characters reside in the gray area, and that’s what makes them compelling. From The Vampire Lestat to Ransom Canyon, we discuss!

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Moreno says Max Miller should seek ‘serious psychological help’

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Max Miller, US Republican Representative candidate for Ohio, takes the stage during a ‘Save America’ rally in Vandalia, Ohio, US, on Monday, Nov. 7, 2022.

Joshua A Pickel | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio said his former son-in-law, Rep. Max Miller, should not serve in the House of Representatives and “needs serious psychological help” after the senator’s daughter accused the congressman of domestic abuse.

“If there are any basic standards of character required to hold elected office, Max Miller fails them. He should not serve in the House of Representatives,” Moreno, who was elected to the Senate in 2024, said in a statement posted to X on Sunday. “I believe Max Miller needs to seek professional help to end the clear pattern of abuse he has left in his wake.”

Moreno’s statement comes as Miller, R-Ohio, who denies the allegations against him, runs for reelection in a solidly red district. In a video statement Sunday, Miller said he will not back out of his reelection bid as the allegations threaten to engulf his campaign and cost the GOP a seat.

Emily Moreno has accused Miller, her ex-husband, of assault during their marriage. She has claimed he threw hot water on her, held a gun to her head and broke their daughter’s collarbone. Miller has said the claims are not true and has accused his ex-wife of having mental health challenges.

“Every one of these allegations traces back to a single source, my former wife,” Miller said in the statement, where he countered her claims. “Not one of these allegations has ever been substantiated by any court or any agency.”

Miller also released a set of files that he said would exonerate him.

Emily Moreno’s spokesperson, Stefan Mychajliw, said in a statement following the video, that it is “shameful that Max Miller decided to go on a bizarre and lie-filled rant about his ex-wife to desperately try to save his political career.”

Ohio Republican Senator-elect Bernie Moreno at the CNBC CFO Council Summit 2024 in Washington, D.C.

Brian Stukes | CNBC

“There is a documented trove of evidence that Miller has a history of violent and dangerous behavior and no amount of victim shaming will change that,” Mychajliw said. “Miller can lie and spin on X, but he cannot do so under oath in a court of law. We are confident that justice will prevail in court.”

Miller’s election in Ohio is critical for the 2026 midterms, which will determine the balance of power in the House and Senate for the remainder of President Donald Trump’s term. Democrats are favored in the contest, holding a 6.4% point advantage in the RealClearPolitics generic ballot average. And while Miller’s seat was not seen as a likely flip for Democrats, a cascading scandal could put the seat in play.

Brian Poindexter, the Democratic challenger in the district, said Sunday that no one “credibly accused of holding a gun to his wife’s head and breaking their two-year-old daughter’s collarbone belongs in the halls of power.”

Ariana Grande to “take a step back from visibility” amid “endless, ongoing public scrutiny”

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Ariana Grande will “take a step back from visibility” after her ‘Eternal Sunshine’ tour, and has withdrawn from her planned West End debut.

The singer is wrapping up the North American leg of her headline tour and will begin a 10-date residency at London’s O2 Arena later this month, with those dates concluding on September 1.

After that, her representative has confirmed that she will take a break from public appearances. “Ariana will be taking a step back from visibility after she completes the ‘Eternal Sunshine’ tour,” the rep told People.

“This tour has been a beautiful experience for her,” they added. “She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”

Ariana Grande will no longer appear in ‘Sunday in the Park with George,’ @People reports.

She will also be “taking a step back from visibility” after the ‘eternal sunshine’ tour, following conversations surrounding her body and health. pic.twitter.com/DBlolkymE9

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) August 2, 2026

People has also quoted a source close to Grande, who emphasised that she was in good health. “She performs a very physical show, and there is a lot of athleticism involved,” they said. “She performs healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night.”

Grande will no longer be part of the upcoming West End revival of Sunday In The Park With George, which she had been due to star in alongside her Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey. It would have been her West End debut at London’s Barbican Centre, starting next summer.

Last month, it was reported that she had also pulled out of the new season of American Horror Story due to touring commitments.

The decision comes after renewed public commentary surrounding Grande’s body and appearance, which intensified online after she recently released the video for ‘Petal’, the title track from her new album.

The singer has repeatedly asked people not to speculate about her health or appearance, and on her 2024 single ‘Yes, And?’, she sang: “Don’t comment on my body, do not reply / Your business is yours and mine is mine“.

Grande recently said she had written the ‘Petal’ album from a place of “unfiltered rage”, adding: “I usually am too shy to tap into that. This time, I didn’t filter as much as I usually do. I usually do a lot of rewrites and make things a little kinder. This time, I didn’t.”

She is still set to appear alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro in the upcoming Meet The Parents sequel Focker-In-Law, which is due to be released in November.

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Ariana Grande “Taking a Step Back” After Public Concern

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 02 Aug 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Ariana Grande is “taking a step back from visibility” after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour in one month, a representative for the artist told People. As such, the Petal singer will no longer appear in the West End revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s 1984 musical Sunday in the Park With George alongside her former Wicked co-star Jonathan Bailey. This news arrives after fans have voiced concern for the singer’s health based on her appearance in public, on tour, and in music videos.

“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” Grande’s representative said in the statement. “This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”

A source “close to Grande” also told People, “She performs a very physical show, and there is a lot of athleticism involved. She performs healthily and successfully at a very high level night after night.”

Grande has 13 dates left on her headlining tour—three shows in Chicago, followed by 10 concerts in London—that last on through September 1, after which she will be retreating from the public eye. Because it’s her first tour in nearly seven years, Grande has been performing from both 2024’s Eternal Sunshine and 2020’s Positions, while also sneaking in a few Petal tracks, like “Hate That I Made You Love Me” and “Petal.” Grande will still appear in Focker-in-Law, the latest installment in the Meet the Parents film franchise, when it hits theaters on November 25.

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Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Review: Joke’s on Us

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:00:06 -0600

Critic’s Rating: 3.5 / 5.0

3.5

I had my suspicions when Prime’s Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1 dropped in 2024, but now, I’m certain.

Batman: Caped Crusader is more about everyone around Batman than Batman himself.

The series paints a cityscape of Gotham — a mural of characters, relationships, and social networks — on the canvas of that familiar cape and cowl.

(Courtesy of Prime Video)

Or perhaps the series plans to shade in Batman‘s personality traits as the byproducts of his environment.

If so, they’re taking their sweet (and unquestionably well-done) time with it.

Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2

While Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1 was a purely anthological collection of snapshots of Gotham, Season 2 is shaped with more direction.

We begin with the prosecution of Rupert Thorne, Gotham’s kingpin and fingers-in-many-pies antagonist of Season 1.

Seeded throughout the season are glimpses of the Joker making his preparations for his final coup de grâce, including disappearing Thorne early on.

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

Each piece he carefully places goes undetected for long periods of time, masked by the antics of other players or simply so unassuming in isolation that is draws no attention.

This is not the Joker we’re used to. Calculated and brilliant, we expect. Psychotic? Well, duh. But subtle and patient? That’s new.

Following on Rupert Thorne’s reign of high-profile, unapologetic criminality, Joker’s anarchistic bent is the canonistic pendulum swing.

Instead, here, we get to see unexplained kidnappings, thefts, and murders unfold with a delicate finesse. Of the Joker’s signature unhinged nature, there’s nary a trace.

Riddle Him Nothin’ But Brute Force

(Courtesy of Prime Video)

Meanwhile, Ed Nygma picks up the chaotic slack in this reinterpretation of The Riddler identity.

The idea that he earned the moniker from “riddling” his enemies with bullets is as basic and literal as the man himself.

While he occasionally tosses out the random puzzling question as a nod to the classic puzzle-obsessed villain, they aren’t riddles as much as precursors to violent acts.

Nygma: When is a pineapple not a pineapple?

Armored Car Guard: …

Nygma: When it’s a grenade!

— Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 3, “Deep Cover”

And Nygma is unquestionably a creature of violence and temper — expecting obedience without earning respect, impulsive, easily insulted, paranoid — yet foolishly susceptible to flattery and a pretty face.

He holds no loyalty to long-time friends, as seen on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 3, “Deep Cover,” when he first orders a hit on and then, when that fails, pulls the trigger himself on Mark Desmond.

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

But when the sultry Thorn (Batman’s name for Rose Forrest’s alternate personality) slinks into the Stumpers night club and makes herself at home in Nygma’s inner circle on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 7, “Her Dark Reflection,” he never sees his demise coming.

A Variety of Villainy

Some interesting choices were made in selecting the chapters and characters to include in Season 2.

For one, using Thorn, a lesser-known DC character, when the audience was primed for Poison Ivy with the florist shop.

Also, did no one consider that introducing Thorn while Rupert Thorne’s absence was still a going concern might be confusing?

(Courtesy of Prime Video)

There’s also the possibility that the entire purpose of “Her Dark Reflection” was to reveal that Bruce had no idea Alfred had been purchasing and placing flowers on his parents’ graves all these years.

Because, yeah, this Bruce is still that guy. He may value Alfred more in light of the events of Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1 Episode 6, “Night Ride,” but he’s still a pampered, entitled playboy.

A Tetch of Madness

However, as The Batman, he’s figuring some things out. For instance, in a town like Gotham, being a vigilante who doesn’t kill doesn’t stop people from talking trash or riding coattails.

Gender-bending the Mad Hatter villain into the poisonous gossip-monger, Hattie Tetch, voiced by the excellent Laraine Newman, is a genius move. She fills a J. Jonah Jameson-esque space in the landscape.

(Courtesy of Prime Video)

Tetch’s use of rumor and innuendo to grab attention and make the GCPD and DA’s job more difficult is a clever way to weaponize the news.

When the Joker takes her out with his Laughing Death toxin in the middle of a broadcast, one wonders if he saw her as a potential threat or just as a willing spectacle. After all, that’s the kind of exit Hattie could only have dreamed of.

DC Easter Eggs in Plain Sight

With source material as plentiful as the DC comic-verse, the Batman: Caped Crusader writers pull no punches in loading up the series with inside jokes.

With hat tips and side-winks worthy of Star Trek: Lower Decks, they slip in innovative allusions to Blockbuster, Calendar Man, Mad Monk, and Roxy Rocket.

(Courtesy of Prime Video)

On the season premiere, Mark Desmond fulfills his role as the original Blockbuster when Nygma sticks him with the serum. Later, we see Joker making off with a cache of the serum.

On the same episode, Julian Day appears as Calendar Man, but as an accountant with a renowned memory for numbers and dates instead of a villain obsessed with special occasions.

Mad Monk runs a cult that worships Barbatos, a cosmic Bat-God, whose murder-spree becomes conflated with Batman’s vigilante activities on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 4, “The Devil’s Due.”

And Roxanne Sutton gets a reframing from thrill-seeking Hollywood stuntwoman to genius physicist.

“Roxy Rocket” is out for revenge on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 3, “Rocket’s Red Glare,” when her work is stolen to be auctioned off to the world’s worst people.

(Courtesy of Prime Video)

Gotham’s Gray Zone

If there’s a major takeaway from Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2, it’s that Gotham has no effective heroes, only vigilantes.

In a city run on corruption that feeds on despair, the lawful folks like the Gordons and Montoya are unable to balance the scales of justice.

Instead, it’s people like Roxy, Thorn, and the posthumous Jim Corrigan who take out the baddies.

And let’s not forget the pinnacle of Caped Crusader rebranding from Season 1: Dr. Harleen Quinzel.

Harley Quinn without Joker’s influence is the best reimagining of a DC character ever. Fight me.

(Courtesy of Prime Video)

Bringing her back to help Batman with Scarecrow on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 6, “Sudden Fear,” wasn’t nearly enough Harleen content, but I’ll take anything.

Since she turned herself in, one can only hope she’ll be back for Season 3.

Can we talk a second about Gotham’s weirdness around hidden identities?

Bruce Wayne, millionaire playboy whose face is in every gossip column and business page, manages to go undercover at Blackgate with a mustache and tinted glasses, while Harleen sneaks into a morgue in full harlequin costume?

Talk about stretching the suspension of disbelief to the limit.

Robin on the Rise

(Courtesy of Prime Video)

But the future isn’t without hope. It just means looking to the next generation.

To be sure, at this moment in time, this iteration of Bruce Wayne/Batman is by no means ready to take on a sidekick.

As the toxin-affected Alfred intones on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 10, “The Laughing Death,” as he does his best to smash his ward and master, “Brucie” is incapable of even feeding or dressing himself.

And at every opportunity, Bruce demonstrates his commitment to total isolation and independence.

So when Carrie Kelley recurs on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Episode 8, “Zero Hour,” it’s significant that he remembers her from their run-in on Batman: Caped Crusader Season 1 Episode 8, “Nocturne.”

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

In the Frank Miller comic canon, Carrie will be a Robin to Batman one day. Also, Catgirl and Batwoman, but that’s another story.

Carrie embodies resilience, optimism, and determination. Her sense of justice is rooted in kindness and righting wrongs.

She’s also snarky as hell and has a solid disappearing game. Definitely a Batman in training.

So as the Joker pilots Gotham into its bleakest era of nihilism, Batman: Caped Crusader leaves us with some signposts of better things to come.

(Courtesy of Prime Video)

Renee Montoya and Jim Gordon remain champions of the lawful way. Barbara Gordon rediscovered her ability to forgive. Batman learned he can still be surprised.

Carrie Kelley is the reason they persist in fighting for a better Gotham.

Gotham Carries On

Sorry, couldn’t resist the play on words.

Over to you, Fanatics! Was Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 worth waiting two years for? Are you ready for Batman to take a more central role in Season 3? Hopefully, in less than another two year wait.

(Courtesy of Prime Video)

In the meantime, who rocked your boat this time around?

Was it Riddler or Mr. Freeze? Thorn or Roxy Rocket? Mad Monk or The Joker? Hattie Tetch or Jonathan Crane Jr.?

Hit our comments with your feedback on the season and vote for your favorite episode below!

Batman: Caped Crusader Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming now on Prime Video.

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Why Iran’s power structure complicates a ceasefire

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:00:06 -0600

In the five months since the Iran war began on Feb. 28, each pause in fighting has underscored the complexities of ending it.

The June 17 memorandum of understanding opened a 60-day negotiating period over the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, but frayed within weeks as Iranian attacks on shipping prompted escalation.

The U.S. resumed strikes for 13 consecutive nights until it paused on July 24, only for the fighting to resume on Tuesday, with strikes overnight on Wednesday and Thursday. Iran’s army said on Friday it had launched attacks on strategic U.S. assets and military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Whenever negotiations resume, Iran’s opaque power structure — spanning the Supreme Leader, the Revolutionary Guards, civilian government, commanders and other groups — will shape not only what is agreed, but whether any deal can be enforced.

Any ceasefire would have to pass through layers of command, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commanders and Tehran-aligned groups may interpret the terms differently. Attacks attributed this week to Iran-aligned Iraqi militias on Saudi oil facilities and to Yemen’s Houthis on pipeline infrastructure show how groups sympathetic to Iran could widen the conflict.

Why Iran’s power structure complicates a ceasefire

Attacks on commercial shipping could become an early test of Iran’s wartime balance of power.

The U.S. has always emphasized it wants to see the Strait of Hormuz reopened without tolls. While Tehran’s civilian government is seeking economic relief and sanctions easing, elements within the security establishment may view continued pressure in the strait as an important source of leverage.

Iran’s civilian government hopes to unlock frozen funds to provide financial relief for the population of over 90 million Iranians crippled by decades of sanctions.

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near the beach of Bandar Abbas, following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, Iran, June 18, 2026.

Amirhosein Khorgooi | Reuters

The government has long been undermined by the IRGC, who are “the dominant force on war and national security,” Sanam Vakil, director, Middle East North Africa Program at Chatham House, told CNBC.

They operate “missiles, drones, intelligence networks and regional armed partnerships, and during active conflict its commanders can exercise considerable autonomy,” she added.

“The civilian government still matters, and the president can shape diplomacy, economic policy and the work of the Supreme National Security Council, but he does not command the armed forces,” Vakil continued.

Who controls Iran’s military decisions?

President Masoud Pezeshkian leads Iran’s civilian government but ultimate authority over national security rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while the IRGC exercises significant operational autonomy.

While the Supreme Leader has the final say over national security, “he does not personally direct every tactical operation,” Vakil said.

A woman walks past images of Iran’s current supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei (R) and his predecessors: his slain father Ali Khamenei (L) and the late Ruhollah Khomeini (2nd-L) while on the way to the Grand Mosalla in Tehran on July 5, 2026, for the funeral ceremonies of Ali Khamenei.

Ozan Kose | Afp | Getty Images

The IRGC has become Iran’s dominant military and security institution, overseeing missile forces, drones, regional operations and relationships with armed groups aligned with Tehran. It answers directly to the Supreme Leader rather than the civilian government.

It exists alongside Iran’s conventional military but is more powerful politically and oversees foreign operations and Iran’s proxies, like Hezbollah. Crucially, these proxies export the ideology of the Islamic Republic through weapons, training and funding. The IRGC also oversees Iran’s internal security through the Basij paramilitary force.

What it means for negotiations

This week marked the end of a temporary halt in hostilities, after the U.S. and Saudi Arabia struck Iran-backed militias in Iraq. Iran launched a surprise missile attack on U.S. forces in Jordan, all of which were intercepted according to the U.S. military.

The strike underscored how quickly the conflict can expand even as diplomats attempt to restart negotiations.

Earlier this week, diplomats sought to give peace talks “some space.” Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, on Monday said Iran currently has “no negotiations with the United States.”

Amos Hochstein, former senior advisor to President Joe Biden and managing partner at TWG Global, told CNBC: “Iran has no intention of returning to the status quo before the war.”

“A ceasefire is not a switch that can simply be flipped. Iran wants to translate battlefield realities into political gains before locking itself into a new status quo,” Alex Vatanka, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, told CNBC.

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Watch Knocked Loose and Denzel Curry perform ‘Hive Mind’ at Brooklyn skatepark

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:00:06 -0600

Knocked Loose and Denzel Curry have performed their single ‘Hive Mind’ live for the first time at a surprise show in Brooklyn – watch footage below.

The Kentucky hardcore band and Florida rapper released the track in February, combining Knocked Loose’s metalcore sound with Curry’s rapid-fire delivery and trap influences.

On Tuesday night (July 28), they joined forces again for a free pop-up show at Substance Skatepark in Brooklyn, which was announced just one day in advance and also featured New York hardcore band Combust.

During Knocked Loose’s set, Curry emerged to perform his verse on ‘Hive Mind’ alongside frontman Bryan Garris, as the packed skatepark descended into a mass of moshing and crowd-surfing.

Check out footage of the performance here:

The track’s accompanying video was similarly filmed at a skatepark, with Garris and director Eric Richter capturing the band performing at David Armstrong Extreme Park in their hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

Garris said when the track was first released that the group had been talking about working with Curry for some time, insisting that the rapper was the only artist who would be able to make the track work.

“We wondered if we could pull it off and who would be down,” he said. “In the very beginning, we said for it to work, it would have to be Denzel Curry. Because he gets it.”

‘Hive Mind’ was Knocked Loose’s first new music since their 2024 album ‘You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To‘, which included the Grammy-nominated Poppy collaboration ‘Suffocate‘.

Garris has told NME that the increase in attention around the group had only encouraged them to become more extreme. “We see people reacting positively to all of this chaos that we’re introducing to our sound and we get inspired by that feedback, inspired by past extremes working. That’s how it will stay,” he said.

Knocked Loose and Curry will begin their co-headline ‘Hive Mind’ North American tour at the MegaCorp Pavilion in Newport, Kentucky on September 26. The 24-date run will take them across the continent, before wrapping in Mexico City on November 8. Find any remaining tickets here.

Curry released ‘Strictly 4 The Scythe‘, his collaborative album with Key Nyata and the wider Scythe collective, in March.

In a three-star review, NME described it as “chaotic, playful and packed with personality”, adding: “Like its namesake, the tape hits like the swing of a scythe: wide rather than precise – not every cut lands cleanly, but enough to make the chaos feel intentional.”

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Remi Wolf Returns With New Song “Twiggy”

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 01 Aug 2026 21:00:06 -0600

Remi Wolf is back with her first song in two years, following Big Ideas. She debuted “Twiggy” live last weekend during a surprise appearance at Hayley Williams’ headlining set at Newport Folk Festival. Check out the recorded version of the song below.

“Twiggy” pairs a warm, finger-picked guitar arrangement with lyrics about a close and complicated relationship illustrated in small details: a Lexus driving backwards, “a wrinkle where your eyes should close.” She said in a press release, “I wrote Twiggy about people I’ve been with that lack both butts and emotional availability. And how I like that. Or maybe it’s just about the messiness of addiction? Idk, you decide :)” The vinyl release of the track will come with an offline B-side, “Tiny Little Twigs (Demo).”

Since releasing Big Ideas in 2024, Remi Wolf has collaborated with Thundercat and Zedd, and performed at a number of festivals. In May, she appeared as herself in the season premiere of Off Campus, playing the Big Ideas songs “Soup,” “Alone in Miami,” and “Toro“

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IELTS banks on human touch, AI amid growing competition

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

Amid growing competition in the local English language assessment industry, the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) is differentiating itself by maintaining human intervention in its examinations while integrating artificial intelligence (AI), according to the British Council, a co-owner of IELTS.

“With IELTS, what we’re really proud of when it comes to the service and the test that we offer is that there is still human intervention,” Danica Tuliao, senior exams marketing manager at British Council Philippines, said in an interview during the organization’s annual exams partner gathering.

“In our speaking test, we have a live human examiner that test takers speak with because that’s actually the best measure of how you communicate with people,” she added.

Ms. Tuliao said the English language assessment landscape locally has become increasingly competitive in recent years, with providers offering specialized examinations for industries such as healthcare, as well as fully AI-based tests that do not require interaction with a human examiner.

Despite these developments, she said IELTS continues to adopt a hybrid approach by integrating AI features while preserving human assessment in key components of the examination process.

“We really feel strongly that the IELTS (approach) can definitely address the purpose of each test taker and help them achieve their dreams and goals,” Ms. Tuliao said in mixed English and Filipino.

The British Council has incorporated AI-powered tools into its IELTS Ready Premium preparation platform, allowing test takers to track their progress and receive automated support while preparing for the examination.

The global English proficiency testing market is estimated at $3.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $5.5 billion by 2032, according to market research firm Metastat.

This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% between 2025 and 2032.

Ms. Tuliao said English language assessments such as IELTS remain crucial for individuals seeking opportunities overseas, particularly for studying, working, and migrating to countries that require proof of English proficiency.

Different institutions, professions, and countries impose varying score requirements depending on the level of English language competency required. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Gov’t to challenge NCR wage hike TRO

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

The government will seek legal remedies to overturn a court-ordered temporary freeze on the minimum wage hike in the National Capital Region (NCR), arguing that the salary adjustment followed due process, labor officials said on Friday.

On Thursday, the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 152 issued a 20-day temporary restraining order against the implementation of Wage Order No. 27, which granted a P85 daily minimum wage increase for private-sector workers in Metro Manila.

The order suspends the first tranche of P60, which took effect on July 25, to be followed by an additional P25 in January 2027.

Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said employees who have already received the initial wage increase will not be required to refund the amount.

“The workers already have a vested right, so that should not be returned… because at the time it was received, there was no order from the National Wages and Productivity Commission that it was suspended,” Mr. Tolentino said in a statement in Filipino.

He said the Office of the Solicitor General will lead the legal efforts and represent the national wage commission in the court proceedings.

The legal challenge was initiated by two construction firms who argued that the “abrupt” mandated increase would be entirely absorbed by their budgets, leading to sustained deficits and potential job cuts.

Sarah Buena S. Mirasol, chairperson of the NCR wage board, maintained that the wage board operated within its legal mandate in issuing the wage hike.

She added that the plaintiffs should have exhausted administrative remedies by appealing to the national commission before seeking judicial intervention.

“We are confident of the fact that we followed due process, and we follow the process as provided in the guidelines for the minimum wage fixing,” Ms. Mirasol said.

She added that any request for a restraining order should demonstrate “harm to all minimum wage earners rather than a specific sector.”

The government plans to argue for the hike’s validity in the upcoming August 3 hearing. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

Lower costs, spending pickup lift business confidence in June

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

LOWER oil prices and increased consumer spending as classes reopened helped Philippine business sentiment recover in June after three straight months in negative territory, a survey by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

The BSP’s monthly business expectations survey (BES) yielded a 0% current-month confidence index (CI) in June, improving from the -25.2% in May.

A neutral or zero CI shows that optimistic and pessimistic respondents are nearly equal in number. A positive CI shows that more respondents are optimistic than pessimistic, while a negative CI shows otherwise.

“Philippine business sentiment improved in June as firms expected lower oil prices and energy costs to support increased business activity during the period, results of the latest Business Expectation Survey show,” the central bank said in a statement on Friday.

“BES data also show firms anticipated a boost in consumer spending following the reopening of schools during the month.”

The survey also showed businesses were more optimistic for the third quarter and the next 12 months.

For the next three months, firms’ CI stood at 18.8%, jumping from the 0.6% recorded in May, amid optimism that was driven by expectations of higher household consumption and easing inflation pressures.

Meanwhile, their CI for the year ahead rose to 42.4% in June from 27.8% in May as they anticipate stronger demand for goods and services among consumers, as well as better local and global economic conditions amid hopes of a resolution to the Middle East war.

However, businesses surveyed still expect inflation to remain above the BSP’s 4% ceiling, with their year-ahead projection at 5.6%. Still, this was slower than their 5.9% estimate in May.

“Businesses that expect higher inflation were concerned about higher energy cost and supply constraints, the ongoing Middle East conflict, (and) peso depreciation,” the central bank said.

Inflation as of June averaged 4.8% as high oil prices and spillovers to other key commodities continued to drive the headline print past the BSP’s tolerance range.

The central bank expects inflation to average 6.4% this year.

TIGHTER FINANCIAL CONDITIONS
Meanwhile, Philippine firms see tightening financial conditions but slightly easing credit access, citing stiff domestic competition, insufficient demand, and financial concerns.

Businesses’ financial condition index, which gauges their general cash position considering the level of cash and other cash items and repayment terms on loans, worsened to -26.8% in June from -25.7% in May.

On the other hand, their credit access index improved month on month to -5.7% from -7.3%. This refers to the firm’s external environment, such as the availability of credit in the banking system and other financial institutions.

Firms’ average capacity utilization for the industry and construction sectors also climbed to 73.9% in June from 70.5% last month.

Meanwhile, Philippine businesses’ employment outlook index fell to 1.8% from 11.9% for the next three months, and to 20.2% from 20.4% for the coming year.

However, the survey showed that more firms were willing to expand, with 20.4% saying they are looking to boost operations over the next quarter from 9.7% in May. For the year ahead, 18.7% expressed their intent to expand, higher than the 11.8% a month ago.

“Overall, the favorable business outlook could support economic growth for 2027,” the central bank said.

The BSP surveyed 515 firms nationwide, with 193 coming from the National Capital Region (NCR) and 322 from areas outside NCR, from June 5-30.

DITO Starter Packs now available in over 200 Lawson stores

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

DITO Telecommunity Corp. and Lawson have expanded their partnership to help more Filipinos gain access to digital connectivity, with DITO Starter Packs now available in more than 200 Lawson stores across Metro Manila.

Chief Commercial Officer of DITO Telecommunity Adel A. Tamano said the partnership with the multinational convenience store chain is anchored on their shared commitment to innovation, customer value, and growth.

“By combining our strengths, we aim to create more meaningful experiences for Filipino consumers while opening new opportunities that will benefit both organizations,” Mr. Tamano said in a statement released on Thursday.

“We look forward to building a partnership that reflects our shared vision of delivering greater choice, convenience, and value to the communities we serve,” he added.

Under the partnership, customers can now purchase DITO Starter Packs — which include a SIM card preloaded with up to 25 gigabytes of bonus data, among other inclusions — at more than 200 Lawson stores in Metro Manila.

The initiative makes reliable connectivity more accessible while providing greater convenience and value to Filipinos, according to Tsunaka Nakanishi, vice-president of Lawson Philippines.

DITO said the collaboration marks another milestone in the company’s continued expansion of its retail footprint while empowering Filipinos with accessible, high-quality digital connectivity. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Simplus launches ‘Live Young’ campaign for fifth anniversary

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

Home appliance brand Simplus launched its “Live Young with Simplus” campaign to mark its fifth anniversary, with the celebration featuring interactive events, a donation drive, and anniversary rewards for customers.

The campaign celebrates “self-expression and modern living by helping today’s generation build a dynamic lifestyle that fits right into their routines,” the company said in a statement released Thursday.

Reflecting the brand’s youthful character is Filipino actor Donny Pangilinan, who serves as Simplus’ ambassador.

The company said his personable and relatable personality inspires young adults to embrace independence and build comfortable, functional homes.

As part of the anniversary celebration, Simplus participated as an official sponsor of Circus Music Festival 8 in Pasig City, where it showcased its products through an interactive booth in partnership with Automatic Centre.

The company also hosted a product experience event for content creators featuring its kitchen, personal care, and home living appliances.

Separately, Simplus partnered with the National Book Store Foundation, Inc. to donate school supplies, classroom materials, and select home appliances to Capt. H. Francisco Elementary School-Annex in Taguig City to support students ahead of the new school year.

The company is also holding an online campaign in which participants can share their “Live Young” moments using Simplus products for a chance to receive anniversary gift packages. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 7 Delivers Its Most Devastating Death Before the Series Finale

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:00:07 -0600

Yes, this entire season has been building towards events you could see coming from a mile away, which has limited the tension overall.

But do I care? No.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 7 finally pulled the trigger on their biggest death yet, and even though it was inevitable, my goodness was it impactful.

(Courtesy of Starz)

The thing about a prequel series is that you are limited in certain aspects, depending on the present-day storyline.

When Power Book III: Raising Kanan was first announced, many fans (or maybe it was just me) were deeply skeptical of watching the origin story of one of the most despicable characters of all time.

Kanan Stark was a monster, with no redeeming qualities, so why do I want to see him grow up?

The series quickly called me uncultured and short-sighted when it delivered a beautifully complex and nuanced story about a young man who wasn’t born devoid of human emotions.

Kanan’s story is one shaped by confusing family dynamics, constant betrayals, and a deeply misguided sense of self. His story was worth telling, and as we near the end of this ride, I’ll happily admit I was wrong about its appeal.

(Courtesy of Starz)

The series couldn’t end without us fully seeing Kanan’s evolution from young kid into cold-blooded murderer and all-around horrible human being, and we’ve reached that point and then some.

Much of this season has felt a little rushed, and even though there’s so much to wrap up before we say goodbye forever, this hour felt both fast and slow simultaneously, which is quite the feat.

Several storylines were tied up, sometimes with a couple of lines of dialogue, and then we moved on to the next thing. But within that, we got some truly fantastic character beats, which slowed everything down and allowed us time to sit with these characters for one of the last times.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 6 felt like Raq’s last stand, and that was only reinforced when we learned pretty soon that there was basically an open bounty on her head.

Raq’s a control freak obsessed with obtaining power, much like a lot of people within this universe, but when it slips away from her, she often goes on the defensive. And in the past, it’s worked.

(Courtesy of Starz)

There have been countless times, especially in the earlier seasons, where it appeared as though she was going to be knocked down a peg or two, but she always found her way out of it. And she didn’t just survive those instances; she thrived.

Now, it feels like Raq’s unshakeable armor has been chipped too much to still be tenable.

Killing Hafiz’s man wasn’t about anything other than revenge, and so it was no wonder Hafiz, and consequently Stefano, were ready to kill her because her moves had gone beyond business.

Stefano’s got his own vendetta against Raq, which is muddled at best, but Hafiz wasn’t out there trying to kill her when he made the deal with Stefano.

Raq, of course, downplayed the threat as she tends to do, and one of the most interesting aspects of this season has been seeing Raq and Marvin’s relationship evolve because Marvin has not been content to be her number one Yes Man in the ways he has been before.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Marvin always had something to say behind a lollipop and a derogatory comment, but did what Raq told him to do, and that was that.

He still did that this season, to an extent, but he also pushed back at every turn, while also telling her about herself in ways that weren’t seeped in disdain like Kanan and even Lou-Lou used to do.

Marvin loves his sister, sees the mistakes she’s made and continues to make, and is tired. Every single episode, it’s like you could see the weariness in Marvin’s bones, and yes, you could chalk some of that up to his grief in the aftermath of Lou-Lou’s death.

Still, much of it felt rooted in watching someone he loves repeat the same destructive pattern over and over.

When Raq yet again wanted to go scorched earth on her enemies, but spare Kanan, Marvin was the one to step in and hit her with a reality check: she’s willing to kill someone else’s kid, but hers must always be spared.

And look, no one is advocating for her to go out and kill her own child, but there’s no more hiding behind him being some scared little boy who’s just acting out for attention, or some other inconsequential label you want to stick on him.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Would Marvin feel the same way about Jukebox? Surely. But Jukebox and Kanan at this point aren’t in the same stratosphere of evil.

Kanan’s made his bed a million times over, and he’ll keep destroying everything in his path.

As the hour wore on, each check-in with Marvin made it increasingly clear he wasn’t making it out of that hour alive, perhaps none more so than during his conversation with Jukebox.

These two have had numerous heart-to-hearts over the years, and if you chart the trajectory of their relationship, you’ve seen them both mature in ways that have allowed them to reach a place where they’re so devoted to each other.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 1 watchers would probably never believe a scene like that one here could exist.

(Courtesy of Starz)

At the core of everything, Marvin has always been there for Jukebox, and he’s made many mistakes that he could never take back, though he tried to better himself from it. And he never made those mistakes again.

Jukebox saw his efforts, and more importantly, she saw her dad as a human being full of flaws, who, through it all, never gave up on her and steadfastly tried to prove himself worthy of being her father.

When Jukebox wanted to run off with Marvin, that was his one chance to survive it all, and he likely knew it, which is why he started to put his affairs in order.

Being in the streets your whole life and knowing that everything is likely going to catch up to you has to be such an extremely overwhelming feeling. And Marvin used his last moments leading up to it to be brutally honest.

With Raq, he called out her greed and her inability to get the one thing she really wanted throughout all of this: Kanan’s love.

(Courtesy of Starz)

On the opposing side of that, he told Kanan the absolute truth about himself, and the fact that he was a psychopath who was going to leave this world completely alone by his own doing.

And who knew Marvin was a prophecy all along.

By killing Marvin, Kanan has now killed two of his uncles, his cousin, and his son. And with another hour to go, maybe he’ll add his mother to the list.

Marvin was telling the truth when he predicted that Kanan would have no one to miss him when he was gone, but I’m not sure Kanan ever lost sleep over killing Marvin or Lou-Lou, for that matter.

If he did, he’d long since accepted it and was no longer capable of even a shred of empathy by the time we met him in adulthood. By then, whatever guilt or empathy he may have once had was stomped out and replaced by a ruthless instinct for survival and revenge.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Marvin’s death truly feels like the end of this chapter, which is saying something considering we still don’t know what will happen to Raq. But his character growth and the magic London Brown brought to the role will be sorely missed in this universe.

Thinking about how Jukebox will respond lowkey sends a tingle down my spine because he is the one person she would go to the ends of the earth for. But it’s hard to imagine she knew that Kanan killed Marvin and still maintained any relationship with him in adulthood.

Was that a miscalculation on the part of the show? Or will this be a case where Jukebox never finds out that Kanan pulled the trigger?

Could Breeze be the one who takes the fall for it? That’s something to look out for in the series finale because it feels like a big loose thread that needs fixing.

Speaking of Jukebox, she’s been in her era of not caring about anyone but herself and her dad for quite some time, but she deserves a slow hand clap for being the one person out there who cared about Famous.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Kanan’s beyond help, so it was not at all surprising that he did nothing; the information Jukebox dropped in his lap was the reason. But Jukebox is so far from the girl who was trying to make it big as a singer.

She’s not on the same level as the rest of her family when it comes to the game, but she’s not above doing what she feels needs to be done to defend the things that matter to her. And Famous mattered to her.

Snaps and Pop are some good liars. They almost had me believing they didn’t kill Famous when they confronted Kanan, but in the end, they played a little too loose and fast with the Thomas family.

They scouted everything and made sure to stay ahead of blowback and future issues, but they never saw Jukebox coming. And the cops they had in their pockets leading to their demise? Well, that’s the way the breaks go sometimes.

Through this whole Garcia business, and Burke before him, this was obviously the influence that led Jukebox to enter law enforcement and use it to her benefit. She didn’t become a dirty cop on the job, succumbing to a crooked department or the demands of her environment.

(Courtesy of Starz)

It feels more and more like she saw what she could get away with behind the shield of a badge, and she took full advantage of it.

I doubt we’ll see much of Jukebox in the prequel, but hopefully, she gets a worthwhile wrap-up in the finale, because I am still stuck on the fact that there’s a world in which she ever talked to Kanan again, let alone helped him in any way.

With so many stories now closed or on their way to being there, there’s still the biggest one of all to come: Raq versus Kanan, The Final Chapter.

Raq’s back isn’t just against the wall; it’s molded to it. She’s got the FBI on her neck, no more siblings, and it’s open season on her head.

Whether she gets killed, goes to jail, or rides off into the sunset, this is the end for the Raquel Thomas we knew, one way or the other. And what a ride it has been.

(Courtesy of Starz)

It’s unfair to put the brunt of Kanan’s issues solely at his mother’s door, but Raq had a heavy hand in many of his future events through the way she reared and molded him.

It doesn’t all fall on Raq, but her influence and decisions certainly played a part in the man he would become.

Ultimately, Kanan made his own choice, but the foundation on which those choices were built, well, that was poured by Raq herself.

Everything Else You Need To Know

Breeze’s personality comes out more and more as we get to know him. I was skeptical about him when the season began and about centering so much of a new series around him, but it actually has the potential to be a lot of fun.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Why was Raq looking for Pernessa? Did she think she was going to lure Unique out of hiding? If she did, what exactly did she want him to do for her?

Flossie is going to be so sad about Marvin’s death!

If Raq goes out, I hope she takes out all her enemies before she goes. Stefano has no business outliving her.

I’m sorry, but Iesha needs to take a hint and get far away from Jukebox, Kanan, and that whole Thomas family.

Kanan and Jarita already being over makes sense considering their contentious relationship in the future. But I do wonder if they reconcile at some point when she discovers she’s pregnant, and then it all goes to hell again.

(Courtesy of Starz)

There’s only one episode left, guys.

I’m feeling a little nostalgic because this has really been such a fun and exciting ride that’s ending the way all Power shows do; bloody and dramatic.

Let me know in the comments how you’re feeling as we head into the series finale and what you’d like to see before they call it a wrap on this part of Kanan’s story.

You can watch Power Book III: Raising Kanan at midnight on the STARZ app. On linear, it airs on STARZ at 8:00 pm ET/PT in the U.S.

Raq and Marvin find themselves hunted on Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 7, as Kanan and Jukebox make major moves. Our review!
Stefano makes a major move against Raq, while Kanan also tries to hit Raq where it hurts during Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 6. Our review!
The chasm between Raq and Kanan continues to grow, while Stefano tries to make a move on Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 5. Our review!

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David Hearn Reflecting Pool case: Pirro seeks dismissal

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:00:07 -0600

U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro on Friday moved to dismiss an indictment charging U.S. Olympic canoeist David Hearn with vandalizing the Reflecting Pool of the Lincoln Memorial, writing in a court filing that damage to the pool’s sealant was the result of a “flawed installation.”

Pirro, in a court filing in D.C. Superior Court, said her office received information and evidence after the charges were filed that “significantly undermine the evidentiary basis for the indictment.”

Hearn had been charged with felony destruction of property in early July, with Pirro saying at a press conference that he “violently” ripped up part of the pool’s liner with his bare hands.

Hearn’s attorneys accused the Trump administration of making the 67-year-old ex-Olympian a “scapegoat” for the expensive and troubled renovation, which President Donald Trump had frequently boasted about.

After the pool appeared to continue leaking following its renovation, Trump repeatedly claimed, without providing evidence, that vandals had cut a gash hundreds of feet long along the bottom.

But Pirro said in Friday’s court filing that a “botched installation” was to blame.

Prosecutors had presented a grand jury in D.C. with “evidence that damage to the Reflecting Pool was caused by vandals” after receiving initial reports to that effect from the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Park Police, Pirro wrote.

But after that grand jury returned its indictment against Hearn, the Interior Department provided “additional documents” showing that the damage occurring in June was the “result of flawed installation by the contractor, Atlantic Industrial Coatings,” Pirro said.

She also blamed “the rush to complete the project prior to events associated with the America 250 celebration in the weeks surrounding Independence Day 2026.”

Asked for additional comment, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C. told CNBC, “The motion speaks for itself.”

Hearn’s attorneys told CNBC in a statement, “The Trump administration’s case against Davey Hearn should have never been brought.”

“Its dismissal today does not erase the abuse of government power in arresting and charging a patriotic American who did nothing wrong,” read the statement from lawyers Norm Eisen, Mary Dohrmann and Steve Levin.

“The government’s approach was ready, fire, aim. The administration owes Mr. Hearn an apology,” they said.

The White House did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.

Four days earlier, Hearn’s attorneys wrote in a court filing that the government’s key grand-jury witness in the case “testified that the property was already damaged before Mr. Hearn allegedly touched it.”

In that same filing, the defense lawyers asked for the disclosure of the information that the government provided to the grand jury before it made the decision to charge Hearn.

Pirro’s decision to pack up her case may foreclose the possibility of that information being revealed.

Her filing repeatedly and pointedly lays blame on the Interior Department for providing her office with shoddy information.

“DOI provided less than fulsome information at the outset of this case,” Pirro wrote at one point. “It was not until USAO-DC repeatedly reached out to DOI dozens and dozens of times that DOI slowly started trickling information to USAO-DC.”

“Had DOI been forthcoming with the information clearly in its possession, the government would not have sought a grand jury indictment,” she wrote. “DOI’s failure to fully and accurately provide information to USAODC undermined the government’s ability to abide by these responsibilities.”

The Interior Department did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.

Pirro’s motion to dismiss also provides new detail about issues that plagued the Reflecting Pool renovation and caused delays “almost immediately.”

She pointed to “a combination of very rainy and windy weather, repeated failures of testing on the sealing of the expansion joints, and delays in obtaining sealing product at the worksite.”

“The rush to complete the project led to hasty and botched work that was not remediated before the project was finished and the fencing removed,” Pirro wrote.

The Trump administration had awarded the contractor, Atlantic Industrial Coatings LLC, a no-bid contract to work on the Reflecting Pool.

Trump, in one of numerous instances detailing the renovation project to the press, said in April that he chose a contractor that had worked on one of his swimming pools.

CNBC has requested comment from the contractor. A website associated with the company currently features a pop-up window with two Reflecting Pool-related updates, with the most recent one dated June 21.

“Atlantic Industrial Coatings in conjunction with the US Park Service has identified some areas in the Reflecting Pool that require repairs,” the update reads. “These areas are a very small part of the massive 7 acre project, and do not indicate a failure of the liner.”

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Modest Mouse guitarist Simon O’Connor will not join upcoming tour following inappropriate messages allegations

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:00:07 -0600

Modest Mouse have said guitarist Simon O’Connor will not join their upcoming tour, following allegations of inappropriate messages to a 16-year-old fan.

The claims emerged on the band’s Reddit forum earlier this week, when a fan shared screenshots of an Instagram exchange they said had taken place shortly before their 17th birthday.

In a statement shared on social media today (July 31), Modest Mouse confirmed that Les Savy Fav guitarist Seth Jabour would replace O’Connor for their upcoming dates.

“Simon O’Connor will not be joining us for the upcoming tour,” they wrote. “The good news is that Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav will be jumping in to play guitar. We look forward to being out there with you all.”

The band did not directly address the allegations or confirm whether O’Connor has permanently left the group. He has played with Modest Mouse since 2021.

The fan who made the allegations said that their age was visible in their Instagram bio and that O’Connor had viewed a story featuring a countdown to their 17th birthday.

The screenshots appeared to show O’Connor opening the conversation with a sticker reading “SIMON calls your bluff BUZZ”, before sending a sexually explicit meme. The image was censored in the Reddit post, although the fan said that it had not been obscured when it was sent to them.

O’Connor responded to the allegations on the same forum, saying that he “unequivocally” opposed “any sexual behaviour towards minors”.

He claimed that an individual had repeatedly created social media accounts in order to “mess with” him and that he had mistakenly believed the fan’s account belonged to the same person.

“I assumed that this was the same person I had dealt with before and, with poor judgement, I decided to reach out with a tasteless meme, a sticker that read ‘Simon calls your bluff,’ and an attempt to indicate that I recognized the ‘barrage of likes’ and similar photo content from the previous profiles…. Almost a ‘gotcha’.”

O’Connor said he realised “after a few minutes” that he had made a mistake, before unsending the messages and ending the exchange.

“I’m genuinely sorry to the person who received those messages,” he added. “They didn’t deserve to be put in that position, and I’m sorry for the stress and attention this has brought them.

“I know some people will choose not to believe me, and I understand that. I can’t change what’s happened. All I can do is tell the truth, take responsibility for my mistake, and apologise.”

Jabour has been a member of New York indie-rock band Les Savy Fav since their formation in the mid-’90s.

Modest Mouse released their eighth studio album ‘An Eraser And A Maze‘ in June, their first since the death of founding drummer Jeremiah Green in 2022.

Read the original article here

The post Modest Mouse guitarist Simon O’Connor will not join upcoming tour following inappropriate messages allegations appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

Simon O’Connor Dropped From Modest Mouse Tour

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 31 Jul 2026 21:00:07 -0600

Following his public apology over sending inappropriate messages to an underage fan, guitarist Simon O’Connor has been dropped from Modest Mouse’s upcoming tour dates. According to a post made on the band’s Instagram, he has been replaced by Seth Jabour of Les Savy Fav. Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for Modest Mouse for further comment.

Earlier this week, a 17-year-old fan posted a series of screenshots to the r/ModestMouse subreddit, documenting an Instagram DM exchange between themself and O’Connor, who has played guitar in Modest Mouse since 2021. O’Connor’s messages to the fan, who says they were 16 at the time and had their birth date listed in their Instagram bio, included a sexually explicit meme of a naked man.

In his apology, also posted to Reddit, O’Connor said that he was originally under the impression that the fan was a frequent troll of his, and that he intended the initial message as “almost a ‘gotcha.’” “I’m genuinely sorry to the person who received those messages,” he wrote. “They didn’t deserve to be put in that position, and I’m sorry for the stress and attention this has brought them.”

Read the original article here

The post Simon O’Connor Dropped From Modest Mouse Tour appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

The new ‘My SM’: How the Filipino consumer is redefining the mall experience

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:37:06 -0600

Customers continue to be the transformation driver for SM Supermalls.

Following undisrupted foot traffic and positive business performance in the first half of 2026, the mall operating arm of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. has noted three key factors that maintained market interest despite scaled consumption patterns earlier in the year.

“Filipinos kept showing up for family, passions, and the moments that matter,” said Steven Tan, President of SM Supermalls. “SM remained a trusted constant, creating more ways to celebrate, connect, play, and discover, while evolving alongside how Filipinos now live. That is the heart of ‘My SM’ — evolving alongside our customers so every mall feels personal, inclusive, and built around what they love most.”

Expanded and Reinvented Spaces

In the first half of the year, SM cemented its status as the country’s largest mall-based pickleball destination, expanding its network to 86 courts across 29 malls. Driven by surging market interest in active lifestyles, SM Supermalls and the SM Active Hub continue to scale up facilities nationwide while hosting community events like the inaugural SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge, culminating in its July 2026 Grand Finals.

The new SM Seaside Cebu Arena elevates the Visayas entertainment scene as a world-class venue capable of hosting up to 25,000 guests.

Additionally, customers continually sought new and exciting entertainment concepts. With the launch of the SM Seaside Cebu Arena, the Visayan market has been enhanced with a new world-class entertainment venue that can host up to 25,000 guests. Rising worldwide act and Filipino pop girl group BINI inaugurated the launch.

SM Cinemas has also captured a revitalized market of movie-goers amid back-to-back blockbuster and sleeper hits from both big-name studios and indie production houses. The launch of its exclusive ScreenX format late last year provided local movie-goers with a unique and immersive cinematic experience that hosted 2026’s anticipated movies such as Zootopia 2 and Avatar: Fire and Ash, most recent sought-after screening being Spider-Man: Brand-New Day.

The country’s first SM Sensory Lab offers a safe and welcoming environment for mallgoers navigating sensory processing challenges.

Meanwhile purpose-driven concepts introduced a revolutionary approach to utilizing mall spaces. With the inaugural launch of the SM Sensory Lab done in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA), SM has created a safe environment for mallgoers and visitors struggling with sensory processing challenges.

To further support the country’s pursuit of sustainable and modern transportation alternatives amid the fuel crisis, SM has also expanded its nationwide network of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations with 100% coverage across its 90 malls.

Mallgoers utilize SM’s nationwide Electric Vehicle Charging Stations for greener transit alternatives.

From sensory-friendly spaces to green transit, these reinvented facilities reflect how “My SM” is designed to accommodate every shopper’s unique needs and values.

Reimagined Customer Experiences

To meet growing customer appetite for first-in-market and unique food experiences, SM continually elevated its Food Hall concepts nationwide, promoting regional fare and local food businesses through high-foot traffic dining spaces.

SM also expanded market access to global and local brands through a variety of new and exclusive food and retail launches.

Madrid’s famous San Ginés Chocolatería in SM Podium, Super Matcha in SM Megamall and Candid Coffee in SM Mall of Asia captured growing market demand for cafés and confectionary offerings. Additionally, the introduction of international clothing icons icons Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister expanded access for local fashionistas to fresh and trendy outfit options.

By bringing global brands and curated local food concepts to neighborhood hubs, SM ensures that “My SM” is as much a personalized lifestyle destination as it is a shopping center.

Enhanced Market Engagement

SM Supermalls drives massive social engagement with tens of millions of views through its interactive “Gala to the Max” campaign.

With the launch of its “Gala to the Max” campaign, SM sought to engage mallgoers by empowering them as storytellers, driving massive social engagement with tens of millions of video views.

Pop culture fans and enthusiasts lived out their passions with exclusive pop-ups executed across SM Malls, such as the Pokémon Center pop-up in SM Mall of Asia and Animazing North’s 6^th edition, featuring an interactive installation for Solo Leveling.

Reinforcing its role as a hub for cultural exchange, SM Mall of Asia hosted the NHCP’s HistoEx 2026 in celebration of Buwan ng Kasaysayan. The three-day exposition brought history to life through interactive exhibits, public lectures, and immersive installations celebrating the country’s maritime heritage.

SM also supported active lifestyles through its SM Active Hub exclusive events, with tens of thousands of participants filling the streets for major running events like the Galaxy Manila Marathon on EDSA and the SM2SM race in Cebu.

Whether running a marathon on EDSA, celebrating fandoms, or creating viral content, shoppers are actively shaping their own “My SM” moments and sharing them with the community.

Bringing new retail and lifestyle experiences to Mindanao, SM Zamboanga officially welcomed shoppers in Q1 2026.

The mall operator launched SM Zamboanga as its latest retail property in Mindanao in the first quarter and plans to cap off 2026 with the opening of its upscale mall in Nuvali, Sta. Rosa before the year’s end.

As Filipino lifestyle habits continue to move toward wellness, connection, and meaningful experiences, SM Supermalls continues to adapt — giving every Filipino a space they can truly call “My SM.”

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

Philippines’ trade deficit widens to $4.94 billion in June

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:13:07 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES’ trade deficit in goods ballooned to $4.94 billion in June as exports and imports posted double-digit growth, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

Preliminary data from the PSA showed the trade-in-goods balance — the difference between exports and imports — stood at a $4.94-billion deficit in June, widening by 12.3% from $4.4 billion recorded in the same month last year.

Month on month, the trade gap narrowed from the $6.1-billion deficit posted in May.

June saw the smallest trade gap in four months or since the $4.01-billion gap in February.

The country’s trade balance has been in deficit for more than a decade or since the $64.95-million surplus recorded in May 2015.

PSA data showed that imports jumped by 19.6% to $13.71 billion in June, faster than 15.8% increase in the same month last year but slower than the 28.2% rise in May.

On the other hand, merchandise exports jumped by 24.1% to $8.77 billion, slower than the 26.9% increase a year ago but faster than the 8.6% growth in May.

In the first half of the year, the trade-in-goods deficit ballooned by 25.85% by $30.81 billion from $24.48 billion last year.

For the January—June period, imports jumped by 17.84% to $77.53 billion from $65.79 billion.

Merchandise exports rose by 13.09% to $46.72 billion from $41.31 billion a year ago.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee projects exports and imports to grow by 3% and 5%, respectively, this year.

Five Metro Manila IT parks apply for PEZA ecozone status

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter and Juliana Chloe A. Gonzales

FIVE information technology (IT) parks and centers in Metro Manila are applying to become Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA)-registered economic zones (ecozones), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

This comes after President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. lifted the seven-year moratorium for IT parks and centers in Metro Manila.

On the sidelines of the ASEAN Tech Summit Manila 2026 on Wednesday, Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque said the five projects have pending applications with PEZA.

The developments include MJ Landtrade Development Corp.’s Altaire in Makati City; Triumvirate Development Corp.’s One Trium Tower in Muntinlupa City; Ayala Land, Inc.’s ARCA South 1 in Taguig City; Aseana Holdings, Inc.’s Parqal in Parañaque City; and San Lorenzo Ruiz Investment Holdings and Services, Inc.’s The Yuchengco Centre in Makati City.

“That’s a big win for the IT-BPM (information technology-business process management) sector and also the real estate, because they can now open BPOs (business process outsourcing firms) in Metro Manila, and there’s a lot real estate (office) spaces that are vacant now,” Ms. Roque told reporters.

Under Administrative Order (AO) No. 45, the PEZA Board is directed to accept, process and evaluate all applications for IT centers and parks in Metro Manila.

However, the moratorium on new ecozone applications in the National Capital Region (NCR) continues to apply to all developments except those related to the IT-BPM industry.

The order amended AO No. 18, issued in June 2019, which suspended the processing and evaluation of applications for new ecozones in Metro Manila to encourage more investments in the countryside.

The IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said AO 45 provides global investors and existing locators with the necessary flexibility to expand their operations in the country.

“In today’s highly competitive investment environment, speed and flexibility matter,” IBPAP President and Chief Executive Officer Jonathan “Jack” R. Madrid said in a statement.

The group noted that Metro Manila remains a central location for setting up global offices and hiring digital talent.

“AO 45 gives investors greater confidence that the Philippines can respond to evolving business requirements while preserving our long-term commitment to countryside development,” he added.

Mr. Madrid noted that the moratorium lift would help attract new investments, support business expansions, and generate more high-quality jobs.

Property consultancy firm Colliers Philippines said lifting the moratorium on new IT parks and centers is expected to unlock significant office supply in secondary markets like the Bay Area, providing business process outsourcing (BPO) firms with more cost-effective alternatives to traditional business districts.

“The benefit for locators is they have more cost-effective options outside the CBDs (central business districts) for their PEZA operations to be accommodated,” Kevin Jara, director for office services in tenant representation at Colliers Philippines, told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of their market briefing on Wednesday.

He identified the Bay Area as a primary beneficiary due to its high volume of available developments that can now apply for PEZA accreditation.

Colliers noted existing developments such as Altaire, Yuchengco Center, and Filinvest Land, Inc.’s One Filinvest could pursue accreditation immediately to resolve leasing challenges.

According to Colliers, approximately 600,000 square meters in the future office pipeline could potentially apply for PEZA status.

Mr. Jara noted that the move is prompting IT-BPM firms to revisit expansion plans.

“It’s worthwhile for them to review their real estate now because there are already options in the market for them to benchmark against a potential renewal in their current situation,” he added.

PHL rolls out interoperable direct debit facility and Instapay for businesses

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the Philippine Payments Management, Inc. (PPMI) have rolled out the Philippines’ first interoperable direct debit facility and introduced a real-time fund transfer facility for businesses.

“Interoperability and lower fees do more than lift transactions. They bring in more people. This is what financial inclusion looks like,” BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said in a statement.

“More Filipinos sending and receiving money digitally. More Filipinos making the network stronger for everyone already on it.”

Direct Debit PH is a standardized recurring payment facility under the National Retail Payment System that allows consumers to automatically pay their recurring bills from their financial accounts.

“Direct Debit PH lets you authorize automatic payments once and your recurring payments are handled for you, every cycle, across participating financial institutions,” BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan said during the launch ceremony at the BSP Head Office in Manila on Wednesday. “No more manual transfers. No more late fees. No more forgetting.”

Under the direct debit arrangement, billers can directly and automatically pull out funds from payors’ bank accounts to settle recurring payments on set due dates.

Billers only have to acquire a one-time authorization from payors through a formal mandate, although the latter may opt to cancel the arrangement as long as it meets the mandate terms and the participating bank’s policies.

“Once a mandate is activated, payments can be processed automatically on agreed dates helping customers avoid missed payments while allowing businesses to manage collections more efficiently,” the central bank said. “This new use case serves as a digital alternative to traditional payments such as post-dated checks.”

This direct debit facility can facilitate transactions across different financial institutions as it allows customers to pay a biller holding an account with a different bank.

This includes settling bills such as utilities, subscriptions, loan payments, insurance premiums, among others.

Enrolled payors will be notified by their financial institution of all successful and rejected payments through e-mail, text message, or push notifications.

Direct Debit PH Interim Chair Carlo B. Nazareno said the facility was designed to be “consumer-friendly” as it provides payors the flexibility to set the mandate’s validity period and the maximum allowable amount to be debited from their accounts.

“(In) the end, you should have full control over what you agree and don’t agree with. And again, aside from the flexibility, you can put the maximum of how much can be debited. And you can give a deadline,” he said at a press briefing.

Mr. Nazareno also assured customers that the facility is safe, with participating institutions guaranteeing compliance with industry standards and the BSP’s regulations.

Since early this year, four universal banks have joined the live pilot of Direct Debit PH, namely, BDO Unibank, Inc., Bank of the Philippine Islands, China Banking Corp., and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC).

According to Mr. Nazareno, 16 other domestic and foreign banks, such as Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. and Security Bank Corp., are in the developing stage, with PESONet seeking to onboard its over 120 member banks.

To qualify as a creditor or debtor bank in the direct debit facility, one must be a BSP-regulated financial institution, signatory to the Direct Debit PH Automated Clearing House Agreement, direct participant or have a sponsoring participant with PhilPass Plus Demand Deposit Account, and member of the PPMI.

Mr. Tangonan said he hopes Direct Debit PH will bring more billers into the system, including utility providers, telephone and mobile companies, as well as insurance and property firms.

INSTAPAY SERVICES
Meanwhile, automated clearing house InstaPay also launched its fund transfer facility for businesses, which allows 24/7 real-time business-to-consumer and business-to-business payment transactions.

Using InstaPay for Business, businesses and enterprises with business or corporate accounts can transfer up to P500,000 per transaction, with no daily transaction or value limit. This is higher than the P50,000 cap set for person-to-person InstaPay transfers.

“Originating financial institutions (OFIs) may impose and enforce their own transaction limits. Meanwhile, receiving financial institutions (RFIs) validate configured limits and may conduct post-validation checks, with the results relayed directly to the OFI,” the central bank said.

According to the BSP, OFIs may set their own transfer fees for InstaPay for Business.

As of July 29, InstaPay for businesses is only available through the Philippine National Bank, Wise Pilipinas Inc., DCPay Philippines, Inc., GoTyme Bank Corp., and RCBC.

Enrique C. Buenaflor, working group lead for InstaPay for Business, said 12 other financial institutions, including major industry players, have also expressed interest to offer the facility.

Additionally, InstaPay launched its own cash-in feature, which allows users to request money transfer from their OFI using their RFI’s platform.

“Unlike other fund transfer services, where the transaction is initiated through the platform or application (app) of the OFI, InstaPay Cash-In allows users to initiate the transfer request through the platform or app of the RFI,” the BSP said.

“This initiative widens the network of cash-in services beyond the existing bilateral agreements of financial institutions, consequently increasing digital payments usage and bringing down the barriers to adoption,” it added.

Meanwhile, the BSP now stands “doubly confident” that it will hit, or even potentially exceed, its digital payments target by 2028 following the launch of the new digital payment services, and the industry’s recent move to lower retail fund transfer fees.

Mr. Tangonan noted that the transaction volumes from the pilot launch of the services have boosted their confidence that the digital payment industry will grow past their target.

“And then we have the (Circular No.) 1238 that brings down the (retail fund transfer) fees and thanks to my colleagues here, their own banks, they like zeroized it. It makes me doubly confident that we will hit that target and even exceed it,” he added.

The BSP wants digital payments to make up 60%-70% of the total volume of retail payments by 2028 in line with the Philippine Development Plan.

Tax relief plan to benefit 3M workers, but cost P66B in foregone revenues — DoF

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

TWO TAX RELIEF MEASURES proposed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. would benefit at least 3.13 million workers and 78,000 small businesses but cost the government about P66 billion in annual foregone revenue, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go on Wednesday said raising the annual income tax exemption threshold to P350,000 from P250,000 would reduce revenues by about P60 billion a year, while exempting small businesses from the minimum corporate income tax (MCIT) would cost another P6 billion.

“The proposal will benefit at least 3.13 million workers, including an additional 1.2 million workers at the minimum who will no longer pay personal income tax, increasing the total number of tax-exempt workers from at least 5.1 million to 6.3 million,” he said.

Mr. Go noted those earning between P250,000 and P350,000 annually will enjoy up to P15,000 in additional take-home pay, while those earning more than P350,000 could receive up to P17,500 more.

“This means, of course, that there will be a bigger share of hard-earned income that can go towards everyday needs,” he said.

The DoF also said that around 78,000 businesses will benefit from the proposal to exempt micro and small enterprises from the minimum corporate income tax. This includes small bakeries, cafés, eateries, food stalls, sari-sari stores, repair shops, and other family-run businesses.

At present, qualified small corporations pay either the 2% MCIT based on gross income or the regular 20% corporate income tax based on net taxable income, whichever is higher, regardless if the businesses are operating at a loss.

Removing the MCIT would mean that covered businesses incurring losses would no longer have to pay the tax. Profitable companies would remain subject to the regular corporate income tax.

“From this particular measure, if it happens, [foregone revenue will amount to] P6 billion annually,” Mr. Go said.

To offset the revenue losses, he said the government could consider imposing more excise taxes but did not elaborate.

“All you have to do is look at the categories that are taxed with excise taxes, and normally, they would be the same industries that would be covered,” Mr. Go said.

Earlier, House Committee on Ways and Means Chair and Marikina Rep. Romero “Miro” S. Quimbo said the government plans to fully offset the revenue losses through higher excise taxes on vape products, heated tobacco, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

Deloitte Philippines Business Tax Leader Senen Quizon said removing the MCIT will allow small businesses “to be better positioned to preserve cash flow and pursue new opportunities.”

“It may entail short-term foregone revenue for the government, but the longer-term benefit lies in easing pressure on small enterprises, improving their capacity to grow and ultimately strengthening the country’s revenue base through expanded economic activity,” he told BusinessWorld via e-mail.

Asian Consulting Group Founding Chairman and Chief Tax Adviser Raymond A. Abrea said greater relief could come from expanding the coverage of the optional gross income tax regime, even if its rate is increased.

Under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, qualified self-employed individuals and professionals with annual gross sales or receipts of no more than P3 million may opt to pay an 8% tax on gross sales or receipts instead of graduated income and percentage taxes.

“What we’re advocating is to increase the optional tax from 8% to 10%, but the threshold from P3 million to P20 million,” Mr. Abrea said.

A higher threshold could encourage more online sellers, self-employed workers and professionals to register, accurately declare their income and pay taxes, he added.

However, Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco described Mr. Marcos’ proposals as populist measures that fail to address the country’s underlying political and economic problems.

“The solutions [he] proposed are all populist — giveaways, tax reliefs, et cetera. But it doesn’t go to the root of the problem in our politics and in our economy,” he said in an interview on Money Talks with Cathy Yang on One News on Wednesday.

Mr. Chikiamco warned that granting tax relief without identifying sufficient revenue offsets could worsen fiscal risks and potentially affect the country’s credit ratings.

“This might affect even our ratings if the government is not able to identify clear sources of revenue to compensate for all of those giveaways and tax reliefs,” he said.

The National Government’s budget deficit widened by 2.8% to P786.8 billion in the first half from P765.5 billion a year earlier.

The six-month fiscal gap was equivalent to 47.4% of the government’s revised P1.659-trillion deficit ceiling for 2026, which is equivalent to 5.4% of gross domestic product.

BILLS FILED
Meanwhile, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos filed a bill that would raise the annual tax-free income threshold to P350,000.

House Bill No. 10345 seeks to increase the annual income tax exemption ceiling by P100,000 from the current P250,000 under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law, allowing more Filipino workers to keep a larger portion of their earnings.

The bill seeks to amend Section 24 of the National Internal Revenue Code by restructuring the graduated income tax rates imposed on Filipino citizens and resident aliens.

Under the bill, taxable income exceeding P350,000 but not more than P400,000 would be subject to a 15% income tax. Taxable income above P400,000 would remain subject to the existing graduated tax rates of 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%.

Under the proposal, married taxpayers would continue to file and compute their income taxes separately, with any income that cannot be exclusively assigned to either spouse split equally between them.

The measure would also preserve the income tax exemption granted to minimum wage earners, covering their taxable income as well as holiday pay, overtime pay, night shift differential, and hazard pay.

It would likewise allow qualified self-employed individuals and professionals to continue availing of the optional 8% tax on gross sales, receipts, and non-operating income exceeding the proposed P350,000 tax-exempt threshold, in lieu of the graduated income tax rates and percentage tax.

Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente C. Sotto III filed Senate Bill No. 2338 that also seeks to exempt those earning P350,000 a year from income tax.

However, Senate Finance Committee Chairperson Joseph Victor “JV” G. Ejercito filed Senate Bill No. 2341 that aims to raise the income tax exemption ceiling to P600,000.

Under the measure, taxable income exceeding P600,000 but less than P2 million will be subjected to a 15% tax rate. — with Pexcel John Bacon and Kaela Patricia B. Gabriel

Casino Plus hits new milestone with P100-million Color Game Ultimate Jackpot

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), announced today that its iconic live-streamed title, Color Game, has reached a monumental nine-figure threshold, with its Ultimate Jackpot officially crossing P100,730,456.94.

This latest milestone builds on Color Game’s strong track record of generating PAGCOR-verified payouts, following a historic P303.5-million record jackpot in August 2024 and a P271.4-million payout in April 2026.

“The P100-million Ultimate Jackpot milestone underscores Casino Plus’ commitment to delivering a trusted, legal, and responsibly managed gaming platform for Filipino players. As the first and leading legal online live Color Game in the Philippines, we continue to invest in secure technology, transparent operations, and a premium entertainment experience rooted in local culture. We are grateful for the trust of our players and remain steadfast in promoting responsible gaming while setting new benchmarks for the industry,” said Evan Spytma, chief executive officer of Casino Plus.

CDC Assistant VP for Business Enhancement Rodem R. Perez and Casino Plus CEO Evan Spytma handed over the ceremonial check for the winner of the P303-million jackpot under Color Game in 2025.

Anchor initiatives like the ongoing WinsDay Billion Drop promotion, which features split prize drops totaling P1 billion across the entire event, are implemented directly alongside established corporate governance controls. All platform activity is governed by strict age verification, Know Your Customer (KYC) compliance, Anti-Money Laundering (AML) standards, and PAGCOR oversight, ensuring a secure and responsible gaming ecosystem.

As the Philippine regulated digital entertainment sector continues to mature, Casino Plus remains committed to combining product innovation with strong institutional governance, consumer protection, and responsible business practices to drive sustainable industry growth.

RESPONSIBLE GAMING ADVISORY

In accordance with PAGCOR’s Responsible Gaming Code of Practice, Casino Plus wishes to remind all players of the following:

Gaming is for entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered a source of income or a means of financial relief. Players are encouraged to play responsibly and within their means.

Winning is never guaranteed. All gaming outcomes are determined by chance. Past results, including jackpot wins, do not influence or predict future outcomes.

ABOUT CASINO PLUS

Casino Plus is a trusted online casino platform in the Philippines, duly licensed and regulated by the PAGCOR. The company is committed to providing a secure, fair, and engaging digital entertainment experience, guided by the principles of responsible gaming and player protection. With its continuous expansion, Casino Plus is now regarded as one of the country’s leading online casino platforms, combining entertainment excellence with meaningful corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

DA-BFAR to boost aquaculture potential of samaral

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) is promoting the culture of siganids, or rabbitfish (Siganus spp.), locally known as samaral, as part of its efforts to diversify Philippine aquaculture and create more livelihood opportunities for Filipino fisherfolk and fish farmers.

The DA and the BFAR see samaral as a promising species for aquaculture diversification, building on available culture technologies, growing production, and an existing consumer market. Developing the species can provide fish farmers with additional livelihood options while creating opportunities across production, processing, and marketing.

“By giving fisherfolk direct access to technology and strong market support, we can boost the production of samaral nationwide,” DA-BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig said.

Why samaral?

Samaral, also known as danggit, kitong, malaga, padas, and other names depending on the species and locality, is already familiar to many coastal communities and Filipino consumers. Its white meat, distinct flavor, and versatility in Filipino dishes give the species an existing consumer base on which a larger aquaculture industry can build.

Unlike species that are still largely experimental for aquaculture, samaral already has established technologies covering controlled breeding, hatchery seed production, nursery, and grow-out. Researchers have demonstrated year-round seed production for Siganus guttatus, providing a technical foundation for expanding its culture.

Samaral also offers practical advantages for fish farmers. It can be raised in brackishwater ponds and other suitable culture systems, including existing aquaculture infrastructure. It can utilize natural algae and selected seaweeds alongside formulated feeds, providing flexibility in feeding and farm management. These characteristics, together with established culture protocols and consumer familiarity, make samaral a strong candidate for aquaculture diversification.

From technology to wider production

While the technology is available, developing samaral into a more significant aquaculture commodity will require bringing the different parts of the value chain together.

Production data already point to an emerging base for expansion. Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed samaral aquaculture production increased from 153.89 metric tons in 2021 to 361.57 metric tons in 2025. While still small compared with established aquaculture commodities, the increase shows room to further develop production and encourage wider commercial adoption.

Beyond increasing production, DA-BFAR also sees opportunities to create greater value from samaral through post-harvest innovation. Aside from the fresh fish market, samaral can be developed into dried, smoked, marinated, deboned, and ready-to-cook products.

“As we aim to improve the well-being of our fisherfolk, we see samaral as a strong opportunity to boost their livelihoods. Developing this species goes beyond simply producing more fish. We want to strengthen the entire value chain so its growth creates sustainable income for our fisherfolk and fish farmers,” Dir. Salilig added.

With available culture technologies, an emerging production base, and an established place in Filipino food culture, samaral has strong foundations to grow from a locally important fish into a major aquaculture commodity that contributes to a more food-secure Philippines.

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Chicago Fire Keeps Losing Its Veterans And Its Heart Along with Them

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:00:07 -0600

The ax hasn’t stopped swinging in the One Chicago universe.

We’re already frustrated with the exit of LaRoyce Hawkins on Chicago PD.

And now Chicago Fire Season 15 will mark the departure of veteran Joe Miñoso.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

It’s getting harder to feel enthusiastic about the return of these staple series when the looming departures of fan-favorite characters hang heavily over our heads.

The constant revolving door of cast members has plagued One Chicago for quite some time.

With a big cast like Chicago Fire, a high turnover isn’t all that surprising.

It’s especially unsurprising when we consider how so many of these decisions fall into place because of budget choices.

That makes them harder to swallow. It’s easier to accept it when an actor chooses to step away from a series on their own.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

It’s also acceptable when it’s evident they’ve run their course with a character and can’t do much else with them.

When a character has a complete story, and there feels like a satisfying journey with closure, viewers can embrace the reality for what it is.

The problem is that hasn’t always been the case.

Chicago Fire getting rid of Carver and Ritter is a prime example of that.

No one believed for a second that there were no stories left to tell.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

And following things up with replacing one of the characters with a similar character with the same archetype, Vasquez dispelled that.

In many ways, it’s not so much the loss of a character as it is the loss of the potential a series never fully reaches with that character.

What’s most frustrating is this new habit of introducing a promising storyline for a character, only to suddenly decide they need to be written out.

Cruz is expecting twins with his wife. There’s a compelling angle to explore more when it comes to fatherhood and how he approaches it in this new way.

For a series that emphasizes “Found Family” so much, there’s something promising about exploring a more traditional family onscreen.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

But as it stands, we can likely expect a handful of episodes featuring Cruz after that harrowing Chicago Fire Season 14 Finale.

The finale left many lives hanging in the balance, including Cruz, and with the news of Miñoso’s impending exit, we’re left to speculate about his fate.

The series intends to wrap up his storyline in the first few episodes, and then we’ll likely move on to others.

And that includes the latest addition to shake things up: All American’s Da’Vinchi, who will play Marcus Burke.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

That new character promises to be almost exactly what you’d expect from a new addition

He’s a firefighter candidate at Firehouse 51. Roguish and funny with a wry sense of humor, and he’s also a little defiant.

New blood comes with the territory, and Da’ Vinchi will be a great addition.

But I’m also still of the mind that a series that has already been flailing and showing its age loses bits of its heart when it casts off veteran characters like it’s a game of Survivor.

The veteran characters are who ground the series. They feel like the least disposable.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

Or at least that used to be the case.

Now it feels like they’re the first to get their marching orders, with little thought for how their absence affects the series.

Because Chicago Fire has already been struggling so much, with tired and cyclical plot points, shoddy romance drama, and fewer action sequences and fires to keep our hearts racing, it’s the characters that hold everything together.

Genuine attachment to these characters and their lives is what keeps loyal viewers tuning back in again even when everything else is falling by the wayside.

Veteran characters like Joe Cruz are at the very heart of that.

(Peter Gordon/NBC)

When it feels like series aren’t valuing the characters or the fans of them, where do we go next?

There’s an apathy that these departures are sparking, and fresh faces aren’t a distraction.

Because if shows like Chicago Fire aren’t valuing the veteran characters, what hope is there for the new ones?

And why should we still invest?

Another firefighter is heading for the door on Chicago Fire. At what point do these soulless exits get the better of us?
With all the drama Cindy and Christopher Herrmann have been through, it’s time for Chicago Fire to give them a break. And I know how!
Chicago Fire Season 14 left Severide with a career choice to make. It’s time for the series to take the plunge and put him in OFI.

Read the original article here

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U.S. resumes strikes against Iran, retaliating against surprise missile attack

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

US President Donald Trump during an announcement in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

Aaron Schwartz | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The U.S. forces began launching strikes against Iran at 8 p.m. Wednesday stateside, retaliating against Iranian missile attacks on American forces in the region, raising the specter of escalating conflict after a brief pause.

U.S. Central Command described the operation as a “powerful response” to Tuesday’s “attempted Iranian attacks on U.S. forces based in the Middle East.

The fresh strikes come after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted American forces in the Gulf region with multiple ballistic missiles late Tuesday stateside, although all of them were intercepted. Jordan’s armed forces said the country’s air defenses intercepted five missiles launched from Iran.

The resumption of strikes marks the latest turn in a conflict that has whipsawed oil markets and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since fighting erupted in late February. The U.S. had halted two weeks of fire against Iranian targets last weekend, as diplomats sought to give peace talks “some space.”

Trump telegraphed the retaliation hours earlier, warning to order heavy strikes on Iran. “We’ll be hitting them hard. They’re going to get a beating,” Trump told a Fox News reporter early Wednesday.

Trump’s rhetoric sent Brent crude futures 7.9% higher to close at $90.74 a barrel on Wednesday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures advanced 6.6% to settle at $84.46. Oil was trading slightly lower in early Asia trade Thursday.

Hostilities have widened across the region. U.S. and Saudi Arabia armed forces launched joint strikes Tuesday against Iran-allied militias in Iraq that had targeted oil facilities in Riyadh and Saudi Arabia’s Eastern region. Yemen’s Houthis had claimed attacks on Saudi pipeline infrastructure feeding the Red Sea export terminal at Yanbu.

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Amy Winehouse’s father ordered to pay almost £1million to the late singer’s friends

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

Amy Winehouse’s father has been ordered to pay almost £1million to two of the late singer’s friends after losing a High Court case over the sale of her belongings.

Mitch Winehouse must make interim payments of £569,330 to the singer’s former stylist Naomi Parry and £394,521 to her friend Catriona Gourlay within the next two weeks. He has also been ordered to cover their legal costs on an indemnity basis.

The order follows the dismissal of his claim against the two women in April.

Acting as the personal representative of his daughter’s estate, Winehouse claimed that Parry and Gourlay had profited from selling items connected to the singer at auctions in the US in 2021 and 2023.

He argued that the women had deliberately concealed their intention to sell the possessions and sought more than £700,000 from them.

Parry and Gourlay maintained that Amy had either given them the items or that they had already belonged to them.

Deputy High Court Judge Sarah Clarke KC dismissed Winehouse’s claim in April, finding that neither woman had deliberately concealed the disputed items from him.

She also concluded that he could have established which items they possessed by exercising “reasonable diligence”, and found that he had known about the intended sales before the first auction took place.

In a costs judgment handed down today (July 29), Clarke said Winehouse had chosen to pursue an “inherently weak claim” both “aggressively and relentlessly”, while asserting that his allegations had significantly damaged the women’s “reputations, career prospects, financial security and health”.

The judge added that Winehouse had “deliberately turned this case into large-scale and expensive litigation” in an attempt to exert commercial pressure on the defendants.

Clarke said his conduct was particularly serious because Parry and Gourlay were two women who had “stood faithfully by Amy”, as well as by Winehouse and his family.

The items included a silk minidress worn by the singer during her final performance in Belgrade in 2011, which was sold for $243,200 (£182,000), as well as clothing, accessories and other memorabilia.

Winehouse died from accidental alcohol poisoning at her Camden home in July 2011, aged 27.

Last week marked the 15th anniversary of her death, with her mother Janis leading tributes and reflecting that she had been “a victim of her own success”.

Earlier this month, The Rolling Stones also reflected on their friendship with the singer after recording a cover of ‘You Know I’m No Good’ for their album ‘Foreign Tongues’.

Ronnie Wood recalled trying to support Winehouse during her struggles with alcohol, saying: “I’m sad because she didn’t do her full span. It was like saying goodbye to Billie Holiday again.”

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Ear Detail 2026 Live Slate

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 29 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

Ear have lined up a smattering of North American tour dates behind Rumspringa, their recent A24 Music debut. The New York-based IDM-pop duo will play headlining shows in Boston, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Chicago throughout the month of September—plus a hometown gig at a helipad on the East River. Support at different dates will come from New York, Bby Kell, Slauson Malone 1, Quiet Light, and more. Ear also have upcoming festival slots at Philly’s Making Time ∞, San Diego’s Crssd, San Francisco’s Portola, and Form Arcosanti in Arizona. Check out their 2026 live slate below.

Revisit Samuel Hyland’s review of Rumspringa.

Ear:
09-12 New York, NY – East 34th St Heliport #$
09-16 Boston, MA – Arts at the Armory %
09-17 Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church &@
09-19 Philadelphia, PA – Making Time ∞
09-23 Toronto, Ontario – East End United Church ?
09-24 Chicago, IL – Epiphany Center for the Arts ±
09-026 San Diego, CA – Crssd
09-27 San Francisco, CA – Portola
10-09-11 Arcosanti, AZ – Form Arcosanti

# with New York
$ with Bby Kell
% with Oral
& with Slauson Malone 1
@ with Happy Dranker
? with Wackoes
± with Quiet Light

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Marcos exempts new IT parks from ecozone moratorium in NCR

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has exempted information technology (IT) parks and centers in Metro Manila from the ban on new Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) economic zones (ecozone) to encourage further expansion in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry.

Administrative Order (AO) No. 45, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto on July 23, directed the PEZA Board to accept, process and evaluate all applications for IT centers and parks in Metro Manila.

Trade Secretary Maria Cristina A. Roque said the lifting of the ecozone moratorium for Manila-based IT parks and centers would unlock opportunities in the country’s digital economy and real estate sectors.

“By reopening the NCR (National Capital Region) to new IT ecozones and targeted expansion, we are addressing long-standing investor demand, unlocking significant real estate opportunities, and revitalizing the ecosystem that drives our country’s digital economy,” she said in a statement on Tuesday.

Under the new order, the moratorium on new ecozone applications in the NCR continues to apply to all developments except those related to the information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry.

The order amended AO No. 18, issued in June 2019, which suspended the processing and evaluation of applications for new ecozones in Metro Manila to encourage more investments in the countryside.

While the government issued AO 11 in 2023 to allow the resubmission of ecozone applications for those with a prequalification clearance before the moratorium, many firms could not apply.

“Allowing the processing and evaluation of applications for the establishment of IT centers and parks will attract more investors, generate more employment, and strengthen Metro Manila’s position as the leading information and communications technology hub in the country,” according to AO No. 45.

Companies operating in a PEZA-registered ecozone are entitled to fiscal and non-fiscal incentives such as duty-free importation, streamlined processes, and tax holidays.

At present, PEZA hosts 1,262 IT-BPM enterprises, contributing $7.94 million (P489.27 million) in export revenues from January to May and with a workforce of 1.06 million.

PEZA Director-General Tereso O. Panga earlier said potential applicants for ecozone status include Ayala Land, Inc.’s (ALI) Arca South in Taguig and Robinsons Land Corp.’s (RLC) Bridgetowne in Quezon City.

For 2026, the agency is targeting 30 ecozone proclamations.

Lifting the moratorium on IT ecozone expansions in Metro Manila gives IT-BPM firms the flexibility to choose locations that best align with their operating needs, said Rosario P. Carbonell, chief operating officer at property consultancy firm Savills Philippines.

“The exemption expands the range of PEZA-accredited office options available to occupiers, allowing companies to relocate, expand, or consolidate operations into newer developments that are better aligned with today’s corporate standards,” she said in an e-mail.

This is also expected to boost activity in the Philippine office market, which is heavily driven by IT-BPM locators, Ms. Carbonell said.

“We expect it to support healthy flight-to-quality activity, encourage occupiers to modernize their workplace portfolios, and reinforce Metro Manila’s position as the country’s leading destination for IT-BPM, multinational corporations, and next-generation Global Capability Centers,” she added.

Revenue concerns cloud Marcos’ proposed tax relief

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

THE HOUSE Committee on Ways and Means will prioritize legislation implementing President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s proposed tax relief, even as analysts questioned how the government plans to offset the estimated revenue losses of at least P50 billion.

Marikina Rep. Romero “Miro” S. Quimbo, who heads the committee, on Tuesday said lawmakers are prepared to immediately advance the administration’s tax agenda outlined during Mr. Marcos’ fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), including raising the income tax exemption threshold, exempting micro and small businesses from the minimum corporate income tax and granting a broader tax amnesty.

“The effects of inflation over the past years have significantly reduced the purchasing power of Filipino workers. Adjusting the income tax exemption threshold recognizes these realities and ensures that hardworking taxpayers are not unfairly penalized simply because prices have increased,” he said in a statement.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan told reporters on Monday that the economic team had already discussed measures to offset the revenue losses from the proposed tax relief package, including possible increases in taxes on unhealthy products.

“It is a high priority. We should see it, hopefully, within the year,” Mr. Balisacan said.

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Mr. Quimbo said that the Department of Finance estimates that raising the annual personal income tax-exempt threshold to P350,000 from the current P250,000 would result in about P50 billion in foregone revenues.

However, Mr. Quimbo said the government plans to fully offset the revenue losses through higher excise taxes on vape products, heated tobacco, and sugar-sweetened beverages.

The lawmaker said the House aims to approve the measure on third and final reading by August, with implementation targeted by Jan. 1, 2027.

IMPACT ON GDP, INFLATION
Chinabank Research said the proposed increase in the annual income tax-exempt threshold could reduce government revenues by around P53 billion in 2027.

“While the fiscal cost is significant, the income tax brackets have remained unchanged since the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) law took effect in 2018. The proposal could help pump-prime the economy, raising gross domestic product growth by an estimated 0.12 percentage point,” it said in a commentary on Tuesday.

Chinabank Research said the inflationary impact would likely remain minimal at around 0.05 percentage point, as the average tax savings would amount to only about P15,000 per taxpayer annually.

Based on the 5.7 million registered taxpayers as of 2024, Chinabank Research estimated that about 3.5 million Filipinos, or 62.2% of taxpayers, could benefit from the proposed tax relief.

“Qualitatively, in the short run, it will have a favorable effect of increasing the level of expenditures of households, other things being equal,” former Finance Secretary Gary B. Teves told BusinessWorld via Viber.

“But this might be very temporary if the inflation rate remains elevated, principally caused by external factors like the high oil prices and the secondary effects on food, transport and electricity prices,” he added.

GlobalSource Partners Philippine Analyst and Principal Adviser Diwa C. Guinigundo warned that although the proposal seeks to prevent the further erosion of middle-class purchasing power, the government has limited fiscal space to absorb the resulting revenue losses.

“The government has rather limited fiscal space so every peso of foregone revenue could further expand the budget deficit and if financed by borrowing, could increase debt servicing cost,” Mr. Guinigundo, who is also a former central bank deputy governor, told BusinessWorld.

“If not matched by corresponding revenue from somewhere else, that tax concession could indeed reduce spending on education and health, infrastructure, agricultural productivity and other forms of social protection,” he added.

However, Mr. Guinigundo cautioned that tax cuts would not address the supply-side factors driving inflation such as food shortages, weather disruption, and higher energy costs.

Former Finance Undersecretary Cielo D. Magno said the proposal to raise the income tax exemption threshold to P350,000 annually reflects inflation adjustments, although she said the government could have gone further.

“The adjustment of income tax exemption is due to inflation,”she told BusinessWorld in a Viber chat. “In fact, I would prefer they increase it to P500,000.”

Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) Head Jose Maria Clemente “Joey” S. Salceda said the growth of the middle class depends on households’ ability to build wealth through savings and broad-based economic growth supported by domestic demand.

“You need higher disposable income for both,” he told BusinessWorld via Viber. “Per Secretary Frederick D. Go, the Department of Finance is coming up with a package of measures to make these proposals sustainable, and the PLLO will assist in whatever they need to get it through.”

Meanwhile, Jose Enrique “Sonny” A. Africa, executive director of IBON Foundation, said the tax relief proposals would provide welcome relief to middle-income households but raised concerns over their fiscal impact.

Mr. Africa also criticized the proposed tax amnesty, saying repeated amnesties weaken tax compliance.

“We wonder though how the government will make up the revenue losses from what’s clearly an effort to bolster popularity among the middle class and smaller businesses, especially from the apparent aversion for progressive tax reforms targeting billionaire wealth, high-income families and large corporations,” Mr. Africa said. “Those with the greatest ability to pay and benefiting the most from the economy should be returning more.”

Asian Consulting Group Founding Chairman and Chief Tax Adviser Raymond “Mon” A. Abrea said the President’s proposal acknowledges that the middle class is overtaxed and underserved.

“Through the increase of tax exemption, we can increase the take home pay or increase the money in the pocket of our ordinary Filipinos or the middle class as we say,” he told BusinessWorld in an interview late on Monday.

However, Mr. Abrea said the proposed reform should only be the beginning, arguing that the income tax-exempt threshold should eventually be raised to P1 million.

“I would want to believe that the P350,000 is the minimum and not necessarily the end of the negotiation. Because I really believe that we deserve a one million tax-free income for every Filipino,” he added.

Mr. Abrea said the foregone revenues could also be offset through a nationwide audit of unexplained wealth, greater automation of tax administration and the implementation of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s global minimum tax.

He estimated that an unexplained wealth audit could generate more than P1 trillion in additional revenues, while the global minimum tax could yield hundreds of billions of pesos.

“We continue to lose collection not because we don’t have enough taxes, but because we are unable to collect them. The inefficiency is so significant that those who are rich and powerful continue to avoid taxes,” he added. — with Erika Mae P. Sinaking and Pexcel John Bacon

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra: Form and function, exemplified in a business laptop

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra, Flagship of the Industry. Period.

With such an ambitious tagline, it is abundantly clear that ASUS intends to set sky-high expectations with its latest flagship. Built with elite specifications engineered specifically to power AI-driven enterprise workflows—and carrying a premium price tag to match—the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra aims to be the epitome of what a modern executive laptop should be: equal parts corporate workhorse, travel companion, and status symbol all at once.

But, what does it truly mean to be the flagship laptop of the industry?

In the absence of an exact benchmark, perhaps that claim can be judged through feeling—the impact of the moment the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is unboxed for the first time.

It is a standout design, befitting the ASUS design philosophy of “Featherlight. Built Tough.” The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra uses an arresting magnesium-aluminum frame—the same kind of material used in the aerospace industry and high-performance race cars—giving it the texture of smooth earthenware that is simply delightful to handle. The 9H Nano Ceramic finish asserts the model’s durable feel; scratches and smudges simply brush right off with a wipe.

Open the lid and the 14-inch 3K 120Hz Tandem OLED touchscreen serves as an immediate showstopper. Boasting peak brightness of up to 1,400 nits, the display delivers ultra-vivid colors and high contrast that look good from virtually every angle all thanks to a matte anti-glare finish. Meanwhile, the audio through the six-speaker Dolby Atmos system is similarly rich and immersive, offering high-quality built-in audio without needing extra devices.

Combined, these audiovisual features make the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra perfectly capable of making work seamless, whether you’re in a physical boardroom or in an online meeting. Which is perhaps the whole point; wherever it might be, you can bring your work with you seamlessly.

To note, the inputs feel similarly premium. The keyboard with 1.5-millimeter (mm) key travel provides a comfortable and satisfying typing experience even during long sessions of typing up reports or hashing out code. The 6-sensor haptic touchpad offers a large canvas which feels smooth and precise, though its hyper-responsive tactile feedback may need some orientation for those more accustomed to traditional mechanical clickpads.

Weighing exactly 0.99 kilograms, it is incredibly thin at 10.9 mm, which in itself is impressive as it also comes equipped with a complete array of physical ports including HDMI, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a legacy audio jack. The overall package makes it an elegant, yet resilient device that is ultra-portable and extremely comfortable to use anywhere, easily carried in a tote bag, briefcase, or small backpack, and easily set up on your lap, at the backseat of a car, or at the office.

Despite its minimalist aesthetic and slim profile, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra does not in any way feel fragile—with good reason. The laptop has passed a series of 24 military-standard tests and more than 150 ASUS in-house tests to ensure the device’s durability against real-world conditions, including extreme temperature tests, high pressure, humidity, and shock, to hinge testing repeated thousands of times.

It can also handle liquid spills on the keyboard, along with extra protection around ports, making it ideal for use in informal workspaces such as coffee shops or airport lounges.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is its feeling of comfort and reliability. As modern workplaces are no longer confined to cubicles and desks, ASUS recognizes the need for a laptop to be flexible, efficient, and high-spec. It is easy to imagine any always-on-the-go professional, digital creator, hybrid worker, or entrepreneur to get a lot of mileage out of this highly mobile and powerful partner.

And this can be taken literally. The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra boasts up to 26 hours of use out of its 70Wh battery, and fast charging features that can refill half the tank in 30 minutes. Given the power underneath the hood, it is a remarkable piece of tech wizardry.

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is powered by up to the Intel Core Ultra X9 Series 3 processor, the latest-generation platform that delivers a significant boost in computing performance and power efficiency.

Paired with Intel Arc Graphics for strong visual capability and a 50 TOPS NPU for artificial intelligence acceleration, this laptop is an ideal device for a wide range of needs: from administrative work and visual design to dynamic presentations, heavy data processing, and even offline use of generative AI applications. Perhaps, even several of those all at once.

The ExpertCool Pro cooling system is designed to maintain stable performance even under intensive workloads. With the ability to sustain performance at 50 watts, this laptop can run optimally—and quietly—even in demanding sessions such as 4K video editing, animation rendering, or operating virtual machines without the need for thermal throttling.

As the laptop is designed for a wide-range of industries and users, it comes complete with a suite of enterprise-grade security features, such as dual self-healing BIOS, Microsoft Secured-core PC, a match-on-chip fingerprint sensor, TPM 2.0, and a webcam privacy shutter. All of these features come in-built for users who might not want to handle the complexities of a manual security setup to allow them to work with peace of mind, without worrying about data leaks or advanced malware threats.

Finally, to meet modern corporate ESG mandates, the ExpertBook Ultra sports elite EPEAT Climate Gold certification and adheres to the stringent EU PEF environmental standard. The laptop utilizes eco-friendly materials and low-carbon production footprints, satisfying green procurement benchmarks without sacrificing processing power.

The ExpertBook Ultra carries a default warranty of 3 years, which could be upgraded to up to 5 years. This is coupled with a 5-year firmware and driver update support for its NIST SP 800-193-compliant BIOS, which ensures the device stays protected against emerging security threats for the full life of the device, not requiring IT intervention or additional licensing.

Overall, the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra delivers a device that not only meets the demands of the modern workplace, but also elevates every professional lifestyle. With a light and elegant design, top-tier performance, comprehensive security features, and AI technology that boosts productivity, it offers the ideal choice for professionals looking for a truly complete laptop.

ASUS claims that the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is “The Flagship of the Industry.” Given all it offers as a symbol of the brand’s “Brilliance in Motion”, form and function as a complete and premium package, it certainly lives up to the title.

ASUS ExpertBook Ultra is now available at select ASUS-authorized technology retailers nationwide. Or learn more at the ASUS official website. For inquiries regarding volume orders, go to https://ph.asus.click/InquireNow-pr.

ASUS Business Philippines is also offering an exclusive Early Bird Bundle Promo for the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra. Purchase any unit of the ASUS ExpertBook Ultra during the promotional period on select tech stores nationwide or at ASUS Expert Stores in Lazada or Shopee, and get an ASUS 100W GaN Charger (included upon purchase) and ₱10,000 worth of SSI Gift Vouchers (for online redemption) that can be used to purchase select luxury and premium items under the SSI Group.

The Copilot+ PC features bear repeating, for the device is capable of handling advanced AI tasks and has a dedicated Copilot key. It also comes with ASUS MyExpert, a built-in AI suite that is tailor-made for productive work, such as document drafting, translation, file search functionalities, meeting transcription, summaries, and live video translations. Crucially, AI workloads on ASUS MyExpert are processed directly on-device, ensuring sensitive corporate data remains strictly secure. These built-in AI capabilities enable executives to work faster and dedicate more time to strategic decision-making.

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AMA issues intellectual property rights notice

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

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Sugar Season 2 Episode 7 Theory: Will John Finally Kill Ray to Save Danny and Ji?

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:00:08 -0600

Sugar Season 2 Episode 7 might push John into doing the one thing he has fought against since the case began.

And I hate that the idea now makes sense. Ray has detained Danny, exposed Ji’s fake death, and turned the whole situation into a rancid hostage game.

John still wants the lawful route, which is sweet, but the law keeps arriving with empty hands and a headache.

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

Tom already floated the ugliest option by suggesting John could break into Ray’s house and kill him.

That sounded unhinged at first. Then Ray started acting like a man begging for consequences with both hands.

John Sugar already had a gun on him once and froze. If Danny gets hurt, Episode 7 may drag John’s ethics into a very ugly corner.

John’s Morals Are Looking Exhausted

I almost feel bad watching John fight this hard to stay decent.

Then I remember he forced Ji to overdose for the fake-death plan, and suddenly the halo looks a little dented.

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

Sugar Season 2 Episode 6 keeps pushing John toward a choice he does not want.

Chuy’s phone gives him video evidence involving Ray, Chuy, and Guapo, but Deb sees too much room for Ray to dodge a case.

I get why John snaps. He finally gets something useful, and the system treats Ray like a paperwork inconvenience instead of a fentanyl gremlin with a badge.

Anyone would want to throw a chair. John may throw his whole moral code next, which is much worse and way more stressful.

Ray Detaining Danny Changes the Whole Fight

Ray going after Danny is foul, which makes it smart in the worst way.

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

John has hidden Ji, Ray cannot reach him yet, and Danny gives Ray the cleanest way to make John panic.

Poor Danny already has Ji, the Vegas fight, Nestor, Teddy, and his own temper turning his life into a gym-based disaster.

Now Ray wants detainees to hurt him until John gives up Ji’s location.

That move annoyed me so much because Ray knows exactly which nerve to press. He does not need to touch Ji when Danny can do the hurting for both brothers.

Episode 7 now has no easy path. If John waits for the DA, Danny suffers. If he protects Ji, Ray punishes Danny. If he hands Ji over, Ray wins.

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

Ji’s Safety Is Already Cooked

Ji being alive was supposed to be John’s big trick.

For a while, the plan had sauce. Ji was in rehab, Open Road had him safe, and Ray had a fake death certificate to chew on.

Then Ray pressured Tammy, learned the certificate was fake, broke into John’s room, and found the NARCAN. So, yes, the Ji plan is cooked.

Right now, Ji stepping outside would hand Ray evidence, leverage, and a fresh way to control everyone.

John telling Ji to stay hidden makes sense, but Ray has already punched holes through the cover story.

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

Episode 7 has to test whether John can protect both brothers without becoming the violent person Peg warned him about.

Peg’s Warning Is Starting to Bite

The flashback with Peg made John’s present-day crisis much more personal for me.

Eleven years ago, he judged Peg for becoming too human, too indulgent, and too attached to Earth.

Then she died in front of him after admitting she would feel like an outsider even back home.

That is such a brutal thing for him to carry.

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

Now he is eating junk food, getting close to Charlotte, making reckless choices, and staring at Ray like murder has started looking weirdly practical.

Peg’s warning about assimilation no longer sounds like ghost nonsense.

John thinks human weakness comes through pleasure, hunger, love, or bad decisions after midnight. I think Ray may prove that rage can do the same job faster.

Honestly, I want Ray gone! I also don’t want John to pay for that with the last clean part of himself.

The Bruno Scam Makes Ray Even Worse

The housing scheme twist made me want to scream into a cushion.

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

John connecting Ray to Peter Bruno, the morgue manager, gives the fentanyl deaths a larger, uglier shape.

Cheap drugs flood the streets, addicts die, identities disappear, and Bruno can help create fake success numbers for a government housing program.

That is so vile I almost need the show to invoice me for emotional damages.

Ray is not only hunting Ji. He is tied to a whole dead-body economy where poor people vanish from records while powerful men get paid.

John looking at the city and realizing the scale of it gives his murder impulse a different charge.

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

This is no longer only about Ji and Danny, even if those two are the people pushing him hardest.

If John kills Ray, I’ll understand why he gets pushed there. Ray has become impossible to ignore, and every attempt to deal with him only seems to make things worse.

John May Try One Last Legal Move

My theory for Sugar Season 2 Episode 7 is that John will try one last clever plan before violence takes over.

He may use Chuy’s phone, Bruno’s Marine Corps connection to Ray, and the fake housing scheme to create pressure from more than one side.

I don’t think he wants to kill Ray, and I do not think the show wants that choice to look cool.

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

But if Danny is hurt badly enough, all bets are off. John already stood inside Ray’s house with a gun.

Ray already mocked John for not shooting, and that taunt is going to stay with him.

Do you think John will kill Ray on Sugar Season 2 Episode 7, or will he find some dirtier, smarter way to bury him legally?

Drop your theories below because I need to know who else is side-eyeing Ray, worrying about Danny, and wondering how much longer John can keep trusting the system.

Sugar Season 2 Episode 7 may push John toward killing Ray after Danny is detained and Ji’s hiding place becomes unsafe.
Sugar Season 2 Episode 6 exposes Fire Sale’s housing fraud as John spares Vega, who retaliates by placing Danny Moon in danger.
Sugar Season 2 Episode 5 used its cremation montage to turn Ji’s fake death, Sandra’s overdose, and Ray’s fentanyl case into brutal warning.

Read the original article here

The post Sugar Season 2 Episode 7 Theory: Will John Finally Kill Ray to Save Danny and Ji? appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

Trump, DOJ ask Supreme Court to overturn E. Jean Carroll verdict

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:00:08 -0600

E. Jean Carroll walks outside Manhattan Federal Court, for the second civil trial after she accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of raping her decades ago, in New York City, U.S., January 25, 2024.

Brendan Mcdermid | Reuters

President Donald Trump and the Department of Justice on Tuesday separately asked the Supreme Court to overturn a civil court verdict that ordered him to pay the writer E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million for defaming her while denying her claim that he sexually assaulted her in a New York department store dressing room in the mid-1990s.

“This is the first case in our Nation’s history in which a court has imposed damages liability on a President for his conduct in office,” the petition to the Supreme Court by Trump’s lawyers says.

His attorneys claim that Trump has immunity from the defamation claim because he made the comments about Carroll in 2019, when he was president. In their filing, the lawyers say that a 2024 Supreme Court ruling in Trump’s favor required the verdict in the Carroll case to be overturned.

The Supreme Court’s ruling in 2024 found that presidents have immunity for official acts, and that “most of a President’s public communications” are official acts.

“Here, the President of the United States has been ordered to pay nearly $100 million in damages — including post-judgment interest — for issuing a press release and answering reporters’ questions, from the White House, defending against attacks on his fitness for office,” Trump’s petition says.

The DOJ’s petition echoes another argument made by Trump’s petition: that the DOJ should have been allowed to substitute the U.S. government for Trump as the defendant in the lawsuit because he was president at the time he made the statements about Carroll.

If that switch had been allowed, the case would have been dismissed because under the Westfall Act, federal employees are shielded from certain civil claims for conduct performed in the course of their duties, including defamation.

The two petitions come a month after the Supreme Court rejected Trump’s request that it hear his appeal of a $5 million verdict in favor of Carroll in a separate, but related, civil case.

Carroll two weeks ago received that money, in addition to more than $600,000 in interest, from a court fund where Trump had deposited funds to secure the verdict.

Despite that, Trump has launched a longshot effort to get the Supreme Court to reconsider its refusal to hear his appeal of the verdict in that case.

In that case, a Manhattan federal court jury in May 2023 found that Trump was liable for having sexually abused Carroll in the dressing room of the Bergdorf Goodman department store in the 1990s, and for defaming her in late 2022 when he made statements denying her allegations.

Watch Fred again.. and LATIN MAFIA create new mixtape live on YouTube

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:00:08 -0600

Fred Again.. and LATIN MAFIA are livestreaming themselves creating a new collaborative mixtape – and have promised to continue until it is finished.

The British producer and the Mexican sibling trio have reunited in Mexico City to finish a joint project they have been working on intermittently for the past two years.

Their YouTube broadcast, titled ‘making a mixtape with latin mafia and staying here until we finish it’, began at 1pm local time today (July 28), or 8pm BST.

“Me and the Latin Mafia brothers have been working on music for many moons now,” Fred said while announcing the project. “They are making some of my favourite music in the world right now. It’s so beautiful but surprising but contained but adventurous.”

Watch the livestream below.

Fred also highlighted the familial nature of their collaboration. LATIN MAFIA consists of brothers Emilio, Milton and Mike de la Rosa, while the British artist regularly makes music with his younger brother and is also managed by a sibling.

“They’re three brothers and I make music with my little brother as well, so it’s just five brothers every time we get together,” he continued. “And we’re both managed by our siblings too! So yeah, proper family affair.”

Fred explained that the music they had created together quickly began to feel like one cohesive project.

“It was mad how quickly everything we made felt like it was naturally part of the same world,” he said. “Sometimes I find I have to really work hard to make things feel like a contained universe, but in this case everything that came out just naturally felt like one thing to us all.”

“So we wanna put it all out as one project. We’ve decided to get together in their home of Mexico City to finish it all.”

LATIN MAFIA said Fred’s “honest and sensitive” approach to music had long been an inspiration to them, adding that their creative relationship felt natural from the outset.

“When we met, it simply made sense because of the way we share so many things when creating,” they said in a statement translated from Spanish.

“It has been a couple of years since we first got together to work on music, and every time we have been in the same space, it feels like we have been friends forever.”

They added: “We want to share with you what we have created together over this time. So we will get together in Mexico City to finish this project and broadcast the whole process non-stop until it is finished and out for you.”

The announcement follows the release of Under The Fabric (Mexico City, 11th December 2025), a new 35-minute film documenting an improvised session between the artists last December.

The performance took place beneath an installation by Dutch visual artist Boris Acket before Fred’s ‘USB002’ show in Mexico City, where LATIN MAFIA later joined him on stage. The film was previewed for fans at Mexico City’s Cine Tonalá last week before being shared online on Sunday (July 26). Watch it below.

LATIN MAFIA released their debut album ‘Todos Los Días Todo El Día’ in 2024. The trio combine pop, R&B, reggaeton, trap and electronic music, and have cited Fred as one of their major influences.

Fred’s Mexico City show formed part of the international ‘USB002’ run, which saw him work with artists including Thomas Bangalter, Underworld, Mike Skinner, Nia Archives, Romy, Ezra Collective, Young Thug and Jamie T.

In a four-star review, NME described ‘USB002’ as “a flow state of impulsive floor-fillers”, adding: “The common thread of ‘USB’ seems to be an eternal state of flux, where all limits and shackles are off.”

Earlier this year, Fred shared a continuous 108-hour mix documenting the ‘USB002’ tour, as well as the creative files used throughout the project.

He is next due to embark on his first tour of India, playing Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru in December. The dates are currently billed as his only run of live shows this year.

Read the original article here

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Ninajirachi Teams Up With Porter Robinson for New Single “WannaCry”

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 28 Jul 2026 21:00:08 -0600

In one of those team-ups so obvious it feels like it already happened, EDM Power Rangers Ninajirachi and Porter Robinson have collaborated on a new joint single. Titled after a global cyberattack that took place in 2017, “WannaCry” has been, according to press materials, many years in the making; the first concert Ninajirachi ever attended as a teenager was a Porter Robinson show at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre.

Robinson’s last album, Smile! , came out in 2024, while Ninajirachi shared her debut full-length, I Love My Computer, last year. Beginning in September, she’ll wind down a packed year with a select few North American headlining shows.

Read about Porter Robinson’s “Cheerleader” at No. 95 in The 100 Best Songs of 2024.

Read the original article here

The post Ninajirachi Teams Up With Porter Robinson for New Single “WannaCry” appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

Progressive groups criticize Marcos policies at People’s SONA

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:29:07 -0600

Thousands of protesters from labor, teachers, youth, urban poor, and other sectoral groups marched along Commonwealth Avenue on Monday for the People’s State of the Nation Address (SONA), presenting what they described as the “true state of the nation” hours before President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered his fourth State of the Nation Address.

Speakers at the rally accused the administration of failing to address rising living costs, inadequate social services, and alleged corruption, while calling for greater government accountability.

Kabataan Party-list representative Renee Louise Co said poverty persisted because government resources were not being used to improve public services.

“We are not poor by accident. We are poor because public funds are squandered instead of being used for essential social services,” she said in Filipino during the program.

She added that more aspects of public life had been privatized while the prices of basic commodities continued to increase.

“We are poor because basic services remain underfunded while more aspects of our lives are privatized. At the same time, the prices of food, meat, and other basic necessities continue to rise,” she said in Filipino.

Ms. Co also criticized the government’s foreign policy, saying it prioritized foreign interests over those of Filipinos. “Is this really for so-called global development? No! It serves the political, economic, and military interests of the United States in Southeast Asia,” she said.

GABRIELA Party-list Rep. Sarah Jane I. Elago said the rising prices of essential goods and limited access to jobs, housing, and healthcare reflected what she described as the government’s failure to meet the needs of ordinary Filipinos.

“The prices of rice, fuel, and electricity continue to rise. There is a shortage of jobs, housing, and basic social services,” she said in Filipino.

Ms. Elago said poor families, farmers, fisherfolk, and workers continued to bear the burden of economic hardship.

“Poor families are sinking deeper into debt because they cannot even afford enough food. Farmers are burdened with debt, fisherfolk lack the capital to provide for their families, and ordinary Filipinos are driven into debt because they cannot afford hospital bills and medicines.”

She urged the government to lower the prices of basic goods, abolish the value-added tax (VAT), increase wages, and expand support for agriculture and livelihood. “We are demanding action on the people’s long-standing calls that the government has failed to address.”

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio L. Tinio questioned the government’s assertion that funding constraints had limited investments in public services, arguing that corruption had diverted resources intended for education, healthcare, and housing.

“The government says it has no money for classrooms. The government says it has no money for hospitals, housing, and educational supplies. Do you believe that?” he asked the crowd in Filipino, to which the crowd answered “No.”

Mr. Tinio alleged that “not just billions but trillions of pesos” had been lost through flood control scams and criticized what he described as selective anti-corruption efforts.

“Any anti-corruption campaign will remain selective, unjust, and lacking in credibility if those allegedly involved in the flood control scandals are not held accountable all the way up to Malacañang,” he said.

The People’s SONA is held annually by progressive organizations as an alternative assessment of the country’s conditions. Organizers this year called for higher wages, greater public spending on education, healthcare, and housing, stronger support for farmers and fisherfolk, and accountability for alleged corruption in government. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba

BSP chief sees ‘small chance’ of aggressive tightening amid renewed volatility

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:17:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sees only a “small chance” of more aggressive monetary policy tightening this year, despite renewed volatility and expectations of a second-half economic recovery.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said they could be more aggressive in raising the key policy rate, potentially with a larger 50-basis-point (bp) move, amid fresh and emerging threats to inflation.

“May chance naman pero baka maliit na chance (There’s a chance but it could be small),” Mr. Remolona told reporters on the sidelines of a BSP event on Tuesday.

The central bank governor noted that the new tax reforms pushed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday may have an impact on the country’s inflation.

“We’re still estimating it,” he said in Filipino. “But there is (an impact). The major impact will be in 2027, with a smaller one in 2028.”

Mr. Marcos called on the Congress to pass several tax measures, including raising the threshold for income tax exemptions for low- and middle-income earners and tax breaks for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

PESO
Meanwhile, Mr. Remolona also noted that the peso’s recent slump to a new-record low could stoke inflation as it pushes import costs higher.

Soaring oil prices amid renewed conflict in the Middle East dragged the peso to a fresh low of P61.847 against the greenback on Friday, down 9.7 centavos to break its previous record-low of P61.75 on Thursday.

However, Mr. Remolona said the latest record low peso-dollar exchange rate is a “misleading number” as other currencies also suffered from the greenback’s strength last week.

“But that’s a misleading number because exchange rates were moving, right? You’re looking only at peso-dollar, right?” he said. “But the rest of the world has been, their currencies have been weakening against the US dollar.”

Still, Mr. Remolona noted that the BSP intervened very minimally in the foreign exchange market.

“When it’s a strong dollar, we limit intervention to just maintain orderly markets. Because if we intervene against a strong dollar, we’re just helping the rest of the world get their dollars,” Mr. Remolona said.

“Binibigyan natin sila ng dollars. So wala tayong laban sa ganon. Uubusin lang natin yung dollars natin. (We give them dollars. So we can’t compete with that. We will just use up our dollars),” he added.

The market sees the local unit testing new lows this week as rising oil costs fuel inflation concerns.

The BSP chief’s policy outlook also came as he reaffirmed their projection that the economy would rebound by the latter half of the year despite fresh inflationary threats.

Philippines urged to resolve structural issues to draw more foreign investments

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:01:12 -0600

THE PHILIPPINES should address its mounting structural issues clouding investor sentiment to reposition itself as an attractive hub for foreign investments, GlobalSource Partners said.

In an interview with BusinessWorld, GlobalSource Partners Principal Advisor Diwa C. Guinigundo said the country should heed the “wake-up call” from the recent foreign direct investment (FDI) slump by implementing structural reforms to restore its credibility.

“Foreign direct investment is ultimately a vote of confidence in a country’s future,” Mr. Guinigundo, a former central bank deputy governor, said. “While the latest numbers are disappointing, they should serve as a wake-up call rather than a cause for panic.”

“The Philippines still possesses broadly good economic fundamentals, but sustained investment will depend increasingly on good governance, policy predictability, infrastructure, and institutional credibility,” he added.

In April, FDI net inflows fell by 58.8% to $250 million, its lowest monthly level in nearly 10 years or since June 2016. It was also the steepest annual decline seen in over three years or when inflows fell by 76.1% in December 2022.

Mr. Guinigundo noted that declining FDI inflows signal that investors are now weighing political and business climate aside from macroeconomic trends.

“What concerns me more than the April figure is the underlying trend,” he said. “Investors today are not merely looking at macroeconomic fundamentals such as growth and inflation. They are also assessing governance quality, regulatory certainty, rule of law, ease of doing business, energy costs, logistics, labor productivity, and political stability.”

Political instability amid the issues pounding the Senate, including the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio, may now be affecting investor sentiment, Mr. Guinigundo noted.

“What is going on in the Philippine Senate is not helping any. This process strikes at the very issue of institutional integrity and fitness of elected public officials,” he said.

According to Mr. Guinigundo, a lack of sustained investment threatens to stunt long-term growth by straining the country’s capital formation, labor market, technological transfers, and export capacity.

“The immediate impact on GDP (gross domestic product) may not be dramatic because household consumption remains the principal driver of our economy,” he said. “However, the long-term consequences are more serious because lower investment today translates into lower productive capacity and slower growth in the future.”

The Philippine economy already took a hit from slower investment flows as the flood control corruption scandal that broke out late last year tainted investor confidence.

In the January-to-March period, GDP grew by 2.8%, the weakest since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Weak FDI inflows often weigh on the sectors reliant on foreign investments, such as manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, technology-driven ones including business process outsourcing, as well as real estate, and financial services.

However, Mr. Guinigundo noted that the impact hinges on whether industries will encounter delayed investment decisions.

As of April, the country’s cumulative $1.968-billion FDI net inflows went mostly to the manufacturing, financial and insurance, and real estate industries, according to central bank data.

DIM OUTLOOK
The country will likely continue to see subdued FDI inflows as prevailing uncertainty warrants caution from foreign investors, Mr. Guinigundo said.

“We should expect investment decisions to remain cautious unless the uncertainty today diminishes,” he said. “Investors dislike uncertainty more than they dislike risk. Risk can be measured and managed; uncertainty cannot.”

This comes especially as the investment climate continues to suffer from compounding global and local headwinds.

“Externally, geopolitical tensions — including the Middle East conflict, continuing trade frictions, and uncertainty over global interest rates — encourage multinational firms to delay major investments,” Mr. Guinigundo said. “Domestically, concerns over governance, institutional stability, and policy consistency also influence investor confidence.”

The GlobalSource analyst also noted that the Philippines remains a laggard in attracting FDIs relative to its regional peers.

“That said, the decline reinforces a longer-term concern: the Philippines has been underperforming in attracting foreign direct investments relative to many of our ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) neighbors,” Mr. Guinigundo said.

“Vietnam, Indonesia, and even Malaysia continue to attract larger and more diversified investment inflows because investors see greater policy predictability, more efficient infrastructure, and stronger manufacturing ecosystems,” he added.

In 2025, the Philippines pulled only $9 billion of Southeast Asia’s $244-billion total FDI inflows during the year, ranking sixth in the region, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s 2026 World Investment Report.

FDIs include actual flows from cross-border investments in which a nonresident investor holds at least 10% equity in a resident enterprise. These may take the form of equity capital, reinvestment of earnings, and intercompany borrowings.

To recover investor confidence, Mr. Guinigundo noted that the government must prioritize institutional integrity, strengthen its infrastructure, lower the costs of doing business, and ensure long-term stability.

“If we address these structural issues, investor confidence may recover and FDI can once again become a strong driver of inclusive and sustainable growth,” he added. — Katherine K. Chan

Philippine banks’ assets hit new high P31 trillion

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:01:11 -0600

ASSETS held by Philippine banks hit a record high as it topped P31 trillion by the end of the first half, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

The combined assets of the local banking sector were valued at P31.128 trillion as of end-June, up 10.34% from P28.211 trillion in the same period last year.

It also grew by 2.25% month on month, breaking the previous all-time high of P30.442 trillion seen at end-May.

Banks’ assets are mainly supported by deposits, loans, and investments. These include cash and due from banks as well as interbank loans receivable (IBL) and reverse repurchase (RRP) net of allowances for credit losses.

For analysts, the continued expansion of the industry’s loans, deposits, and investment holdings drove its assets to a fresh high despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop.

“The latest record-high asset level reflects healthy loan growth, steady deposit inflows, and expanding investment holdings amid resilient domestic economic activity,” Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

“While geopolitical tensions and higher oil prices remain key external risks, domestic liquidity conditions remain supportive; and credit demand continues to hold up,” he added.

BSP data showed the banking sector’s total net loan portfolio, inclusive of IBL and RRP, rose by 12.1% to P17.239 trillion as of June from P15.378 trillion in the comparable year-ago period.

Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., also attributed the sector’s asset growth to banks’ high earnings, which provided them more capital to fund loans and investments.

“This is again largely due and consistent with the… sustained net income despite a high base that added to banks’ capital, thereby leading to continued growth in banks’ total assets (and) resources by more than 10%,” he said via Viber.

BSP data showed banks’ net investments, or financial assets and equity investments in subsidiaries, grew by 8.41% to P9.089 trillion as of end-June from P8.384 trillion a year ago.

Net real and other properties acquired by banks also jumped by 24.27% to P160.784 billion as of end-June from P129.384 billion in the previous year.

The sector’s other assets jumped by 21.43% to P2.567 trillion as of end-June from P2.114 trillion last year.

Meanwhile, cash and due from banks fell by 6.07% annually to P2.071 trillion at end-June from P2.205 trillion previously.

At end-June, universal and commercial banks held most of the sector’s assets worth P29.044 trillion, up 10.02% from P26.4 trillion a year earlier.

Thrift banks’ assets also rose by 9.11% to P1.409 trillion at end-June from P1.291 trillion in the prior year.

The assets of rural and cooperative banks stood at P474.992 billion, increasing by 23.23% year on year from P385.446 billion.

Digital banks logged P199.859 billion in total assets, soaring by 48.22% from P134.836 billion recorded at end-June 2025.

On the other hand, the banking system’s liabilities rose 11.05% annually to P27.441 trillion as of June from P24.711 trillion.

Most of these were deposits, which climbed by 8.34% to P22.394 trillion from P20.671 trillion last year.

Peso-denominated deposits were valued at P18.52 trillion during the period, while foreign currency deposits amounted to P3.874 trillion.

For Mr. Ricafort, banks’ double-digit lending growth will continue to drive the rise in assets in the coming months.

The BSP earlier told BusinessWorld that lending activity may show muted growth this year amid rising borrowing costs and uncertainties over the Middle East war.

Mr. Asuncion also sees inflation, interest rates, and business sentiment shaping banks’ balance sheets throughout the rest of the year.

“We therefore expect banking sector assets to continue growing, although the pace may become more sensitive to developments affecting inflation, interest rates, and overall business sentiment,” he said.

The Monetary Board has so far raised the key policy rate by 50 basis points (bps) to 4.75%, with BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. noting that the economy can still take another 25-bp hike.

Earlier this year, the central bank said geopolitical shocks from the ongoing Middle East war have minimal direct impact on the local banking system.

However, it also flagged potential asset quality risks in certain sectors from weaker domestic and external financial conditions. — Katherine K. Chan

Philippines to be 4th slowest-growing ASEAN economy this year — AMRO

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:01:11 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES could be Southeast Asia’s fourth slowest-growing economy this year despite limited spillovers from the Middle East conflict, as its heavy reliance on imported oil and weak investment climate continue to weigh on growth, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) said.

In its latest ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook, AMRO kept its Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth projections unchanged at 4.1% this year and 5.5% in 2027.

Both forecasts are still within the National Government’s growth targets of 3.5%-4.5% for 2026 and 5%-6% for 2027.

“The Philippines is one of the countries in the region that has been harder hit by the oil shock so far,” AMRO Chief Economist Dong He said in a virtual news briefing on Monday. “That’s reflected in both the lower growth rates we forecast for the Philippines this year than last year, but also the significantly higher inflation than 2025.”

If realized, Philippine economic growth this year will even be slower than the post-pandemic low of 4.4% in 2025. Energy shocks from the Middle East war rippled through the country’s domestic economy rapidly, dragging its GDP growth to 2.8% in the first quarter.

For this year, AMRO’s growth forecast for the Philippines is the fourth weakest among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), ahead only of Brunei (1.9%), Thailand (2.4%) and Myanmar (2.5%). The Philippines is expected to trail Vietnam (7.5%), Indonesia (5%), Malaysia (5%), Cambodia (4.9%), Singapore (4.8%), and Laos (4.6%).

Mr. He said he is “cautiously optimistic” on the Philippines as the expected boost from artificial intelligence (AI) provides the economy some relief.

“Overall, I think the Philippine economy is benefiting from the AI cycle, but it has some specifics in terms of its oil exposures to the Middle East. It’s probably a lack of strategic reserves in terms of oil supply that’s reflected in these numbers,” he said.

For 2027, AMRO expects the Philippines to be the second fastest-growing economy in ASEAN, behind Vietnam (7.3%), and ahead of Indonesia (5.1%), Cambodia (4.9%), Laos and Malaysia (4.7%), Singapore (3.1%), Myanmar and Thailand (2.5%), and Brunei (1.7%).

According to Mr. He, the country’s investment slump, particularly in infrastructure, will continue to affect domestic activity throughout the year. For the long term, he said the Philippine government should focus on resolving key issues to attract more investments.

“That is how to strengthen private investment so that the production capacity and the infrastructure will be strong enough to support higher medium-term growth in terms of dealing with, for example, extreme weather conditions to make the Philippine economy much more robust against these natural disasters. So, some of the governance issues relating to infrastructure investment will have to be resolved,” he added.

The AI boom will also continue to propel the economy, given the country’s significant semiconductor exports, according to AMRO.

“On the growth front, it continues to benefit from the AI cycle. Actually… we think that the Philippines is very much a service-based export economy. It is very much plugged into the global AI cycle as well… (Semiconductor exports) would continue to provide support to the export growth in the Philippines,” Mr. He said.

Meanwhile, Mr. He noted that the impact of the Middle East war on the rest of the region was likewise less severe than initially expected due to strong domestic demand.

For ASEAN — or the Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam — AMRO hiked its 2026 growth forecast to 4.8% from 4.6% previously but kept it 4.8% for 2027.

Including China, Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea (ASEAN+3), the region is seen to expand slightly faster at 4.1% by yearend from 4% as of last month, before moderating to 4% in 2027.

SLOWER INFLATION
Meanwhile, AMRO also noted that Philippine inflation this year could be slower than earlier anticipated but may still be the third fastest in ASEAN.

AMRO cut its Philippine inflation forecast for 2026 to 5.7% from 6% previously but kept it at 4.1% for 2027.

If realized, inflation this year will sharply accelerate from the 1.7% last year, marking the hottest clip in three years or since the 6% in 2023.

“As you know, the pass-through from energy prices to consumer prices in the Philippines was quite fast and that to some extent reflected the limited fiscal measures that the government took,” Mr. He said.

The AMRO economist noted that the lower inflation forecast came as their base scenario sees global oil price easing to around $80 a barrel this year and $70 next year from the over $100-per-barrel peak at the height of the war.

Both inflation projections would also put the headline print well above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 3% target for two straight years, but below its 6.4% estimate for 2026 and 4.5% for 2027.

It would also be the third-fastest inflation among ASEAN+3 members this year, after Myanmar with 20% and Laos with 8.1%.

For ASEAN, AMRO lowered its average inflation estimate to 3.6% from 4% for 2026 and to 3.1% from 3.2% for 2027. For ASEAN+3, inflation is expected to average 1.6% for both years.

However, Mr. He noted that the BSP’s preemptive monetary policy tightening prevented price pressures in the country from broadening further.

Last month, the Monetary Board tightened for a second straight meeting, raising the key policy rate by 25 basis points to 4.75% as elevated oil prices continued to feed into the costs of other commodities.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. left the door open to another 25-bp hike as the central bank cited still strong inflationary pressures, adding that the economy will likely recover by the second half of the year.

Marcos pushes tax breaks, reforms

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:01:11 -0600

By Erika Mae P. Sinaking, Reporter

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Monday asked Congress to pass a package of tax measures, including broader income tax exemptions for low- and middle-income earners and tax exemptions for micro, small, and medium enterprises, as he laid out his administration’s legislative priorities for the remainder of his term.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), Mr. Marcos also sought congressional approval of measures updating the country’s tax system, alongside bills that would amend the National Building Code, modernize the 25-year-old Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and establish a law to make rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems more accessible to households.

“To ensure the continued progress of the middle class amidst the lingering effects of the crisis, we will pursue tax relief measures that promote growth, generate revenue and advance equity toward socioeconomic sustainability,” he said in his speech that lasted an hour and 26 minutes.

Mr. Marcos said that the proposed tax reforms aim to protect the purchasing power of Filipinos who have felt the brunt of global economic volatility.

He called for the expansion of the current income tax framework to include more workers in the tax-exempt bracket.

“As a unique protection for them and so they can benefit more from their hard-earned income, I call on Congress to pass the law that will provide partial relief for our tax payments,” Mr. Marcos said.

“First, let us expand the exemption for income tax. Let us increase the number of workers who will be exempt from taxes on their income. We will include those earning not more than P350,000 per year,” he said.

This move would be accompanied by reduction in the income tax rates for other workers to ensure a fairer distribution of the tax burden.

He proposed a “one-time tax abatement” for microentrepreneurs to provide relief to those whose earnings have suffered during the recent period of economic hardship.

“Second, small businesses will no longer be subjected to the minimum corporate income tax,” he said.

The President pushed for a comprehensive tax amnesty covering unpaid income, estate, donor’s, and value-added taxes, including the waiver of associated penalties.

The fiscal space for these reforms is being carved out through a rigorous anti-corruption campaign, particularly within the Department of Public Works and Highways.

AMENDMENTS TO EPIRA SOUGHT
Also, Mr. Marcos called on lawmakers to approve a bill removing system loss charges from consumers’ electricity bills, saying the measure would complement the administration’s planned tax relief package by lowering electricity costs for households and businesses.

“It is not the fault of consumers why there are system losses. So, it is not right that consumers have to pay for this. Therefore, we, the people, request — no, we demand for the immediate amendment of the EPIRA (Electric Power Industry Reform Act), and to prohibit charging system loss against consumers including the value-added tax thereon,” he said in Filipino, receiving a standing ovation from the audience.

Mr. Marcos also pushed for the passage of the “Sariling Kuryente” Act to make the installation of rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems in homes “simple, easy, and affordable.”

The President said the government would continue directing funds to education, healthcare, food security and infrastructure, citing savings from its campaign against corruption, including irregular flood control projects.

Mr. Marcos reiterated support for the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program, saying its implementation would be “humane, affordable and just.”

He also reaffirmed the government’s target of having electric vehicles (EV) account for half of all vehicles in the country by 2040 while supporting investments across the EV value chain, including vehicle assembly, battery manufacturing and related parts.

He also announced that the 12 stations of the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 7 will open by next year. “After nearly three decades, there will be a new MRT line extending to Sacred Heart, Quezon City, from North Avenue. And someday, it will reach all the way to San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan,” he added.

Mr. Marcos also touted the planned Pax Silica industrial hub, which he says would “bring quality jobs to our people, accelerate our industrial competitiveness and revitalize our economy.”

“Let us continue the work that we have started, to make the Philippines the country that Filipinos deserve,” the President said.

‘CHALLENGE IS EXECUTION’
Meanwhile, Management Association of the Philippines President Donald Patrick L. Lim said the group is encouraged by Mr. Marcos’ strong emphasis on key priorities such as job creation, food security, affordable energy, and support for small businesses, among others

“The challenge now is execution. Businesses are looking for clear implementation timelines, policy consistency, and close collaboration between government and the private sector. We hope Congress will quickly translate these priorities into legislation where needed, while the Executive ensures that programs are implemented efficiently and their benefits are felt by ordinary Filipinos,” Mr. Lim said in a Viber message.

Ederson DT. Tapia, a political science professor at the University of Makati, told BusinessWorld that Mr. Marcos’ SONA was ambitious and clearly responsive to the immediate concerns of ordinary Filipinos.

“However, many of the commitments were presented as programs rather than measurable reforms. The major test is implementation: clear timelines, funding, accountable agencies and concrete outcomes,” Mr. Tapia said.

“The speech was also notable for what it avoided: impeachment, political dynasties, human rights, budget insertions and deeper institutional reforms. In this sense, it was strong on assistance and aspiration, but less complete on structural political change,” he added.

Federation of Philippine Industries Chairperson Elizabeth H. Lee welcomed the President’s directive to lower power costs, saying it is “essential to placing Philippine manufacturing on equal footing with our ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) peers.”

“Paired with long-term energy security — through nuclear exploration, natural gas, hydrogen, and renewables — these reforms can build true industrial resilience,” she said in a Viber message.

Thousands of protesters from labor, teachers, youth, urban poor and other sectoral groups marched along Commonwealth Avenue for the people’s SONA, presenting what they described as the country’s “true state of the nation” ahead of the President’s speech.

The demonstrators called for higher wages, increased funding for education and social services and greater government accountability, while criticizing the administration over corruption, poverty, militarization and foreign influence. — with Beatriz Marie D. Cruz and Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba

BFAR launches ATIN-WPS, taps fisherfolk as truth bearers on PH claim in West Philippine Sea

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:01:11 -0600

The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has launched a national initiative empowering Filipino fisherfolk as champions of fact-based information and responsible public discourse on the Philippines’ claim in the West Philippine Sea.

Called the Alliance of Truthful Information and Narratives on the West Philippine Sea (ATIN WPS), the effort taps Filipino fishermen in recognition of their direct connection to developments in the disputed waters, being among the most affected by Chinese incursions in the area.

BFAR launched the initiative in a ceremony that gathered over 80 fisherfolk leaders from across the country, along with leaders from BFAR, the Local Government of Zambales, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the National Security Council (NSC), and other partner institutions. Together, they formed a united front to strengthen the role of coastal communities in promoting truth, maritime awareness, and responsible information sharing.

In remarks during the launch, BFAR National Director Elizer S. Salilig underscored the indispensable role of Filipino fisherfolk in asserting the country’s claim to the West Philippine Sea in the face of escalating tensions.

“Our fisherfolk navigate the West Philippine Sea every day, ensuring our food security while anchoring our nation’s presence in these tense waters. Through ATIN WPS, we recognize their role as the true frontline guardians of our sea,” said Mr. Salilig.

“By equipping them with accurate knowledge and empowering them to counter misinformation, we are transforming our fishing communities into credible voices of truth. This is a vital step in safeguarding not only our marine resources, but the integrity of our national narrative,” he added.

National Security Council Director Romeo Racadio, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of protecting the information space alongside the country’s maritime domain.

“Just as crucial as protecting our territory, we must protect the truth. Misinformation and disinformation pose significant challenges to the nation’s interests, and fact-based narratives are essential in fostering public understanding of the West Philippine Sea. This is where our fisherfolk play a key role,” said Mr. Racadio.

As part of ATIN WPS, fisherfolk underwent technical training that sought to equip them with factual, evidence-based, and legally grounded knowledge on the West Philippine Sea, enabling them to counter misinformation and disinformation as trusted sources in their respective communities.

The training included lectures on the legal and historical foundations of the West Philippine Sea, the 2016 Arbitral Award that favored the Philippines’ claims against China, maritime entitlements, responsible conduct at sea, and practical approaches to identifying and addressing misinformation and disinformation.

It highlighted the important role that fisherfolk play in ensuring that accurate and verified information reaches coastal communities across the country.

ATIN WPS is part of the Philippines’ whole-of-nation approach to protecting the West Philippine Sea by ensuring that coastal communities are active partners in advancing truthful narratives.

The initiative is supported by the United States Embassy Manila’s Fish Right Project, demonstrating a shared commitment with BFAR to strengthen community engagement, promote knowledge sharing, and encourage the responsible use of accurate information about the West Philippine Sea.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

Big Brother Spoilers: Veto Meeting Results Follow a Tea Party That Changed Everything

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Do you like tea? If you do, chances are you had a rare old time watching the Big Brother Live Feeds on Sunday.

Who would have thought that a tea party would literally be about spilling tea about alliances and throwing players under the bus?

Not me.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Big Brother Season 28 is becoming a bit of a steamroll, which isn’t a good thing, because it makes the show a little bit too predictable.

Anyway, Mallory planned the tea party in what was probably an attempt to decompress from the intensity of the game.

The Big Brother house is a pressure cooker, and it’s so easy for everyone to get too consumed by the scheming, so it was a nice thing for Mallory to do.

But Kamu, the current Head of Household, thought it’d be a good idea to go after Jason at the event.

(CBS/Screenshot)

He really wanted Jason to look like a game player in the eyes of the house, but you better believe that Jason was prepared and hurled zingers back at his opponent.

One of the things that irked Jason the most was being called a competition threat, which is funny, considering he’s won one competition in three weeks.

Jason Tells the Big Brother House How It Is

The way Kamu spoke was as if Jason had won a Head of Household and a Veto. If anything, the whole thing made Kamu look stupid.

Jason wasted no time calling out that a major alliance is picking him off: Mallory, Melody, Taylor, Yash, and LaTrice.

He straight-up called out the fact that there’s an alliance minus the above names, which we viewers know as the Toolshed Alliance.

It was a hilarious night that ended with Jason parading around the house with a kettle and promising Kamu that more tea would be spilled on Monday.

It’s obvious that Kamu was searching for a moment as he went after Jason, but Jason annihilated his opponent with words.

Seriously. It was so much fun to watch the underdog fire back, and I hope Jason gets another Big Brother Blockbuster win this week because we know he’s headed to the block.

(CBS/Matthew Taplinger)

Kamu’s master plan is to put Jason on the block after Lyric saves herself with the Power of Veto.

There’s virtually no way that Jason can rally enough votes while on the block because the Toolshed alliance will not blink twice if he’s on the block.

They want him gone. The only thing that could change things is if the alliance deems Mallory or Latrice to be the bigger threat.

When the Big Brother Live Feeds returned following the Veto meeting, Jason was on the block, meaning Lyric saved herself.

Jason has three days before he leaves the house unless he can pull off some miracle to convince the houseguests that Mallory or LaTrice are more dangerous to keep in the house than he is.

What are your thoughts, Big Brother Fanatics? Do you think there’s any way Jason can save his game?

Are you getting tired of the steamroll that is Big Brother Season 28?

Jason’s game is hanging by a thread after the tea party, but where did the latest Veto meeting leave the house? Check out the spoilers.
One houseguest devises a plan to shake up the Big Brother Season 28 alliances. Who could be joining this new group? Read on to find out.
Big Brother has confirmed who won the third Veto of the season, but a game-changing power has been unleashed! Get the details.

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Trump asks Supreme Court to allow mail-in voting restrictions

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

A voter drops their ballot at an official ballot drop box inside City Hall during a primary election in San Francisco, California, US, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images

The Trump administration on Monday asked the Supreme Court to intervene in a legal fight over President Donald Trump’s executive order restricting mail-in voting, escalating the dispute 99 days before the November midterm elections.

The emergency request came after a federal appeals court, in a 2-1 decision Saturday, left in place an order blocking key parts of Trump’s executive order issued in March that directs federal agencies to create voter eligibility lists and restrict U.S. Postal Service delivery of ballots not tied to those lists.

A coalition of 23 states argue Trump lacks authority to impose federal rules on elections administered by state and local officials.

The Department of Justice argued that the challenge was premature because agencies had not finalized the policies needed to carry out Trump’s order. But the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said states were already being forced to prepare for changes that could affect upcoming elections.

The majority said the order would impose “unprecedented levels of involvement by federal officials in how states administer elections” and risk confusion and voter disenfranchisement.

“We look forward to filing our response to the government’s application in the U.S. Supreme Court by the deadline set by Justice Jackson,” Walter Garcia, a spokesperson for California Attorney General Rob Bonta, said in a statement. California was one of the states that co-led the coalition.

The ruling applies only to the states covered by the lawsuit. A separate federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., recently lifted a broader injunction against the Postal Service rule, leaving open the possibility that the Postal Service could implement the restrictions elsewhere.

Trump and his allies have promoted the changes as safeguards against illegal voting. Democrats and voting-rights groups say the order could prevent eligible voters from receiving or returning mail ballots.

The change is one component of the effort Trump is leading in the months leading up to the Nov. 3 election to make sweeping changes to how elections are conducted in the U.S. He has also been pressing Congress to pass legislation to impose a national voter-ID requirement to vote and proof of citizenship to register to vote.

The Constitution directs states, rather than the federal government, to administer most election oversight.

The White House and Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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“George Harrison was the only one I really liked”

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

The Kinks’ Dave Davies has revisited the band’s old rivalry with The Beatles, saying George Harrison was the only member he “really liked”.

The guitarist made the comments at the launch of the band’s new art exhibition, The Kinks: Brothers, at Gibson Garage London.

“John Lennon didn’t like The Kinks, he really didn’t,” Davies said, via The Mirror.

Laughing, he continued: “In fact, John Lennon didn’t really like anybody! George Harrison was the only one I really liked. He was the nicest guy. Paul McCartney wrote a few decent songs, yeah.”

Davies has previously recalled Lennon being fiercely protective of The Beatles’ equipment when the two groups played together.

“He wouldn’t let us touch anything,” he said. “‘Don’t you dare touch those!’ He was a paranoid guy, but funny.”

After reports of his latest comments were published, however, Davies clarified that he remained a fan of the Liverpool band.

“I like the Beatles and I do appreciate all the kind words Paul McCartney has said about the Kinks,” he wrote on X.

I like the Beatles and I do appreciate all the kind words @PaulMcCartney has said about the Kinks https://t.co/T9jaGK7jcU

— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) July 24, 2026

The rivalry between the groups dates back to the early stages of The Kinks’ career, when they appeared below The Beatles at Bournemouth’s Gaumont Cinema on August 2, 1964.

The show came two days before the release of The Kinks’ breakthrough single ‘You Really Got Me’, which went on to give them their first UK Number One.

Ray Davies later recalled Lennon making a dismissive remark about The Kinks being there solely to warm up the audience, only for their performance of ‘You Really Got Me’ to receive an ecstatic response.

“We’d played with The Beatles in Bournemouth and John Lennon made a remark that we were only there to warm up for them, but we got a great reaction to ‘You Really Got Me’,” Ray told MOJO.

“It was an early validation that we had something that stood up for us, like being bullied in school and having something that was bigger than the bully. It was that sort of feeling.”

Dave’s new comments came as he and Ray opened The Kinks: Brothers, their collaborative exhibition with British portrait painter Christian Furr.

The collection reimagines a 1968 passport photobooth picture of the siblings taken in East Finchley, North London, through a series of mixed-media works on paper and canvas. The exhibition will run at Gibson Garage London until September 6.

The brothers recently said they were “getting on great” and would “never say never” to a future Kinks reunion.

“It’s miraculous, really, how we’ve become so bonded,” Dave said. “We enjoy each other’s company.”

Ray and Dave last performed together in 2015, when Ray joined his brother in London for a rendition of ‘You Really Got Me’. They later worked together on new Kinks material, with Ray revealing in 2023 that they had enough partially completed recordings for “about 20” songs.

More recently, the brothers presented a united front after Moby described the lyrics to their 1970 single ‘Lola’ as “gross and transphobic”. Dave said he was “highly insulted” by the criticism, while later revealing that Ray had responded by asking: “Who the fuck is Moby?”

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Destroyer, Stephin Merritt to Headline Bazooka! Fest

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 27 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

The independent Bazooka! Fest is returning to Brooklyn next month, with Destroyer’s Dan Bejar set to headline alongside previously announced performers Stephin Merritt, Joanna Sternberg, Times New Viking, and Sad13. Check out the full lineup below. This year’s edition takes place on August 22 and 23 at the Meadows and the Wood Shop.

Founded by former Matador A&R director Jake Whitener, Bazooka launched in 2025 with an initial slate of Elf Power, the Moles, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, James McNew of Yo La Tengo, and more. In a statement, Whitener spoke about the decision to start the festival in the first place: “I always heard about festivals like All Tomorrow’s Parties or Athens Pop Fest that were super curated and featured these iconic artists playing in smaller venues alongside these exciting new bands that they directly influenced. It seemed like such a beautiful way to celebrate the ever evolving nature of underground rock and pop.”

Bazooka! Fest 2026
Stephin Merritt (The Magnetic Fields)
Destroyer (Solo)
Joanna Sternberg
Kiwi Jr.
2nd Grade
Josephine Network
Asher White
Chime School
Trinket
Love, Burns
Hang Him To The Scales
The Alaskas
Little Chair
Cloud Nothings
Times New Viking
Sad13
Colleen Green
Winston Hightower
PARKiNG
TV Buddah
Uniflora
Lex Walton
Great Lakes
Giant Day
Garment District
$500
Vivian
Sleeper Fencel
Sunshine Convention

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Investors seek achievable SONA agenda — analysts

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Alexandria Grace C. Magno, Reporter

INVESTORS will look beyond new policy promises in President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, with analysts saying the stock market’s longer-term direction will hinge on whether the administration can deliver concrete, time-bound reforms during the remainder of its term.

While the address could provide a short-term boost to investor sentiment, analysts said financial markets are likely to focus on policy execution, regulatory consistency, and the government’s ability to translate commitments into legislation, budgets, and completed projects.

China Bank Capital Corp. Managing Director Juan Paolo E. Colet said the SONA should move beyond broad economic goals and identify specific reforms that would support growth.

“The SONA presents an opportunity to articulate a clear and actionable economic agenda. Beyond setting the vision, it should identify the specific policies and reforms that will drive growth, tame inflation, and improve governance,” he said in a Viber message.

Mr. Colet said priorities should include accelerating high-impact infrastructure spending, lowering electricity costs, strengthening food production and supply chains, and building a globally competitive mining and minerals processing industry.

“Should the President deliver a strong and credible economic reform message, domestic financial markets are likely to react favorably, with the stock market potentially attempting to regain the 6,400 level in the near term,” he added.

Globalinks Securities and Stocks, Inc. Head of Sales Trading Toby Allan C. Arce echoed the view, saying investors generally distinguish between policy announcements and programs that can realistically be implemented before the end of the administration’s term.

“The SONA by itself is unlikely to trigger a lasting revaluation of the Philippine equity market. Political speeches can generate a temporary sentiment boost, particularly when they contain business-friendly announcements, but equity investors generally distinguish between policy declarations and executable programs,” he said in a Viber message.

Mr. Arce said markets could respond positively if the address lays out a clear economic direction, but any gains are likely to be short-lived unless Congress, implementing agencies, and regulators follow through.

“The more important market signal will be whether the government can maintain policy continuity, avoid disruptive regulatory changes, and show that its priority reforms have realistic legislative and financing pathways,” he said.

He said investors are expected to evaluate the SONA on a sector-by-sector basis, with infrastructure, banking, property, utilities, renewable energy, and consumer stocks likely to respond to announcements backed by credible implementation plans.

Areas expected to draw particular attention include infrastructure delivery, public-private partnerships (PPPs), energy security, food supply, fiscal discipline, capital market reforms, and regulatory consistency.

Mr. Arce said investors would also watch for measures that could negatively affect individual industries.

“The risks would also be sector-specific, particularly if the address includes price controls, new taxes, tighter industry regulation or mandates that raise operating costs without adequate transition periods,” he added.

Investment & Capital Corp. of the Philippines President and Chief Operating Officer Jesus Mariano P. Ocampo said investors are also seeking stronger signs that the administration remains committed to governance reforms, particularly its anti-corruption campaign.

“On the SONA, a ‘wish’ message from the President is really his stance on addressing the corruption issue. That was his main theme last time — and seems nothing has really happened yet,” he said in a Viber message.

“So investors want to know if this is still something he is going after.”

Mr. Ocampo also said investors want clearer plans for managing inflation risks arising from geopolitical tensions while preserving a stable policy environment.

“From an equity markets perspective — the President also has to be clear on a couple of matters — addressing inflation given the Iran situation and its impact on fuel price and exchange rates, and ensuring the rules of the game do not change,” he said.

Mr. Arce said foreign investors remain focused on policy credibility rather than headline growth targets.

“For foreign investors, the most consequential issue is likely to be policy credibility rather than headline growth targets… This indicates that international investors are not merely asking for additional incentives; they are looking for regulatory predictability, efficient institutions, and confidence that rules will be applied consistently across administrations and industries,” he said.

He said a favorable reception to the SONA could initially improve sentiment, but foreign investors are likely to wait for evidence that the reforms are being implemented.

The government’s anti-corruption campaign last year weighed on economic growth, while controversy surrounding allegedly anomalous flood control projects dampened consumer and investor sentiment, contributing to weakness in the stock market.

The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) ended 2025 at 6,052.92, down 7.29%, or 475.87 points, from its end-2024 close of 6,528.79.

“The key distinction is between announcement value and implementation value. Local equities could react positively to credible policy signals immediately after the speech, but foreign investors are more likely to wait for subsequent legislation, budget alignment and measurable agency action,” Mr. Arce said.

“The strongest outcome for the market would therefore not be the largest number of promises, but a focused and achievable agenda that demonstrates the administration can complete important economic reforms before the end of its term.”

PHL banks’ NPL ratio slips to 6-month low

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE BANKING sector’s bad loan ratio slipped to a six-month low in June as easing inflation made repayments more manageable, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

In June, banks’ gross nonperforming loan (NPL) ratio stood at 3.29%, improving from the 3.44% in May and 3.34% a year earlier.

This was the lowest NPL ratio in six months or since 3.07% in December 2025, and matched the ratio seen in March.

Based on central bank data, soured loans fell by 2.74% to P584.943 billion from P601.41 billion in the previous month. However, it was 10.31% higher year on year from P530.292 billion.

Loans are considered nonperforming once they are unpaid for at least 90 days after the due date and deemed to be risky assets since borrowers are unlikely to pay.

The lower NPL ratio came as inflation eased for a second straight month in June, said Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co.

“The easing of banks’ NPL ratio in June reflects the resilience of the Philippine economy, supported by easing inflation,” he said in a Viber message.

Lower oil prices helped inflation slow to a four-month low of 6.4% in June from 6.8% in May.

It marked the second straight month that inflation cooled after the Middle East war-driven energy crisis pushed up the costs of local fuel and other major commodities.

Meanwhile, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said banks’ efforts to improve their credit risk management amid the crisis have also helped lessen NPLs in June.

“The latest improvement or easing in banks’ NPL ratio could be attributed to measures to better manage credit risks based on global best practices, given the external risk factors, especially the war (in the) Middle East,” he said via Viber, adding that lower oil prices during the period partly boosted credit conditions.

The industry’s total loan book reached P17.781 trillion, rising by 11.94% from P15.884 trillion a year prior and by 1.71% from P17.481 trillion a month ago.

At end-June, banks logged P753.398 billion in past due loans, up by an annual 12.36% from P670.499 billion but down 1.11% month on month from P761.871 billion.

This accounted for 4.24% of the sector’s loan portfolio during the period, slightly climbing from 4.22% in the same month last year but easing from 4.36% in May.

Meanwhile, banks’ restructured loans grew by 8.32% annually to P337.982 billion in June from P312.03 billion. However, it declined by 2.88% from P348.019 billion in the prior month.

Still, the restructured loan ratio improved to 1.9% from 1.96% a year ago and 1.99% in May.

Meanwhile, lenders’ loan loss reserves amounted to P541.237 billion during the month, inching up by 6.98% from P505.907 billion last year and 1.21% from P534.761 billion a month earlier.

This brought banks’ loan loss reserve ratio to 3.04%, lower than the 3.19% in the comparable year-ago period and 3.06% in May.

BSP data also showed that lenders’ NPL coverage ratio, which gauges allowances for potential losses from bad loans, edged up to 92.53% in June from 88.92% in May but slipped from 95.4% a year earlier.

For Mr. Ravelas, NPLs may still be manageable in the second half of the year, although risks remain from ongoing global geopolitical conflicts and weather disruptions.

“Looking ahead, bad loans should remain manageable although banks must continue to watch risks from global uncertainties and weather-related disruptions,” he said.

“Overall, the banking sector remains fundamentally sound and well-positioned to manage credit risks,” he added.

However, Mr. Ricafort noted that borrowers may again struggle to repay their loans amid rising oil prices due to renewed tensions in the Middle East, compounded by cost pressures from a weaker peso, the recent wage hike, and the upcoming El Niño season.

On Friday, the peso fell by 9.7 centavos to its new historic low close of P61.847 against the dollar, breaking its previous record-low finish of P61.75 on Thursday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

Meanwhile, the first tranche of the record P85 minimum wage hike in the National Capital Region took effect on Saturday, bringing the minimum wage in the region up by P60 to P755 for nonagricultural workers and to P718 for agricultural workers and employees of retail, service, and small manufacturing establishments.

The second tranche or the P25 increase will be imposed on Jan. 20 next year.

The central bank earlier said that inflationary pressures remain strong despite the slowing headline figure, with inflation projected to hit 6.4% this year and remain above its 3% target until 2028.

Philippine exports worth $6.25 billion exposed to 12.5% US tariff — DTI

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

THE UNITED STATES’ new 12.5% tariff on imports from the Philippines could affect about $6.25 billion worth of Philippine-made goods, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

“A preliminary assessment using 2025 trade data indicates that 34.28% of Philippine exports to the US, valued at approximately $6.25 billion, may be subjected to the 12.5% tariffs,” Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte, director of the DTI-Export Marketing Bureau, told reporters in a Viber message.

Last week, the US imposed a 12.5% levy on goods from the Philippines after a probe by the US Trade Representative (USTR) ruled that the country failed to restrict imports of goods made with forced labor.

Ms. Sykimte said the products most exposed to the new US tariff are Philippine-made leather and travel goods, apparel, footwear, and toys.

On the other hand, she estimated around $11.98 billion in Philippine exports are exempted from US tariffs.

Philippine exports exempted from the 12.5% tariff are electronic products like semiconductors, automatic data processing machines, integrated circuits, printers, headphones, projectors; auto parts, including ignition wiring sets, lead acid batteries; and aircraft parts including seats.

Agriculture products like coconut products (copra/crude oil, water/juice, desiccated); pineapples (preserved, juice, dried, fresh, jams); bananas (fresh, frozen, dried); mangoes (dried, preserved, purees, frozen); cocoa; frozen cassava; taro (frozen, dried); pastries and biscuits are also exempted from US tariffs, the DTI said.

The DTI also noted that minerals, such as copper ores and concentrates; nickel ores and concentrates; and cobalt ores and concentrates are not affected by the 12.5% tariff.

The new US tariff replaced the 10% baseline levy on the Philippines, which expired on July 24, after the US Supreme Court ruled in February that President Donald J. Trump exceeded his authority by imposing reciprocal tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

At a briefing last week, Trade Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo noted that the Philippines’ exports to the US are relatively less exposed than its competitors in the region.

“In contrast, [exports to the US from] our neighbors like Indonesia are 83% exposed, while Malaysia is at 40%,” he said. “However, we still want the best deal possible for our exporters.”

Mr. Rodolfo said the Philippine government has reassured the US that the country has no issues regarding the entry of goods tied to forced labor.

“In our submissions to the US, we’ve highlighted that, de facto, we don’t have a problem in terms of the entry of goods that have a forced labor component,” he said.

“We have also counter-checked it with respect to the US Forced Labor Protection Act. They have a website that lists companies which they have flagged to be using forced labor, and we have counter-checked it with respect to the sources of imports of the Philippines,” Mr. Rodolfo noted.

The DTI said it is continuously engaging with the USTR on the forced labor issue, with the US agency assuring that its overall assessment of the Philippines is still ongoing.

“Nevertheless, we’d like to reassure everyone, our stakeholders, that we continue to engage the US, in particular the USTR, on the forced labor issue,” Mr. Rodolfo said.

An inter-agency committee composed of the DTI with the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Finance, Bureau of Customs, Board of Investments, and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority was created last week to investigate imported goods produced with forced labor practices.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) called for a review of the basis for the US’ 12.5% tariff, saying Washington should provide evidence to support its claim that the Philippines imports goods produced through forced labor.

“We (private sector) are not clear what industry or group the US is referring to regarding forced labor. If there is such an incident, other industry sectors should not be included in the 12.5% tariff,” PCCI President Ferdinand A. Ferrer said in a Viber message.

Foreign Buyers Association of the Philippines President Robert M. Young said its members sign contracts with US buyers ensuring that its goods are produced in line with labor standards.

He noted, however, that the new tariff is an added burden to the country’s exporters as they grapple with high electricity and labor costs.

“This is another cross that we have to bear, but we are still thinking positive,” he said in a phone call.

Former Tariff Commissioner George N. Manzano said tariff exemptions for electronics exports should be maintained to mitigate the impact of the new US levies. Electronics account for the Philippines’ largest export shipments to the US.

“The more important issue is whether the Philippines can retain the exemptions that many of its electronic exports enjoyed under the previous global tariff. Keeping these exemptions would go a long way toward reducing the impact of the new tariffs,” he said in a Viber message.

Philippine exports to the US reached $13.44 billion in 2025, accounting for nearly 16% of the country’s total exports for the year. In the first five months of 2026, exports to the US grew by an annual 23.8% to $6.68 billion.

Infrastructure spending falls in May

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING plunged by an annual 35% in May amid strengthened review and validation processes, according to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

At the same time, experts warned that prolonged government underspending could further weaken economic growth and urged the Marcos administration to overhaul infrastructure project implementation and prevent anti-corruption efforts from stalling public spending.

In its latest National Government disbursement report, the DBM said infrastructure and other capital outlays fell by 35.3% to P80.1 billion in May from P123.8 billion in the same month in 2025.

“The year-on-year decline primarily reflects the implementation of strengthened review, audit, and validation procedures for infrastructure payment claims, as well as documentary compliance requirements for contractors,” the DBM said in a statement.

“These enhanced safeguards have affected the timing of some infrastructure disbursements, particularly on Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) projects,” it added.

Month on month, infrastructure spending surged by 93.1% from P41.5 billion in April.

In the first five months of the year, infrastructure and other capital outlays slumped by 42.9% to P269.4 billion from P471.5 billion in the same period a year ago.

The DBM attributed the decline to the “implementation of enhanced governance measures and stricter review and validation procedures for infrastructure projects, following the government’s intensified efforts to strengthen accountability and ensure the prudent use of public funds.”

“These measures have affected the timing of some DPWH infrastructure disbursements while reinforcing safeguards for public spending,” it added.

Francisco Cid L. Terosa, an associate professor and former dean of the School of Economics of the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), warned that weak infrastructure spending may have hurt economic growth in the second quarter.

“The continued weakness in infrastructure spending could cut second-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth by about 2 to 3 percentage points relative to second quarter of 2025 GDP growth,” he told BusinessWorld via Viber.

The Philippine Statistics Authority is set to release preliminary second-quarter GDP data on Aug. 7.

While spending may rebound as releases accelerate, Mr. Terosa said “elevated energy prices plus tight financial conditions and high borrowing costs… could deflate the effects of a spending rebound.”

“Infrastructure spending should grow by 10 to 15% on average for the rest of the year to meet the full-year growth target of 3.5 to 4.5%,” he added.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee projected the economy to grow by 3.5%-4.5% this year, lower than its previous projection of 5%-6%.

OVERHAUL NEEDED
“The National Government will have to overhaul its execution processes at the implementation level to minimize leakages,” UA&P economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia said in an e-mail.

“There are already regulations in place supposedly to prevent these things from happening, but if the ‘rules of the game’ that implicitly create loopholes for local bid-rigging and weak oversight persist, further high-level reforms may have limited efficacy,” he added.

Mr. Agonia said the government should consider assigning budgets based on agencies’ absorptive capacity instead of politically motivated discretionary spending.

“The sweeping pause in infrastructure spending, while done to wipe the slate clean, also harmed economic growth prospects,” Mr. Agonia said.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said the government must show that its campaign against corruption does not have to undermine growth.

“What is needed is a system that quickly identifies and removes questionable projects while accelerating those that are transparent, economically sound, and ready for implementation,” he said in a Viber message.

Ser Percival K. Peña-Reyes, a senior research fellow at the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development, said the government should avoid treating anti-corruption and infrastructure spending as competing objectives.

He said tighter procurement oversight and investigations during the Aquino administration improved governance in some respects but also contributed to implementation delays, lower public spending and weaker economic growth during its early years.

“The lesson is not that anti-corruption efforts should be relaxed, but that they must be designed so they do not paralyze project execution,” Mr. Peña-Reyes said.

Infrastructure spending has one of the highest fiscal multipliers in the Philippine economy because it creates jobs, raises demand for domestic materials and improves long-term productivity, he said.

Philippine Institute for Development Studies Senior Research Fellow John Paolo R. Rivera said accountability and infrastructure spending should go hand in hand.

“Key is to investigate anomalous projects while allowing legitimate, high-impact projects to proceed,” he said. “Good governance should improve, not delay, public investment.”

Mr. Peña-Reyes said persistent leakages despite reforms in budgeting, procurement and transparency show that the problem is no longer primarily the absence of rules but weaknesses in implementation and institutions.

He said procurement reforms have made the system more rules-based, but multiple safeguards can also create bottlenecks when officials become overly cautious about making decisions.

“The result is slower project implementation without necessarily eliminating opportunities for corruption,” he added.

Institutional capacity also remains uneven across implementing agencies and local government units, Mr. Peña-Reyes said.

Corruption risks have also evolved beyond outright procurement fraud, with leakages occurring through inflated cost estimates, excessive variation orders, weak contract supervision and poor-quality implementation, he said.

Such practices are often more difficult to detect because they may occur after contracts have been legally awarded.

Mr. Peña-Reyes said reforms should focus on professionalizing procurement and project management, expanding digital monitoring and ensuring accountability mechanisms operate quickly and predictably.

“The objective should be a system that is both clean and capable — one that prevents leakages while still delivering infrastructure on time and supporting economic growth,” he said.

‘EVERY PESO MUST WORK HARDER’
Mr. Rivera said the government should ensure “every peso must deliver the greatest public value” amid limited fiscal space.

“Priority should go to productive investments such as infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, and climate resilience while strengthening project evaluation, transparency, and monitoring to ensure value for money,” he added.

Mr. Ravelas said the government should prioritize clean and high-impact investments in infrastructure, flood control, food and energy security, logistics, and digital connectivity.

“At a time when global uncertainties, including tensions in the Middle East, are putting pressure on growth and fiscal resources, every peso must work harder. The goal is not simply to spend more or spend less, but to spend smarter, faster, and cleaner to sustain growth, create jobs, and strengthen public trust,” he added.

Mr. Agonia said the government should pursue longer-term, high-multiplier investments such as infrastructure master plans and human capital programs while making budget documents transparent and easily accessible.

He said the government could also use the public-private partnership framework to tap financially and technically capable organizations to carry out these projects.

“This is more pressing now that the Philippines may lose out on concessionary financing schemes with multilateral organizations following its ascension to upper-middle income country status,” he added.

TRANSPORT PROJECTS
The Marcos administration should also fast-track transport projects after years of delays.

“The administration cannot afford another detour. The journey must end by rediscovering the strengths we once had,” Rene S. Santiago, an international consultant on transport development and former president of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines, said in a Viber message.

Mr. Santiago urged the government to prioritize feasible transport projects, stressing the need to seize doable solutions that directly address mobility issues, like deploying electric buses.

Transportation Acting Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said the government is working to fast-track its projects to ensure the timely completion of transportation projects.

“The tunnel from Valenzuela to Quirino Avenue Station (of the Metro Manila Subway project) is now complete, as well as the North Avenue to Tandang Sora station. This means that we are prioritizing big-ticket projects,” Mr. Lopez said in a Viber message.

The tunneling works for key sections of the Metro Manila Subway project has been completed, which advances its overall completion rate to 60%.

“We can expect the project’s completion by 2028. Before the end of Mr. Marcos’ term, (two) stations from Valenzuela to Quirino will have a demonstration run,” Mr. Lopez said.

Meanwhile, Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities Urban Mobility Campaigns Officer Amber Garma said the Philippines should also focus on expanding active transport projects, and the upgrading of walkways in the country.

Ms. Garma urged the government to boost funding for active transportation, saying higher investment is needed to upgrade infrastructure and cushion commuters from rising fuel costs and price volatility. — with Ashley Erika O. Jose

AMRO sees Philippines posting third fastest inflation in ASEAN+3 this year

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

Philippine inflation this year could be slower than earlier anticipated, but may still be the third fastest among the country’s regional peers, the ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO) said.

In its latest ASEAN+3 Regional Economic Outlook, the think tank cut its inflation forecast for 2026 to 5.7% from 6% in June, but kept it at 4.1% for 2027.

If realized, inflation will sharply accelerate from the 1.7% last year, marking the hottest clip in three years or since the 6% in 2023.

Both projections would also put the headline print well above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 3% target for two straight years, but slower than its 6.4% estimate for 2026 and 4.5% for 2027.

It would also be the third fastest inflation among ASEAN+3 members this year, trailing only Myanmar with 20% and Laos with 8.1%.

As of the first half of the year, inflation in the Philippines averaged 4.8%.

This came as oil shocks quickly rippled to major commodities like food, transport, and electricity, pushing the headline figure past the BSP’s target for four consecutive months or since the first full month of the Middle East war in March.

Meanwhile, AMRO maintained its growth projections for the Philippines at 4.1% this year and 5.5% in 2027.

If this holds true, the economy will slump to its worst performance since the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, Philippine GDP grew by a post-pandemic low of 4.4%.

However, both forecasts still fall within the National Government’s growth targets of 3.5%-4.5% for 2026 and 5%-6% for 2027.

The Singapore-based think tank’s estimates also position the Philippines as the fourth slowest growing economy in ASEAN, just surpassing Brunei (1.9%), Thailand (2.4%), and Myanmar (2.5%).

Big Brother Spoilers: A Houseguest Pitches A Secret Alliance, But Will It Actually Work?

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

Many great plans form with the power of candy.

With no pens or paper in the Big Brother Season 28 house, the houseguests have to get a bit creative. Schemes and alliances need to be tracked somehow.

For one behind-the-scenes player, they’re making their big move before it’s too late.

Former Big Brother Season 28 Week 1 nominee Taylor is taking the game into her hands.

As our TV Fanatic previously reported, Lyric won the Power of Veto. Based on the current plan, Jason looks to be the replacement nominee.

However, as many Big Brother fans can tell you, the game switches up quickly!

A person who thought they were safe (i.e., Ashley) could easily walk out next on Thursday’s eviction.

It’s either forming those connections, or taking the time to practice your eviction speech. Heed the lessons now: don’t make the same mistakes as Ashley or Rome.

In Taylor’s case, she’s strategizing to reposition her spot in the game.

While using M&Ms, Taylor discussed forming a secret big alliance with Rick Devens and Kamu. The deal would take one person from each trio in the house, forming a secret, bigger group that connects everyone.

The secret alliance would steer their trios toward targeting those outside the alliance.

Plus, Devens would get to keep his tether alliance. This move would bring everyone to the Final 6.

It’s a lofty plan, one that could completely shake up the game. And it would bring Taylor into an alliance with real power.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Would The Alliance Actually Work?

It wouldn’t be the first time an alliance has secretly manipulated the game.

‘The Cookout’ of Big Brother Season 23 is the most infamous. Each Cookout member had one established parachute deal outside the group; they pretended that person was their Final 2 deal.

The Cookout would nominate duos for eviction, essentially evicting the parachute alliance and keeping their members in.

It’s a deliciously clever plan that worked: The Cookout made the Final 6 without ever being discovered! (Or even meeting all together in a room until everyone else got evicted.)

Taylor’s plan is a variation of The Cookout’s strategy.

It’s much different than Derrick Levasseur’s “onion structure” of Big Brother Season 16, or “The Judges” of Big Brother Season 27. Taylor’s plan requires the trios to be intact to pull the members in.

As of now, the proposed main members are Taylor, Devens, Kamu, Mallory, and Barrett.

In a planning session, the idea seemed enticing to Devens.

Mallory has been very vocal about wanting the reality TV veterans out. And being nominated for a second time has only frustrated her position even more.

Devens hopes being in an alliance with her will remove Mallory’s target from his back.

Barrett’s gameplay, on the other hand, has felt aimless.

He’s an established member of duos, trios, and big alliances, like “The Crossovers” and “The Toolshed.” However, he’s accurately recognized that he’s been the last to join all groups.

Barrett is looking for an alliance home that reignites his passion. He wants a sense of safety and trust.

Plus, he talks a lot of game with Mallory.

Having him in the alliance could provide reassurance to both him and Mallory. The deal would make both of them feel less on the outside.

It’s an interesting strategy that could tear apart the steamroll, but for it to work, the others would need to be on board.

Will They Make The Deal?

The idea is still in its early phase–a mere tidbit of late-night game talk.

However, Devens and Kamu should consider this plan seriously. With Kamu being Head of Household, this is his chance to make big plans.

The real wrench in any scheme is the messiness of The Toolshed alliance.

The Red Corner and The Crossovers alliances had the power to control the vote. Rome’s eviction during Big Brother Season 28 Week 2 is all due to them.

However, the 24/7 live feeds are painting a troubling picture for the future of this group.

Angela and Dee are ready to say goodbye to Drew.

They want the Floater out, and with Devens’ help, they plotted a way to expose him. But were they serious, or was it all a joke? Just some late-night venting?

The veteran trio repaired some earlier tensions with Haley.

Well, they had to now since their secret Crossovers group had been exposed to her. Dee/Angela wondered if Haley should join that alliance, but it’s all getting messy.

Different group members still want Haley/Chuk/Kamu out. Others want Drew to go.

(CBS/Evan Mulling)

And, of course, everyone is waiting for someone to strike the reality TV veterans.

That’s going to be a problem since Devens won the Diamond Power of Veto in the latest Time Capsule twist. If anyone makes a move, he could easily use the DPOV to mess things up.

It’s only a matter of time before The Toolshed implodes.

The group may be on a steamroll now, but other alliances and relationships are being formed. Someone is bound to strike first.

Only those who prepare will do better at landing on their feet.

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.

Should the Houseguests accept Taylor’s deal? Would the plan work out for them?

How long will The Toolshed alliance last?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and invite another Big Brother fan to join the conversation.

Big Brother has confirmed who won the third Veto of the season, but a game-changing power has been unleashed! Get the details.
TV’s best characters reside in the gray area, and that’s what makes them compelling. From The Vampire Lestat to Ransom Canyon, we discuss!
Big Brother Season 28’s third week is in full swing, with a new Head of Household, three nominees, and a new backdoor target.
Did The Chi stick the landing? Our review breaks down what worked, what didn’t, and why the finale still delivered the perfect farewell.
The power has shifted on Big Brother. Check out the latest Head of Household spoilers inside for the full rundown.
One houseguest devises a plan to shake up the Big Brother Season 28 alliances. Who could be joining this new group? Read on to find out.

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New UK PM Burnham says he would be prepared to call out Trump

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

Prime Minister Andy Burnham running near his house in Warrington, Cheshire. Picture date: Saturday July 25, 2026. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson/PA Images via Getty Images)

Ryan Jenkinson – Pa Images | Pa Images | Getty Images

The U.K.’s new prime minister, Andy Burnham, said he would be willing to call out U.S. President Donald Trump to defend the U.K.’s national interest, as he set the tone for the key trans-Atlantic relationship.

Speaking to the BBC in an interview aired Sunday, Burnham said he had a phone conversation with Trump on Monday when he officially took on the role, describing it as “a good exchange” and that he found Trump “warm”.

“We will continue to build the relationship as we go forward,” Burnham added.

Asked if Burnham would place his trust in Trump, Burnham said: “it’s a changing world isn’t it, and you just obviously have to call things as they develop”.

Trump has frequently criticized the U.K., among other European and NATO allies, for not pulling their weight in the U.S.-led war on Iran.

But Trump has welcomed Burnham’s plan to fast-track oil and gas exploration in already-licensed fields in the North Sea. Writing on Truth Social last week, Trump called North Sea oil “invaluable,” adding it will take the U.K. from a “Poverty Stricken Disaster, to one of the Richest Countries anywhere in the World!”

Trump had criticized Burnham’s predecessor, Keir Starmer, over the U.K.’s energy policy. In an interview with The Telegraph newspaper in April, Trump said: “All Starmer wants is costly windmills that are driving your energy prices through the roof.”

Starmer announced last month that he would step down from his post. His two years in office were marked by a series of policy U-turns, scandals over staffing appointments and a dramatic loss in Britain’s local elections which sparked calls for his resignation from within his own ranks.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JULY 24: Andy Burnham leaves No 10 North at Heron House on July 24, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ryan Jenkinson – Getty Images)

Ryan Jenkinson | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Asked by BBC journalist Laura Kuenssberg if he would call out Trump if it was the right thing to do, Burnham said, “of course”, and added: “You have to defend your own national interest before anything else. That’s what you’re required to do if you’re to do this job properly.”

“I can’t at any point say that I won’t take a different opinion from him, that I will need to voice a different idea that is right for Britain,” Burnham said.

Defense spending

Burnham declined to be drawn on a date for raising defense spending to 3% of GDP.

John Healey, the U.K.’s new finance minister – known as the Chancellor of the Exchequer – under Burnham, is expected to see defense spending as a priority. Healey’s appointment as Burnham’s second-in-command came just weeks after he resigned as Starmer’s defense minister, citing his view that the government was “unwilling to commit the resources that the nation needs to defend the country.”

Burnham said: “I appointed my new chancellor very aware of what he had said about the critical importance of defense spending and the position that he had taken about that.

“The first challenge facing us both is to ensure that the defense investment plan is fully funded and that’s the thing that’s right in front of us and we need to work that through as we go towards the budget later this year.”

Starmer had announced in June an extra £15 billion ($19.9 billion) in defense spending over the next four years as part of the U.K.’s Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will lift annual spending to £79.1 billion by 2029, or 2.7% of GDP.

The DIP is intended to bolster the U.K.’s military capability, its nuclear deterrent and industrial capacity, while making way for greater technical investment in areas like cybersecurity, drones and AI.

But analysts warn that high levels of public debt and the highest borrowing costs among its G7 peers could constrain the new government’s ability to dramatically boost spending.

Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.

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Snayx kick off new era with melancholic summer anthem ‘Nice Day 4 It’

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

Snayx have shared their huge new single ‘Nice Day 4 It’, described by the band as “a summer song, but lost in its own melancholy” – check it out below.

The track marks the beginning of a new era for the Brighton alt-punk trio and is their first release through new label Nettwerk Music Group.

Built around a euphoric, festival-ready chorus, ‘Nice Day 4 It’ finds the group pairing their typically abrasive riffs with a more melodic sound, while exploring burnout and the appeal of surrendering to chaos.

“It’s a summer song, but lost in its own melancholy, in its own weird way,” the band have explained. “It’s about that headspace where self-destruction stops feeling like a problem and starts feeling more like just another day.”

Check it out here:

The band continued: “Feelings get filed away for a future version of yourself to deal with. Your mate texts. You go again. When the spiral begins to spin so rapidly out of control, you eventually end up in motion and before you know it, you’re actually rolling.”

“There’s something almost freeing in the dissonance. Like once you stop trying to hold it together, the pressure’s off.

“It’s not quite nihilism, but there’s definitely a sense of: everyone’s a bit fucked, the world’s a bit fucked, so why not make a nice day of it?” they concluded.

The new material comes after Snayx shared the bass-heavy single ‘Strut’ last year, taking aim at “nepotism, vanity, generational wealth, trends and crippling social media addiction”.

Snayx – frontman Charlie Herridge, bassist Ollie Horner and drummer Lainey Loops – are currently working on their long-awaited debut album, with further details yet to be announced.

The trio were included in NME’s 100 essential emerging artists for 2025, where they were praised for mixing “stomping Brit-punk with harsh, blunt lyricism” and building a following through the word-of-mouth buzz surrounding their live shows.

NME also awarded the band’s 2023 Manchester show five stars, calling it a “flawless display from a vital band who are definitely capable of propelling UK punk far into the future”.

They will play Beautiful Days Festival in Exeter on August 23 and Lindisfarne Festival in Northumberland on September 3, before joining Yonaka on tour across the UK and Ireland.

The support run begins in Belfast on September 29 and includes dates in Dublin, Manchester, Cardiff, Nottingham, Leeds and Glasgow. Snayx will also play their own shows at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on October 3 and Brighton’s Concorde 2 on October 6. Find tickets here.

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Ol’ Dirty Bastard Has His Own New York City Street Now

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

A Brooklyn street has a new name courtesy of one of the city’s most esteemed rappers: Wu-Tang Clan’s Ol’ Dirty Bastard. During a ceremony held today (July 26) with the late MCs friends, family, and a group of local officials, Putnam Avenue in the Bed-Stuy neighborhood was co-named ODB Jones Way in honor of the influential group’s co-founder.

Although Ol’ Dirty Bastard, real name Russell Tyrone Jones, was born and raised in Brooklyn’s Fort Greene neighborhood, his connection to Bed-Stuy runs deep. At the ceremony, the rapper’s eldest brother, Ramsay Jones, told New York photographer Howie Weiss that the street sign went up at the corner of a block their grandmother still lives on today. The same block is also home to a well-known mural depicting the cover of Jones’ first solo album, Return To The 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version.

The street renaming arrives over two decades after Jones died from an overdose in 2004 at the age of 35. Since then, two documentaries about his life and legacy have been released: an unauthorized 2013 film, which Jones’ estate attempted to block, and a 2023 movie released on A&E with his family’s blessing.

Read Sheldon Pearce’s Sunday Review of Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version.

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Big Brother Spoilers: Veto Winner Revealed, but a Game-Changing Power Is Unleashed

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 21:52:02 -0600

Is anyone else getting the impression that Big Brother Season 28 is turning into a steamroll, with one side of the house in power all season long?

We’re heading into our third week of reality TV alums Angela, Dee, and Rick staying safe because their ally, Kamu, won the third Head of Household competition of the season.

On Friday, Kamu nominated Latrice, Lyric, and Mallory for eviction, but the plan is to save Lyric and replace her with Jason.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Thankfully for Jason, he clocked onto the plan very quickly and is desperate to be picked to play in Saturday’s competition so he can secure his safety and force Kamu to nominate someone else.

The good news for Jason is that he knows the house is against him, and he’s not willing to roll over and admit defeat.

The odds are stacked against him, but even if he winds up on the block, he did defeat Rome and Melody during last week’s Big Brother Blockbuster.

Could Jason turn into the Tucker of Big Brother Season 28?

(CBS/Matthew Taplinger)

That’s definitely a possibility, but he’ll need to cultivate connections and cut some deals if he wants to advance much further into the competition.

One competition loss could be his undoing, which would be unfortunate if he does manage to put together a good run of wins.

Big Brother Time Capsule Gives One Player Too Much Power

So, the plan is in motion, and it will all come down to who is picked to play in the competition alongside Kamu, Latrice, Lyric, and Mallory.

Mallory has also proven to be a competition threat, so if she wins and takes herself off the block, there’s no way Jason won’t take a trip to the block on Monday.

Elsewhere on Friday, the Big Brother Time Capsule results played out, with Rick becoming the second winner of the season.

But instead of losing the competition for the power like Angela did last week, the Survivor alum aced it and won — wait for it — a Diamond Power of Veto.

This is an insane twist because it gives Rick the opportunity to take someone down and choose the replacement nominee.

That’s a lot of power, and even worse, it’s good for the next six rounds.

(CBS/Screenshot)

That means Rick is about to get even more cutthroat as he tries to stay off the block and hold on to this power.

He wasted no time telling Dee about it, meaning he’s very likely open to using it on her if she’s ever in a pinch.

But the fact that he’s keeping this from Angela and his other allies could come back to haunt him.

Who’s to say his fellow allies won’t respond by nominating him the following week if they discover that he hasn’t been transparent with them?

The power is a bit of a double-edged sword because if Rick has to whip out the Veto, people will be well aware that he hasn’t been truthful with them.

Maybe the best play would have been for this Veto to work without the person using it having to unmask their identity to the house.

But I guess that would have been too much power.

Rick winning this also means the veterans have even more power in the game, adding to my worry that this is going to turn into a steamroll season.

The best seasons of Big Brother are the ones where the power shifts week to week, forcing each side to play the game instead of getting too comfortable.

Right now, it feels like the same group of players is calling the shots every week.

Can the Veto Winner Shake Things Up?

The feeds went down Saturday afternoon, and when they returned, Lyric was revealed to have won the Golden Power of Veto.

Shocker, right? Not really. But hey, there may still be some drama over the next few days.

What are your thoughts on the veto winner and how it plays into Kamu’s plans for the week?

Do you think Jason can somehow survive another week, or is the plan to backdoor him simply too strong?

And are you happy that Rick won the Diamond Power of Veto, or are you worried that the reality tv veterans now have even more control over the game?

Big Brother has confirmed who won the third Veto of the season, but a game-changing power has been unleashed! Get the details.
Big Brother Season 28’s third week is in full swing, with a new Head of Household, three nominees, and a new backdoor target.
The power has shifted on Big Brother. Check out the latest Head of Household spoilers inside for the full rundown.

Read the original article here

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Trump defends DOJ subpoenas of NY Times reporters; Google also was targeted

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 21:52:02 -0600

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an announcement on American nuclear innovation in the Oval Office at the White House on July 24, 2026 in Washington, DC.

Eric Lee | Getty Images

President Donald Trump on Friday defended his Department of Justice‘s issuance of subpoenas to New York Times reporters, as it was revealed that Google also received a subpoena in the same criminal investigation of the leak of information about the president’s new Air Force One plane.

Trump’s comments on the subpoenas came a day after the DOJ told a New York federal judge it was withdrawing those subpoenas for grand jury testimony by Times reporters and their phone records. The DOJ is investigating the leak of concerns about the security measures on the president’s Qatari-donated plane, which the Times wrote about earlier in July.

Judge Arun Subramanian had warned prosecutors on Thursday that if they did not voluntarily withdraw the subpoenas, he would quash them.

“We’re not after journalists,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Friday. “We’re after leakers. We’re after people that are cowards, people that are unpatriotic, people that are treasonous in many cases.”

“And the way you find them is through journalists,” the president said.

Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong announces limited-edition Radiant Red Les Paul Junior Epiphone guitar and Marshall Artist Signature amp

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 21:52:02 -0600

Green Day‘s Billie Joe Armstrong has announced a limited-edition Radiant Red Epiphone guitar and his first Artist Signature amplifier with Marshall.

The new Epiphone Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Junior has been developed with the musician and offers a bright red version of the stripped-back guitar model that has helped define his sound for more than two decades.

Available for a limited time, the guitar features a single-cutaway mahogany body, a set mahogany neck with a substantial ’50s Vintage profile and a rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets.

In keeping with Armstrong’s no-frills approach, it has just one Epiphone P-90 PRO pickup and two controls – master volume and tone – along with a nickel-plated Lightning Bar wraparound bridge.

A reproduction of Armstrong’s signature appears on the back of the headstock, while the guitar comes with a custom black hardshell case featuring a leopard-print interior.

Billie Joe Armstrong Radiant Red Les Paul Junior Epiphone guitar. CREDIT: Epiphone

Epiphone have described the model as being built around the straightforward punk-rock formula of “one pickup, two knobs, and absolutely no distractions”.

The guitar is available worldwide through authorised Epiphone retailers, Gibson Garage locations in London and Nashville, and the Epiphone website. It is currently listed by UK retailers for £489. Find out more here.

Armstrong has also partnered with Marshall on the 1959BJA Artist Signature, the amplifier company’s first artist signature model in 14 years.

The baby-blue amplifier head was first spotted behind Armstrong when Green Day performed at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Super Bowl in their native Bay Area.

Billie Joe Armstrong Marshall Artist Signature amp. CREDIT: Marshall

Based on Marshall’s handwired 1959HW platform, the new model includes a custom “Dookie Mod”, inspired by the guitar tone Armstrong developed with producer Rob Cavallo during the making of Green Day’s 1994 breakthrough album.

The design is a tribute to his first guitar, “Blue”, with baby-blue covering, brass and silver panel details and Armstrong’s signature appearing on both the front and rear panels.

“I’m so overjoyed to have my own signature Marshall amp,” Armstrong said. “These amps have been a part of my musical life, from my heroes down to little old me. Turn it the fuck up!”

Earlier this month, Green Day announced the soundtrack to their upcoming coming-of-age comedy Nimrods, which will be released on July 31.

The 22-track collection includes career-spanning favourites, four previously unreleased live recordings from the Hollywood Palladium and the new song ‘I’m Never Gonna R.I.P.’.

The film itself follows three friends who embark on a road trip after mistakenly believing that they have secured a support slot at a Green Day concert on New Year’s Eve. The band appear as themselves, with the film due to arrive in August.

Armstrong has also recently been performing with his covers band The Coverups. At two shows this month, he was joined by Iron Maiden frontman Bruce Dickinson for a rendition of David Bowie’s ‘All The Young Dudes’. The group also covered Nirvana’s ‘Drain You’, which Armstrong dedicated to late L7 bassist Jennifer Finch.

Green Day, meanwhile, released their most recent studio album, ‘Saviors’, in January 2024. In a four-star review, NME called it their “best work since ‘American Idiot’”, praising the band for combining “the best of Green Day” with a renewed sense of purpose.

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Worldpeace DMT Drop Mixtape and Announce Album

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 25 Jul 2026 21:52:02 -0600

Worldpeace DMT have released a new mixtape, Flowers Powers, in tandem with the announcement of their formal follow-up to The Velvet Underground & Rowan. The mixtape includes recent single “Lonesome” and a cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow Taxi.” Listen to the whole thing below. The album, Stick Around for Tea, is coming in October.

The London duo of Leo Fincham and the Femcels’ Rowan Please will embark on a rescheduled mini-tour of North America in October, with two nights apiece in New York (Baby’s All Right) and Los Angeles (Scribble one night, Oblivion the next), before a closer at Schubas in Chicago.

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DBP taps PHIVOLCS hazard platform to strengthen risk management

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has partnered with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) to integrate geohazard information into the bank’s risk management and lending operations.

Under the agreement, DBP will gain access to GeoRiskPH, PHIVOLCS’ science-based hazard information platform, to support evidence-based credit evaluations and data-driven business decisions.

“We view this partnership with PHIVOLCS as a tangible manifestation of how government agencies can strengthen their collaboration and leverage shared expertise in advancing a safer, more resilient, and sustainable Philippines,” DBP President and Chief Executive Officer Michael O. de Jesus said in a statement released Friday.

The partnership will allow DBP to use GeoRiskPH and its HazardHunterPH Pro application to assess the potential impact of natural hazards on loan collaterals, investments, acquired assets, branch locations, and other bank facilities.

GeoRiskPH is a centralized government platform that provides real-time hazard data and risk analysis to support geohazard mapping and vulnerability assessments for disaster preparedness.

DBP and PHIVOLCS will also conduct bank-wide capacity-building training on the use of the platform and HazardHunterPH Pro. The training will cover key business areas, including lending, branch banking, special assets, and credit appraisal.

Mr. De Jesus said the initiative would strengthen the DBP’s institutional resilience and support financing for projects that generate economic activity, particularly in the countryside.

DBP is the country’s ninth-largest bank, with total assets amounting to P1.041 trillion. It provides credit support to priority sectors such as infrastructure and logistics, micro, small and medium enterprises, the environment, and social services and community development. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Jak Roberto introduces Fuel Off-Road’s newest wheel innovation

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

Fuel Off-Road has officially named actor and automotive enthusiast Jak Roberto as its newest brand endorser, pairing the partnership with the launch of new wheel designs HC906 Halo and FC907 Heist.

Known for his passion for cars and vehicle customization, Jak Roberto embodies the adventurous and performance-driven lifestyle that Fuel Off-Road represents. The partnership reflects the brand’s commitment to inspiring truck and SUV owners to personalize their vehicles with premium aftermarket wheels built for both style and capability.

As more Filipino motorists invest in vehicles that can confidently handle both city streets and rugged terrain, aftermarket wheels have become an essential upgrade enhancing not only aesthetics but also durability and performance.

Fuel HC906 Halo

Leading Fuel Off-Road’s latest lineup is the HC906 Halo, a wheel engineered for truck owners seeking a bold yet refined appearance without compromising strength.

The Halo features a distinctive 10-spoke layout combined with high-strength cast construction, providing the durability required for both everyday driving and demanding off-road adventures. Its intricate spoke design delivers a premium look while maintaining the aggressive styling Fuel Off-Road is known for.

Adding to its premium appeal is Fuel Off-Road’s signature Floating Center Cap Technology, which keeps the brand logo upright and stationary while the wheel rotates. A covered-lug design further enhances its clean, modern appearance.

The HC906 Halo is available exclusively in 20-inch diameters, with 20×9 ET1 and 20×10 ET-18 configurations. It is designed to fit popular full-size trucks, including the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, Ram 1500, and Toyota Tundra. Blank-to-drill options are also available for specialized custom applications.

Fuel FC907 Heist

Joining the new lineup is the FC907 Heist, a wheel designed to combine dependable strength with sophisticated styling for trucks and Jeeps.

The Heist features a concave mesh design with wide-set spokes that create a clean, aggressive profile while maintaining the structural integrity needed for heavy-duty use and off-road adventures. Like the Halo, it utilizes robust cast construction to withstand demanding driving conditions.

The Heist also incorporates Fuel Off-Road’s Floating Center Cap Technology, ensuring the logo remains upright while in motion and complementing the wheel’s premium finish with its covered center cap.

Available exclusively in 20-inch diameters, the FC907 Heist offers offsets ranging from -18 mm to +1 mm, with dual-drilled 5-lug and 6-lug bolt patterns. Custom blank options provide additional flexibility, making the wheel compatible with a wide range of vehicles from Jeeps to one-ton pickup trucks.

Built for Style and Performance

Both the HC906 Halo and FC907 Heist are engineered to meet the demands of today’s truck and off-road enthusiasts. Featuring durable cast construction, premium finishes, Floating Center Cap Technology, and multiple fitment options, the new wheels deliver the perfect balance of performance, reliability, and modern styling.

Through this partnership, Fuel Off-Road and Jak Roberto aim to inspire automotive enthusiasts to build vehicles that reflect their personality while remaining ready for every journey whether on city streets or challenging off-road trails.

“As an automotive enthusiast myself, I believe every build tells a story,” said Jak Roberto. “Fuel Off-Road gives truck and SUV owners the opportunity to create a vehicle that reflects their lifestyle while delivering the performance and durability they need. I’m excited to be part of the Fuel Off-Road family and can’t wait to see more builds equipped with the new Halo and Heist wheels.”

The Fuel HC906 Halo and Fuel FC907 Heist are now available through Team Ridemax Philippines, the official distributor of Fuel Off-Road Wheels in the country.

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PEZA investment approvals plunge 40% in July

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

INVESTMENT APPROVALS by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) slumped by 40% to P11.21 billion in July, it said on Friday.

In a statement, PEZA said its approved 17 new and expansion projects equivalent to P11.21 billion, a 39.71% drop from the P18.6 billlion approved in the same month last year.

The projects are expected to generate $2.54 billion in exports, a 241.12% increase from the $744 million recorded last year.

The approved investments are seen to generate 2,907 jobs, it said.

“Despite the economic headwinds both locally and abroad, today’s investments are increasingly moving back toward more export-intensive and higher-value operations,” PEZA Director-General Tereso O. Panga said.

By industry, July approvals include six export manufacturing projects, four information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) enterprises, three domestic market enterprises, two ecozone development projects, and two facilities projects.

Eleven of the projects are in Region IV-A (CALABARZON), four in the National Capital Region, one in Region VII (Central Visayas), and one in Region XI (Davao Region).

The July approvals included four big-ticket projects worth P8.82 billion, which accounted for nearly 79% of approved investments for the month. These include two manufacturing projects in Batangas, an export enterprise in Davao del Norte, and an ecozone project in Cavite.

The top sources of investments in July were the Netherlands, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and the United States, PEZA said.

In the first seven months of the year, PEZA approved 174 new and expansion projects valued at P151.9 billion, up 66.99% from the P90.96-billion approved in the same period in 2025.

Approvals in the seven-month period accounted for half or 50.3% of PEZA’s P300-billion target for 2026.

The investments are expected to generate $5.91 billion in exports, a significant increase from the $2.003-billion export value recorded last year. These projects are expected to generate 26,047 jobs, PEZA said.

About 76 of the approved projects were in manufacturing, 28 in IT-BPM, 26 in ecozone development, while the other projects were in industries like facilities (15), logistics (13), domestic market (10), tourism (four), and utilities (two).

By location, 141 projects will be in Luzon, 22 in the Visayas, and 11 in Mindanao.

The top investment source for the period was the Netherlands, followed by South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Germany.

PEZA said it is bullish on its investment prospects in the second half as companies seek to diversify their operations and boost supply chain resiliency amid geopolitical uncertainties.

Sandiganbayan convicts Napoles, ex-DAR undersecretary over P50-M farm input scam

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

The Sandiganbayan convicted businesswoman Janet L. Napoles and former Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Undersecretary Jerry E. Pacturan over the diversion of P50 million in government funds intended for farm input assistance projects that were never implemented.

In a 237-page decision promulgated on Friday, penned by Sixth Division Chairperson Associate Justice Sarah Jane T. Fernandez, the anti-graft court found Ms. Napoles and Mr. Pacturan guilty on 10 counts of malversation through falsification of public documents over the release of P50 million to 10 non-government organizations (NGOs) controlled by Ms. Napoles.

The anti-graft court also found Ms. Napoles guilty on 10 counts of violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, but acquitted Mr. Pacturan of the graft charges after ruling that the prosecution failed to prove his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

The court ordered Ms. Napoles and Mr. Pacturan to reimburse P50 million to the National Treasury.

Evelyn D. de Leon, a former staff member of Ms. Napoles and former president of the Philippine Social Development Foundation, Inc. (PSDFI), was convicted on three counts each of malversation and graft, but acquitted on the remaining seven counts after the court found the prosecution failed to prove her guilt beyond reasonable doubt. She was also ordered to reimburse P15 million.

The court found that Mr. Pacturan conspired with former DAR Finance and Management Service Director Teresita M. Panlilio, former Chief Accountant Rowena B. Agbayani and several private individuals, including Ms. Napoles and Ms. De Leon, to facilitate the release of government funds to 10 NGOs controlled by Ms. Napoles for purported farm input projects.

It said Mr. Pacturan executed the 10 memoranda of agreement with the concerned local government units and NGOs without authority and despite apparent irregularities in the agreements.

The court also found that Ms. Napoles directed the preparation of fabricated request letters, falsified the signatures of municipal mayors and notaries public on the documents and memoranda of agreement, and used these to facilitate the release of the funds.

The cases arose from the alleged diversion of P50 million in DAR regular funds earmarked for farm input assistance for 10 local government units in Luzon.

The cases against Simplicio M. Gumafelix and Eulogio B. Rodriguez were dismissed following their deaths, while Ms. Agbayani, Ronald John Lim, Jr. and John Raymund de Asis remain at large. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez

Nissan extends support to Mindanao earthquake-affected communities

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

Nissan backs relief efforts of the Philippine Red Cross and Angat Buhay Foundation

In response to the earthquake that affected communities across Mindanao in June 2026, Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) expresses its solidarity with the Filipino people by extending its support to the Philippine Red Cross and the Angat Buhay Foundation, aiding families as they recover from the disaster.

The Japanese automaker, together with its employees, donated to both the Philippine Red Cross and the Angat Buhay Foundation to support each organization’s ongoing humanitarian initiatives and help communities rebuild.

Nissan donation to Angat Buhay, presented to Executive Director Raffy Magno and the Angat Buhay team

“During difficult times, it’s important for us to be there for the communities we serve,” said Yoshinori Kanazawa, President of Nissan Philippines. “We’re thankful to the Philippine Red Cross and Angat Buhay for the important work they do in supporting those affected by disasters. We hope these donations can help bring some relief to families as they recover and rebuild.”

The joint efforts with the Philippine Red Cross continue Nissan Philippines’ long-standing disaster response initiatives with the organization, helping reinforce programs that provide immediate humanitarian assistance to communities affected by natural disasters. Meanwhile, Nissan Philippines continues its partnership with the Angat Buhay Foundation in supporting outreach efforts that assist vulnerable families during times of crisis.

As communities continue their recovery, Nissan Philippines remains committed to supporting initiatives that help Filipinos rebuild and move forward together.

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Big Brother Spoilers: New HOH Nominates Three Houseguests, But Who’s the Real Target?

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

It’s hard to believe it, but we’re around a quarter of the way through Big Brother Season 28!

With Rome out of the game and Kamu becoming the third Head of Household of the summer, the big question was who would find themselves on the block.

When the feeds returned on Thursday evening, the scheming was already in full swing, with Kamu holding one-on-ones before telling his allies that the biggest move this week would be taking out Jason.

(CBS/Screenshot)

It makes a lot of sense because Jason emerged as a major target during last week’s infamous nominations ceremony.

His game was blown wide open, and he has spent the last week trying to reconfigure his alliances and build new relationships to stay in the game.

But after Rome left the house, Jason was the natural next target. The fact that he won the Big Brother Blockbuster competition only makes him an even bigger threat.

The big question was whether Jason would go straight onto the block.

Kamu was initially against a backdoor target, but his allies quickly changed his mind.

He also wanted to target Mallory, but Angela told Mallory she would do everything in her power to make sure that didn’t happen.

Angela Tries to Save Mallory on Big Brother

And so she did.

It didn’t make much of an impact, though, because Kamu eventually agreed to put Lyric, Latrice, and Mallory up as the initial nominees.

The plan, as of early Friday morning, was to pull Lyric down with the Power of Veto and send Jason up in her place, with the goal of sending him out the door next Thursday.

But no plan ever goes completely smoothly in the Big Brother house, so Mallory seems to be the backup target for now.

There’s no telling whether Kamu will change his mind overnight, particularly because he seems so close to Drew.

I’m going to be honest: I threw up in my mouth a little when Kamu compared them to Big Brother Season 16‘s Derrick Levasseur and Cody Calafiore.

Remember, Drew is cutting deals left, right, and center, so Kamu is going to be stunned when the truth about Drew inevitably comes out.

The good news is that Angela, Dee, and Haley are already onto Drew and seem to want him exposed.

The issue is that Kamu is so close to him, and I don’t think this would be the best time for him to make such a move.

So, what did Kamu decide to do?

When the Big Brother Live Feeds returned on Friday afternoon, Lyric, Latrice, and [House were on the block.

What are your thoughts on the nominations and the initial plan to go after Jason on this reality TV hit? Do you think it will be a worthwhile endeavor, or is Mallory the bigger fish to fry?

What’s your take on Kamu and Drew? Do you think they’re genuinely working together, or are they both just playing each other at this point?

Big Brother Season 28’s third week is in full swing, with a new Head of Household, three nominees, and a new backdoor target.
The power has shifted on Big Brother. Check out the latest Head of Household spoilers inside for the full rundown.
Big Brother just sent another houseguest out the door, but who secured their safety first? Let’s discuss the second eviction.

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Trump sued over new tariffs, experts say courts may scrap them

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

People watch as the Doris Ocean container ship departs from the Port of Los Angeles, in Los Angeles, May 28, 2026.

Mario Tama | Getty Images

President Donald Trump‘s global “liberation day” tariffs were struck down in the courts, shattering the cornerstone of his trade agenda. Some trade experts say his newest duties could meet the same fate — and they’ve already caught their first legal challenge.

The Trump administration on Friday imposed broad tariffs on goods from more than 80 countries, alleging they have failed to effectively prohibit the use of forced labor practices.

The latest tariffs — applying to trade partners that cover 99.4% of U.S. trade — were brought under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which enables the government to impose import levies in response to unfair trade practices.

Section 301 has been used many times across presidential administrations to threaten or impose tariffs — including against China during Trump’s first administration. But Trump is “using the statute in a fundamentally different way,” Peter Harrell, visiting scholar at Georgetown University Law Center’s Institute of International Economic Law, told CNBC.

Section 301 was “never intended for the president to just wholesale rewrite the tariff schedule” and impose “permanent” duties, Harrell said, adding that Trump’s latest use of it could “for sure” be struck down in court.

Trump appears to see Section 301 as a key pathway for more tariffs. On Friday, he declared that the U.S. will “immediately” start a 301 investigation into the EU in retaliation for the hefty fines it has imposed on U.S. tech giants. It was the latest in a flurry of tariff actions Trump has taken in recent days, including slapping 25% duties on Brazilian imports — also via Section 301 — and vowing 50% tariffs on some goods from Canada.

The legal battle over the newest tariffs has already begun. Just hours after they took effect, two small businesses sued, arguing that the government is using Section 301 as a pretext to re-create the same global tariff regime that the Supreme Court torpedoed five months earlier.

The new lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, notes that the Section 301 tariffs took effect right as another batch of tariffs expired.

Those lapsed duties, brought under Section 122 of the 1974 law, were announced by Trump mere hours after the Supreme Court struck down his global tariffs on Feb. 20. By using the Section 122 authority, those tariffs had a set end date.

The high court had ruled that the law Trump used to unilaterally slap tariffs on nearly every other country — the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, or IEEPA — did not actually authorize that action.

Friday’s lawsuit argues that Trump’s new tariffs, while ostensibly aimed at addressing forced labor practices, are “designed to preserve substantially the same broad tariff regime that this Court and the Supreme Court have held Congress did not authorize.”

Section 301 “is not a freestanding authorization to tax substantially all imports from substantially all trading partners at rates selected to replicate the invalidated IEEPA tariff regime rather than to eliminate identified foreign practices,” the suit says.

The Trump administration has insisted it’s not merely looking for ways to resurrect its “liberation day.”

Addressing forced labor “is something that President Trump has been focused on … for many years,” a senior administration official told reporters Thursday in a call about the tariffs.

As for the timing, the official said, “We’re implementing this at this moment really to avoid complexity.”

A spokesperson for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative did not immediately respond to a request from CNBC seeking comment on the lawsuit.

The new lawsuit was brought by the Liberty Justice Center, which represented plaintiffs in the successful challenge of Trump’s use of IEEPA.

The legal nonprofit contends the Trump administration “cannot preserve a predetermined global tariff policy simply by moving from one statute to another.”

Other experts contacted by CNBC agreed.

“In my view, the Section 301 tariffs are clearly unlawful,” Kimberly Clausing, a professor of tax law at the UCLA School of Law and a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said by email.

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Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

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Barry Can’t Swim goes full French touch on euphoric new single ‘Dance Dance Dance’

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

Barry Can’t Swim has gone full French touch on his euphoric new single ‘Dance Dance Dance’ – listen below.

The Edinburgh-born producer and DJ released the track today (July 24), marking his second single this year with Atlantic Records, after ‘Return To Bhibo’ arrived in May.

Inspired by the golden era of French touch, ‘Dance Dance Dance’ sees Barry – real name Joshua Mainnie – pair shimmering synths and buoyant electronic beats with a playful keytar solo and euphoric French-language vocals.

While ‘Return To Bhibo’ captured the producer’s emotionally charged, club-focused side, the new track finds him moving into more flamboyant and colourful territory.

Listen to ‘Dance Dance Dance’ below.

The single follows a busy run of activity in the US for Mainnie, including walking in KidSuper’s SS27 runway show in Miami and hosting a surprise pop-up party in Brooklyn.

He was also carried the official match ball onto the pitch ahead of Scotland’s World Cup game against Brazil in Miami last month, alongside Brazilian DJ Mochakk. The pair later played a back-to-back set at the city’s Club Space.

At the start of the year, Barry Can’t Swim announced his own ‘Late Night Tales’ compilation and shared the single ‘Chala (My Soul Is On A Loop)’ to accompany it.

The mix arrived in March as the first instalment in the long-running series for over five years, as part of its 25th anniversary celebrations. It included tracks from the likes of O’Flynn, Factory Floor, This Mortal Coil and Daniel Avery, alongside some of Mainnie’s own material.

Barry Can’t Swim released his second studio album ‘Loner’ last year, featuring the singles ‘Still Riding’, ‘The Person You’d Like To Be’, ‘Different’ and ‘Kimpton’.

It followed his Mercury Prize-nominated 2023 debut album ‘When Will We Land?’, and speaking about ‘Loner’ at the time, he said: “If my first album was a collage of all the music I loved and was inspired by growing up, then this album is the most authentic expression I could offer of myself and my life over the past year.”

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Ministry Announce Final Album and Farewell Tour

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 24 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

Ministry are calling it a day. Al Jourgensen has followed through on his long-promised announcement of a final album from the industrial metal outfit—Hate to Go (Take Out or Delivery)—saying in a statement that he is “fucking done.” A series of farewell shows will begin in the coming months; check out the initial European run, supported by Die Krupps, below, along with a few previously announced U.S. dates. The band has also shared the Joshua Bradford-directed video for the topical, politically charged new song “Burned Out.”

Hate to Go (Take Out or Delivery) is due October 30, via Clepoatra. A full North American tour will follow. Jourgensen added in the press release, “I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished. I’m amazed at the path that it’s taken, from With Sympathy to where we’re at today, and all points in between. It’s been quite a ride, but I’m completely at peace with the fact that it’s done. It’s time to herd goats.”

Check out the album art and tracklist below. Classic lineup member Paul Barker returns for closer “We’re Still Here.”

Hate to Go (Take Out or Delivery):
01 Crickets
02 Voices of Hate
03 Clown Car
04 We Hate
05 Delete
06 Grifter
07 The White Man Lied*
08 Singularity
09 Burned Out
10 We’re Still Here [ft. Paul Barker]

Ministry:
09-15 Morrison, CO – Red Rocks
09-20 Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life
10-03 Chicago, IL – Salt Shed
10-24 Fort Worth, TX – Sick New World Texas
04-02-27 Utrecht, Netherlands – Ronda ^
04-03-27 Saarbrücken, Germany – Garage ^
04-04-27 Brussels, Belgium – Ancienne Belgique ^
04-06-27 Manchester, England – O2 Victoria Warehouse ^
04-07-27 Dublin, Ireland – 3Olympia ^
04-09-27 Nottingham, England – Rock City ^
04-10-27 London, England – Troxy ^
04-12-27 Paris, France – Bataclan ^
04-14-27 Madrid, Spain – La Riviera ^
04-15-27 Barcelona, Spain – Paral-lel ^
04-17-27 Lausanne, Switzerland – Docks ^
04-18-27 Munich, Germany – Tonhalle ^
04-19-27 Vienna, Austria – Gasometer ^
04-21-27 Prague, Czechia – Forum Karlín ^
04-22-27 Warsaw, Poland – Progresja ^
04-24-27 Berlin, Germany – Columbiahalle ^
04-25-27 Hamburg, Germany – Grosse Freiheit 36 ^
04-26-27 Copenhagen, Denmark – Amager Bio ^
04-27-27 Oslo, Norway – Rockefeller ^
04-29-27 Stockholm, Sweden – Fållan ^
05-01-27 Helsinki, Finland – House of Culture ^

^ with Die Krupps

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Agora powers AI smart cane for elderly care

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:49:07 -0600

Real-time engagement platform Agora is powering an artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled smart cane developed by Lgenie, allowing older adults to interact with the device through low-latency voice conversations designed for outdoor and everyday use.

The collaboration highlights a broader shift in AI adoption, with developers increasingly embedding conversational AI into physical devices used in healthcare, smart homes, education, robotics, and mobility instead of limiting the technology to chatbots and software applications.

“The smart cane is one of the earliest examples of AI moving from screens into the physical world. The technology adapts to the person, instead of expecting the person to adapt to the technology,” Agora Physical AI Product head Xiao Dong Feng said in an email interview with BusinessWorld.

The AI-powered smart cane designed to support older adults enables users to ask questions and seek assistance through natural voice conversations while walking, without having to stop and operate a smartphone or other screen-based device.

Mr. Feng said the challenge was not building an intelligent AI model, but ensuring that the device remains dependable in real-world conditions.

“An older adult doesn’t judge the product by the sophistication of the model. They judge it by whether it responds when they’re standing at a busy intersection, whether it still hears them when traffic is loud, or whether they have to repeat themselves several times before getting an answer,” he said.

Lgenie integrated Agora’s Conversational AI Engine to improve reliability, which combines speech recognition, speech activity detection, and full-duplex voice streaming to support low-latency conversations, real-time interruption handling, and stable audio performance even under changing network conditions.

According to Agora, the deployment achieved an average response latency of about 400 milliseconds, while also improving conversational stability and interruption handling during user interactions.

Mr. Feng said making conversations feel natural is equally important because users should be able to speak the way they normally do instead of adjusting their behavior for the technology.

“Good AI answers questions, but great AI reduces hesitation. When people stop wondering whether the AI will understand them and simply continue talking, that’s when technology begins to feel genuinely useful,” he said.

He added that users who initially spoke cautiously to the device eventually became comfortable interrupting the AI, asking follow-up questions, and changing topics naturally.

“People don’t consciously decide to trust technology. Trust develops when they stop thinking about the technology altogether,” Mr. Feng said.

Agora said AI-powered assistive devices could play a growing role in countries such as the Philippines, where the number of older adults is expected to increase in the coming years.

The company said the Philippines is expected to become an ageing society by 2030, with people aged 60 and above accounting for more than 10% of the population. At the same time, smartphone adoption is projected to reach 92% by 2030, while more than half of mobile connections are expected to run on 5G networks.

Mr. Feng said AI should complement rather than replace caregivers by extending assistance beyond the moments when family members are physically present.

“Family members provide empathy, judgement, and emotional support that technology cannot replace. Where AI can make a meaningful contribution is by extending care beyond the moments when a caregiver is physically present,” he said.

Looking ahead, Mr. Feng said the next phase of AI development will focus less on making models more intelligent and more on making AI dependable enough to integrate naturally into daily life.

“The best AI won’t constantly demand our attention,” he said. “It will quietly provide support at the moments when it’s genuinely useful.”

Through its partnership with Lgenie, Agora said it aims to expand the use of conversational AI across healthcare, education, smart home technologies, mobility, and other connected devices that require reliable real-time interaction. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba

Ocean economy’s share in GDP slips to 4-year low

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Isa Jane D. Acabal, Researcher

OCEAN-BASED INDUSTRIES’ contribution to the Philippine economy dropped to a four-year low in 2025, weighed down by a decline in fishery production amid softer global trade, weather disruptions and higher operating costs, analysts said.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed the ocean economy accounted for 3.8% of the gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices in 2025, slipping from the revised 3.9% in 2024.

The sector’s share of GDP was the lowest since the 3.7% posted in 2021.

In terms of gross value added (GVA), the ocean economy grew by 5.3% to P1.08 trillion in 2025 from P1.02 trillion a year earlier. This was slower than the 6.2% expansion in 2024, and marked the weakest growth in five years, or since the 25.6% contraction in 2020 at the height of the pandemic.

“The slightly lower share of the ocean economy in GDP in 2025 can be attributed to ongoing declines in commercial fisheries and marine municipal fishery production brought about by fish stock depletion and habitat degradation,” Cid L. Terosa, an associate professor of economics at the University of Asia and the Pacific, said in an e-mail.

According to the PSA’s Fisheries Situation Report, fishery production reached 3.96 million metric tons (MT) in 2025, down 2.5% from 4.06 million MT in 2024.

“While ocean-based industries continued to grow by a healthy 5.3%, they faced headwinds from softer global trade, weather-related disruptions, and higher operating costs, which tempered growth compared with previous years,” Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said in a Viber message.

Among ocean-based activities, ocean fishing accounted for the biggest share of the total ocean economy at 24.1%, equivalent to P259.59 billion.

This was followed by manufacture of ocean-based products (21.3% share or P229.03 billion), sea-based transportation and storage (16.3% or P175.74 billion), and coastal accommodation and food and beverage service activities (12.1% or P130.27 billion).

Maritime safety, surveillance, and resource management posted the highest growth year on year at 31.7%, amounting to P63.87 billion in 2025 from P48.49 billion a year ago.

Marine insurance expanded by 29.6% to P16.32 billion, while sea-based transportation and storage grew by 10.8%.

Meanwhile, coastal recreation logged the biggest decline at 16.4% to P52.85 billion, a reversal of the 6.6% growth in 2024.

In 2025, the ocean economy generated 2.46 million jobs, up by 3.4% from 2.38 million in 2024. It accounted for 5% of total employment in the country last year.

By activity, ocean fishing had the largest share in the total ocean-based employment at 37.8% or 928,000 persons employed, followed by sea-based transportation and storage (23.6% or 580,000), and coastal accommodation and food and beverage service activities (21.7% or 534,000).

Mr. Terosa expects moderate overall performance for the country’s ocean economy this year.

“Fuel-dependent maritime production activities will be constrained by high energy costs due to the Middle East war. Commercial and ocean fishing will continue to underperform due to climate-related risks, weather disturbances, and resource depletion,” he said.

“Meanwhile, sea-based transportation and storage activities, coastal construction, and maritime tourism will continue to ride the wave, benefiting from a strong momentum that started in late 2025,” he added.

Mr. Ravelas said continued investments in ports, logistics, tourism, aquaculture, and other blue economy initiatives will drive growth in the sector.

Philippine car sales slump as demand remains weak

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

PHILIPPINE VEHICLE SALES dropped by 8% in June, dragging first semester sales 11.4% lower as weak demand continued to weigh on the market, industry data showed.

A joint report by the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA) showed auto sales slid to 37,231 units in June from 40,483 units sold in the same month a year ago.

However, month on month, total car sales jumped by 11% from 33,532 units sold in May.

Vehicle sales in June were the highest since December’s 42,870, but the 8% annual drop was the weakest decline since the 6.6% contraction recorded in February.

Including other industry data, CAMPI said vehicle sales reached 42,000 in June, an 18.7% increase from a month ago.

For the January-to-June period, total vehicle sales declined by 11.4% to 204,557 units from 230,912 units sold a year ago.

Passenger car sales dropped by 11.3% to 40,503 units during the six-month period. Commercial vehicle sales slipped by 11.4% to 164,054 units, as all segments showed a decline in sales.

In a statement on Thursday, CAMPI President Jose Maria M. Atienza said he expects vehicle sales to improve in the second half, following the entry of new electric vehicle (EV) and internal combustion engine (ICE) models in the market.

Passenger car sales, which accounted for 21.65% of industry sales, rose by 16.5% to 8,061 units in June from 6,922 units last year. Month on month, sales jumped by 20.5% from 6,692 units.

On the other hand, sales of commercial vehicles, which made up 78.35% of the total, declined by 13.1% to 29,170 units in June from 33,561 a year ago. On a monthly basis, commercial vehicle sales increased by 8.7% from 26,840 units.

Under the commercial vehicle segment, light commercial vehicle sales dropped by 14.9% year on year to 21,709 units in June, while sales of Asian utility vehicles (AUVs) slid by 5.4% to 6,812 units.

Sales of light-duty and medium-duty trucks in June fell by 31.8% and 20.7% to 363 units and 215 units, respectively. On the other hand, sales of heavy-duty trucks in June increased by 22.4% to 71 units.

John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said vehicle sales in June declined as high borrowing costs and geopolitical uncertainty have made households more selective about discretionary spending.

“The annual decline likely reflects a higher base last year, continued caution among consumers amid elevated borrowing costs and living expenses, and some uncertainty affecting big-ticket purchases,” he said in a Viber message.

Mr. Rivera noted that the month-on-month improvement in vehicle sales was likely driven by midyear promotions offered by car companies, as well as improved vehicle availability.

For the second half, he expects vehicle sales to post modest growth, but global uncertainties will likely weigh on consumer confidence and financing conditions.

“For the rest of 2026, car sales are likely to post modest growth, supported by easing inflation, a gradually improving interest rate environment, and sustained economic activity,” Mr. Rivera said.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said he expects a gradual recovery in auto sales for the rest of the year.

“Looking ahead, lower inflation, easing interest rates, and steady remittances should support a gradual recovery in auto sales during the second half, although buyers will likely remain price-sensitive amid renewed geopolitical risks,” he said in a Viber message.

EV SALES STRONG
Meanwhile, EV sales remained strong in June as supply grew more stable, Mr. Atienza said.

According to CAMPI and TMA data, total EV (xEV) sales more than doubled to 6,995 units in June from the 3,057 units sold in the same month last year.

The segment, which includes battery EV (BEV), plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV), and hybrid EV (HEV), also posted a 16% month-on-month increase from the 6,032 units sold in May.

In the January-to-June period, xEV sales surged by 132.7% to 31,381 units from 13,488 units sold in the year-ago period.

In June alone, BEVs accounted for nearly half of sales with 3,193 units, up 383.8% year on year. This brought six-month sales to 8,702 units, surging by 256.8% year on year.

PHEV sales skyrocketed by 3,902.4% to 1,681 units in June, bringing the six-month tally up by 3,356.9% to 5,531.

On the other hand, HEV sales fell by 9.9% to 2,121 units in June, but sales for the six-month period jumped by 57.5% to 17,148 units.

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. remained the market leader as of end-June even as sales declined by 9.3% to 100,909 units.

This was followed by Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp., which saw a 17.5% drop in sales to 36,321 units in the six-month period.

Suzuki Phils., Inc. came in third despite a 13.7% decline in sales to 9,262 units as of end June.

Ford Motor Company Phils. Inc. placed fourth even as sales slipped by 32.1% to 7,435 units. Nissan Philippines, Inc. ranked fifth despite a 41.6% drop in sales to 6,921 units.

Small businesses brace for wage hike in NCR

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Mark Joseph M. Sanchez

FILIPINO entrepreneur Wilson Lee Flores has kept Kamuning Bakery Café’s pandesal affordable through inflation spikes, supply disruptions and surging electricity bills.

As Metro Manila’s higher minimum wage takes effect on July 25, however, the owner of the 87-year-old bakery says preserving that balance between fair pay for workers and affordable prices for customers is becoming even more difficult.

“We support the goal of giving workers better wages because every employee deserves fair compensation and a better quality of life,” Mr. Flores told BusinessWorld via Viber.

“However, this latest wage increase also comes at a time when many small businesses nationwide are already struggling with rising costs of food ingredients, electricity, rent and transportation.”

His dilemma mirrors that of many micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) preparing for the National Capital Region’s (NCR) latest wage adjustment.

Rather than resorting to layoffs, many business owners said they would try to improve productivity, reduce waste and absorb part of the higher labor costs, while calling on the government to expand support programs for small businesses.

Under Wage Order No. 27, the daily minimum wage for nonagricultural workers in Metro Manila will increase by P60 to P755 from P695 on July 25 and rise further by P25 to P780 on Jan. 20 next year.

Agricultural workers, employees of retail and service establishments employing 15 or fewer workers, and manufacturing firms with fewer than 10 regular employees will receive corresponding increases, with their daily minimum wage rising to P718 and later to P743 from P658.

The wage increase comes as MSMEs, which account for more than 99% of registered businesses in the Philippines, continue to face higher costs for raw materials, electricity, rent and logistics.

Mr. Flores said Kamuning Bakery has little room to raise prices because its products are staples for students, senior citizens and low-income households.

“As much as possible, we will try to absorb the higher costs instead of passing them on to consumers. Our business is known for affordable and good quality breads and pastries, so we cannot increase prices,” he said.

Instead, the bakery plans to improve efficiency by training employees to perform multiple tasks, investing in energy-saving equipment, and reducing production waste through better planning.

Mr. Flores said broader government support would help businesses adapt without sacrificing jobs or raising prices.

He proposed temporary wage subsidies during the transition period, easier access to financing for equipment upgrades and digital systems, stronger tax incentives, lower electricity costs, improved transport infrastructure, skill training programs and simpler regulatory requirements.

Maria Avelaine S. Avellana, founder of CYO Charcoal Grilled Hotdog & Burgers, said small businesses recognize the need to improve workers’ incomes but are also operating on increasingly thin margins.

“As a micro business owner, I understand that the wage increase is intended to help workers cope with the rising cost of living, and I support the goal of providing fair compensation,” she told BusinessWorld through LinkedIn chat. “But from the perspective of MSMEs, this is really a major challenge.”

She said many people mistakenly equate high sales with strong profitability.

“From our daily sales, we still have to deduct the cost of ingredients, rent, utilities, government contributions, taxes, maintenance and labor costs. As a result, what is left for management to sustain the business in the long term is very small,” she said in mixed English and Filipino.

Ms. Avellana said her company operates under the Barangay Micro Business Enterprise (BMBE) Act, which exempts qualified enterprises from statutory minimum wage requirements. She said the measure has helped the business manage labor costs while maintaining employment.

“We do not want to immediately pass all of the additional costs on to our customers through price increases,” she said.

She added that the long-term solution lies in improving productivity rather than relying solely on wage adjustments. She urged the government to strengthen productivity and digitalization programs, expand financing and tax incentives, improve market access, and promote greater awareness of the BMBE law, noting that many entrepreneurs remain unfamiliar with its benefits.

Businesses outside Metro Manila echoed similar concerns even though they are not covered by the NCR wage order.

Gemma A. Berania, chief executive officer at Libro Espresso Ventures, Inc., said the company would prioritize operational efficiency before considering price adjustments.

Evianne T. Añonuevo, operations manager at Maru’s Food Lounge and Beachfront Rooms in Occidental Mindoro, said the business is reviewing cost-saving measures, product development and possible price increases.

The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) earlier sought the suspension of Wage Order No. 27, arguing that the increase could worsen inflation, discourage investment and compel MSMEs to reduce hiring, shorten working hours or shut down because of higher labor costs.

‘STILL INSUFFICIENT’
Labor groups and economists rejected those arguments, saying similar predictions have repeatedly failed to materialize after previous wage increases.

“We recognize that some MSMEs face genuine financial pressures,” Federation of Free Workers National President Jose Sonny G. Matula told BusinessWorld via Viber. “However, the law already provides relief through exemptions for qualified Barangay Micro Business Enterprises and other establishments that meet the criteria under wage rules. It is therefore inaccurate to portray all MSMEs as equally burdened.”

Mr. Matula said higher wages stimulate consumer spending, benefiting small businesses because workers themselves are customers.

He urged the government to help MSMEs through easier access to credit, tax incentives, lower electricity costs, regulatory reforms, digitalization programs, productivity training and stronger enforcement against smuggling and cartels instead of restraining wage growth.

“The wage hike is welcome but still insufficient,” he said. “It provides immediate relief, but it does not fully offset the steep increases in the prices of food, transportation, rent, electricity and other essentials.”

IBON Foundation Executive Director Jose Enrique A. Africa likewise disputed claims that higher wages inevitably lead to layoffs.

“Labor costs are on average just 11% of total business costs across all enterprises of all sizes in all sectors nationwide,” he told BusinessWorld, citing government data.

He estimated that the entire P85 wage increase in Metro Manila would amount to only about 5.3% of average MSME profits.

Mr. Africa said businesses typically absorb wage increases through a combination of slightly lower profits, reduced discretionary spending or limited price adjustments rather than cutting workers.

He noted that replacing experienced employees is often more expensive than retaining them, especially for small firms already operating with lean staffing.

He added that stronger household incomes ultimately support local demand, helping MSMEs sell more goods and services.

For entrepreneurs such as Mr. Flores, the challenge now is finding enough efficiency gains to preserve both jobs and affordable prices while paying higher wages — a balance many small businesses say will depend not only on their own adjustments but also on how quickly government support reaches them.

NG budget deficit widens in June

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT’S (NG) budget deficit widened by 9.39% in June as spending outpaced revenue growth, although the first-half fiscal gap remained broadly in line with the government’s program, Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) data showed.

In a statement on Thursday, the Treasury said the budget gap ballooned to P264.3 billion from P241.6 billion in the same month last year.

“The 9.39% (or P22.7-billion) increase in the fiscal gap was underpinned by a 5.51% year-over-year growth in expenditures outpacing the 2.46% increase in revenue collection,” the BTr said.

Month on month, the budget balance widened from the P198.5-billion deficit in May.

Government expenditures increased by 5.51% to P578.7 billion in June from P548.5 billion a year ago. The BTr said faster spending was driven by local government units’ higher share of the National Tax Allotment, and subsidy releases to government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCC) such as Food Terminal, Inc. for the implementation of the Rice-for-All Program.

The Treasury also attributed the increase in disbursements to direct payments made by development partners to suppliers or contractors of various foreign-assisted rail transport projects of the Department of Transportation.

Primary expenditure (net of interest payments) rose by 5.14% to P516.3 billion in June from P491.1 billion in the same month last year. This accounted for 89.22% of total disbursements.

Interest payments increased by 8.73% to P62.4 billion from P57.4 billion a year prior.

In June, NG recorded a primary deficit of P201.9 billion, widening by 9.59% from the P184.2-billion gap a year ago.

Meanwhile, total revenue collection went up by 2.46% to P314.5 billion from P306.9 billion in the same month a year ago, as higher tax revenues failed to offset a 43.53% decline in nontax revenues.

Tax revenues, which accounted for the bulk or 95.2% of total collections, rose by 6.86% to P299.3 billion from P280.1 billion a year ago.

Collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) increased by 5.07% to P210.7 billion in June from P200.5 billion a year prior. Bureau of Customs (BoC) collections jumped by 11.88% to P86.2 billion from P77 billion a year earlier.

The Treasury attributed the higher BIR collections to “intensified tax administration and enforcement efforts, ongoing modernization initiatives, and improved taxpayer compliance.”

On the other hand, nontax revenues plunged to P15.1 billion in June from P26.8 billion a year ago.

Broken down, the Treasury’s revenues slumped by 58.45% to P6.7 billion, while revenues from other offices slid by 21.17% to P8.5 billion.

The Treasury attributed the decline to earlier remittance of dividends this year.

SIX-MONTH BUDGET GAP
For the January-to-June period, the fiscal gap widened by 2.79% to P786.8 billion from the P765.5-billion deficit last year, BTr data showed.

This represented 47.4% of the upwardly revised P1.66-trillion program approved by the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC).

Total revenue collections rose by 5.67% to P2.39 trillion in the six-month period from P2.26 trillion recorded in the same period a year ago. This was 49.68% of the P4.81 trillion program for the year.

As of end-June, tax revenues increased by 5.38% to P2.14 trillion, as BIR collections went up by 4.96% to P1.63 trillion and Customs collections rose by 7.21% to P491.9 billion.

“The year-to-date improvement in (BIR) collections was driven by higher collections from corporate income tax, personal income tax, value-added tax (VAT), other percentage taxes, and miscellaneous taxes,” the Treasury said.

It attributed the increase in BoC collections to a 10.34% rise in VAT collection, mainly due to higher oil prices.

“These gains effectively offset the 2.73% drop in excise collections, partly due to the decline in the volume of oil imports and the temporary suspension of excise tax on LPG and kerosene,” it added.

Nontax revenues increased by 8.26% to P246.5 billion as of end-June, as a 25.79% jump in BTr income to P182.7 billion offset the 22.63% drop in other offices’ revenues to P63.8 billion.

Meanwhile, expenditures increased by 4.94% to P3.18 trillion in the January-to-June period from P3.03 trillion a year ago. This was already 49.1% of the DBCC’s P6.47-trillion disbursement program.

The primary budget deficit narrowed by 13.56% to P303.1 billion in the first six months from P350.7 billion in the same period last year.

‘ALWAYS CONFIDENT’
Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said that he remains confident the fiscal level will remain within target for the second half of the year.

“We are always confident,” he told reporters on Thursday. “The DoF is confident about the abilities of our revenue-generating agencies to be able to meet their targets for the second half of the year.”

According to BTr, the first-half gap was P1.4 billion or 0.17% narrower than the government’s P788.2-billion program.

Total revenue collections missed the P2.388.5-trillion target by just 0.01%, after tax revenues missed the P2.16-trillion program by 0.77%. Nontax revenues exceeded the first-half program of P230.2 billion by 7.09%.

First-half expenditures were also lower by just 0.05% compared with the P3.176-trillion program for the six-month period.

The primary deficit was 2.16% higher than the P296.7-billion gap under the program.

“Looking ahead, we believe the government still has room to continue pump-priming the economy in the second half of the year while remaining within its fiscal targets,” China Banking Corp. Chief Economist Domini S. Velasquez said in a Viber message.

However, she warned that NG’s fiscal space is becoming increasingly constrained.

“As such, we expect public spending to be focused on high-multiplier investments, particularly infrastructure and labor-generating projects, which are likely to provide the greatest boost to growth while preserving fiscal sustainability,” she added.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the war in the Middle East led to weaker economic growth which slowed down government revenues.

“Reform measures to further improve the NG’s fiscal performance and debt management, as well as priority reform measures… would help increase government revenues and reduce government expenditures,” he said in a Viber message.

However, Mr. Ricafort said the expected acceleration in second-half spending “would fundamentally widen the budget deficit in the coming months.”

La Likha turns Filipino textiles into sustainable furniture

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

Traditional Filipino textiles are finding a place beyond fashion as architecture and furniture studio La Likha incorporates locally woven fabrics and Philippine-made nonwoven materials into contemporary furniture, demonstrating how local craftsmanship can support sustainable design.

The furniture brand La Likha was established in March as the furniture design arm of Licup Architects, with the goal of combining architecture, functionality, and Filipino cultural heritage through locally sourced materials, La Likha founder and architect Zion Enrico R. Licup said in an interview with BusinessWorld.

“We wanted to create contemporary furniture using Filipino textiles,” he said, adding that his interest in traditional fabrics such as Yakan weaving inspired the venture.

According to Mr. Licup, the concept first emerged from an office project in Marikina City where the firm explored integrating Filipino textiles into furniture. It later collaborated with the Department of Science and Technology–Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), combining handwoven fabrics from local weaving communities with the institute’s nonwoven banana fiber.

The banana fiber serves as the furniture’s backing layer, while traditional woven textiles remain the visible upholstery.

Mr. Licup said the collaboration supports the firm’s broader commitment to sustainability, noting that the construction sector contributes significantly to global carbon emissions.

“We want our textiles to come from local materials that are biodegradable. Instead of relying on conventional materials that take many years to decompose, banana fiber has the potential to break down naturally,” he said.

Beyond its environmental benefits, banana fiber also offers greater flexibility than conventional foam, making it suitable for curved furniture designs. However, because of its coarse texture, the material is currently used only as an interior layer rather than an exposed seating surface.

“That’s why we only use it as backing,” he said, expressing hope that future innovations would make the material smoother and suitable for wider applications.

Furniture development begins with form-finding and ergonomic studies before La Likha works directly with weaving communities, including artisans in Basilan, to secure permission to incorporate their textiles into its designs.

The furniture is manufactured in Pampanga using locally sourced wood, steel, upholstery, and stitching materials, reflecting the company’s commitment to minimizing the environmental impact of imported products.

According to Mr. Licup, one challenge was preventing banana fibers from separating during production. The team addressed this by bonding the fibers to woven textiles before fabrication, creating a more stable material for furniture-making.

He added that nonwoven textiles could eventually be used beyond furniture, including in acoustic panels, partitions, lighting installations, and other interior applications.

“So far, we’ve made around 50 to 60 chairs and sofas,” he said, noting that La Likha currently offers three furniture designs for sale through its online platforms.

The architect credited DOST-PTRI’s research and development efforts for exposing designers to locally developed alternatives to conventional materials.

“If we hadn’t discovered what PTRI was doing, we would have continued using conventional foam,” he said. “It’s good that the research is becoming applicable to the furniture design industry.”

La Likha plans to showcase its products at Artifino later this month and is targeting participation in Manila FAME this year.

The architect also called for stronger government support for local designers through expanded exhibition opportunities, research initiatives, and seed funding programs.

“Exhibitions are very expensive for small businesses,” he said. “Government support through partnerships, linkages, and funding programs would help local furniture designers grow.”

He added that Filipino textiles should be recognized not only as symbols of heritage or wearable materials but also as functional materials that can drive innovation in furniture and interior design. — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba

Big Brother Season 28’s Second Eviction Sends a Huge Target Packing

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

By Big Brother standards, Big Brother Season 28 has been the most dramatic season in years.

The producers’ decision to include three reality TV veterans in the cast has forced the 14 newbies to adapt to the high intensity of their gameplay.

If anything, it highlights the importance of bringing in people who are more accustomed to having cameras on them 24/7.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Going into Thursday’s second eviction of the season, there were a lot of things up in the air.

With Rick Devens as Head of Household, it was inevitable that things would play out very differently from the way Dee Valladares handled her week in power.

Rick nominating Jason, Lyric, and Melody for eviction was his way of drawing a line in the sand. I appreciate that Rick noted he would rather go big than not play the game.

We need more players like that, but I can’t deny that the decisions he made after winning the Power of Veto on Saturday have left me conflicted about his gameplay.

(CBS/Screenshot)

The best move to get Rome out would have been to put him on the block alongside Lyric so they couldn’t vote to save one another.

But Rick settled on removing Lyric from the block, which was surprising because the damage to their relationship had already been done, particularly because he was replacing her with Rome.

Big Brother Season 28 Has Been Filled With Drama

The best move would have been to save Melody because Rick could then have cut a deal with her. She’s far less dangerous than the other two nominees.

I just can’t fathom why Rick thought it was a good idea to save Lyric, but hey, it was unpredictable.

(CBS/Matthew Taplinger)

And I firmly believe it could come back to bite him in the next few weeks.

Rick may seem protected by the Toolshed alliance, but he could easily become the alliance’s fall guy if he continues making bold decisions that put a target on his back.

Being a target in the Big Brother house is never a good thing, and his gamer mentality is shaking up the house in all the wrong ways.

With Jason, Rome, and Melody on the block during the eviction, there were several scenarios that could have played out.

If Rome won the Big Brother Blockbuster on Thursday, Rick’s plan would blow up, leaving Jason and Melody on the block to face the vote.

If that happened, the rest of the house would vote out Jason. There was no question about that.

Another Houseguest Leaves the Game

If Melody won, Rome would go home.

If Jason won, you get the picture. Rome would go home.

The only person truly safe from every scenario was Melody.

During the telecast, Jason won the Big Brother Blockbuster, leaving Melody and Rome on the block to face the vote.

Rome was evicted by a vote of 12 -1.

So, there we have it. Another player has been voted out of the Big Brother house, and we have a new Head of Household competition coming up.

(CBS/Sonja Flemming)

There’s also the Big Brother Time Capsule in play, so someone unexpected could shake up the game.

What are your thoughts on the latest eviction, and how does it change the game heading into Week 3?

Hit the comments below.

Big Brother just sent another houseguest out the door, but who secured their safety first? Let’s discuss the second eviction.
Tensions mounted in the Big Brother house as the Veto meeting got underway, but who’s earmarked for eviction? Spoilers inside!
Big Brother just had one of its wildest days on the feeds, but the Veto winner has been revealed. Is the backdoor plan happening?

Read the original article here

The post Big Brother Season 28’s Second Eviction Sends a Huge Target Packing appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

Trump to slap ‘sweeping’ new tariffs on 60 trade partners

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after landing in Air Force One on July 19, 2026 in Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.

Andrew Harnik | Getty Images

The Trump administration will impose new tariffs just after midnight ET Friday on dozens of countries over alleged forced-labor violations, according to a notice in the Federal Register.

The duties, set between 10% and 12.5%, will effectively replace President Donald Trump‘s temporary 10% global tariffs, which are set to expire at the same time as the new ones take effect.

The forthcoming tariffs will apply to 60 trade partners and cover 99.4% of U.S. trade, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative said in a fact sheet Thursday afternoon. The office separately told CNBC that it could not provide an estimate of how much revenue the new tariffs will generate.

The move “is the most sweeping international labor rights action the United States has ever taken — that any country has ever taken,” a senior Trump administration official told reporters in a call earlier Thursday.

The official noted that the new tariffs would not “stack” on top of existing import taxes on steel and aluminum, known as “Section 232” duties, that Trump imposed last year on national-security grounds.

Thursday’s announcement underscores how the Trump administration is ramping its aggressive use of tariffs back up, after the president’s protectionist agenda suffered major legal setbacks earlier this year. Trump has long touted tariffs as key tools for generating revenue and gaining leverage over foreign trade partners, while brushing aside criticisms that they tax U.S. importers and raise prices for U.S. consumers.

The White House recently imposed 25% tariffs on most U.S. imports from Brazil, which took effect Wednesday, and 50% tariffs on a wide range of goods from Canada, which are set to begin next month.

The Trump administration had proposed the upcoming tariffs in early June, after concluding that the targeted countries failed to effectively ban the use of forced-labor practices in trade with the U.S.

Scientists Develop Handheld Device For Measuring When Your Body Is Burning Fat

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

The breathalyzer identifies the amount of acetone in your breath to determine if your body is in ketosis.

Alivion

Smart scales and smartwatches often rely on bioelectrical impedance to calculate body fat percentage, a quick, though not necessarily accurate, way to get a sense of the amount of lean mass in your body without having to take multiple measurements. Accurately measuring when your body is burning fat is a whole other ball game, though, which makes new research into a handheld fat burning measurement device all the more intriguing.

In a study for the scientific journal Device spotted by New Scientist, researchers supervised by Andreas Güntner created a handheld breathalyzer that can detect when your body is burning fat by measuring the amount of acetone in your breath. The study measured when the bodies of 12 participants burned fat across a variety of diet and exercise scenarios, and found the breathalyzer closely matched traditional lab results.

Scientists identify ketosis, the term for when your body is burning fat for energy, by either measuring ketones in your blood or acetone in your breath — both are byproducts of fat being turned into fuel. As New Scientist notes, acetone tests are usually most accurate in a laboratory setting where things like humidity and breathing patterns can be controlled. The researchers in this study got around those limitations by creating a breathalyzer that can filter out excess moisture and contaminants, and using a companion app that can guide the user through the breathing process. The app was not only able to identify when users were applying too much or too little pressure, but also help adjust when the breathalyzer collected its sample to make sure the measurement was as close as possible to what would be observed with a blood-based test.

Nutrion, now the commercial name of the device the researchers used, is similar in concept to an older device called Lumen that aimed to spot fat burning using carbon dioxide rather than acetone. In either case, frequent metabolic measurements could be useful in a variety of health settings, from determining whether GLP-1 therapies are effective, to enabling athletes to fine-tune their metabolism.

Read the original article here

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The Kinks’ Ray and Dave Davies are “getting on great” and would “never say never” to a reunion

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

The Kinks’ Ray and Dave Davies have said they are “getting on great” and have refused to rule out a future reunion.

The brothers have spoken to The Times ahead of the opening of their new exhibition, The Kinks: Brothers, at the Gibson Garage in London tomorrow (July 24). It will run until September 6, and you can find out more here.

The exhibition sees Ray and Dave collaborate with British portrait painter Christian Furr, who has reimagined a 1968 passport photobooth picture of the brothers taken in East Finchley, North London, in a series of mixed-media works on paper and canvas.

Dave cried when he first saw Furr’s paintings, with the images prompting him to consider his fractured relationship with his brother. “It made me think, ‘What the hell are we doing?’” he said.

“There were times where I couldn’t stand him. I was storming out of the studio,” he added, explaining that their relationship had always been “built on trust, although we hated each other”.

The guitarist said the animosity had now subsided, however, adding: “It’s miraculous, really, how we’ve become so bonded.”

“We enjoy each other’s company. We were getting on great. We have fluctuated between getting on really well and not getting on at all over the years but there’s always been telepathy, since childhood.”

Asked whether they could perform together again, Dave replied: “I don’t know, but never say never.”

Ray and Dave last shared a stage in 2015, when Ray joined his brother in London for a performance of ‘You Really Got Me’, and they later worked together on new Kinks material in 2019.

The brothers discussed the prospect of a reunion in a 2023 interview with NME, when Ray revealed that they had enough partially completed material for “about 20” new Kinks songs.

Speaking about the demos, some of which date back to the ’90s and feature contributions from Dave and longtime drummer Mick Avory, Ray said: “We’ve got loads of songs there in pieces.”

He added: “There are about two or three songs I want to finish, and when they’re finished, I’ll put the whole thing together.”

At the time, Ray said a full reunion remained “in the lap of the gods” and would depend on “getting a show that gives us the credit we deserve”. He added that he would have to “persuade [Dave] to come on”, while warning: “You’ve gotta be careful because he’ll run off in one direction and I’ll [run] in mine.”

Dave told NME that their disagreements ultimately stemmed from their contrasting personalities. “We’re just different animals,” he said. “We found ourselves at a very young age being in each other’s faces. And we had to work with it somehow.”

He had also sounded hopeful about a comeback in 2022, saying he was “optimistic” about their future. “I hope so!” he said when asked about a reunion. “Ray and I have spoken about it – it’s possible!”

to @thelittleidiot Moby’s criticism of our song LOLA these are the words sent to me and Ray from our dear friend trans icon @jaynecounty27 #JayneCounty. I am highly insulted that MOBY would accuse my brother of being ‘unevolved’ or transphobic in any way. https://t.co/hBFmLPdMKH pic.twitter.com/qYcxoMc03d

— Dave Davies (@davedavieskinks) March 22, 2026

More recently, the brothers presented a united front in March when Moby described the lyrics to the Kinks’ 1970 single ‘Lola’ as “gross and transphobic”.

“‘Lola’ by the Kinks came up on a Spotify playlist, and I thought the lyrics were gross and transphobic,” the electronic musician said. “I like their early music, but I was really taken aback at how unevolved the lyrics are.”

Dave responded that he was “highly insulted” by Moby’s description of his brother, adding: “Why is Moby being so rude about this simple song? We’re not transphobic. Why does he have to have a go at us?”

Dave later revealed that Ray had responded by asking: “Who the fuck is Moby?”.

Read the original article here

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Madison Square Garden Disabled Its Surveillance System for Taylor Swift’s Wedding

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 23 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

Madison Square Garden temporarily disabled its on-site surveillance system during Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding, according to a new Wired report. The New York City venue reportedly locked security staff out of its camera network and facial recognition software for seven hours on July 2, the night of Swift and Kelce’s rehearsal dinner, and again for their wedding ceremony on the 3rd. Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for Swift for comment.

Wired’s Noah Shachtman, who recently reported on MSG’s extensive celebrity database, acquired an internal memo that confirms the shutdown was the result of a “client privacy request.” However, such requests are apparently unheard of. An anonymous source told Wired that “it has never been done,” whether by NBCUniversal, Warner Bros. Discovery, or the New York Police Department—all of whom have previously held private events at properties owned by MSG CEO James Dolan. (Madison Square Garden is currently in legal proceedings against Wired over its reporting on the database, which a representative for the venue called “inaccurate and false.”)

The MSG security system runs on a software called Genetec. Guests entering the building typically pass through biometric scanners, after which they can be monitored from camera to camera. Attendees at the Swift-Kelce nuptials would have also bypassed these scanners via a separate, private entrance, per CNN. The memo viewed by Wired confirms that MSG’s outside-facing cameras were left on throughout the multi-day festivities.

Last month, the criminal hacker collective ShinyHunters leaked MSG’s internal “talent” database, which classified nearly 40,000 celebrities by a supposed “risk level” as well as their race, gender, and sexual orientation. Shachtman identified several of Swift’s and Kelce’s guests who also had risk scores in the database, including Selena Gomez and her husband Benny Blanco, Benson Boone, and Ice Spice.

Madison Square Garden Has Been Secretly Tracking Queer Musicians

Read the original article here

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2026 Stormwater Summit concludes with urgent call for cooperation and climate-resilient infrastructure in the Philippines

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:49:06 -0600

As extreme weather events increasingly paralyze both urban and rural areas, the 2026 Stormwater Summit brought together relevant stakeholders from both the private and public sectors at Makati Shangri-La to discuss best practices.

The landmark event gathered policymakers, government officials, business leaders, and civic advocates to redefine the national approach to flood mitigation and climate adaptation.

Moving away from the typical reliance on reactionary disaster relief, the summit emphasized a paradigm shift toward proactive, watershed-based planning. Panelists tackled the urgent need to update stormwater management practices, adopt innovative approaches, and for everyone to work together to finally achieve the common goal of building resilient cities through smart water management.

Strengthening Preparedness

Honorable Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities, delivered the Opening Remarks, setting a decisive tone for the event. She emphasized on the importance of strengthening preparedness to mitigate potential problems.

“The summit comes at an important time for the Philippines and the Asia Pacific region. Across our region, communities are confronting risks of increasing scale and complexity — extreme weather, rapid urbanization, and environmental pressures are placing greater demands on the systems that support everyday life. Their effect extends far beyond demands, damage to infrastructure, for they disrupt livelihoods, interrupt economic activity, and place pressure on essential services as well as affecting the daily lives of millions of Filipinos, that is why protecting communities is not only about responding after destruction, it’s about reducing risks before it becomes a crisis, strengthening preparedness, and creating conditions for sustainable development to endure despite increasingly complex challenges,” stated Secretary Frasco.

Shared Civic Responsibility

Another important point of the summit was the shift from viewing flood control strictly as a government infrastructure issue to recognizing it as a shared civic responsibility. Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Ambassador Jose Sixto “Dingdong” Dantes delivered a powerful address on the culture of prevention and everyday vigilance by sharing his experiences working with government and civilians through the years.

“Flooding has become so familiar that we’ve come to accept it in our daily lives. That when it rains, we automatically think ‘Oh no, there’ll be a flood’. How did we become so accustomed to the consequences, that we accepted it as normal, when it doesn’t have to be.” Dantes pondered.

He then shared stories of his experiences as an actor, a television host, producer, navy reservist, a volunteer, and also the former Commissioner-at-Large of the National Youth Commission. “I’ve been privileged not only to portray different lives but also meet extraordinary Filipinos from all walks of life. In times of disaster, I witnessed something extraordinary, that Filipinos don’t wait to be told to care. One of our greatest strengths as a people is our instinct to genuinely help one another. But those experiences left me with a question? What if we can show the same commitment before a disaster, and not after?” Mirroring the sentiments of Secretary Frasco, Dantes noted, “Compassion is really powerful but it becomes transformational when people organize around a shared purpose.” As the ambassador of the OCD’s Panatag Pilipinas campaign, Dantes shared that their goal is not to scare people but to make preparedness part of Filipinos’ everyday lives, “Preparedness is not living in fear but living in confidence,” Dantes said.

Call for Stronger Collaboration

DPWH Undersecretary Charles Calima, shared valuable insights into the national approach to the country’s increasing stormwater management challenges, through his keynote address titled, Innovating Against the Flood.

“Every year our country experiences heavy flooding, to address this perennial problem, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. ordered us at the DPWH to ensure that flood control projects should work to the benefit of those who are most affected, living in these flood-prone areas, emphasizing that there should be no ghost or substandard projects,” shared USEC Calima.

One notable example of the DPWH’s efforts is the Oplan Kontra Baha program that aims to mitigate severe, heavy flooding in low lying areas, in partnership with local government units (LGUs) and the private sector. “We are calling for a stronger collaboration with LGUs, civil society, and the private sector. Water knows no boundaries, it follows the river basin irrespective of the river basin. This is not a problem of one agency alone. The intervention is not another structure, the intervention is coordination.”

Integrated Water Strategy

Looking beyond Philippine shores to a nation that has successfully turned its water vulnerabilities into world-class strengths, guests learned more about Singapore’s integrated water strategy that has effectively mitigated urban flooding. PUB, Consultants Pte. Ltd. Managing Director Mr. Ryan Yuen, gave a presentation titled, Building Resilience Drop by Drop: Singapore’s Stormwater Solutions and the Crucial Role of Earth Control Measures.

Expressing delight over USEC Calima’s call for a more integrated approach to stormwater management, Mr. Yuen shared that this has been their approach as well. As Singapore’s National Water Agency, PUB, ensures both a sustainable water supply and the proper management of coastal and inland flood resilience. He then shared at length Singapore’s strategies in water management, highlighting that reusing water over and over, is a key part of their strategy. He discussed several commonalities and distinct differences that the Philippines has with Singapore, like receiving intense amounts of rain and dense cities, hence, it is important to not overwhelm infrastructures, and the need for separate systems for water collection and wastewater management.

Adopting New Technologies

Focusing on the crucial role of the private sector. Infrastructure projects, when done right, are major contributors to stormwater solutions. Also from Singapore, CEO of Flexi Systems and FloodX, which also handles Dam Easy, Ms. April Yang, showcased available innovations protecting businesses, facilities, and homes through her presentation, Protecting Catchments & Waterways, Supporting Resilient Cities.

A Singapore-based engineering and water-technology company specializing in integrated environmental and digital solutions for stormwater treatment and erosion control management applications, Flexi Systems handles brands like Dam Easy and Flood X, servicing clients around the world, including the Philippines through its exclusive local distributor, Scottsdale Corporation.

During her session, Ms. Yang urged participants to explore innovative “solutions available out there,” highlighting Flexi System’s Earth Control Measures (ECM) compliant technologies. These measures represent critical site management strategies aimed at curbing soil erosion and preventing silt-contaminated runoff from entering public drainage systems and natural waterways. Key implementations of these strategies include perimeter cut-off drains, silt fences, and specialized systems for treating silty water. While progressive nations such as Singapore have successfully integrated ECM through rigorous siltation legislation, such frameworks have yet to be fully realized in the Philippines.

She showcased different products available under Dam Easy and Flood X. From Dam Easy’s adjustable flood barriers that are designed to fit securely into doorways and openings and Flood X’s various innovative flood defense solutions for coastal, industrial, public, commercial, and residential developments.

Facilitating the dialogue covering climate-resilient infrastructure, real-time monitoring, regulatory frameworks, and all-in-one integration strategies was Archipelago Media Editor in Chief, Mr. Andrew Masigan who also delivered the closing remarks.

“For a country that receives so much rain, we have not learned to manage water well. This is the great paradox of water management in the Philippines: we suffer because we have too much water, then we suffer again because we don’t have enough. Clearly something must change, and the discussions that we had today lead us in the right direction.”

By the end of the summit, organizers and attendees were able to discuss not only best practices but also the understanding that effective and sustainable stormwater management is only achievable through shared commitment and effort.

Stormwater Summit 2026 is presented by Archipelago Media and Approach Consultancy, with Media Partners BusinessWorld and The Philippine Star, supported by Dam Easy Flood Barriers, FloodX, Flexi Systems, and Craft House Enterprises. For more information on the Stormwater Summit please visit https://storm-watersolutions.com/.

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More green space coming to Acacia Estates with the new 6.8-hectare Acacia Park Central

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:21:07 -0600

While many townships continue to reduce open areas to make way for new buildings, Quadruple A developer DMCI Homes is taking a different route.

The company is expanding green and open spaces within Acacia Estates in Taguig to give residents more room to breathe, move, and unwind.

DMCI Homes plans to increase the township’s total open space to 66 hectares, based on a redevelopment plan recently presented by Landscape Architect Alexis Valiente, assistant vice-president of the Concepts and Landscape Management Department to members of the media.

“This raises the per capita open space allocation to as much as 14 square meters per resident as part of our ongoing redevelopment of Acacia Estates,” Arch. Valiente said.

Arch. Valiente said this means residents will have greater access to parks, walkways, and outdoor areas, even as the township continues to grow.

At present, Acacia Estates has about 24 hectares of open space. With an additional 42 hectares set to be developed in the coming years, the total will reach 66 hectares.

Currently, residents already enjoy an average of 12 square meters of open space per person, with some areas providing at least 10 square meters. This already exceeds the 9 square meters per person minimum recommended by the World Health Organization.

The open space expansion forms part of a broader township enhancement program that includes a comprehensive upscaling of Town Center at Acacia Estates and improved everyday conveniences within the community.

Under the plan, the Town Center will be transformed into a vibrant community hub featuring a two-storey commercial strip, a supermarket, and al fresco dining areas. These will be complemented by a central plaza, promenade, activity stage, and the new 6.8 hectares of landscaped open space collectively known as Acacia Park Central.

Acacia Park Central will introduce additional parks and nature-inspired leisure spaces, an expanded plant nursery to support greening initiatives, upgraded open fields and activity zones, as well as an Eco-Center and Rain Garden. A new multipurpose venue is likewise being developed to serve as a hub for community gatherings, celebrations, and other shared activities.

Artist’s illustration of the Acacia Community Pavilion, part of the integrated
lifestyle amenities at Acacia Park Central

The development of Acacia Park Central will be carried out in phases. Phase 1 which includes the Acacia Community Pavilion and parking areas is targeted for completion in 2027. The Acacia Active Grove and Acacia Botanica, meanwhile, will be developed in subsequent phases.

Open Spaces as Social Infrastructure

Beyond numbers, design experts emphasize that open spaces play a deeper role in shaping everyday life.

Dr. Cathe Nadal, assistant professor at the University of the Philippines College of Architecture and a landscape architect (PALA, IFLA-APR), said that for landscape architects, open spaces go beyond greenery and environmental function.

“As landscape architects, one of the few things we always keep in mind is that open spaces are not just about plants or nature-based solutions,” Ms. Nadal said. “They also serve as our social infrastructure.”

She explained that experience is always the top priority in designing these spaces. Their true value, she said, becomes evident when people actively use them.

“When you see people going outside and spending time in these open spaces, that’s when you realize that real estate development is not just about building properties,” Ms. Nadal said. “Developments like Acacia Estates show that real estate developers are slow creators of places, spaces that our communities increasingly need in the Philippines.”

Artist’s illustration of the children’s play area at Acacia Active Grove, one of the integrated recreational amenities at Acacia Park Central

Market analysts note that this focus aligns with buyer preferences.

According to Joey Roi Bondoc, research director at Colliers Philippines, access to green and open spaces consistently ranks high in property investment considerations.

“At Colliers, we would always hold surveys among our respondents in our guest property briefings and what’s interesting is that they all said that green sustainability and open space are very important and are in fact crucial whenever they make property investment decisions,” Mr. Bondoc said.

Protecting Spaces Residents Value

Artist’s illustration of the jogging path at Acacia Active Grove, part of the integrated recreational amenities of Acacia Park Central

A defining characteristic of Acacia Estates is how its open spaces are managed and preserved. Unlike highly commercialized districts, the township was designed with residents as its primary users.

Commercial establishments within Acacia estates are calibrated to serve the community rather than draw high volumes of visitors, helping prevent congestion.

DMCI Homes President Alfredo Austria said maintaining this balance is a conscious choice.

“Here in Acacia Estates, the open spaces are designed for residents,” Mr. Austria said. “These open spaces don’t become crowded. You see, in Metro Manila, if you have a nice open space and it’s open to everybody because of so many commercial areas around, very soon it will become crowded and it will not be as relaxing anymore.”

Artist’s illustration of the Acacia Park Central

DMCI Homes is the country’s first Quadruple A real estate developer, with projects in Mega Manila, Baguio City, Tuba in Benguet, San Juan in  Batangas, Boracay, Cebu City, and Davao City. Each of its properties is built with world-standard craftsmanship borne from D.M. Consunji, Inc.’s over 70 years of expertise in the construction and development industry.

To learn more about DMCI Homes’ pre-selling and ready for occupancy projects, units for lease, and special promos, call (632) 5324-8888. You can also visit leasing.dmcihomes.com  to know more about opportunities in leasing and rent-to-own programs of DMCI Homes. News and other updates are also posted on the company’s official website and social media accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

GSIS becomes major Megawide investor with 9.5% stake

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

THE Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has increased its stake in Megawide Construction Corp. to 9.5% after acquiring 111.94 million common shares through a series of block transactions, making the state pension fund one of the listed engineering and construction company’s major local institutional investors.

The acquisition increased GSIS’ holdings to 191.71 million common shares, Megawide said in a statement on Wednesday.

“The investment of GSIS reflects another vote of confidence in our vision of engineering a First-World Philippines, particularly through our participation in various government-initiated campaigns and public-private partnerships that aim to address critical social and transport infrastructure in the country,” Megawide Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Edgar B. Saavedra said.

He said the company’s infrastructure pipeline includes the construction of socialized housing units under the government’s expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program using precast construction technology, as well as transport-centric developments aimed at modernizing and organizing public transport systems.

Megawide did not disclose the value of the block transactions or identify the sellers of the shares.

Last September, the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund), through the endorsement of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), partnered with Megawide to construct more than 7,000 socialized housing units under the government’s expanded 4PH program.

Earlier this month, the company said it plans to expand its horizontal residential developments in Cavite and Bulacan and pursue additional projects under the expanded housing program in other cities and municipalities.

Megawide said it continues to execute its 4-D strategy, citing a 24% increase in first-quarter net income, lower short-term debt after reducing obligations by about P7 billion, and the continued expansion of its precast and transport-centric developments.

The company also recently declared cash dividends of P0.145 per share, payable on Aug. 7 to shareholders on record as of July 23.

The listed engineering and construction company is targeting a net income of about P1.2 billion this year, supported by lower borrowing costs following debt reduction and expected growth in its construction and real estate businesses.

For the January-to-March period, attributable net income rose 24% to P265.35 million from P214.42 million a year earlier, while gross revenue increased 16.4% to P5.04 billion from P4.33 billion.

Shares in Megawide fell seven centavos, or 1.67%, to close at P4.12 each on Wednesday. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Business groups urge government to help firms absorb wage hike

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

BUSINESS GROUPS are urging the government to prioritize measures that boost productivity and strengthen investor confidence to help firms absorb the higher labor costs from the increase in the daily minimum wage in Metro Manila.

The Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX) said it recognizes the need to hike wages as the rising costs of food, transportation, and other basic needs weigh on household budgets.

However, the group said wage hikes are more effective when supported by a competitive business environment and policies meant to lower the business costs.

“While higher wages provide immediate relief to workers, FINEX believes that the magnitude and timing of the increase underscore the need for government to carefully assess its absorptive impact, particularly on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and employment-intensive industries,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

In particular, FINEX called for measures to reduce red tape, streamline permitting processes, improve regulatory predictability, and accelerate digitalization.

The group also sought policies to lower key input costs, particularly electricity, logistics, and transportation, noting its impact on consumers and businesses.

“The challenge now is to ensure that the gains from higher wages are not diminished by higher prices, reduced hiring, lower investment, or slower economic activity,” it said.

FINEX is also seeking reforms to strengthen investor confidence and attract domestic and foreign capital.

“Greater investment expands productive capacity, creates quality jobs, introduces new technologies, and raises productivity — the most sustainable foundation for higher wages and improved living standards,” it said.

The effect of the wage hike on inflation, employment, business viability, and wage distortion should also be monitored closely, FINEX added.

The wage board last month approved a dual tranche P85 increase in the minimum wage in the National Capital Region (NCR). The NCR minimum wage will increase by P60 on July 25, while the second tranche or the P25 hike will take effect on Jan. 20, 2027.

On Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro said the NCR wage increase will proceed as scheduled, adding the private sector has not formally sought a halt on its implementation.

Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino has also said there is no legal basis to suspend the wage hike for Metro Manila workers.

The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) earlier called on the government to suspend the NCR wage hike, noting that it would harm MSMEs, deter investments, and threaten macroeconomic stability.

FEF President Calixto V. Chikiamco told BusinessWorld that the group is open to support a company that will formally request the government to reconsider the wage hike.

“We have no legal standing to file the appeal, because we aren’t a company,” he said in a Viber message. “However, it’s possible for us to assist any company with minimum wage workers that will file the appeal.”

Management Association of the Philippines President Donald Patrick L. Lim said its members have “no choice” but to absorb the effect of the wage hike on its operations and sales.

“We have no choice for now. For now, it eats up on our margins amidst declining sales,” he said in a Viber message.

Mr. Lim noted that a wage hike must be coupled with investments to upskill workers and boost technologies.

Jose Sonny G. Matula, labor lawyer and president of the Federation of Free Workers noted that qualified MSMEs are protected under the law in the event of a wage hike.

He noted that barangay micro business enterprises (BMBEs) are exempted from the Minimum Wage Law under Section 8 of Republic Act No. 9178 or the BMBE Act.

The law defines BMBEs as enterprises with total assets equivalent of not more than P3 million.

Mr. Matula added that retail and service establishments with up to 10 employees may apply for an exemption with the wage board.

“Our wage-fixing system has built-in safety valves for enterprises that cannot absorb a wage increase,” he said in a statement.

ERC eyes lower price cap for power reserves

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

THE ENERGY Regulatory Commission (ERC) is eyeing to lower the price ceiling for power reserves traded in the spot market to P9 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), offering much-needed relief for consumers.

In a draft resolution, the ERC is proposing an offer price ceiling equivalent to P9,000 per megawatt-hour (MWh), or P9 per kWh, for reserves, also known as ancillary services, that are traded in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

The proposed price is significantly lower than the interim price cap of P25,000 per MWh, or P25 per kWh, that was set in 2024.

Launched in January 2024, the reserve market allows the system operator to buy power reserves from the WESM — the trading floor of electricity — to meet the reserve requirements of the energy system.

These reserves are backup power capacity dispatched by the grid operator to sustain the balance in the power system when supply and demand suddenly change.

Under the proposed resolution, the ERC is also proposing to maintain the floor price in the reserve market at P0 per MWh to ensure “a fair, competitive, transparent and efficient electricity market.”

The commission said it would review the offer price floor and cap every five years, or when deemed needed.

ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Francis Saturnino C. Juan said the new cap seeks to directly lower prices in the reserve market as more generators would be encouraged to enter into supply contracts instead.

“This adjustment is intended to encourage greater participation in ancillary services procurement agreements (ASPAs), which provide a more stable and predictable alternative to reserve market procurement,” Mr. Juan told BusinessWorld.

The ERC chief said a lower ceiling price narrows the gap between market exposure and long-term contracted rates, giving generators stronger incentives to enter into ASPAs.

“Wider ASPA coverage, in turn, reduces the system’s reliance on high-priced reserve market transactions and supports more stable, lower reserve prices for consumers,” he said.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, the country’s sole grid operator, earlier attributed the slight increase in transmission rates for July electricity bills to higher ancillary service charges.

Ancillary charges increased by 10.18% to P0.7955 per kWh for the June supply period from P0.7220 per kWh in the previous month.

Twin inflation shocks, growth woes test BSP’s policy credibility

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) might remain cautious as a growth slowdown amid mounting inflation risks from a volatility-driven peso depreciation and record-high wage hike tests its credibility, GlobalSource Partners said.

In a report dated July 20, GlobalSource Partners Principal Advisor Diwa C. Guinigundo noted that the Philippines will face twin inflation shocks from a weakening peso amid fluctuating oil prices and the dual-tranche wage hike in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“The Philippines is facing two simultaneous inflation shocks: a larger-than-expected wage increase and renewed external pressures from volatile oil markets and a weaker peso,” Mr. Guinigundo said.

“Together, these could delay the return of inflation to target, underscoring the importance of maintaining credible monetary policy and keeping inflation expectations well anchored while addressing the structural sources of inflation through broader government action,” he added.

The BSP expects headline inflation to stay above its 3% target through 2028, with forecasts of 6.4% in 2026, 4.5% in 2027, and 3.1% in 2028.

Headline inflation has been above the central bank’s target since March or after the Middle East war began in late February.

In June, the headline print slowed to 6.4% from 6.8% in May as an interim peace deal between the US and Iran brought oil prices down from its over $100-a-barrel peak during the war.

As of the first half of the year, headline inflation stood at an average of 4.8%.

Core inflation, however, told a different story. It continued to accelerate for a sixth straight month in June to 4.4%, its fastest pace in nearly three years.

According to Mr. Guinigundo, the latest wage adjustment could directly stoke inflation by about 0.4 percentage point (ppt), with risks also arising from spillover effects.

“Wage adjustments in other regions, higher production and transport costs, and possible increases in food and service prices could generate second-round effects that become considerably more persistent,” he said.

“More importantly, if households and firms begin to expect permanently higher inflation, then wage and price adjustments may become mutually reinforcing, creating the very wage-price spiral that central banks seek to avoid,” he added.

The wage board has approved a P85 increase in the NCR daily minimum wage, with the first tranche or P60 to be implemented on July 25. The second tranche or P25 will take effect on Jan. 20, 2027.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has said that the NCR wage increase was larger than they had anticipated, which he noted could pose a significant inflationary risk.

He said the BSP is still assessing the impact of the NCR wage hike, as well as potential similar moves by other regions, on the country’s inflation.

Still, the central bank chief said the spillover effects of the wage hike is unlikely to prompt an outsized policy rate increase.

PESO CONCERNS
Higher costs of imported goods amid a weaker peso could add to price pressures already squeezing consumers’ pockets.

“While exchange rate pass-through has declined significantly since the Philippines adopted inflation targeting in 2002 — from around 0.347 ppt to approximately 0.08 ppt for every peso of depreciation — a sustained weakening of the peso would nonetheless add to domestic price pressures by raising the peso cost of imported goods, particularly fuel and food,” Mr. Guinigundo said.

From around P58 to the dollar before the war, the peso averaged over P61 versus the greenback in May and June.

The peso slipped by a half centavo to close at P61.75 against the dollar on Wednesday, matching its lowest ever finish seen on May 19, as heating tensions in the Middle East renewed inflation concerns.

“The policy challenge confronting the BSP is therefore no longer confined to a single inflation source,” Mr. Guinigundo said. “It must now manage the interaction between stronger domestic cost pressures arising from wage adjustments and imported inflation transmitted through exchange rate depreciation and higher global oil prices.”

For Mr. Guinigundo, the BSP faces the challenge of addressing persistent inflation, without further hurting the economy already facing potentially weaker consumption amid spiraling prices.

“Persistent inflation erodes real household incomes, weakens consumption, which accounts for more than three-fourths of Philippine GDP (gross domestic product), and ultimately restrains broader economic growth,” he said.

“For these reasons, monetary policy is likely to remain cautious. While the BSP will continue to weigh the risks to economic activity, preserving price stability remains its primary mandate,” he added.

Since the onset of the Middle East war, the central bank has maintained a hawkish yet cautious policy stance, maintaining a preference for “baby steps” or one 25-basis-point (bp) hike at a time.

The BSP has so far tightened by a total of 50 bps via two consecutive 25-bp hikes in April and June, bringing the benchmark interest rate to 4.75%.

“In the current environment, maintaining the credibility of monetary policy and keeping inflation expectations well anchored may prove just as important as responding to the inflation shocks themselves,” Mr. Guinigundo said.

Earlier this month, Mr. Remolona said the economy can still take another 25-bp increase, as he noted a potential growth recovery by the second half of the year.

However, Oxford Economics Lead Economist Alexandra Hermann Prasad noted that domestic growth may remain subdued as the Philippines faces one of the fastest inflation rates in the Asia-Pacific.

“A rebound in public investment and recovering remittance inflows should support spending, though elevated inflation — among the highest in the region — is keeping the near-term outlook subdued,” she said in a separate report on Tuesday.

Philippine GDP growth has slowed for three quarters in a row, hitting a post-pandemic low growth of 2.8% in the first quarter.

The National Government has since held a clouded outlook on the country’s growth, slashing its GDP growth targets to 3.5%-4.5% this year.

The Monetary Board has three more regular policy reviews scheduled for this year on Aug. 27, Oct. 22, and Dec. 17. — Katherine K. Chan

Peso sinks to match record low P61.75

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

THE PESO weakened on Wednesday to match its all-time low against the US dollar as a re-escalation in the Middle East conflict heightened concerns over inflation risks.

The Philippine peso closed at P61.75 against the US dollar on Wednesday, inching down by half a centavo from P61.745 on Tuesday, based on data on the Bankers Association of the Philippines’ website.

This was the peso’s worst close in more than two months. It first closed at a record low of P61.75 against the greenback on May 18.

Year to date, the local unit has depreciated by P2.96 or 4.79% from its P58.79 finish on Dec. 29, 2025.

Bloomberg reported that the Philippine central bank intervened in the foreign exchange market to support the peso.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) sold dollars in the onshore market on Wednesday, traders familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified because they aren’t authorized to speak publicly.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. didn’t reply to a Bloomberg query confirming the central bank’s dollar sales.

The peso opened Wednesday’s session slightly stronger at P61.73 versus the greenback, which was already its intraday best. Its worst showing was its closing value of P61.75, which it also touched on Tuesday.

Dollars exchanged surged to $1.269 billion on Wednesday from $752.5 million a day prior.

The dollar-peso closed a tad weaker on Wednesday but traded sideways due to a lack of key developments in the Middle East conflict, the first trader said by phone, noting “a bit of upside pressure due to higher global crude oil prices.”

“The peso weakened to record lows today as the US intensified its military offensives in Iran,” the second trader said in a Viber message.

The greenback was generally stronger on Wednesday as surging oil prices have heightened expectations of a rate hike by the US Federal Reserve as soon as October, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message, adding that he expects the peso to trade between P61.60 and P61.80.

Reyes Tacandong & Co. Senior Adviser Jonathan L. Ravelas also said in a Viber message that escalating attacks between the US and Iran and increasing oil prices have renewed inflationary concerns.

Mr. Ravelas said the local currency could move between P61.60 and P61.90 levels in the near term.

“The continued weakness of the peso will certainly weigh on inflation, especially keeping inflation elevated even if oil prices retreat from prewar levels due to higher pass-on cost in food imports,” a second trader likewise said in a Viber message.

China Banking Corp. Chief Economist Domini S. Velasquez said the peso is likely to remain trading around the P61.75 level in the near term, “without a credible signal that tensions are easing or a resolution is in sight.”

“Based on our estimates, every P1 depreciation of the peso adds around 0.03 percentage point (ppt) to inflation, reflecting our assumption that roughly 15% of the CPI (consumer price index) basket is imported. A sustained depreciation could therefore add to inflationary pressures, particularly if accompanied by persistently elevated global oil prices,” she said in a Viber message.

Both the first and second traders see the peso moving between P61.60 and P61.75 against the greenback on Thursday, with the second trader noting a possible recovery due to profit taking.

“The peso will remain weak due to still net negative dollar outflows in the country despite the recent rate hikes by the BSP,” the second trader said.

The first trader said the BSP have enough reserves to defend the peso at its current level, but a total escalation in the war such as the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz, another spike in oil prices, and attacks on key states of Iran could bring the peso to new lows.

“The BSP might consider occasional interventions in order to anchor the local currency as supported by fundamentals, but the BSP will likely bring the peso in line with any further strengthening of the greenback,” the second trader said.

Mr. Remolona earlier said the central bank does not defend a specific level for the peso but only intervenes in the foreign exchange market to prevent inflationary swings. — Aaron Michael C. Sy with Bloomberg

Here’s How Ted Lasso Season 4 Can Revive The Show

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Now that the World Cup is over, it’s time for the real football to begin on Ted Lasso.

The beloved comedy show is finally making its return in August after its three-year hiatus.

All the sneak previews of the season so far seem to be pointing to Ted Lasso trying to launch a soft reboot of itself.

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

In the past, I’ve expressed skepticism about Ted Lasso Season 4 and its inability to bring the show back from its mediocre last season.

However, after doing some soul searching (and frankly, going crazy over the lack of comedy shows airing right now), I realized that the show has the potential to reinvigorate itself.

If Ted Lasso can figure out how to get audiences to root for the characters again and give them something to fight for, then believing might be back on the table.

Familiar Faces, New Stories?

Nostalgia is a powerful player in the world of TV, but it can also only get you so far.

Audiences might jump for joy at seeing Ted, Rebecca, Keeley, and Roy again, but to really stick the landing, the show has to convince us that they’re worth rooting for.

(Apple TV+)

My biggest complaint with Ted Lasso Season 3 was that the series didn’t know exactly what to do with the characters.

In particular, it was frustrating to watch Keeley’s storyline, as her directionless character arc made her feel like a completely different person.

It didn’t feel like we were rooting for her to achieve any particular goal, compared to Ted Lasso Season 1, when her lesson was to learn her self-worth outside of her relationship with Jamie.

To make any character feel real, it’s important to help audiences understand why we should root for them.

Ted Lasso Season 4 can solve its past problems by crafting new stories for familiar characters.

(Apple TV)

Instead of rehashing conflicts that seem to tirelessly haunt the narrative, like Rupert’s cartoonish villain act in Season 3, the show needs to introduce new motivations and conflicts.

This call to action applies especially to Ted, who had extremely high stakes to work against when he was first hired to coach AFC Richmond.

It’s easy to root for him when it’s clear that he wants to help, even against all odds.

Same goes for the AFC Richmond team. Getting to watch them fight their personal demons and go from underdogs to star players was easily one of the best parts of the show.

That’s why I think reinvigorating this show also means considering how Ted Lasso will handle the new cast.

The Richmond Women’s Team

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

The Apple TV show is relying on the underdog formula to get back into its audience’s good graces.

While this might work well for the beginning of the fourth season, the series will have to do some heavy lifting to convince us to root for the new characters.

Most of us care for and deeply miss AFC Richmond players like Jamie Tartt, Sam Obisanya, and Dani Rojas.

So, the show has its work cut out in terms of winning us over with these new players and giving them relatable personal struggles that they must overcome.

It’s a little worrying that the show has to balance both introducing the new cast members while also revamping the storylines for its established characters.

(Courtesy of Apple TV)

The added nuance of this season centering a women’s team is also something I’m curious to see play out.

Women’s sports often aren’t treated with the same respect as men’s sports, and it’ll be interesting to see how the show attempts to tackle this systemic problem.

As with any TV show, it’s important to keep an open mind and give it a chance.

There’s a lot of pressure for the writers to deliver, especially since Ted Lasso means a lot to so many people, myself included.

I found so much hope and comfort in this comedy series, and I truly want nothing more than for this upcoming season to make me feel that way again.

(Apple TV)

Are you excited for Ted Lasso Season 4, or are you a skeptic?

Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Come back in August to follow along with our weekly Ted Lasso Season 4 reviews!

Love this show? We do too — and we want to keep writing about it.
Your comment or share can help make sure we get to. That’s the magic of supporting indie media.

If Ted Lasso Season 4 can achieve this, it might be able to revive the series and breathe new life into the aging show.
We have a guest list that will make this Independence Day worthwhile. Who would we invite to our 4th of July party? Find out here!
We love to ship our favorite TV characters, but what about the stars pairing up off-screen? Check out our list of real-life power couples!

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Iran war energy shock hits U.S. economy, gas and diesel climb: Analysis

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

A person refuels their semitruck at a Pilot Traveler Center in Lockhart, Texas, March 9, 2026.

Brandon Bell | Getty Images

The U.S. economy is more vulnerable than ever to the problems in energy markets caused by the Iran war. The economy has been remarkably resilient, but the buffers that protected Americans from earlier price spikes are wearing thin.

Bottom line: The war will erode Americans’ standard of living this summer even if the actual fighting stays more contained than during the first phase of the conflict.

From President Donald Trump’s perspective, having kicked off a return to direct conflict with Iran, there is now little he can do to shield Americans from the economic fallout.

The White House says the president has been honest with the American people and that prices will fall soon. “As the U.S. military degrades the terrorist Iranian regime’s ability to attack commercial vessels and disrupt the free flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz, oil and gas prices will plummet back to pre-conflict levels,” Taylor Rogers, a White House spokeswoman, said in an email.

Anyone who has filled up at the pump in recent days has already felt the pain. The national average price at the pump was $4.06 a gallon on Wednesday, up 4.4% from $3.89 a week ago, according to AAA.

That’s painful. But for the full economic effect, watch diesel, “because of course that is the lifeblood of the U.S. economy,” said Christian Lawrence, head of Americas and energy market strategy at Rabobank.

Check Out This Nifty 3D Playdate Game Demo

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Adding new dimensions to the device.

Cristina Ramos

There are a ton of fantastic games available on the Playdate (with more on the way), but devs keep finding increasingly creative ways to push the little yellow machine to the max. Today, we spotted a neat demo that showcases some tech the game platform wasn’t expected to be capable of.

Game developer Cristina Ramos posted a video on social media of a work in progress that takes the Playdate into 3D. The slice of gameplay begins with platforming upwards through an interior space and then emerging onto a rooftop for some Mirror’s Edge style jumping around under the open sky.

I was told you couldn’t do 3D on the Playdate, so I did it.

Then I was told there was no way I could create exterior levels like those in Mirror’s Edge, so I proved them wrong again.

— Cristina Ramos (@saffroncr.bsky.social) 2026-07-22T08:57:09.594Z

It’s a great showcase of why we’re such big fans of the Playdate. Working within limitations is one of the best ways to really flex your imagination, and Playdate comes with plenty of them. With enough ingenuity, Ramos and other enterprising devs can make it do the seemingly impossible. We recently learned that the Playdate is even being used to help Big Ben ring on time, which is pretty rad.

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The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger says there’s “nothing good” about getting older

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

The Rolling Stones’ Mick Jagger has said there is “nothing good” about getting older, dismissing the idea that age brings wisdom.

The 82-year-old reflected on ageing during a recent appearance on The New York Times’ podcast The Interview.

Asked whether there was anything good or bad about getting older, Jagger replied: “There’s nothing good about it. Nothing. You don’t get wisdom. You forget everything. Forgot all my wisdom.”

“I might have had a couple of pearls, but I’ve forgotten what they are,” he continued. “It’s not particularly pleasant and, of course, you can’t do things as quickly as you want to, and physically you can’t do things that you would like to do. You can still do them, but you have to be more careful.”

Jagger also discussed how more than six decades of fame had affected his relationship with the outside world.

“Obviously, it’s not normal,” he said. “It is not like most people’s lives. It does affect you. You can become disassociated. From other people.”

Asked what he personally did to remain grounded, Jagger replied: “You go out and walk on the street on your own and do normal things.”

Elsewhere in the interview, Jagger discussed the relationship between the Stones and their audiences, explaining that he wanted their concerts to offer an escape from everyday worries rather than become political lectures.

“The bottom line is that my job in the live music world is to [ensure] people that come have the best time they possibly can, and for two hours forget all their problems and the problems of the world,” he said. “Their mortgages and whatever. Just so they can have the best time.”

“Your job is to make them go more apeshit,” he added. “You don’t want to lecture them.”

The comments come after the Stones released their 25th studio album, ‘Foreign Tongues’, on July 10. It went on to become the band’s 15th UK Number One album, drawing them level with The Beatles and placing both groups joint-second on the all-time list behind Robbie Williams.

Despite his thoughts on ageing, Jagger recently told NME that he remained creatively active and had already started writing more material.

“Yeah, it could be a trio [of records],” he said when asked whether another album was planned. “I’ve already started writing songs anyway. They could be for other people though.”

In a three-and-a-half-star review of ‘Foreign Tongues’, NME wrote: “Mick, Keith and Ronnie have hit a surprising purple patch – and if you believe the eternally energetic entertainer’s claim that he’s already writing the follow-up to ‘Foreign Tongues’, there’s plenty more left in the tank.”

The Stones have yet to announce any new live dates, although Jagger has repeatedly expressed his hope that they will return to the stage in 2027.

“Hopefully [we haven’t played our last show],” he told NME. “I don’t think there’ll be shows this year, but I hope to do some next year for the Stones.”

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SoundCloud Acquires What’s Left of Nina Protocol

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Nearly two months after Nina Protocol announced it was shutting down, the free, independent music platform has been acquired by SoundCloud. The agreement allows SoundCloud to inherent Nina Protocol’s editorial archive, genre map, and—if artists choose to opt into SoundCloud’s “creator ecosystem”—their music catalogues.

Musicians who take SoundCloud up on that offer will reportedly “gain access to industry-leading tools for distribution, direct fan monetization, audience growth, fan engagement, and more equitable streaming revenue, helping them reach new listeners around the world.”

SoundCloud is encouraging artists who formerly used Nina Protocol to join their ranks for three main reasons: to sell music directly to fans while keeping 100% of their royalties; to build stronger fan communities through comments, DMs, and public playlists; and to utilize SoundCloud’s tools for mastering, promotion, unlimited uploads, and audience insight.

“Nina has always been about empowering independent artists and documenting the communities that drive music forward,” said Mike Pollard, Nina Protocol’s CEO and co-founder, in a press release. “SoundCloud built that foundation: without SoundCloud, there wouldn’t be Nina. As we considered the future of the platform, we wanted to ensure our artists and editorial work found a home that shared and actively practiced those values. SoundCloud was the natural choice.”

Founded in 2021 by Jack Callahan, Mike Pollard, and Eric Farber, Nina Protocol was a Web3-based streaming service and music marketplace built on the blockchain platform Solana. It began as a distribution service, allowing artists to upload music directly to listeners via the blockchain and retain its full ownership and sales revenue, before broadening to allow artists and labels to build custom hubs for their catalogs. ML Buch, James K, Yung Lean, Purelink, Aya, Ana Roxanne, and other musicians distributed records through Nina Protocol, while prominent imprints who used the platform included Warp, Hyperdub, AD 93, and Stroom.

On July 6, Components published a report on Nina Protocol’s data over the years. In it, journalist Chris Good notes that roughly $50,000 was spent on Nina Protocol throughout its entire lifetime, while about 77% of its nearly 37,000 listings were uncollected. Pitchfork has reached out to a representative for SoundCloud for comment on the article.

Last year, SoundCloud updated its AI policy and terms of use after getting backlash for its murky wording suggesting that content uploaded to the site might be used as training data for artificial intelligence. “AI should support artists, not replace them,” the company’s chief executive, Eliah Seton, wrote in an open letter, promising that artist content will remain unaffected nor used to train generative AI.

Is There a Fairer Way for Streaming Services to Pay Artists?

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BTr makes partial T-bond award as yields jump on Gulf hostilities

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

THE GOVERNMENT made a partial award of the reissued Treasury bonds (T-bonds) it offered on Tuesday as players asked for higher yields amid renewed market volatility and inflation concerns due to rising oil prices driven by the Middle East war.

The Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) borrowed only P25.071 billion via the reissued seven-year bonds, below the P30-billion target, even as tenders reached P47.624 billion.

This brought the outstanding volume for this bond series to P501.7 billion, it said in a statement after the auction.

The BTr said it made a partial award to cap the increase in the average yield for the issue.

The reissued papers, which have a remaining life of four years and five days, were awarded at an average rate of 7.195%, with accepted yields from 7.1% to 7.228%.

This jumped by 37.9 basis points (bps) from the 6.816% fetched for the series’ last award on June 23 and was 82 bps above the 6.375% coupon rate for the issue.

This was also 3.3 bps higher than the 7.162% fetched for the same bond series and 13.5 bps above the 7.06% quoted for the four-year debt — the benchmark tenor closest to the remaining life of the papers on offer — at the secondary market before Tuesday’s auction, based on PHL Bloomberg Valuation Service Reference Rates data provided by the BTr

“The T-bonds were partially awarded following higher asking bids due to the Middle East conflict as of recent,” the first trader said in a phone interview.

The trader said the Treasury likely chose to make a partial award instead of a full rejection, which it made last week, as it offered a shorter tenor that would have a lower impact on banks’ books.

The central bank last month announced a relief measure allowing banks and quasi-banks to temporarily exclude unrealized or paper losses on peso government securities resulting from market volatility from the computation of their regulatory capital.

Unrealized losses are declines in the market value of securities that have not been sold but whose change in value is required to be reflected in banks’ regulatory capital. Rising bond yields decrease the market value of bonds.

“The partial awarding was due to the BTr not wanting to award at higher rates, not lack of demand,” the second trader said in a text message.

On Tuesday, global markets remained hostage to Middle East tensions, with oil prices seeing a sharp swing to near six-week highs before retreating, Reuters reported.

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis declared a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, raising threats to global energy supplies, while hopes of de-escalation persisted after Tehran received a 10-day ceasefire proposal from mediators.

The renewed hostilities have again disrupted the flow of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles around a fifth of the world’s oil supply.

The Philippines, which sources about 90% of its oil supply from the Middle East, has been one of the most affected by the global oil crisis.

Diesel and kerosene prices are set to climb by more than P10 per liter this week due to the conflict, with some retailers implementing the hike in tranches.

The BTr wants to raise P410 billion from the domestic market this month, or P250 billion via Treasury bills and P160 billion through T-bonds.

The government borrows from local and foreign sources to help fund its budget deficit, which is capped at P1.659 trillion or 5.4% of gross domestic product this year. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

Building permit approvals post steepest drop in 8 months

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

By Pierce Oel A. Montalvo, Researcher

THE NUMBER of approved building permits declined by 11.6% in May from a year earlier, the sharpest drop in eight months, amid rising construction costs and high borrowing rates.

Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed building projects covered by the permits stood at 15,436 in May, slipping from 17,466 a year earlier.

The 11.6% drop was a reversal of the 8.5% growth seen in May 2025, and steeper than the 0.7% dip in April 2026.

The decline in May was the biggest drop since the 12.4% contraction in September 2025.

Construction projects during the month covered 3.37 million square meters (sq.m.) of floor area, down by 7.8% from the 3.66 million sq.m. a year earlier.

The approved projects were valued at P47.05 billion in May, slipping by 1.2% from the P47.64 billion in the same month last year.

Joey Roi Bondoc, director for research at Colliers Philippines, said in an e-mail that elevated interest rates have made it more expensive for developers to fund new projects.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) raised the benchmark rate by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.75% at its June meeting. This was the highest rate in nearly a year or since the 5% in August 2025.

Mr. Bondoc also flagged the rising cost of construction materials, which has increased project costs and reduced profit margins.

PSA data earlier showed wholesale prices for construction materials rose 2.8% in May, picking up from 1.9% in April.

“As a result, some developers adopted a ‘wait-and-see’ approach and postponed construction plans and new project launches,” he said.

Residential project permits, which accounted for 65.8% of the total, fell by 15.5% year on year to 10,154 approvals.

These projects were valued at P24.73 billion, slightly higher than P24.4 billion last year.

Single houses, accounting for 85.5% of residential projects, also decreased by 15.6% year on year to 8,682. Permits for duplex/quadruplex homes and apartments slumped by 19.5% (to 206 permits) and 20% (to 1,166 permits), respectively.

“In our view, developer launches will likely remain conservative and tempered in 2026, especially with a lengthened remaining inventory life of nearly seven years in Metro Manila,” Mr. Bondoc said.

On the other hand, approved permits for nonresidential projects slid by 5.5% to 3,052 in May from 3,230 a year ago. The value of these projects reached P17.94 billion, 5.1% lower than P18.91 billion last year.

Approved permits for commercial developments, which account for 63.5% of total nonresidential projects, declined by 11.5% to 1,938 permits.

Permits granted for industrial projects rose by 12% to 317 in May, while those for institutional projects inched up by 2.1% to 573.

“While commercial construction has weakened, growth in industrial and institutional projects shows that investment is shifting toward sectors that are more stable and have long-term demand,” Mr. Bondoc said.

“Developers are now likely to focus more on projects they see as less risky and more essential, such as warehouses, schools, hospitals, and factories.”

PSA data also showed permits for agricultural construction projects surged by 78.4% to 182 in May.

Approved permits for additions, or construction that increases the height or area of an existing building, slid by 4.7% to 543.

Alteration and repair permits also declined by 11.5% annually to 1,073.

Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) accounted for 26.8% of the total permits approved at 4,144.

This was followed by Central Luzon (12.2% share with 1,888 permits) and Ilocos Region (9.1% with 1,408 permits).

“For the second half of 2026, investment in the residential and commercial segments may continue to slow, while industrial and institutional developments are likely to remain active. This trend suggests that future construction activity may expand at a slower pace unless economic conditions improve or financing becomes more attractive,” Mr. Bondoc said.

The PSA said construction statistics are compiled from the copies of original application forms of approved building permits as well as from demolition and fencing permits collected monthly by the agency’s field personnel from the offices of local building officials nationwide.

More Philippine organizations invest in cybersecurity amid AI-driven threats

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

THE RISE of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping cybersecurity strategies, with Philippine organizations increasing investments to counter increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats and strengthen their resilience against attacks, experts said.

“Cyberthreats are no longer an isolated case. They are now part of the business realities that every organization must be prepared to face. The question for businesses and leaders is no longer how to prevent cyberthreats, but can our business continue to operate and recover,” Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) Executive Director Renato “Aboy” A. Paraiso said during the BusinessWorld Cybersecurity Summit at Hilton Manila Newport World Resorts on Tuesday.

For CICC, the number of cyberattacks continues to grow, with the number of cybercrime-related complaints reaching nearly 20,000 year to date.

Mr. Paraiso said over 61% of the complaints were related to scams.

“Cybersecurity is designed to prevent attacks, cyber resilience, on the other hand, ensures when an attack gets through it can minimize damage,” he said, noting that the actual number of cybercrimes are likely to be higher considering that most do not report them.

For CICC, Mr. Paraiso said the agency is proposing a budget of P1.5 billion, nearly double its P835-million allocation in the 2026 national budget amid the rising threat of cyberthreats.

The CICC noted that the financial sector is the most vulnerable to cyberattacks, amid the surge in AI use.

“Financial services are the ones that are heavily impacted by emerging technologies. It only makes sense that the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) is at the forefront of developing governance frameworks, risk-based approaches,” Divina Law Managing Partner Jay-R C. Ipac said during the forum.

Mr. Ipac said the Philippines should draw lessons from neighboring countries in crafting regulations and guidelines for AI use, as well as policies to strengthen cybersecurity development.

“Geopolitics aside, we have some things to learn from Chinese regulatory frameworks. China is taking an active lead in shaping AI regulation. We have to look at this with an open and cautious mind,” Mr. Ipac said.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has developed a National Cyber Security Plan which is designed to protect the Philippines from digital threats, and to ensure the security of critical information infrastructure.

At the same time, the DICT is currently developing a National AI roadmap which will cover policies, and oversight mechanisms for the use and deployment of AI.

“Regulatory convergence should be our goal, and you align it to your ultimate vision, which is to ultimately maintain trust,” KPMG Philippines Technology Consulting Partner Gilbert T. Trinchera said.

In the absence of regulations governing AI, he said any future framework must align with the Data Privacy Law.

“I would say that AI is really a double-edged sword. AI is being used by adversaries to scale their attacks,” Maya Philippines, Inc. Director of Information Security Jan Martin Encina told BusinessWorld on the sidelines of the forum.

For financial technology companies like Maya, AI is being utilized to detect anomalies and cyberthreat patterns, he said, adding that the pros of leveraging AI outweighed the cons.

“We are not a company that would shy away from the use of AI because there is a massive opportunity, not just in the area of security but in the business operations,” Mr. Encina said.

Maya will continue to increase its investments to enhance the company’s cyber-defense capabilities, he said. He noted Maya is also working with the government, particularly the DICT, to share threat intelligence and advanced security measures.

GCash Chief Risk Officer Ingrid Rose Ann Beroña said the electronic wallet platform is leveraging a full suite of technologies to strengthen operational resilience and safeguard the company against threats, as financial institutions continue to face constant attacks.

“AI is part of our DNA. Everything we do is currently injected with AI. Even in a lot of our business plans. We truly believe that AI is okay for us to sustain and scale our business, and to ensure that we are able to embed security into our services,” Ms. Beroña said on the sidelines of the forum.

Globe Telecom, Inc., the parent company of GCash operator Mynt, Inc., said it is allocating P56 billion this year to expand the use of AI across its operations and enterprise services.

“In today’s interconnected world, a cyberattack on one organization can quickly affect thousands more. That is why cybersecurity has become an issue of national resilience,” Cybersecurity Council of the Philippines Chairman Donald Patrick L. Lim said.

Mr. Lim said that businesses will only thrive if their information is secure, as data become more valuable.

“People only transact when they trust. Investors only invest when they trust institutions and businesses can only innovate when customers believe their privacy is respected,” he said.

Business groups urge Congress to prioritize economic reform bills

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

BUSINESS GROUPS urged Congress to prioritize key economic measures that would boost export competitiveness and support the digital economy.

This as the 20^th Congress is set to open its second regular session on Monday (July 27).

Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. asked lawmakers to focus on the passage of bills that would strengthen the local supply chain and streamline cross-border trade.

“Philexport hopes that exports — one of the country’s strongest drivers of investments, jobs, foreign exchange earnings, and inclusive growth — will remain a central pillar of the government’s economic agenda,” he told BusinessWorld in a Viber message.

In particular, Philexport said the proposed International Maritime Trade Competitiveness Act would regulate excessive shipping and logistics charges, promote transparency, and foster competition. The bill has been pending at the Senate Public Services Committee since last year.

Mr. Ortiz-Luis also called for the passage of the proposed Customs Amnesty Act, which is seen to resolve customs disputes, encourage voluntary compliance, improve revenue collection, and provide certainty to legitimate exporters and importers. It has been pending at the House Ways and Means Committee since last year.

Philexport is also seeking the approval of amendments to Republic Act (RA) No. 9501 or the Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). Several bills are still pending at the committee level at both the House and Senate.

Mr. Ortiz-Luis said exporters want more government support for export-oriented MSMEs “through improved access to financing, technology, innovation, capacity-building, digitalization, market intelligence, and international market development.”

He said Congress should also focus on amendments to the charters of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), which are pending at the House Transportation Committee.

The proposed reforms to CAAP’s charter focus on modernizing air cargo infrastructure, improving cargo handling efficiency, and strengthening the country’s air logistics competitiveness.

Proposed amendments to the PPA’s charter include the separation of its regulatory and commercial functions, improve port efficiency, and reduce logistics costs, Mr. Ortiz-Luis said.

The group also backed the proposed National Quality Infrastructure Act, which seeks to establish an institutional framework to ensure that Philippine products, services and processes comply with international standards.

The bill has been pending at the House and Senate trade committees.

DIGITAL ECONOMY
American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham) Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe called for the passage of bills that seek to govern the use of artificial intelligence, boost cybersecurity, and support the digital economy.

The group also backed the proposed National Single Window System Act, which allows traders to submit related documents through a centralized digital portal.

AmCham is also pushing for amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, the National Land Use Act, the Holiday Rationalization Act, and the Blue Economy Act.

The chamber also supported the Freedom of Access to Information Act, which seeks to give the public wider access to government documents. Both the House and Senate passed their respective measures on third and final reading earlier this year.

AmCham is also pushing for the creation of the Department of Water Resources, as well as amendments to the CAAP and PPA charters.

“The successful implementation of enacted laws is equally important, while continuing to improve regulatory efficiency, streamline visa and trade processes, and review regulations that may unintentionally hinder investments,” Mr. Hinchliffe said in a Viber message.

Foundation for Economic Freedom President Calixto V. Chikiamco said Congress should approve measures to further liberalize foreign equity restrictions under the Constitution.

British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) Executive Vice Chairman Chris J. Nelson urged Congress to approve the proposed Open Finance and Consumer Data Empowerment Act.

The bill, pending in the House banks committee, seeks to institutionalize a framework for secure data sharing among banking institutions to help develop tools that drive financial inclusion.

“The Philippines recently has moved to upper-middle income status, but there are a number of unbanked individuals,” Mr. Nelson said in a phone call. “So, [the bill, would] make financial services readily available and move more people into higher [income] brackets.”

Other measures supported by the BCCP include the proposed Digital Payments Act, Cybersecurity Act, and Blue Economy Act.

Meanwhile, Philippine Retailers Association Chairman Roberto S. Claudio asked policymakers to prioritize measures that would level the playing field for the local tourism industry.

Mr. Claudio said they are still waiting for the release of the implementing rules and regulations on the value-added tax refund scheme for tourists.

Republic Act No. 12079, also known as “Act Creating a VAT Refund Mechanism for Non-Resident Tourists,” allows tourists to claim VAT refunds on purchases worth at least P3,000 from government-accredited stores. It was signed into law in December 2024.

Congress’ opening on Monday coincides with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“We hope the President’s SONA will lay down a clear roadmap for reducing the cost of doing business, modernizing our logistics and quality infrastructure, strengthening MSMEs, and expanding market access through trade agreements,” Mr. Ortiz-Luis said.

TV’s “Wait and See” Approach Isn’t Compelling Storytelling – It’s Just Incomplete

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

You know what they say: “Patience is a virtue.”

But that’s not the case with television’s frustrating trend of adapting a “wait and see” philosophy to show seasons.

Because there’s nothing wrong with asking viewers to “trust the process,” knowing that the story will eventually take us where we need to be. But when it becomes a crutch, that’s not compelling; it’s unsatisfying.

(Emerson Miller/Paramount+)

There is an undeniable shift in TV structuring that has leaned toward appealing to those who spend most of the time flitting from one screen to the next, but that shouldn’t result in this new tactic to ensure people lock into a series.

The implication is often that savvy viewers are either too impatient to dive into the crux of a series or season, or they somehow lack the critical analysis skills to properly engage with the content.

But viewers aren’t asking for instant gratification or easy consumption. They’re asking for seasons that feel complete.

There’s a difference between earning anticipation and withholding satisfaction.

Let’s take the Yellowstone franchise, for example.

(Emerson Miller/Paramount+)

Marshals and Dutton Ranch are prime examples of what happens when “wait and see” leads to actual results versus when it doesn’t.

There’s nothing inherently bad about Dutton Ranch. It’s a serviceable enough show, and the follow-up to Rip and Beth’s story was very welcome.

But no matter how many times we engage in these conversations, no one will ever convince me that they didn’t spend the majority of Dutton Ranch Season 1 just taking for granted that loyal viewers would stick around waiting for some big payoff in the end.

I think viewers deserve better than spending an entire season waiting for the story to finally begin.

The acknowledgment that little was happening and that it spent too long building up new characters we had little interest in, without a clear focus on Beth and Rip, was met with the assertion that a larger plan was at play and that we had to be patient.

(Emerson Miller/Paramount+)

Well, I patiently sat through the entire first season, and the reality is that the action and meat of the plot didn’t kick in until the Dutton Ranch season finale.

And even that was used to set up the next season. Therein lies one of my biggest frustrations with this trend.

It essentially takes for granted that renewal is on the table and postpones many narratively satisfying possibilities until that upcoming season.

I have no doubt that Dutton Ranch Season 2 will be great — why? Because they basically used the entire first season as a prelude to it.

Essentially, Dutton Ranch‘s debut season feels incomplete — like they chopped it in half and only served up the first half.

(Emerson Miller/Paramount+)

The first season isn’t bad, just underwhelming and leaves you wanting. I didn’t need to be manipulated into watching the second season; I just wanted the first one to feel purposeful.

Similarly, and controversially, The Vampire Lestat falls in this boat as well.

The Vampire Lestat Season 1 ultimately feels like the opening act, not the main event.

The season can never in a million years be written off as “bad” by any stretch of the imagination. It’s a remarkably raw exploration of trauma and survival — a particularly gripping, evocative dissection of the myriad effects of sexual trauma on the psyche.

The season also delivers some of the most breathtaking performances from the stars of this series, leaving us to lament that this incredibly talented cast doesn’t get its due in professional spaces.

(Sophie Giraud/AMC)

But one of the many reasons viewers still had trouble connecting with the season, or were frustrated, was precisely that it produced a feeling of everything and nothing happening at once.

The season never strikes the right balance between character analysis and pacing out a plot.

It tips so far into the former while oddly still barely scratching the surface, and all but giving up entirely on the latter while trying to merge the essence of three different books into seven episodes.

Essentially, plot points and context never materialize because they were either offscreen or still to come. Akasha’s shockingly limited presence is a prime example of that.

So not even one of the richest, most complex fantasy horror series of the decade is exempt from the narrative dissatisfaction that comes with the “wait and see” structure.

(Courtesy of AMC)

It’s especially disconcerting, given the series’ penchant for returning only every two years with a mere handful of episodes.

The prevailing sentiment around The Vampire Lestat Season 1 was that everything would come together and make sense by the end of the season.

I’d argue that the finale‘s polarizing reception dispels that. It did not so much close out the season as it did attempt to incentivize people to tune in next season for what amounts to the “real event.”

Most viewers were going to tune in regardless, but it’d be nice if the series didn’t structure entire seasons around that assumption — that implying that what they had spent weeks watching was merely an appetizer, and the next season is the full-course meal.

Like Dutton Ranch, The Vampire Lestat, while a work of art, still felt as if we were presented with a half, transitional season rather than a full one.

(Disney/Mitch Haaseth)

In many ways, High Potential has battled a similar approach due to its ever-present Roman mystery that never gets its bearings. Dangling the mystery over our heads would be fine if the payoff were ever satisfying.

But by the end of the season, when we still haven’t so much as seen the man’s face, the “just wait and see” approach to dragging out this story doesn’t build suspense; it aggravates.

High Potential doesn’t actually need Roman as the hook for multiple seasons, especially when there are compelling elements worth exploring if they speed the process along.

Similarly, Wild Cards Season 3 had the perfect setup for a strong season, and then, for reasons that remain mystifying, the series fumbles in every aspect of that setup.

The season strings us along regarding any meaningful emotional payoff and follow-up for all of its most compelling conflicts, from Max’s feelings for Ellis (she wanted to get on that boat and ride away with him… but he didn’t care?!) to her mother returning from the dead (bottle up the abandonment issues, I guess).

(Bettina Strauss/The CW )

We waited, and then we saw absolutely nothing of substance.

The aforementioned shows at least have enough going for them where this structuring is a fixable flaw that doesn’t otherwise detract from their strengths.

Sullivan’s Crossing Season 4 utilizes this approach while spending the entire season leading us on a string, never taking us anywhere.

Not only did I wait all season for something significant to happen, but I kept waiting for something interesting, too.

Ultimately, it results in a season that feels like it has neither a plot nor a purpose, nor anything that would incentivize anyone to tune in for a follow-up season.

(Jessie Redmond/Fremantle)

They asked viewers for patience, but they didn’t follow through on rewarding it.

Viewers are asked to follow the journey, and most don’t have an issue with that at all.

The problem is when an entire season becomes little more than a promise that the real story starts next year.

Viewers aren’t losing patience because they can’t appreciate slow-burn storytelling, but they are understandably frustrated when too many shows mistake postponing the story for telling one.

Trusting the process — waiting and seeing — only works when there’s direction, respect, and a payoff.

Over to you, TV Fanatics. Have you noticed this pattern as well? What are your thoughts on it?

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New Jersey deli fraudster James Patten sentenced to prison

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

James Patten leaving U.S. District Court in Camden, New Jersey, after his sentencing hearing on July 21, 2026.

Dan Mangan | CNBC

James Patten, who played a key role in a stock manipulation scheme that led to a $100 million market capitalization for a company that owned only one money-losing New Jersey deli, was sentenced Tuesday to 21 months in prison.

Patten, 67, asked Judge Christine O’Hearn to sentence him to no time in prison at a hearing in U.S. District Court in Camden, New Jersey, the same court where he had pleaded guilty to securities fraud in December 2023.

But O’Hearn repeatedly cited Patten’s prior federal fraud conviction and related 27-month prison sentence, before saying the Winston-Salem, North Carolina resident deserved another stint locked up for his role in the deli stock fraud.

The judge noted that Patten set in motion the deli scheme while still on supervised release for his prior conviction, less than two years after his release from prison, and while he still owed restitution in the first case.

“This is his idea,” O’Hearn said.

However, the judge said that Patten’s cooperation with federal authorities in investigating the case since his 2022 arrest had been “substantial” and useful in the prosecution of his two co-conspirators, Peter Coker Sr. and Peter Coker Jr., who both pleaded guilty. She also noted his cooperation could help possible future prosecutions against others involved in the scheme.

Patten, a former stockbroker, is the last of three defendants to be sentenced in the securities fraud case involving the deli.

“I stand today before you to apologize, to take full responsibility for my actions,” Patten told the judge.

He choked up as he said he was “deeply sorry” for the effect of his crime on his family, and on youths he coached in wrestling.

“There is no excuse,” he said.

As he walked out of court with his partner and three sisters, Patten told CNBC, “I have no comment.”

In addition to his 21-month prison term, Patten must serve three years of supervised release and is responsible for around $5 million in restitution.

Patten’s co-conspirators, Coker Sr. and Coker Jr., have already served their prison sentences, which were six months and 40 months, respectively.

France Will Ban Social Media For Children Under 15

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

The country’s new law also bans the use of mobile phones in schools.

Stockplanets/Getty Images

French regulators have passed a bill banning social media for children under 15, CNN reports. The new bill, assuming it’s approved by France’s Constitutional Council, could make the country the first European Union member to implement a social media ban, following the passage of similar regulation in Australia in 2024.

The new law aims to counter the negative health impacts connected to children’s use of social media, while also banning the use of mobile phones in schools and implementing new rules around how social platforms are advertised, according to the Associated Press. Regulators have suggested age verification tools could be used to identify if users are old enough to make an account, though it’s not clear what system social media platforms will be expected to implement to follow the law. That decision may ultimately fall to ARCOM, France’s digital communications regulator, which will enforce the ban once it’s in place.

Depending on whether President Emmanuel Macron gets his way, those details may come together quickly. In an X post thanking Parliament for approving the ban, Macron called for the law to be enforced by the start of the school year in September. Macron previously asked for the vote on the ban to be expedited in Parliament, CNN writes.

France isn’t the only country in Europe to consider a social media ban, but it is poised to be the first to actually implement one. The United Kingdom has explored the possibility of a ban, and is already partially enforcing one through the age-gating requirements of the Online Safety Act. Denmark, separately, is close to introducing its own ban, too. Across the Atlantic, Canadian regulators have introduced their own bill to ban social media for children 16 years or younger in June.

While lawmakers globally are drawn to bans, it’s worth noting the possible shortcomings. At least two separate studies published in April and June have found that a significant number of Australian children continued to use social media after the ban went into place, possibly due to social platforms’ lax approach to age verification. As reports of the early issues with Roblox’s age verification system suggest, implementing these systems is also difficult in its own right. The fallout from France’s ban could very well be filled with similar issues.

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Charli XCX shares reflective new single ‘Camera’ with video directed by Aidan Zamiri and starring Vincent Cassel

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

Charli XCX has shared her reflective new single ‘Camera’, accompanied by an Aidan Zamiri-directed video starring Vincent Cassel – watch below.

The track is the latest preview of her new album ‘Music, Fashion, Film’, which is released this Friday (July 24) via Atlantic. It follows on from the singles ‘Rock Music’, ‘SS26’ and ‘Wink Wink’, and you can pre-order the record here.

‘Camera’ is a restrained, mid-tempo slice of guitar-led electronic pop, with Charli once again trading in the harder club sounds associated with ‘Brat’ for something hazier and more personal.

Lyrically, she appears to address her insecurities about embracing an acting career, singing: “It makes me question what I’m doing / Do I wanna make music / Am I being fucking stupid / If I try to be a girl on the screen when I’m turning 34?”

The video, meanwhile, shows Cassel as an actor struggling on a film set, with Charli directing from behind a massive studio camera. Cassel becomes increasingly frustrated, referencing his iconic pose from La Haine as he points a finger gun at his own head.

Check it out below.

Cassel rose to international prominence through his performance in Mathieu Kassovitz’s 1995 film La Haine. The French actor has since appeared in Irréversible, Eastern Promises, Black Swan, Ocean’s Twelve and Jason Bourne.

Zamiri, meanwhile, is a longstanding Charli collaborator who directed her videos for ‘360’, the Billie Eilish-featuring ‘Guess’, ‘Rock Music’ and ‘Wink Wink’. He also directed Eilish’s ‘Birds Of A Feather’ video and made his feature debut with the Charli-starring mockumentary The Moment.

The black-and-white artwork for ‘Music, Fashion, Film’ was also shot by Zamiri and features John Cale, fashion designer Marc Jacobs and Martin Scorsese.

Charli gave ‘Camera’ its live debut at an intimate Brooklyn pop-up show earlier this month. She also performed unreleased songs ‘Playboy Bunny’ and ‘Take Away The Music’, while Kim Petras, Clairo and Underscores appeared as special guests.

She will make her headline debut at Reading & Leeds next month before beginning a North American arena tour with Underscores in September. Tickets are available here.

Charli also recently opened up about spending time in Paris with Madonna, after the pair appeared to end speculation of a feud by partying together in the French capital. She said she found it “very inspiring to hang out with her”, adding that she had enjoyed hearing Madonna discuss her own relationship with pop, fashion and the dancefloor.

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Chelsea Wolfe Reveals New Album The Dark, Lines Up 2026 Tour

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

Chelsea Wolfe has announced her next album, The Dark, which is set to land on Loma Vista on August 21. The record’s lead single, “Cold,” is out now, along with hauntingly beautiful visuals placing Wolfe in the foggy wilderness.

Wolfe’s follow-up to 2024’s She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She was co-written with Jennifer Decilveo and Ben Chisholm, and includes contributions from Robin Finck, Justin Meldal-Johnsen, and Matt Chamberlain.

Starting in September and running through December, Wolfe will celebrate the album with a tour spanning the U.S. and Europe. Scroll down to check out the full schedule.

Read Pitchfork’s review of She Reaches Out to She Reaches Out to She.

The Dark:
01 Cold
02 Seethe
03 Humours
04 Swallower
05 Halo
06 The Dark
07 Turn The Key
08 I’m Not There
09 Death Is Not The End
10 Dancer In The Sky

Chelsea Wolfe Tour:
08-18 London, United Kingdom – The Dome
08-20 Bristol, United Kingdom – ArcTangent Festival
09-16 San Francisco, CA – Curran Theatre
09-18 Seattle, WA – The Moore Theatre
09-19 Salem, OR – Elsinore Theatre
09-20 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
09-22 Salt Lake City, UT – The Union Event Center
09-24 Denver, CO – Paramount Theatre
09-25 Lawrence, KS – Liberty Hall
09-26 St. Paul, MN – The Fitzgerald Theater
09-28 Chicago, IL – The Riviera Theatre
09-29 Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
09-30 Detroit, MI – Masonic Jack White Theatre
10-05 Boston, MA – Boch Center Shubert Theatre
10-06 New York, NY – The Town Hall
10-08 Munhall, PA – Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall
10-09 Glenside, PA – Keswick Theatre
10-10 Washington, DC – Sixth & I
10-12 Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel
10-13 Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
10-14 Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
10-16 Dallas, TX – Texas Theatre
10-17 Austin, TX – Emo’s
10-20 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre
10-21 El Cajon, CA – The Magnolia
10-23 Los Angeles, CA – The Orpheum Theatre
11-21 Utrecht, Netherlands – TivoliVredenburg
11-23 Berlin, Germany – Admiralspalast
11-24 Hamburg, Germany – Große Freiheit 36
11-25 Copenhagen, Denmark – Vega
11-27 Oslo, Norway – Betong
11-28 Stockholm, Sweden – Vasateatern
11-30 Tallinn, Estonia – Helitehas
12-02 Vilnius, Lithuania – LOFTAS
12-03 Warsaw, Poland – Progresja
12-05 Prague, Czech Republic – ARCHA+
12-06 Vienna, Austria – Budocenter
12-07 Budapest, Hungary – Akvárium Klub
12-09 Mannheim, Germany – Capitol
12-11 Fribourg, Switzerland – Fri-Son
12-12 Milan, Italy – Live Club
12-13 Munich, Germany – Isarphilharmonie
12-15 Antwerp, Belgium – Trix
12-16 Paris, France – Casino de Paris
12-19 Athens, Greece – FLOYD

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The first-ever SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge concludes with thrilling grand finals

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:49:07 -0600

SM Active Hub recently concluded its first-ever Pickleball Trio Challenge with an adrenaline-fueled Grand Finals held on July 12, 2026 at SM Pickleball, Four E-Com Center MOA Complex in Pasay City bringing together the tournament’s top qualifying teams. 

Featuring a unique three-player team format, the tournament fostered strategic team play and elevates the level of competition. Teams competed in the DUPR 9 and DUPR 11 divisions, with categories determined by the combined Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) of the three players of each team. Throughout the tournament, players demonstrate exceptional skills, teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship in every match.

The Grand Finals marked the culmination of five qualifying legs held across SM Bicutan, SM Sta. Mesa, SM Sta. Rosa, SM Marikina, and SM Center Muntinlupa. A total of 89 teams competed in the qualifying rounds, with the top 32 teams advancing to the Grand Finals.

SM Active Hub’s first-ever Pickleball Trio Challenge brought together players in a celebration of friendly competition, camaraderie, and the growing pickleball community.

Team Boss K, composed of Keane, Sunshine and Prince claimed the championship title in the DUPR 9 category, while Team Zone, composed of Glorie, Zacky and Renzo, emerged as DUPR 11 champions. The winning teams advanced to the Grand Finals from the SM City Sta. Mesa and SM City Marikina qualifying events, respectively. Both teams earned the distinction of becoming the first champions of the SM Active Hub Pickleball Trio Challenge.

The event also featured two Grand Parades of Finalists, one for each category, symbolizing the growing pickleball community in the country with SM Active Hub at the forefront of the sport’s development.

The DUPR 11 grand finalists and members of the pickleball community gathered in the Grand Parade of Finalists, celebrating the spirit of the competition ahead.

This milestone tournament reinforces SM Supermalls’ commitment to promoting active lifestyles and fostering a thriving pickleball community. As the largest pickleball destination in the country, your most loved mall, SM provides opportunities for Filipinos to engage in sports, embrace health and wellness, and build meaningful connections with others.

The Grand Parade of DUPR 9 Finalists bring together athletes and enthusiasts in celebration of the tournament and the growing pickleball community in the metro.

As pickleball gains popularity among Filipinos of all ages, SM Sports and Leisure Center is set to open more pickleball courts in the coming months, making the sport more accessible to many communities in the country.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

Fuel retailers urged to stagger double-digit price hikes

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) urged oil companies to stagger this week’s double-digit pump price hikes, with diesel and kerosene prices expected to climb by more than P10 per liter.

Starting Tuesday (July 21), gasoline prices will rise by up to P3.65 per liter, while diesel will jump by as much as P10.68 per liter, according to the DoE. Kerosene prices will also go up by as much as P11.77 per liter.

“We are in talks with the oil companies to appeal to them to give discounts to our public utility vehicles and also if they can stagger the increase for this week little by little so our jeepney drivers can properly plan when they will refuel so they won’t be suddenly caught off guard by a very high increase right away,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said at a briefing on Monday.

As of press time, Shell Pilipinas Corp. and Seaoil Philippines, Inc. said they will implement the price hikes for diesel and kerosene over a three-day period starting Tuesday.

Shell and Seaoil said they will hike gasoline prices by P3.60 per liter on Tuesday, while diesel prices will go up by P8.20 per liter on Tuesday, followed by a P1.20 hike each on Wednesday and Thursday. For kerosene, prices will go up by P8.10 per liter on Tuesday, by P2.30 on Wednesday and by P1.20 on Thursday.

The latest adjustments will drive up pump prices in the National Capital Region, with gasoline prices reaching as high as P99.75 per liter, diesel at P101.43 per liter, and kerosene at P137.27 per liter.

Ms. Garin said renewed hostilities in the Middle East have disrupted the oil supply chain and sparked more uncertainty.

“Heightened tensions and developments in the Middle East are affecting global oil markets because these markets are interconnected. They are driving price adjustments up across every importing country,” she said.

Renewed hostilities between the US and Iran have again disrupted the flow of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles around a fifth of the world’s oil supply. The Philippines, which sources about 90% of its oil supply from the Middle East, has been one of the most affected by the global oil crisis.

Energy Undersecretary Alessandro O. Sales said the possible closure of the Red Sea, another crucial maritime corridor between Africa and Asia, would worsen the situation.

“That was issued as a warning by Iran not to target their energy facilities. If they do, they warned they would have the Houthis shut down the exit in the Red Sea,” he said.

Ms. Garin said that while the Philippines has no control over global oil prices, the DoE is ramping up price monitoring and beefing up oil inventory.

“Prices cannot be controlled. What we can do is monitor to ensure there is no abuse, no overpricing, hoarding, and we can enforce all these laws with the help of other government agencies, including the DoE, to monitor prices — so that even if they are high, the correct and justified price is what is being charged,” she said.

To ease the impact of the latest price hikes, Ms. Garin said the government is continuing its fuel subsidy program for qualified jeepney, UV express drivers and other eligible beneficiaries.

As of July 17, the country’s fuel inventory was enough to meet average daily demand of 78.08 million liters for about 45.77 days.

The country’s inventory for gasoline was equivalent to 43.37 days of demand, 45.94 days for diesel, 139.97 days for kerosene, 82.31 days for jet fuel, 28.83 days for fuel oil, and 34.30 days for liquefied petroleum gas. — S.J. Talavera

Pay raises in Philippines seen edging up in 2027 — WTW

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

PHILIPPINE COMPANIES expect to raise salaries by a median of 5.1% in 2027, slightly higher than the 5% average increase this year, as employers balance rising costs with the need to retain talent, according to a survey by advisory firm WTW Plc.

“In the Philippines, employers are taking a more deliberate approach to compensation planning as they manage rising business costs while staying competitive for critical talent,” Chantal Querubin, rewards data intelligence practice leader for the Philippines at WTW, said in a statement on Monday.

Among Southeast Asian countries, the Philippines’ projected 5.1% salary increase for 2027 is lower than Vietnam’s 7% and Indonesia’s 6%.

However, it is still above the projected 4.7% salary hike in Malaysia, 4.6% in Thailand, and 4% in Singapore.

Ms. Querubin said companies are increasingly using data-driven compensation strategies to improve employee retention, skills, and performance.

The Salary Budget Planning report, which surveyed 408 organizations in the Philippines from March to May, found that more than half of employers said their actual 2026 salary budgets matched their original plans.

About 18.8% reported spending less than initially budgeted, while 8.9% said their salary budgets exceeded earlier projections.

WTW said compensation planning continues to be influenced by inflation, business performance, and changing labor market conditions.

Inflation averaged 4.8% in the first six months of the year. The Philippine central bank expects the headline print to settle at 6.4% this year and 4.5% in 2027.

Across the Asia-Pacific region, median salary increases are expected to stabilize at 4.9%, indicating that employers are adopting a more measured approach to compensation while continuing to compete for skilled workers.

The report also found that 71.9% of organizations plan to keep current headcount levels over the next 12 months. Only 17.5% of firms expect to increase their staff, while 10.5% anticipate workforce reductions.

“The findings reveal that workforce stability and talent retention remain a key organizational priority amid ongoing economic uncertainty,” WTW said, adding that many firms are investing in efforts to retain talent.

These include improving employees’ experience (43.9%), expanding training and development (39.5%), and enhancing health and wellness benefits (37.5%).

“With compensation budgets remaining constrained, organizations have limited ability to differentiate broadly across the workforce. As a result, pay investments are increasingly being concentrated on critical roles and key talent segments, while compensation decisions for the wider employee population become more standardized,” Patrick Marquina, senior director for work and rewards at WTW Philippines, said in the same statement.

Sought for comment, Benjamin B. Velasco, an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines Diliman School of Labor and Industrial Relations, said it is difficult to determine if a 5% salary increase is sufficient to attract talent as employees weigh hikes against inflation and migration opportunities.

“There are several factors that go into employee decisions to apply and stay. One is comparison with inflation rate, offers from other firms in the same industry and offers abroad as migration is an option,” Mr. Velasco told BusinessWorld in a Facebook Messenger chat.

He said that highly productive and profitable sectors such as business process outsourcing (BPO), finance, and power have the capacity to offer above-average increases.

On the other hand, Mr. Velasco said occupations cutting across industries, such as janitorial roles, usually offer below-par adjustments.

Mr. Velasco stressed that wage hikes and the cost of living will remain “hot button issues” through 2027, as workers deal with elevated inflation.

The wage board last month approved a dual tranche P85 increase in the minimum wage in the National Capital Region (NCR). Starting July 25, the minimum wage in the NCR will increase by P60, while the second tranche or the P25 hike will take effect in January 2027.

The Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF) called for the suspension of the NCR wage hike, saying it could trigger severe unintended economic consequences that would harm the “most vulnerable” population.

In a statement, FEF said the wage hike could fuel an inflationary wage-price spiral, hurt small businesses, discourage companies from making investments, and threaten macroeconomic stability.

“As companies pass these sudden labor costs on to consumers, the prices of basic commodities rise, adding further upward pressure to already elevated inflation,” it said.

FEF said micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) are facing the forced wage hike “at the worst possible time.”

“Smaller businesses are already reeling from the twin pressures of falling consumer demand and surging global oil prices, which have significantly increased operating and logistics costs,” it said, adding that MSMEs could be pushed to the brink of insolvency.

FEF called for the return to “evidence-based, tripartite wage-setting that aligns wage growth with productivity gains and macroeconomic realities.” — Erika Mae P. Sinaking

DoE says Philippine electricity rates highest in Southeast Asia in June

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES recorded the highest electricity rate among its Southeast Asian peers in June, as the country relied on more expensive power plants to offset supply gaps caused by plant shutdowns in the Visayas, according to the Department of Energy (DoE).

Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said the Philippines had an average electricity rate of P12.43 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) last month, surpassing Singapore by less than a centavo.

“In ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), we had the highest (electricity rate). We are higher than Singapore for June,” Ms. Guevara said at a briefing on Monday.

She attributed the country’s high electricity rate to insufficient power supply, particularly in the Visayas which has been placed under a series of yellow alerts due to forced outages of several power plants.

“The Visayas grid is frequently placed under yellow alert, which is driving up electricity prices,” Ms. Guevara said.

A yellow alert is declared when the power buffer is not enough to meet the transmission grid’s contingency requirement.

“Demand is also high during the summer months,” the Energy official said. “Because of this, we need to operate more expensive power plants. Instead of risking blackouts, we opt to run costlier plants.”

Among power providers in on-grid areas, Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative, Inc. had the highest residential electricity rate in June at P16.57 per kWh amid a steep increase in generation charges, according to DoE data.

Northern Samar Electric Cooperative, Inc. followed with P15.72 per kWh, Kalinga-Apayao Electric Cooperative, Inc. with P14.53 per kWh, Manila Electric Co. with P14.48 per kWh, and Leyte IV Electric Cooperative, Inc. with P14.46 per kWh.

In off-grid areas, which are heavily dependent on oil-based generating facilities, Busuanga Island Electric Cooperative had the most expensive power rate at P24.92 per kWh.

Ms. Guevara said the DoE is coordinating with the Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure that distribution utilities and electric cooperatives are charging the right prices to consumers.

The DoE official said electricity rates may increase if fuel costs continue to rise. She encouraged distribution utilities to use cheaper fuel sources first to avoid running more expensive power plants.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin also urged power consumers to adopt energy conservation measures to ease the demand on the grid.

“It’s a reminder to all of us that we can also control the price of electricity depending on our consumption. If we consume less, the electric co-ops will not be forced to use the more expensive (fuel),” she said.

Gerry C. Arances, convener of consumer group Power for People Coalition, said the Philippines’ power rates reflect its high dependence on imported fossil fuels.

“The fact that the price of electricity in our country surpassed wealthier neighbors like Singapore illustrate just how heavy a burden power bills are for the ordinary Filipino consumer,” Mr. Arances told BusinessWorld. “This is in the context of rising inflation and costs of living amid the ongoing war.”

Mr. Arances said that lowering power rates requires ending the country’s dependence on coal and gas to generate power, and utilizing more renewable energy.

“Turning to expensive electricity in the spot market whenever coal plants fail is a non-solution — especially when renewable energy alternatives, particularly distributed renewables and solar power, have long been available in the Philippines,” he said.

Meanwhile, industrial stakeholders have called for collaboration among government agencies, the power sector and other stakeholders to strengthen power availability and reliability in the Visayas.

According to the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. (SEIPI), forced outages continue to affect operations of businesses as these disrupt production schedules, increase operating costs, and reduce manufacturing efficiency.

“Energy security is a shared responsibility,” SEIPI President Dan Lachica said. “Through continued cooperation between government, the power sector, and industry, we can strengthen power reliability, support manufacturing operations, and reinforce the Philippines’ position as a competitive destination for semiconductor and electronics investments.”

Philippines’ FDI outlook remains weak for rest of 2026

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES might continue to struggle to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) for the remainder of 2026 as lingering geopolitical risks and domestic governance concerns keep investors cautious, analysts said.

“We may have to grapple with subdued FDI growth for the rest of the year,” Marco Antonio C. Agonia, an economist at the University of Asia and the Pacific (UA&P), told BusinessWorld in an e-mail. “The domestic economy is still vulnerable to external shocks and has thus far not yet resolved its governance issues.”

Mr. Agonia noted higher borrowing costs have also stifled investment growth, which could keep the Philippines behind its neighbors with more conducive business environments and investment climates.

In April, the Philippines saw the lowest level of FDI inflows in nearly 10 years, with central bank data showing a 58.8% year-on-year plunge to $250 million from $607 million.

This marked the lowest monthly FDI inflows since $244 million in June 2016, and the largest annual decline since 76.1% in December 2022.

The slump in FDI inflows came amid heightened uncertainty over the Middle East war, although SM Investments Corp. Group Economist Robert Dan J. Roces noted this may be mainly due to lower intercompany borrowings.

“Still, if the slowdown persists, it could weigh on capital formation, job creation and productivity, especially in manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, property and exporting industries,” Mr. Roces told BusinessWorld via Viber.

He expects FDI inflows to remain muted and uneven throughout the year as investors continue to be wary of external and domestic headwinds.

In the first four months of the year, the Philippines posted $1.968 billion in FDI net inflows, 26.5% lower than $2.675 billion in the same period last year.

UA&P’s Mr. Agonia said this slowdown could dent economic growth momentum as fewer investments weaken aggregate demand and could eventually undermine the country’s productive capacity.

“The newfound slump in FDI net inflows will likely hurt the country’s growth momentum,” he said.

“In the immediate term, slower investments mean softer aggregate demand. In the medium to long term, however, slower FDI formation translates into subdued improvements in the economy’s productive capacity, damaging the country’s prospects for transformative growth,” he added.

The Philippines’ economic momentum has been weak since late last year, as a widescale flood control corruption scandal took a hit on investor sentiment, dampening investment flows to the country. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth slowed to 4.4% in 2025 from 5.7% in 2024.

Economic volatility stemming from the Middle East war dashed the Philippines’ recovery hopes, as GDP growth slowed to a new post-pandemic low of 2.8% in the first quarter.

This prompted economic managers to slash the GDP growth target to 3.5-4.5% for this year from 5-6% previously.

Mr. Agonia said lower FDI inflows could likewise take a toll on knowledge and financial capital-intensive sectors, including transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy, and higher value-added agro-industry production.

“In particular, net debt instrument investment has been declining in previous months, which would likely undermine developments in infrastructure and manufacturing,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said sustained inflows of equity investments suggest that investors remain upbeat about the Philippines.

“While this could weigh on investment, jobs, and long-term growth if sustained, it is encouraging that equity investments remain positive, indicating that investors still see value in the Philippines,” he told BusinessWorld in a Viber message.

Analysts said the government should implement reforms to resolve its governance issues and enhance ease of doing business to regain lost investor confidence.

“The key now is to strengthen policy consistency, improve ease of doing business, accelerate infrastructure development, and reinforce good governance to convert investor interest into actual investments,” Mr. Ravelas noted.

The Philippines would also need a less uncertain investment climate to attract more foreign investments in key industries, according to Mr. Roces.

“To turn this around, the country needs less uncertainty and faster execution such as consistent rules, credible governance, lower power costs, and quicker turnaround for public projects already in the pipeline,” he said. “Investors can price risk, but they struggle to price unpredictability.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Agonia said the country’s elevation to an upper-middle income country (UMIC) and good standing in the Institute of International Finance’s (IIF) investor relations ranking may also help attract more investments.

“For now, the country’s transition to UMIC status and its favorable ranking on the IIF’s list are tangible tailwinds for the local economy’s foreign investment picture,” he said. “For this to take off in the medium to long term, however, the country will have to conduct structural reforms to address governance issues and the domestic economy’s inherent vulnerability to external shocks.”

Earlier this month, the World Bank reclassified the Philippines to upper-middle income from lower-middle income, after the country reached a gross national income per capita of $4,850, within the World Bank’s GNI per capita range for UMICs of $4,636 to $14,375.

The Philippines also scored 49.3 out of 50 in investor relations in the IIF’s 2026 Investor Relations and Debt Transparency Report, outperforming 56 other countries to earn the top spot in the category.

The central bank earlier said that the cautious global investment climate and local governance issues could bring FDI net inflows to $7 billion this year, lower than the estimated $7.8 billion in 2025.

However, it sees a gradual but uneven recovery by next year, with FDI net inflows projected to reach $8 billion by end-2027.

Philippines’ BoP surplus widens to $3.4 billion in June

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:01:07 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

The Philippines’ balance of payments (BoP) surplus widened to over $3 billion in June, which helped significantly narrow the BoP deficit in the first half of the year, central bank data showed.

Based on Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data released late on Monday, the country’s BoP position remained at a surfeit for two straight months with $3.403 billion in June.

This is the largest monthly BoP surplus in nearly two years or since the $3.526 billion in September 2024.

It is also wider than the $226-million surplus a year ago and the $131-million surplus in May.

BoP refers to the country’s economic transactions with other nations. A deficit shows that the country spent more than it received, while a surplus indicates more funds entered the country.

June’s surplus brought the Philippines’ BoP deficit to $3.877 billion in the first half of the year, narrower than the $7.28-billion gap as of May and the $5.588-billion deficit in the same period last year.

The central bank said the country’s year-to-date BoP position remained at a deficit as it continued to post a trade-in-goods gap and hot money net outflows.

The Philippines has had a monthly trade-in-goods deficit for over a decade, with latest data showing the gap widened by 50.5% year on year to $5.48 billion in May from $3.64 billion.

Meanwhile, latest BSP data showed the country’s foreign portfolio investments, also known as hot money, reversed to a $4.17-billion net outflow as of May from the $1.52-billion net inflow seen a year earlier.

However, BSP noted that this was slightly tempered by the “sustained net inflows from personal remittances of overseas Filipinos, foreign borrowings by the NG (National Government), trade in services, and foreign direct investment.”

The central bank has noted that trade imbalances and tighter financial conditions will continue to strain the country’s external position until next year.

It expects the BoP deficit to widen to $10.7 billion or -2.1% of gross domestic product (GDP) by end-2026, from $5.7 billion or -1.2% of GDP last year.

THREE-MONTH HIGH GIR
On the other hand, the Philippines’ gross international reserves (GIR) reached $104.745 billion in the first half of 2026, according to revised BSP data.

This marks the highest dollar reserves held by the central bank in three months or since the $106.636 billion as of the first quarter.

The latest GIR level edged up by 0.73% from the $103.988 billion as of May, but fell annually for a third consecutive month by 1.18% from $105.998 billion the previous year.

The increase was driven by the NG’s net foreign currency deposits with the central bank and the BSP’s net earnings from its foreign investments.

However, the BSP also noted that these were tempered by “downward valuation adjustments, primarily driven by changes in prices of the BSP’s gold holdings and foreign currency–denominated reserve assets, and NG’s drawdowns on its foreign currency deposits with the BSP for external debt
service.”

Dollar reserves are the central bank’s foreign assets held mostly as investments in foreign-issued securities, foreign exchange, and monetary gold, among others.

These are supplemented by claims to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in the form of reserve position in the fund and special drawing rights (SDRs).

The central bank’s gold holdings jumped by 24.58% to $17.194 billion at end-June from $13.802 billion last year, but dropped by 11.74% from $19.48 billion a month ago.

Meanwhile, the country’s reserve position in the IMF amounted to $724.6 million, down 1.06% from $732.4 million the previous year but 1.46% higher than end-May’s $712.2 million.

SDRs — or the amount the Philippines can tap from the IMF’s reserve currency basket — also declined by 0.75% to $3.915 billion from $3.945 billion a year ago and by 0.93% from $3.592 billion the prior month.

The central bank’s foreign currency and deposits plunged by 48.35% to $2.298 billion in the first half from $4.449 billion in the comparable year-ago period. However, it more than doubled (176.29%) from $831.7 million as of May.

BSP data also showed its securities were valued at $72.037 billion during the period, slipping by 5.73% from $76.413 billion last year and by 0.98% from $72.75 billion a month earlier.

On the other hand, its other reserves rose by 28.97% annually to $8.587 billion from $6.658 billion and by 37.13% month on month from $6.262 billion.

The BSP said the country’s end-June GIR level remains adequate, covering about 3.7 times the country’s short-term external debt based on residual maturity.

It also translates to 6.8 months’ worth of imports of goods and payments of services and primary income, still above the three-month standard.

“These provide sufficient foreign currency to meet the country’s import needs and service its external debt obligations and serve as a buffer against external economic shocks,” the central bank said.

GIR allows a country to finance imports and foreign debts, maintain the stability of its currency, and safeguard itself against global economic disruptions.

The BSP sees its foreign reserves settling at $104 billion this year, lower than the $110.8 billion it held in 2025.

Big Brother Spoilers: Veto Meeting Delivers Stunning Backdoor

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:00:07 -0600

Rick Devens has made some fantastic moves as the second Head of Household of Big Brother Season 28, but is he about to make a grave mistake?

After the Survivor alum won the Golden Power of Veto on Saturday, his decision seemed clear: He wanted to backdoor Rome and send him out of the game.

As of Monday morning, that was still the plan, but a lot had happened in the house since the Veto competition.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Lyric, who has been embroiled in a showmance with Rome, had been telling anyone who would listen that their relationship was over.

I’m surprised she managed to deliver that lie with a straight face because she and Rome were making out on the feeds on Sunday.

But it seems like Lyric’s story about being done with Rome has rubbed off on Rick.

The Survivor alum began entertaining the possibility of saving Lyric from the block and putting Rome up in her place.

(CBS/Screenshot)

This is a stupid plan.

Saving Lyric would give the showmance a better chance of remaining in the game, and you better believe they would target Rick the moment they inevitably got some shred of power.

Big Brother Just Switched Gears

Despite his initial plan to save Melody, Rick told his allies on Sunday evening that he was now planning to use the Power of Veto on Lyric and nominate Rome in her place.

No matter what happens, Lyric and Rome are a potentially strong duo who could make it deep into the game.

Melody, meanwhile, seemed far more likely to make a deal with Rick that could benefit them both, so I don’t understand why Rick thought saving Lyric was the better move.

His allies were against the plan, too, but as the day progressed, they decided to let him do as he pleased.

Either way, Rick, Dee, and Angela are probably the biggest targets in the house right now because it’s painfully obvious that they’re working together.

I don’t think it will take long for someone to take a shot at them, so they need to have as much power as possible to remain competitive.

Dee and Rick are competition beasts, but I’ve yet to see Angela perform particularly well in competitions, which could make Rick and Dee the bigger targets.

Angela has been cultivating connections with most of the other houseguests and even seemingly smoothed things over with Jason.

Did Rick Make a Mistake?

That could help keep her off the block.

When the feeds returned from Monday afternoon’s Veto meeting, Rick removed Lyric from the block and nominated Rome in her place.

(CBS/Matthew Taplinger)

The final nominees for this round are Jason, Melody, and Rome.

Who do you want to save themselves from the block during the Big Brother Blockbuster? And who do you want to go home this week?

Let’s dive into it in the comments section.

Tensions mounted in the Big Brother house as the Veto meeting got underway, but who’s earmarked for eviction? Spoilers inside!
Big Brother just had one of its wildest days on the feeds, but the Veto winner has been revealed. Is the backdoor plan happening?
The new Head of Household has already nominated three people for eviction but a backdoor plan is already in the works. Get the scoop inside!

Read the original article here

The post Big Brother Spoilers: Veto Meeting Delivers Stunning Backdoor appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

Trump says Netanyahu won’t be arrested despite Mamdani threat

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:00:07 -0600

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a news conference in Jerusalem on June 15, 2026.

Ronen Zvulun | AFP | Getty Images

President Donald Trump said Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “will not be arrested” when he visits New York in September, pushing back on a suggestion by Mayor Zohran Mamdani that such an arrest could happen.

Mamdani has said New York City’s legal department is discussing the possibility of arresting Netanyahu when the prime minister is in the city to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

“I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in The Hague,” Mamdani told The New York Times’ “The Interview” podcast that published Saturday.

“He’s a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court. And what you will find is that is an opinion that is held by many purely because of what his actions have wrought over these last many years,” the mayor said.

Amazon’s Adaptive Display For Fire TVs Is Officially Rolling Out Today

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:00:07 -0600

The accessibility feature was teased back in April.

Amazon

Adaptive Display is rolling out to the Fire TV Stick HD today. Amazon alerted us that this accessibility feature, which it mentioned during its April preview event, is now available for the latest model of its streaming dongle.

The Adaptive Display setting resizes both text and UI elements on screen for optimal readability, while keeping any images or key art proportionally scaled. Multiple sizing options are available so a user can get the best experience for their eyes and brain. Adaptive Display seemed like one of the more notable improvements for this latest Fire TV model, which also boasts a more streamlined form factor and some additional Alexa+ integrations.

Amazon showed off its overhaul of the entire Fire TV UI during CES 206, followed soon after by a rollout in February. Adaptive Display should be able to help more viewers take full advantage of that revamped experience.

Read the original article here

The post Amazon’s Adaptive Display For Fire TVs Is Officially Rolling Out Today appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

Watch comedy troupe Broken Lizard raid Limp Bizkit show as Super Troopers to issue noise complaint

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:00:07 -0600

Comedy troupe Broken Lizard stormed Limp Bizkit’s stage dressed as their Super Troopers characters to issue the band with a “noise complaint” – watch below.

It took place on Saturday (July 18), when Fred Durst and co. headlined the opening night of Creed’s two-day Summer Of ’99 And Beyond Festival at the Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Towards the end of their set, members of Broken Lizard arrived in costume as the Vermont state troopers from their cult comedy franchise and pretended to shut down the show over the volume.

At first, some of the crowd appeared unaware that the interruption was part of a routine. One member of the troupe then shouted: “Shut up, all you chicken-fuckers. With these lights on, I can see all you chicken-fuckers there.”

“You’re a chicken-fucker, you’re a chicken-fucker,” he continued, pointing into the audience. “All of you up there are chicken-fuckers.”

The troupe eventually abandoned the supposed noise complaint and joined the band on stage for the closing rendition of ‘Break Stuff’.

Watch the moment here:

The festival brought together a number of acts associated with late-’90s and early-’00s rock, including Cypress Hill, Bush, Puddle Of Mudd and Hoobastank. Creed headlined its second night yesterday (July 19).

Broken Lizard are currently promoting Super Troopers 3, which is due to arrive in cinemas on August 7 through Searchlight Pictures.

The film reunites troupe members Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Paul Soter and Erik Stolhanske as the Vermont officers first introduced in 2001’s Super Troopers. It follows 2018 sequel Super Troopers 2 and will also feature returning cast members Brian Cox and Marisa Coughlan.

The cameo comes shortly after Limp Bizkit brought comedian Tom Green on stage during their performance at Ottawa Bluesfest on July 11. Green, who grew up in the area, joined Durst for ‘Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)’, throwing himself into the track and trading lines with the vocalist.

Limp Bizkit also headlined Download Festival for the first time last month, 23 years after they were originally due to top the bill. During the set, they paid tribute to their late bassist Sam Rivers, who died last year and was described by the band as “the soul in the sound”.

Guitarist Wes Borland recently said the band are “the biggest we’ve ever been right now” amid their recent resurgence.

“It’s crazy. And I’m not saying that in a cocky way. I’m saying that, like, we can’t believe it,” he explained. “We just get along so well now, and everybody, we’re adults, and we’re still having fun doing it, and I think that translates to the audience.”

The band’s most recent single, ‘Making Love To Morgan Wallen’, arrived last September and marked their first new material since the 2021 album ‘Still Sucks’.

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The post Watch comedy troupe Broken Lizard raid Limp Bizkit show as Super Troopers to issue noise complaint appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

Watch John Glacier Live Out Her 007 Fantasies in New “Bond Girl” Video

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 21:00:07 -0600

John Glacier has released the first single off her next album, Lack of Joy is Death. “Bond Girl” takes a more upbeat approach to the East London artist’s ambient rap with flows buoyed by a clubby beat as she raps about jet-setting and talking to Vogue (a likely reference to her actual British Vogue interview in May). The song also arrives with a 007-themed music video directed by Léa Ceheivi, where Glacier completes a risky mission. Check it out below.

Revisit our review of Glacier’s 2025 debut Like a Ribbon.

Read the original article here

The post Watch John Glacier Live Out Her 007 Fantasies in New “Bond Girl” Video appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

GCash brings ‘Wais Tindera Caravan’ to Cebu, empowering MSMEs with financial tools and responsible borrowing

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:53:08 -0600

Over 200 nano, micro, small, and medium enterprises (NMSMEs), including sari-sari store owners and vendors gathered at the Wais Tindera Caravan in Cebu to deepen their understanding of digitalization and responsible borrowing.

In celebration of MSME Month, GCash reinforces its commitment to being the trusted growth partner of Filipino NMSMEs, powering every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. GCash continues to champion local businesses by providing easier access to the integrated financial and digital tools they need to sustain their livelihoods, navigate uncertainty, and drive the Philippine economy.

The Wais Tindera Caravan serves as the Financial Literacy x Business Literacy (FinLit x BizLit) of GCash and Fuse Financing designed for Filipino micro-entrepreneurs. The program provides lessons on budgeting, pricing, inventory management, sales tracking, and business growth. The caravan also tackled the risks of predatory lending as many micro-retailers still rely on informal lenders, including the “5-6” system, which often carries high interest rates and can lead to cycles of debt.

Digital financial tools were also introduced, like GLoan Negosyo — a Fuse cash loan product designed to meet NMSMEs’ urgent funding needs — and GCash Pera Outlet Plus (GPO Plus), which enables store owners to earn extra income by offering cash-in, cash-out, bills payment, and other digital transactions to their communities.

With GLoan Negosyo, the caravan highlights the importance of accessible financing and responsible borrowing.

“Through the Wais Tindera Caravan, we aim to equip NMSMEs with the practical financial and business skills needed to make informed decisions, manage their finances effectively, and adopt responsible borrowing practices to grow their businesses sustainably,” said Kevin Yu, Head of B2B lending at Fuse Financing.

Responsible Borrowing for NMSMEs

A key focus of the Cebu leg was responsible borrowing. Participants learned how to assess whether a loan is necessary for business growth, borrow within their capacity to repay, and use credit for productive purposes such as inventory expansion.

Sessions also covered how to understand loan terms, interest rates, and repayment obligations before borrowing. The program highlighted how formal lending solutions can support business growth when used with proper planning.

Through this campaign, entrepreneurs learned about excessive interest rates, lack of transparency, and unsustainable repayment terms.

Attendees actively participate during the learning session.

Partner in every stage of growth

The caravan underscores the commitment of GCash to empowering Filipino MSMEs at every stage of growth. By introducing innovations like GCash SoundPay Plus and GCash EasyPOS, the platform helps small businesses seamlessly adopt digital QR and card payments, driving operational efficiency.

Beyond accessible payment solutions, GCash fosters grassroots, community-wide economic growth. Through GCash Pera Outlet Plus, neighborhood merchants can earn extra income by providing vital Cash In and Cash Out services to their localities, while accessible insurance offerings protect these grassroots businesses from unexpected financial shocks.

Lucky winners of Puhunan Package from the recent Wais Tindera caravan in Cebu City.

The caravan, in addition, addressed the digital trust gap as well among small business owners who may be hesitant to adopt digital financial services. Sessions explained how digital payments work, how to use GCash safely and securely, how responsible use of digital tools can help build a financial track record, and gain access to formal financial products and services.

The Wais Tindera Caravan supports the “Finance for All” mission of GCash. Financial literacy remains central to the program, with participants learning skills they can apply immediately and tools they can integrate easily.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

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Two TCLVs seen forming in coming days, weeks— PAGASA

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:37:07 -0600

Two tropical cyclone-like vortices (TCLVs) are expected to form in the coming days and weeks, one of which has a low to moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone (TC), according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

TCLV 1 is expected to emerge over the eastern boundary of the Tropical Cyclone Advisory Domain (TCAD) during Week 1, covering July 16 to 22, PAGASA said in its latest Tropical Cyclone Threat Potential Forecast.

The weather bureau said the system has a low to moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone during the forecast period.

In Week 2, covering July 23 to 29, PAGASA said TCLV 1 is expected to move toward the northeastern portion of the TCAD and the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

The system is expected to maintain its low to moderate chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.

During the same period, TCLV 2 is expected to emerge over the eastern portion of the TCAD and may enter the PAR. It has a low likelihood of developing into a tropical cyclone during Week 2.

“Therefore, the TC threat potential is less likely over Week 1 and likely over Week 2,” PAGASA said.

The agency added that changes in the forecast pattern will be closely monitored and updates will be issued as needed. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

SM Prime expands Xiamen mall, focuses China strategy on Fujian

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

XIAMEN CITY, China — SM Prime Holdings, Inc. is expanding its first mall in China with a new P1.5-billion retail development as it narrows its China expansion strategy to Fujian province, where it said the company has established strong brand recognition.

The property developer will launch the 19,403-square-meter (sq.m.) CHAO Block at SM Xiamen City, its first overseas development, as it continues to invest in the province while taking a more conservative approach to its China expansion.

“Moving forward, we will just focus on Fujian province,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim told reporters during a media roundtable on Friday.

Mr. Lim said the company remains open to opportunities proposed by local governments but intends to strengthen its presence in Fujian, where the SM brand is already well established.

“China is so big. Every province is almost like a different country. The good thing for us is that the SM name is very popular and quite known in Fujian,” he said.

Despite the renewed focus, Mr. Lim said the group’s China operations remain “not material” to SM Prime’s consolidated business, adding that the company has no immediate plans to spin off its China assets until they reach greater scale.

CHAO Block is envisioned as a “neo-urban block” that extends beyond the traditional mall format by bringing together independent founders, local entrepreneurs, cultural curators, and first-to-market concepts.

The P1.5-billion project will be completed in phases, with the first phase scheduled to open in September and the second phase targeted for completion in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Tenants will also be encouraged to host workshops, product launches, exhibitions, community events, and brand collaborations.

“SM Xiamen City holds a distinct place in our company’s history. Being our first overseas investment, it has served as a long-term platform for learning, expansion and growth in China,” Mr. Lim said.

“As Xiamen continues to develop, we intend to keep strengthening the property and the local entrepreneurs so it remains an important part of the city’s commercial landscape,” he added.

Established in 2001, SM Xiamen City was developed as a one-stop shopping destination for the mainstream consumer market.

In 2009, the property expanded by 109,922 sq.m. of gross floor area (GFA) as part of its repositioning into an upscale lifestyle shopping center. In 2022, it added another 129,195 sq.m. of GFA and refreshed its tenant mix to cater to younger consumers and growing demand for social and experiential spaces.

Today, SM Xiamen City houses more than 500 stores, including international brands such as Apple Store, Sephora, Maison Le Fame, and Lululemon, as well as a Walmart and a range of restaurants and cafés.

Mr. Lim said the company also plans to apply lessons from SM Xiamen City’s evolution to its Philippine developments by introducing more experiential retail concepts.

In the Philippines, SM Prime, through SM Development Corp. (SMDC), is shifting its residential focus toward provincial economic housing to address what Mr. Lim estimated to be a national housing backlog of more than six million units.

The company is targeting the “non-vattable” P3.6-million price point for buyers in Davao, Iloilo, Mabalacat, Pampanga, and Trece Martires, Cavite.

While Metro Manila properties continue to face challenges, SM Prime plans to sell its existing inventory in the capital while expanding its recurring income business and provincial footprint. The company expects to produce about 25,000 homes annually.

Separately, Mr. Lim said sand placement for SM Prime’s Manila Bay reclamation project has been completed, with work now focused on shoreline protection, including armor rocks and revetment.

“Our commitment to the government is to turn it over mid-2028,” he said, adding that land development, including roads and utilities, is expected to be completed between 2026 and early 2027.

The company is also studying temporary uses for portions of the reclaimed land, particularly the island facing SM Mall of Asia. Interim developments, which may remain in place for five to 10 years, could include sports complexes to be operated by third-party partners rather than SM Prime. — Juliana Chloe A. Gonzales

Philippine financial system’s resources up nearly 10% as of May

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE financial system’s resources jumped by nearly 10% higher year on year as of May on the back of record-high assets and strong lending activity, analysts said.

Based on data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the combined resources of domestic banks and nonbank financial institutions (NBFIs) reached P37.638 trillion in the first five months of the year, up 9.98% from P34.224 trillion a year ago.

Resources inched up 0.88% month on month from $37.311 trillion as of end-April.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the nearly 10% rise in resources came as banks’ assets and loans have consistently posted double-digit growth despite uncertainty arising from the Middle East war.

“(This is) largely attributed to banks’ total assets and total loans growth rates of more than +10% year on year for both despite the war on Iran since Feb. 28, 2026, amid some hedging and frontloading of purchases or imports that are funded by bank loans,” he said via Viber.

Separate BSP data showed banks’ assets jumped by about 11.7% year on year to hit a new record high of P30.442 trillion at end-May, breaking the previous record of P30.336 trillion at end-March.

This as big banks’ lending expanded by 12.1% annually in May to P14.989 trillion from P13.37 trillion, marking the fastest loan growth in 15 months or since 12.2% in February 2025.

For Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., this means that the country’s banking sector held firm despite ongoing global uncertainties.

“The nearly 10% growth in the Philippine financial system’s resources as of May reflects the continued strength and resilience of the banking sector,” he said in a Viber message. “Higher deposits, sustained lending activity, and expanding investment portfolios continue to support balance sheet growth, even amid global uncertainties.”

The financial system’s resources include the funds and assets of banks and NBFIs such as deposits, capital, and bonds or debt securities, but exclude those from the central bank.

Meanwhile, central bank data also showed the 9.98% growth in total resources as of end-May eased from the 10.58% recorded at end-April.

However, Mr. Ravelas noted that this slowdown merely reflects “normalization” following strong expansion in recent months.

“The slight easing from April’s 10.58% pace to 9.98% is not a sign of weakness but rather a normalization after a period of strong expansion,” he said. “In fact, this suggests that growth is becoming more sustainable and balanced.”

As of May, banks held most of the financial system’s resources with P31.291 trillion. This was 10.85% higher than the P28.228 trillion logged a year ago.

Universal and commercial banks accounted for the bulk of resources, which climbed by 10.72% year on year to P29.011 trillion from P26.202 trillion.

Thrift banks’ resources also went up by 10.95% to P1.489 trillion as of May from P1.342 trillion in the prior year.

Meanwhile, the resources of rural and cooperative banks amounted to P587 billion during the period, up by an annual 8.06% from P543.2 billion.

Digital banks likewise saw their resources surge by 45.4% to P203.7 billion at end-May from P140.1 billion a year earlier.

On the other hand, the latest available central bank data showed nonbanks had P6.347 trillion in resources as of end-2025, 7.26% more than the P5.917 trillion it held at end-2024.

As of end-May last year, the total resources of nonbanks were P5.996 trillion.

NBFIs include investment houses, finance companies, security dealers, pawnshops and lending companies, nonstock savings and loan associations, credit card companies, private insurance firms, and authorized agent banks of foreign exchange corporations.

State-run institutions such as the Philippine Guarantee Corp., Small Business Corp., Social Security System, and Government Service Insurance System are also considered nonbank financial firms.

According to Mr. Ravelas, the latest figures suggest that the local financial system remains “liquid, well-capitalized, and capable of supporting economic activity.”

“As long as credit demand, savings accumulation, and investment activity remain healthy, the sector should continue to post steady growth moving forward,” he added.

However, Mr. Ricafort noted that rising borrowing costs and tighter economic conditions will likely dampen loan growth in the coming months, which could eventually slow the expansion of the industry’s resources.

“However, for the coming months, total assets or resources growth could slow down amid possible higher interest rates locally and globally for the coming months, also amid more cautious lending by banks to prevent further increase in nonperforming loans amid slower global and local economy (and) higher inflation and interest rates largely brought about by the adverse effects of the war (in the) Middle East,” he said.

The central bank has been on a tightening cycle since April, delivering a total of 50 basis points (bps) in hikes to bring the key policy rate to 4.75%.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. earlier said the economy can still handle another 25-bp increase amid expectations of growth recovery by the second half of the year.

The central bank has also kept the door open for further monetary policy tightening to bring inflation back to its 3% goal following four straight months of the headline print settling above its target.

Philippine banks likely to see higher volumes after waiving transfer fees

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

BANKS’ MOVE to waive fees for retail fund transfers to comply with new rules from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) could slightly dent their revenues but still end up boosting profits on the back of higher transaction volumes and better customer retention.

BSP Circular 1238, which took effect on July 4, requires financial institutions like banks, e-wallets, and other payment service providers to adopt reasonable, fair, and market-based pricing for digital person-to-person fund transfers.

Most universal, commercial, thrift, and digital banks have already scrapped their InstaPay and PESONet fees, while several e-wallets opted to lower their applicable inter-institution charges.

Waiving these fees makes traditional banks more visible as payment conduits amid growing competition from digital banks and financial technology firms, First Metro Investment Corp. Head of Research Cristina S. Ulang said in a Viber message.

“It actually helps bank profitability as it improves banks’ relevance, market profile, customer retention, client relationship and overall business,” she said.

Ms. Ulang said the move is very timely as it helps ease transaction costs amid heightened inflation pressures and is also in line with the BSP and the government’s financial inclusion goals.

“Fee waivers are a modest headwind to bank profitability, particularly for institutions more reliant on transaction fees, but they could be positive for financial inclusion, digital adoption, and long-term customer acquisition,” Reyes Tacandong & Co. Senior Adviser Jonathan L. Ravelas likewise said in a Viber message.

Citing internal data, COL Financial Group, Inc. Chief Equity Strategist April Lynn C. Lee-Tan said in a Viber message that the move towards zero-fee retail transfers could shave off about 1% from big banks’ revenues, while the profit hit could be from 1% to 3%.

The latest BSP data showed that the Philippine banking system’s combined net profit went up by 2.87% to P104.82 billion in the first quarter from P101.9 billion.

The industry’s fee and commissions income rose by 6.8% year on year to P47.62 billion in the first quarter from P44.59 billion in the same period. This accounted for the bulk of its non-interest income.

F. Yap Securities, Inc. also said in a July 12 market note that the fee waiver poses only a “negligible” threat to listed banks’ earnings, with “resilient” net interest margins to support their profits. “Expect competition in digital banking, but this headline is largely deposit-accretive for banks,” it said.

“The impact on profitability will likely be limited for universal and commercial banks, as transfer fees account for only a small portion of total revenues relative to lending, treasury, cards, and other fee-generating businesses,” Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

“For these banks, the potential gain from deeper customer engagement and higher transaction volumes could partly offset foregone fee income.”

BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan earlier said banks’ digital transaction volume has increased by up to 50% following their transfer fee waivers.

SMALLER BANKS
Meanwhile, the move could bite for smaller banks like thrift and rural lenders, in particular those with less diversified sources of revenue, Mr. Asuncion said.

“That said, the effect will vary depending on how much they relied on transaction-based fees and how successful they are in leveraging free transfers to attract and retain customers,” he said.

As for digital banks, Mr. Asuncion said some could lose their competitive advantage as most of them already offered free transfers even before the BSP directive as part of their customer acquisition strategy.

“With traditional banks now matching this feature, differentiation may increasingly depend on deposit rates, user experience, rewards, and product offerings.”

Mr. Asuncion added that with less friction for inter-institution transfers, this may increase deposit mobility, which would heighten competition for these funds.

“However, I do not expect a significant shift of deposits from digital banks back to traditional banks solely because transfers have become free,” he said. “Depositors will continue to be guided primarily by interest rates, convenience, platform quality, and trust in the institution.”

“I don’t think funds will shift from digital to traditional banks just because of free InstaPay. There are many other reasons for opening digital bank accounts, such as convenience, ease of opening, higher deposit rates, and easier access to credit,” Ms. Lee-Tan likewise said.

With the new BSP rules somehow leveling the playing field, financial institutions may turn their focus towards building and monetizing their relationship with their customers, Mr. Asuncion added.

“In that sense, the bigger story may not be the loss of transfer fee income, but the heightened competition for deposits, wallet share, and long-term customer engagement.”

The BSP wants digital payments to account for 60%-70% of the total volume of retail payments by 2028 in line with the Philippine Development Plan.

In 2024, digital payments made up 57.4% of the country’s total monthly retail transaction volume (from 52.8% in 2023) and 59% of the combined value (from 55.3% in 2023), according to BSP’s latest Status of Digital Payments in the Philippines report. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

Renewed Middle East conflict revives fuel excise tax suspension debate

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

RENEWED UPWARD PRESSURE on global oil prices has revived calls for the Philippine government to suspend excise taxes on petroleum products, although experts remain divided on whether such a move would be effective.

This comes as fuel retailers are expected to hike diesel prices by as much as P10.50 per liter and gasoline prices by as much as P4 per liter this week.

“At this point, I would not immediately recommend suspending the fuel excise tax,” Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., told BusinessWorld.

“A better approach is to focus on targeted interventions that ease the burden on vulnerable sectors while preserving much needed government revenues,” he added.

Mr. Ravelas said the government should instead expand fuel subsidies for public transport, farmers, and fisherfolk; provide targeted cash assistance to low-income households; and accelerate energy conservation measures.

He said the government’s focus should be on reducing fuel and power consumption rather than merely absorbing higher prices, as conservation remains “the quickest and most effective response to an oil price shock.”

“Excise tax suspension should remain a contingency measure if oil prices stay elevated for a prolonged period and begin to pose a significant risk to inflation, economic growth, and consumer welfare,” he said. “Until then, targeted assistance and conservation measures offer a more sustainable solution.”

The country, a net importer of crude oil, has been under a year-long energy emergency since late March as the Middle East crisis threatens its fuel supply.

Under Republic Act No. 12316, the President has the authority to suspend or reduce excise taxes on petroleum products. A suspension of fuel excise tax collection has been estimated to lower pump prices by P6 per liter for diesel and P10 per liter for gasoline.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. suspended the excise tax on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene for three months starting April 13. This reduced LPG prices by P3.36 per kilo and kerosene prices by P5.60 per liter.

The three-month suspension of excise tax on LPG and kerosene was lifted on July 8, after the average Dubai crude oil price dropped below the $80 per barrel threshold.

“While reinstated just about a couple of weeks ago, a possible suspension may again be necessary to help cushion the potential further increases on the said socially sensitive products,” Jetti Petroleum, Inc. President Leo P. Bellas told BusinessWorld.

Based on the five-day trading at the regional benchmark Mean of Platts Singapore, pump prices of diesel are projected to increase by P10 to P10.50 per liter this week while gasoline prices are seen rising by P3.50 to P4 per liter.

The projected increases could push both gasoline and diesel prices beyond P100 per liter, well-above the prewar price levels of around P50 to P60 per liter.

“The breakdown of the US-Iran truce and tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz revived concerns about shipments of products from the Middle East,” Mr. Bellas said.

“With the renewed risk of supply disruptions, gasoline prices strengthened as global stock balances remain tight, with inventories falling as demand remains firm,” he added.

Adding to the risks posed by the ongoing Middle East conflict, Iran has reportedly directed its Houthi allies in Yemen to shut the Red Sea export route should the US launch attacks on its power infrastructure, Mr. Bellas said.

While tensions in the Middle East have renewed upward pressure on oil prices, it is still too early to call for a suspension of excise taxes on fuel, according to Top Line Business Development Corp. Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Brigitte Carmel C. Lim.

“However, if the increases become sustained and significantly impact consumers, temporarily suspending excise taxes may be considered to help ease the burden on motorists and households,” she said in a Viber message.

Noel M. Baga, co-convenor of the Center for Energy Research and Policy, said fuel price volatility is not the core issue.

“The Philippines remains vulnerable to sudden external supply shocks because of its heavy dependence on imported fuel, the absence of effective automatic price controls, and the lack of a Strategic Petroleum Reserve,” Mr. Baga told BusinessWorld.

“Building those buffers is what protects consumers from the next shock, not only this one,” he added.

The Philippine government is already laying down plans to build the country’s strategic petroleum reserve program, which includes putting up new stockpiling facilities.

BIR, BoC upbeat on revenue targets

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

THE PHILIPPINE government’s main revenue-generating agencies are confident of meeting their revised full-year targets, after posting higher collections in the first half of the year.

Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Charlito Martin R. Mendoza said faster economic growth in the second half of the year will boost tax collection.

“Hopefully, our infrastructure spending will improve, and our economic activities will accelerate in the coming months,” Mr. Mendoza told reporters last week.

“We are hoping for a higher gross domestic product growth in the coming months because it really has an impact on value-added tax, percentage tax and other business taxes,” he added.

The Philippine economy expanded by a slower-than-expected 2.8% in the first quarter, the weakest growth since the pandemic and well below the 5.37% expansion in the same quarter a year earlier.

The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development earlier said the lingering effects of last year’s corruption scandal and the escalation of the Middle East conflict may have weighed on growth in the second quarter. However, it expects a recovery in the second semester amid a pickup in public spending.

Tentative data from the BIR showed that it collected P1.65 trillion in the first six months, up 5.33% from P1.567 trillion a year earlier.

“But it is still very tentative… We are still reconciling; it is not final yet. But definitely higher (than last year). Although our growth rate for June is not as high as that of May, which was 15%,” Mr. Mendoza said.

“But you have to understand that in June last year we had the deadline for the estate tax amnesty. So, the revenues from the estate tax amnesty came in,” he added.

The BIR’s first-half collections accounted for 48.6% of the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s (DBCC) downwardly revised P3.393-trillion collection target for 2026.

Mr. Mendoza admitted the revised collection target remains a “tall order.”

“The target is around P3.4 trillion. We collected P3.1 trillion last year. That is still close to a 10% growth, so it is still a tall order, but we are doing our best to meet our target,” he said. “So far, we are still on track especially with the P38-billion reduction in our target.”

Mr. Mendoza said the agency hopes to book strong collections from nonresident digital service providers and excise taxes, among others.

HIGHER BOC TARGET
Meanwhile, Bureau of Customs (BoC) Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the DBCC may have considered recent foreign exchange (forex) movements and other macroeconomic factors when it hiked the agency’s collection target by P7.2 billion.

The DBCC raised the BoC’s 2026 revenue target by 0.7% to P1.011 trillion from P1.003 trillion previously. This as it adjusted the peso-dollar exchange rate assumption to P60-P62 this year from P58-P60 previously.

The peso traded above P61 per dollar in July. It closed at P61.587 against the dollar on Friday, strengthening by 3.3 centavos from its P61.62 finish on Thursday.

“Primarily, it is the changes in peso-dollar exchange rate and other macroeconomic factors, plus they foresee the growth of the economy,” Mr. Nepomuceno told reporters last week.

“But we can still achieve it, but our surplus of P11.8 billion will just be used to cover for that additional P7 billion,” he added, referring to the amount by which first-half collections exceeded the agency’s target.

In the first half, BoC collections rose by 7.2% to P491.75 billion from P458.77 billion a year earlier. Collections also exceeded the P480.27-billion target for the period by 2.4%.

“There is still more room for improvement, such as the rate of assessment or the total collection over the total value of imports,” Mr. Nepomuceno said.

The Customs chief said his review of average assessment rates over the years showed that the ratios at some ports were low and could be improved without departing from the transaction value regime.

“There are specific imported items that I know if we increase the rate of assessment, we will lift the collections. But you have to do that incrementally,” he said.

“Remember, we are in a transaction value regime, meaning we have to honor what they claim, based on their documents, are the actual prices they paid for their imports. We have reference values, but we will respect their documents,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Snowbound for the Holidays: Vanessa Lengies & Marcus Rosner Talk Sparkling Chemistry, Mischief & Skywalker Hughes

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

Few places capture a winter wonderland better than a charming and rustic ski lodge, and Linden’s Lodge is the ideal setting for Snowbound for the Holidays.

Vanessa Lengies and Marcus Rosner are both Hallmark veterans, but despite that, they’ve never worked together… until now!

And not only did they serve as a dynamic duo in this Hallmark original, but they brought that enthusiasm and charm to our interview when we caught up with them.

(Courtesy of Hallmark Media)

Snowbound for the Holidays has Vanessa Lengies’s Cassidy traveling to Linden’s Lodge, under orders to inspect it. It’s there that she meets Marcus Rosner‘s Trey and his spirited daughter Lilly (Skywalker Hughes).

Like many other Hallmark holiday films, Trey wants to hold on to his family’s legacy and the lodge rather than sell it to someone who would destroy it.

Initially, Cassidy was focused on corporate dreams, too, but soon she came to understand the Magic of Christmas better.

The team up to save the lodge is pure delight, and one of the best parts of the film was watching Cassidy become enchanted with winter and see her childlike wonder return.

The outdoor fun, timeless romance, and melding of personalities sold this holiday film. For more about it, check out the interview below.

(Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Vortex Media)

Hallmark often features holiday films where the community rallies to save a lodge, a Christmas market, or an ice palace. How do you think Snowbound for the Holidays differs from the others?

Vanessa Lengies: Well, Laura, what a great question. Maybe we’re saving the lodge, not a Christmas market or an Ice Palace. What sets this movie apart is its attempt to convey a message about cultural fusion.

They’re taking a man who likes everything to be analog and who wants nothing to change about the way things are.

Then there’s a woman who is all about technology, advancement, and business growth, and they’re putting these two together to show you that it’s possible to have the best of both worlds and blend them.

I think the movie’s about two realities blending into one. That’s something important, as we exist in a polarized life where people are either black or white about topics.

This is a reminder that coming together, finding the halfway point, and finding love are possible. That’s how it differs.

(Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Vortex Media)

Marcus Rosner: I couldn’t possibly add to that.

An Ice Palace Romance was actually one of Marcus’s other movies.

Marcus: Yes, we were saving the ice rink in that one. I’ve saved so many parades, ice rinks, and ski hills. If you need something saved at Christmas, Laura, you call me.

Absolutely. I remember. Christmas festivals are one of my favorite parts of the holidays. What were your favorite parts of the festival to film?

Marcus: The Chinese lanterns. We were talking about that, and that was cool. It was funny because our wonderful director, Christopher Giroux, had a vision of 30 to 1,000 lanterns lighting the night sky.

When it came down to it, the safety folks only let him have like five, and then they had to add some more in post-production.

(Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Vortex Media)

But I know that Vanessa and I were really trying to help that by lighting as many ourselves as they would let us to figure out a way that we could each have one and let them go to try to get more in the air.

But it was a fun little game of tug-of-war between the safety coordinator, who was taking his job perhaps a little too seriously, and us.

Vanessa: I don’t even know where this memory is coming from, but Marcus, do you remember the scene after tubing, when we had to come down that side hill and into the shop?

For some reason, that scene is playing out in my mind right now, so I don’t really know why it’s connected, and it’s not connected to the Christmas festival at all.

It’s just a really fun scene where we’re giggling after tubing down that hill.

(Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Vortex Media)

So, I enjoyed watching you guys connect. How did you build your on-screen connection?

Marcus: Trial and error. You start filming these things so abruptly, and you don’t really know your co-star yet. I always spend the first couple of days finding the chemistry and learning how you two work together within a scene and within the film.

But Vanessa is just equipped with the most infectious, adorable energy any human has ever possessed and is unshakeable in that regard.

I also noticed that Trey’s daughter, Lilly, seemed to be your biggest cheerleader. What was it like working with Skywalker Hughes?

Vanessa: Oh, Skywalker Hughes is a light. She is so sweet. Filming scenes with her reminded me of my childhood as an actor. She has to go to school.

(Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Vortex Media)

And just her incredible professionalism, how she balanced school and work, and her family is so sweet and so cool.

Honestly, post-filming the movie, she’s done an incredible job of keeping in touch and staying positive about everything that’s been going on in Marcus’s and my lives.

She’s profuse with her love and energy, and it’s so sweet to meet a special star like that.

For our final question, what do you think Hallmark fans will enjoy most about Snowbound for the holidays?

Vanessa: Our chemistry.

Marcus: I think Vanessa’s the perfect casting choice for a Hallmark Christmas movie. She brings exactly the joy that you’re looking for with these.

So I do not doubt that if they’re looking for a Vanessa Lengies movie, then they will come away with exactly what they came for on this one.

(Hallmark Media/Photographer: Courtesy Vortex Media)

Snowbound for the Holidays premieres on Saturday, July 18 at 8/7c on the Hallmark Channel and streams on Hallmark+ the next day.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Interviews like this take time and care — and we hope it shows.
If you liked hearing from me, please comment or share the article. That’s how we keep conversations like this going.

Vanessa Lengies and Marcus Rosner preview Snowbound for the Holidays and shared why it differs from other Hallmark movies.
Katherine Barrell and Stephen Huszar preview O’ Little Christmas Market, and shared their thoughts on art and classic romance.
It’s International Kissing Day, and we wanted to celebrate with 15 of the sexiest TV kisses that’ll get your hearts racing.

Read the original article here

The post Snowbound for the Holidays: Vanessa Lengies & Marcus Rosner Talk Sparkling Chemistry, Mischief & Skywalker Hughes appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

U.S. hits Iran for ninth consecutive night as casualties mount

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG 121) sails behind the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), June 27, 2026. Frank E. Petersen Jr. is deployed to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations to support maritime security and stability in the Middle East.

Courtesy: U.S. Navy

The U.S. military began a ninth consecutive night of strikes against Iran on Sunday, extending a campaign aimed at destroying Tehran’s ability to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

“CENTCOM began conducting a new wave of strikes against Iran at 7 p.m. ET today for the ninth consecutive night,” U.S. Central Command said in a post on X, adding the strikes would continue degrading Iranian military capabilities used to attack vessels transiting the strait.

The waterway, which handled around 20% of the world’s oil traffic before the war, has become the central battleground of the war that began on Feb. 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran. Oil rose on the escalation, with Brent crude futures climbing almost 3% to about $90.7 a barrel, while U.S. WTI futures rose 2.5% to $84.6.

The human toll continued to climb over the weekend. The U.S. forces said Sunday that a third American service member was killed in recent fighting with Iran, and that it had located unidentified remains in Jordan after a service member was listed as missing in action, bringing the number of U.S. personnel killed in the nearly five-month war to 17.

Iranian authorities said Sunday that at least 50 people were killed and more than 500 wounded in the renewed U.S. strikes this month.

The warring powers have intensified their attacks in the region, stoking fears of a return to full war with Washington and Tehran accusing each other of violating the memorandum of understanding framework reached in June.

“The memorandum said little about how disputed incidents would be investigated or how a breach in one area would affect obligations elsewhere,” said Michael Feller, chief strategist at Geopolitical Strategy. The memorandum’s ambiguity meant that the first serious dispute had quickly become a dispute over whether the agreement still existed, he noted.

U.S. strikes have widened in recent days to target civilian infrastructure, including the Bonji desalination plant that cut off water supplies to about 10,000 people.

Tehran has also retaliated across the Gulf with fresh attacks on targets in neighboring countries, including Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan. Kuwaiti officials said last Friday that Iranian missile and drone strikes targeted civilian infrastructure in the country, including a water desalination plant.

The U.S. embassy in Bahrain’s capital Manama said Monday that it has information suggesting that Iran may seek to target unspecified locations in central Manama, urging all Americans in the city to remain vigilant.

Hormuz traffic has slowed to the lowest level in three weeks amid renewed hostilities, according to maritime intelligence firm Kpler, with only eight passings on Thursday compared to 15 a day earlier.

U.S. officials, however, insisted that flows were still holding up. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday that about two-thirds of pre-conflict traffic — roughly 14 million barrels a day — is moving through the chokepoint. Around 20 million barrels of crude oil and refined products passed through the waterway before the conflict.

In an interview with ABC on Sunday, Wright said that public reports indicating that most shipping traffic has stopped in recent days are just not true. “Not 100 percent yet, but two-thirds of flow right now.”

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The Kodak EC35 Is A Pocketable, Beginner-Friendly 35mm Film Camera

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

The $35 camera comes in seven colors and has a slide cover.

Reto

There’s a new Kodak-branded camera from Charmera-maker Reto, and it’s a super-cute point-and-shoot film camera that won’t break the bank. The $35 Kodak EC35 announced this week is meant to be as accessible as a disposable camera, featuring a 25mm lens with a fixed f/10 aperture, fixed 1/100 second shutter speed and a built-in flash (which requires a AA battery). It also has a slide cover that protects the lens and serves as a shutter lock, so you can throw it in a bag or stick it in your pocket without worrying about accidental snaps.

For beginners to film cameras, the new Kodak EC35 offers an even lower barrier to entry than Reto’s $100 Kodak Snapic A1 camera and the $50 EKTAR H35 half frame camera from a few years ago. The EC35 comes in seven colors: Midnight Black, Vanilla White, Butter Yellow, Lavender, Powder Blue, Blush Pink and Avocado. You can get the Kodak EC35 on its own or buy it in a bundle with a roll of Kodak Ultramax 400 film for $10 more.

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Jay Jay French says fans will “ultimately decide” verdict on Sebastian Bach as Twisted Sister’s new vocalist

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

After Twisted Sister made the divisive announcement that Sebastian Bach was set to take over Dee Snider’s vocal duties, Jay Jay French has said it’s up to fans to decide if they want to embrace him or not.

Back in February, Twisted Sister were forced to cancel their planned tour with Snider at the helm, as they revealed the frontman had been suffering from degenerative arthritis for several years.

They later salvaged their 2026 reunion tour and confirmed that former Skid Row frontman Bach would fill in on the upcoming tour, which marks their 50th anniversary and first reunion in ten years, following their retirement from touring in 2016.

In a recent appearance on Rock ‘N’ Blues Experience, guitarist French spoke about the band’s decision to recruit Bach, saying he was “the only person that could do it”.

“He’s the only larger-than-life guy with the chops and the stage presence to do it,” he said, adding that after eight hours of rehearsal with him, he had “no doubts how great it’s gonna be.”

However, some fans felt the band shouldn’t continue to tour without a vocalist many consider irreplaceable. When this was put to French, he said it was up to fans to embrace him or not.

“It’s either gonna work, or it’s not gonna work,” he said. “The public buys it or they don’t buy it.” He also pointed to other legacy acts who were out on the road without all original members, highlighting the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Foreigner, and Queen.

On the latter, he said: “Freddie Mercury, greatest vocalist in the history of the world, can never be replaced. Guess what? They got a guy [Adam Lambert] from The Voice [to replace him]. Steve Perry, greatest singer in the history of the world. Guess what? They got a guy [Arnel Pineda] from YouTube [to replace him].

“I’m just saying, we got a guy whose pedigree is metal, who’s a legitimate artist with platinum records. A phenomenally talented human being. And, of course, now the public is gonna ultimately decide. They decide. If the public likes it, they like it.”

After an outpouring of concern for Snider’s health, he came out and insisted that he was not on his “deathbed, and the glam-rock icons also took to their official website to share more insight into the struggles facing Snider, which includes degenerative arthritis, that has in the past led to him undergoing multiple procedures.

Earlier this year, he gave a further update on his House of Hair radio show, saying: “I’m not dying! No, not never; I mean, we’re all dying, but not immediately.

“My announcement about cancelling the tour for health reasons, problems with my heart, arthritis, things like that… the rumours have run wild that I’m on my death bed, I am not. I just can’t do those things that I did in my 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and even 60s. Alright? Otherwise I’m alive and well. I’m enjoying life.”

Snider added that he’ll continue to host his radio show, write, and direct but he won’t be hitting the road anytime soon.

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Watch Madonna, the Muppets, and More Perform at 2026 World Cup Final Halftime

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 19 Jul 2026 21:00:05 -0600

The 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a close today (July 19) after over a month of intense gameplay. But before Spain beat out defending champion Argentina for the win with an overtime goal, another major spectacle was in order: the first-ever official World Cup Halftime Show. The inaugural event featured performances from Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Justin Bieber, and the Muppets. (Yes, Miss Piggy donned a pink jersey.) Watch the 11-minute show in full here.

The game was tied 0-0 tie at the conclusion of the first half, leaving tensions high at MetLife Stadium. Good thing, then, that the over 80,000 fans in attendance were treated to one of nature’s great stress-relievers: a Madonna performance. The pop legend kicked off the show with “Music,” the title track of her 2000 album, as Brazilian soccer legends (and former World Cup champions) Ronaldo and Ronaldinho escorted her onto the field. Her brief set transitioned into a number from another iconic, one-name act: the Muppets, who laid down a cover of the White Stripes’ “Seven Nation Army.” The troupe was led by Los Angeles Philharmonic conductor Gustavo Dudamel, who later led both the LAPhil and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela in an orchestral interlude.

Once Janice, Animal, and co. wrapped up their number, it was BTS time: the K-pop juggernauts appeared on the field to perform their hit single “Dynamite.” Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt popped up in character as Ted Lasso and Coach Beard to introduce Justin Bieber who, accompanying himself on acoustic guitar, performed the SWAG track “Everything Hallelujah,” changing the lyrics of the song to “World Cup Hallelujah” to mark the moment.

Next up were Shakira and Burna Boy, who gave the halftime show its denouement with a performance of their official 2026 FIFA World Cup anthem “Dai Dai.” For the halftime show’s big finish, Chris Martin, Shakira, and the Muppets performed “We Believe” alongside a children’s chorus, as the world “Love”—with an “O” stylized to look like Earth—was broadcast onto the field.

Ahead of the game, even more artists brought their voices to the final’s opening ceremony. Jennifer Hudson delivered a rousing rendition of the National Anthem, before Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini came together to perform a number from the 2026 FIFA World Cup soundtrack, “Desire.” Post Malone also took the championship field in East Rutherford, New Jersey, donning a t-shirt reading “I Just Hope Both Teams Have Fun” to debut a new song allegedly titled “Chrome Heartbreak” alongside older hits like “Wow.” He concluded his set by bringing out Swae Lee to join him for a performance of their 2018 collaboration “Sunflower.”

For all the artists in attendance, not everyone in the music world was so hot on the halftime show. In an Instagram post shared ahead of the game’s kickoff, the Cure aired some grievances with the performance and FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s characterization of the show as a “groundbreaking spectacle” that will “celebrate football, music and our shared values, ensuring a legacy that transcends the final whistle.” The Cure’s thoughts, per their caption? “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH… #Breadandcircuses #MUGWANK #pleasejustfuckoff.” (We may still be uncertain about the official definition of “mugwank,” but the sentiment came through clear as day.)

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Big Brother Spoilers: Veto Winner Revealed After Explosive Arguments Rock the House

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

It’s rare for the drama to be off the charts this early on Big Brother.

But Rick Devens knew exactly what he was doing when he nominated Jason, Lyric, and Melody for eviction.

When the Big Brother live feeds switched back on following Friday evening’s nominations ceremony, there was yelling, tears, and plenty of strategy talk.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Rick had already mentioned before the nominations that he didn’t want a retread of last week, when Mallory, Taylor, and Yash were all on the block.

Well, he certainly got his wish.

The arguing was so intense that Rick was trying to end the nominations ceremony while the live feeds were still airing, which is practically unheard of.

Generally, we get the immediate aftermath of the ceremony, not the end of the ceremony itself, so that was something.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Someone clearly thought it was a good idea to give fans exactly what they wanted by showing all of the bickering and what it meant for the house moving forward.

With Rome being public enemy number one, he knew he was the natural next person to go on the block.

Will Rome Get Backdoored on Big Brother?

Heck, I’d go as far as saying that he knows full well that he’s the target and that Rick, Dee, and the rest of the Toolshed alliance are gunning for him on Big Brother Season 28.

Rome realized that someone had been telling other houseguests everything he said to them, and he started to understand that the people who are supposed to be his friends may actually be playing him.

La Trice was livid with Rome after hearing that he didn’t ask Rick to save her from the block and had instead asked for Lyric and Jason to be safe.

That highlighted how much stock La Trice had put in her relationship with Rome and showcased that sometimes, real feelings get involved in this game.

By the end of the night, the two had smoothed things over, while Rome was ready to go to war with the rest of the house and vowed to win the Power of Veto and remove Lyric from the block.

His aim was to have two people who weren’t aligned with him sitting next to each other on the block, with either Lyric or Jason then working their butt off to save whichever person remained the target at the vote.

But here’s the thing: Lyric seems to be pulling away from him.

The way they’ve been with each other in the house is like a couple that has been together for months, if not years.

And Lyric seems to be wondering whether her and Rome’s games are already ruined.

On Saturday morning, she told Rome not to save her from the block and said it would be better for his game if she left.

That’s absolutely wild, but it’s also kind of expected when things start going against a showmance on this reality TV hit.

I don’t know what this bombshell will do to Rome, but I’ll be staying tuned to the feeds.

Away from those two, there was also a blowout argument between Angela and Jason, but they patched things up shortly thereafter.

But this is Angela, and she tends to continue going after someone who has wronged her.

I honestly didn’t expect her to be this activated this early, but she’s clearly ready for the chaos.

Even Dee admitted that the nominations ceremony was better than her Survivor win, so that’s saying something.

When the Big Brother Live Feeds returned, we learned that Rick had won the Golden Power of Veto!

What are your thoughts on the latest twist and turns? Are you on board with this veto winner and what do you want them to do with it?

Big Brother just had one of its wildest days on the feeds, but the Veto winner has been revealed. Is the backdoor plan happening?
The new Head of Household has already nominated three people for eviction but a backdoor plan is already in the works. Get the scoop inside!
Another Head of Household has been crowned on Big Brother! Get the scoop on who’s in control this week inside, TV Fanatics.

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Epstein victims blast Trump nominee Todd Blanche after meeting

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

Epstein survivors and family members stand behind former Attorney General John Ashcroft and Jeffrey Epstein survivor Dani Bensky as she speaks during the second day of acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche’s Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on his nomination to be attorney general, on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 16, 2026.

Ken Cedeno | Afp | Getty Images

Victims of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein blasted Todd Blanche after meeting with the acting attorney general at the Department of Justice, a sit-down Sen. Thom Tillis urged Blanche to have as he seeks Senate confirmation as the permanent U.S. attorney general.

Those victims called Blanche condescending and evasive, saying he seemed motivated to talk to them face-to-face Thursday afternoon solely to get his nomination by President Donald Trump advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“After meeting with Todd Blanche, I feel even more confident in urging senators to vote against his confirmation as the United States’ Attorney General,” Annie Farmer, one of those victims, said in a statement Thursday night.

“I found him abrasive, condescending, and intentionally noncommittal to survivors — a marked contrast to his public testimony during his confirmation hearing,” Farmer said. “While quick to point to the failures of previous administrations, he refused to take accountability for mistakes made under his own leadership.”

But Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, said that he appreciated Blanche’s participation, potentially clearing the way for Tillis to vote for his nomination.

Tillis earlier Thursday had warned that he was not willing to vote to advance the nomination to the full Senate until Blanche met with Epstein victims.

“I expect that meeting to occur before I’m willing to vote out of the committee,” Tillis said Thursday morning.

If Tillis or another one of the 11 Republicans on the Judiciary Committee votes against Blanche, it could kill his chance of being confirmed, because all 10 Democrats on the panel are expected to vote against him. The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina last weekend left a Republican vacancy on the committee.

Blanche could continue serving as acting AG if the Senate does not confirm him.

The DOJ said Friday morning that Blanche had a “productive, initial discussion” with the small group of victims.

But Blanche told reporters after the meeting, “It wasn’t all cordial.”

“Because there’s something that they want that I don’t think I can give them, which is some form of justice,” Blanche said, according to The Associated Press. “And I want to be able to give justice in the form of prosecutions, and maybe we can do a prosecution at some point.”

“I don’t know,” he added.

Some victims have criticized Blanche and the DOJ for a botched release of documents about Epstein, which included personally identifying information about survivors, as well as for refusing to meet with them previously.

Blanche was nominated as attorney general after Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi in April over her handling of the Epstein files.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appears at his confirmation hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, on Capitol Hill in Washington, July 15, 2026.

Win McNamee | Getty Images

Another Epstein survivor, Liz Stein, in an interview with MS NOW’s “The Weeknight,” called the meeting with Blanche “demoralizing.”

“It had absolutely nothing to do with us, and it had everything to do with Blanche checking a box so that he can get a promotion,” Stein said.

Dani Bensky, who testified earlier Thursday against Blanche’s nomination to the Judiciary Committee, in a statement said, “Unfortunately, Todd Blanche treated the meeting as a mere ‘check-the-box’ exercise intended to secure votes for his confirmation.”

“He danced around his wording, repeatedly interrupted us and could not commit to anything that would demonstrate good faith or begin to restore trust,” Bensky said.

Bensky criticized Blanche for not adequately accounting for why the DOJ “exposed victims’ identifying information and images” in its initial releases of Epstein files.

“And he offered no credible plan to investigate and pursue accountability beyond Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell,” Epstein’s convicted accomplice, she said.

“I hope Senator Tillis will recognize that this meeting was insufficient,” Bensky said. “Todd Blanche is not qualified to serve as attorney general.”

France Doubles Down On Restricting Access To Polymarket

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

The country’s gambling authority ordered ISPs to block access to the prediction market’s website.

PJ McDonnell/Shutterstock

France is doubling down on preventative measures for its citizens trying to access Polymarket. The Autorité Nationale Des Jeux (ANJ), the country’s independent regulatory authority in charge of licensed gambling and betting games, announced this week that it ordered internet service providers to block access to Polymarket.

The ANJ’s latest decision follows its previous regulatory action from November 2024 that placed a geoblock on any financial transactions from French residents on the Polymarket website. Despite this ban on transactions, the agency said that the platform continued to grow in France thanks to users circumventing the block. According to ANJ, Polymarket saw 578,751 visits, 205,057 of which were unique visits, in the month of June from French residents. Now the ANJ wants to crack down harder on Polymarket, again emphasizing that the platform is considered an illegal gambling site.

According to the ANJ’s latest move, anyone caught advertising an unauthorized betting or gambling site could be fined up to 100,000 euros, or around $114,000. In the neighboring Spain, the government also ordered to block access to both Polymarket and Kalshi while it investigates if these sites break the country’s gambling laws. In the US, Minnesota passed a bill that bans prediction markets from operating in the state, while other states are filing lawsuits against Polymarket and Kalshi.

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Growth in CD sales outpaces vinyl in the US for the first half of 2026

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

CD sales have surged by 16 per cent in the US during the first half of 2026, significantly outpacing the growth of vinyl.

The new figures were revealed in entertainment data company Luminate’s 2026 Midyear Report, which found that 16.3million CDs were sold across the country between January and the end of June.

By comparison, vinyl sales grew by a more modest 2.4 per cent year-on-year. However, records remain the more popular of the two formats in terms of units, with 21.8million vinyl albums sold during the same period. Around 205,000 cassettes were also purchased.

Combined sales of CDs, records and cassettes increased by 7.8 per cent to approximately 38.2million units during the first half of the year.

Luminate attributed much of the rapid increase in CD sales to “collection building” and “price accessibility”, as well as a strong schedule of K-pop releases and the arrival of BTS’ hugely successful comeback album ‘ARIRANG’.

The album sold 516,000 physical copies in the US during its opening week, including 208,000 vinyl copies – the biggest weekly vinyl sales total for a group since Luminate began electronically tracking purchases in 1991.

K-pop albums are often sold in multiple versions with exclusive photocards, posters, books and other items, encouraging fans to build collections and purchase several copies of the same record.

However, the increase was not solely driven by BTS or the wider K-pop market. When all K-pop sales were removed from the data, US CD purchases were still up by 6.7 per cent compared with the first half of 2025.

The findings suggest that younger fans are increasingly treating CDs as affordable merchandise and collectable objects rather than simply a way of listening to music.

Approximately half of the Gen Z and millennial consumers buying CDs do not own a CD player, according to the report.

The physical resurgence is taking place alongside continued streaming growth rather than replacing digital listening. US on-demand audio streams rose by 4.8 per cent to 732.7billion during the opening half of the year, while global streams increased by 9.8 per cent to 2.8trillion.

Earlier this year, Harry Styles’ ‘Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally’ was revealed as the UK’s biggest-selling vinyl album of 2026 so far, shifting 69,000 copies by mid-April.

It was followed by Olivia Dean’s ‘The Art Of Loving’, Gorillaz’ ‘The Mountain’, the War Child charity album ‘Help(2)’ and Fleetwood Mac’s ‘Rumours’.

RAYE’s ‘Where Is My Husband!’ topped the corresponding vinyl singles list, ahead of Taylor Swift’s ‘The Fate Of Ophelia’ and ‘Opalite’, and Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s ‘Rein Me In’.

Despite the continued growth in music consumption, questions remain over how much of the industry’s increased revenue reaches working artists.

The Musicians’ Union continues to cite findings from the UK Musicians’ Census showing that the average annual income from music work is £20,700, while 43 per cent of professional musicians earn less than £14,000 a year from music.

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James Blake and Travis Scott Duet on The Odyssey End Credits Song “When I’m Home”

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sat, 18 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

Christopher Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey is out in theaters today, and with it comes an original soundtrack from the indefatigable Ludwig Göransson. Closing the OST—and the film itself—is a new song from Göransson, James Blake, and Travis Scott, co-written with Nolan himself. Listen to “When I’m Home” below.

Scott’s involvement in the mythological epic—mild spoiler alert!—is not limited to the hallucinatory verses and harmonies he contributes to the track. He also appears playing a bard at the start of the film and briefly reprises the role later on. Although “When I’m Home” is the only song featuring other musicians, another track from the OST, “Circe,” features the one and only Samantha Morton, in character as the witch goddess for whom the song is named.

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Turning Tides traces Philippines’ maritime connections

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

AYALA Museum’s newest exhibition, Turning Tides: Maritime Encounters and Exchanges of Power, reexamines the Battle of Mactan and the Battles of La Naval de Manila as part of broader networks of trade, faith, diplomacy, and conflict that shaped Philippine history.

Running from July 16, 2026 to Feb. 14, 2027 at the museum’s 3F Main Gallery, the exhibition brings together historical artifacts, paintings, devotional objects, multimedia installations, and interactive experiences that explore how the archipelago’s maritime connections influenced Filipino identity.

The exhibition grew from curator Jei Ente’s interest in examining Filipinos’ relationship with the sea and the role of maritime activity in shaping the country’s history.

“I had an idea for an exhibition in 2023 about how, as a people whose culture is built on maritime activity, Filipinos have a relationship to water which appear in ways that we don’t always notice or realize,” Ms. Ente said in an interview.

She said the Battle of Mactan in 1521 and the Battles of La Naval in 1646 were selected because “while very different, they are parallel stories on how Filipinos have long belonged to a larger network of exchanges connected through the seas”.

Rather than presenting new historical information, the exhibition aims to offer fresh ways of understanding familiar events.

“The exhibition doesn’t promise new information, rather it prompts new insights into the way we remember these accounts,” Ms. Ente said. “Half of the discussion in Turning Tides is on the worldview and ways of the people in the islands in 1521 and 1646 to help our visitors better imagine and understand what was at stake for those who went into these battles.”

The exhibition broadens the discussion beyond military encounters by examining the commercial, cultural, and religious forces behind them.

“When we think about battles and major conflicts, we often focus on their military and political dimensions. But battles are usually the culmination of deeper struggles over commerce, culture, religion, and other competing interests,” Ms. Ente said.

Among the highlights are Fernando Amorsolo’s The Traders and The First Baptism, the 19th-century image of the Virgin of the Holy Rosary known as La Japona, an ivory-and-gold rosary recovered from the San Diego shipwreck, and ceremonial vestments of Our Lady of La Naval.

The exhibition also features scale models of Spanish and precolonial Philippine vessels, a short animated film inspired by Antonio Pigafetta’s chronicles, and five interactive digital modules, including a Battle of Mactan video game.

“Most Filipinos are familiar with the significance of the Battle of Mactan, but not as many are aware of the role that Filipinos played in the Battles of La Naval, which sabotaged the quest of Dutch forces to control Southeast Asia,” Ms. Ente said. “Through these stories and fascinating character dynamics, we hope visitors reflect on how choices made hundreds of years before still impact us today.”

Ayala Foundation Senior Director for Arts and Culture Jorell M. Legaspi said the exhibition highlights the country’s historical role in regional and global exchanges.

“Turning Tides presents the Philippines as an active crossroads of trade, diplomacy, religious faith, and cultural exchange. It reflects Ayala Museum’s commitment to preserving Philippine heritage and making it accessible, relevant, and meaningful for our growing audiences,” he said.

Ms. Ente said she hopes visitors leave with a deeper appreciation of how history continues to shape the present.

“Ultimately, I hope visitors leave realizing that history becomes truly meaningful when we see it not just as a record of the past, but as a form of shared memory that continues to shape who we are today.” — Kaizzer Angela Marie V. Manuba

Turning AI execution challenge into opportunity

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

For years, the corporate discourse surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) has followed a predictable, almost cautious script. In boardrooms across organizations, executives ask: Should we invest in AI? Such discourse belonged to an era of exploration, a period where AI was treated as an experimental luxury or a distant line item in a future budget.

But according to Jonathan Cristobal, marketing head of Globe Business, the conversation is no longer about adopting AI, but about scaling it across operations, decision-making, and customer experiences.

Speaking at the recent BusinessWorld Economic Forum, Mr. Cristobal highlighted that the enterprise landscape faces a sharp, pragmatic pivot as the conversation has fundamentally shifted from a question of adoption to a challenge of impact.

“Today the question is, ‘How do we scale AI?’” Mr. Cristobal observed, pointing to a stark reality that while the barrier to entry has collapsed, the barrier to execution has never been higher.

On paper, enthusiasm for digital transformation is at an all-time high, yet the internal machinery of most organizations is stalling. As Mr. Cristobal noted, “While adoption rates have been good, readiness remains uneven.”

This unevenness exposes the illusion of corporate awareness. Knowing what AI can do is no longer a competitive advantage; knowing how to make it work reliably across an enterprise is. To move past this middle ground, organizations are deploying structured enablement programs.

To ensure AI scales effectively, Globe follows a foundation-first approach by establishing a centralized AI environment referred to as the “AI Kitchen,” which provides shared platforms, tools, and governance to keep initiatives aligned with business priorities.

Under this strategy, Globe operationalizes AI through a dual-funnel approach designed to accelerate innovation at every level of the organization.

Jonathan Cristobal, marketing head of Globe Business

The first funnel drives bottom-up innovation by empowering business units to identify, develop, and build AI solutions that address their most pressing operational and business challenges. Supported by shared AI platforms and reusable capabilities from the AI Kitchen, teams can rapidly move from ideas to production while accessing the appropriate level of enablement needed for each initiative.

The second funnel focuses on top-down enterprise transformation, where AI is embedded directly into Globe’s highest-priority transformation programs. AI capabilities will be woven into strategic initiatives to deliver organization-wide impact across customer experience, operations, and new business opportunities.

“From a private sector perspective, most organizations are not struggling with acquisition. The challenge is no longer who has access. It is about operationalizing,” Mr. Cristobal said.

This distinction is critical. While access to advanced AI is now democratized, operationalizing these tools remains a monumental hurdle, requiring companies to integrate them into legacy workflows, ensuring data pipelines are clean, and training staff to use them safely.

When properly operationalized, this transition from manual workflows to AI-driven automation delivers massive and measurable efficiency gains and backend optimizations.

Backend development has been accelerated by Globe’s shared infrastructure particularly for Field Services Management, enabling technical teams to resolve bugs 80% faster, create tests 3-4 times quicker, and build internal tools 5 times faster.

Furthermore, Globe has improved backend efficiency by using AI-driven automation to accelerate database pattern extraction for its Electronic Creditable Withholding Tax (eCWT) system, reducing the process from 3 days to 4 minutes.

The financial and technical dividends of this operational shift are substantial. Globe switched from manual quality audits to a Generative AI Quality Audit using Build Your Own AI tools, drastically cutting annual costs. Furthermore, Globe achieved 90% accuracy in fault detection while cutting the mean time to restore service by 70%.

Systemic maturity

Mr. Cristobal maps the corporate struggle with regard to AI to a failure in holistic planning. True organizational readiness is not a single metric; it is an interconnected ecosystem of capabilities.

“Infrastructure and workforce capacity remain challenged, together with governance and digital maturity,” Mr. Cristobal warned. “All of these continue to vary from organization to organization.”

When a company attempts to scale an AI initiative without a mature data infrastructure, the project produces unreliable outputs. When attempted without workforce capability, employees either reject the technology out of fear or misuse it due to unfamiliarity. And when attempted without internal governance, companies may struggle to manage risk and maintain stakeholder confidence. Strong governance frameworks provide the foundation needed to innovate responsibility and scale AI with confidence.

An actionable blueprint for this is found in Globe’s AI Governance and Principles, which establishes executive accountability under a Chief Intelligence and Trust Officer to ensure close alignment between AI innovation, data, cybersecurity, and enterprise risk management.

Furthermore, all initiatives must be grounded in core principles centered on transparency, accountability, safety and security and human-centricity. Local enterprises can translate global frameworks into practical impact by participating in international standard-setting bodies.

This operational friction is compounded by the fact that businesses are playing defense against bad actors who are already fully operationalized.

“AI is making cyber threats more sophisticated. This makes it even more important for organizations to modernize capabilities to counter these risks,” Mr. Cristobal said.

The private sector, therefore, finds itself in a high-stakes race, attempting to scale complex, secure AI systems while simultaneously relying on outdated architecture to protect itself from AI-driven threats.

With execution deeply tied to safety and public trust, the private sector’s ability to scale depends heavily on the regulatory environment. Mr. Cristobal argued that if the government implements rigid and prescriptive laws, it risks paralyzing the exact operational progress businesses are trying to make. Instead, he calls for an agile approach to oversight.

“We need to focus on outcome-based regulations rather than rigid ones,” Mr. Cristobal said. “We must focus on transparency, security, and fairness.”

An outcome-based framework defines the boundaries of acceptable risk, such as preventing algorithmic discrimination or ensuring data privacy, but leaves the specific technical pathways open. This allows businesses to iterate, adapt, and scale their infrastructure as rapidly as technology evolves.

Yet, even as companies automate and build these autonomous workflows, Mr. Cristobal maintains that the final anchor must remain human: “Human oversight should still be at the center.”

For the private sector, the directive is clear: to close the execution gap, corporate leaders must match their technological ambition with the systemic maturity required to scale safely.

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Delta to launch Manila-Los Angeles nonstop flight in March 2027

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

Delta Air Lines said on Friday that it is scheduled to launch a nonstop flight between Manila and Los Angeles next year, making it the only United States carrier to offer nonstop service on the route.

“We look forward to welcoming customers in the Philippines onboard for Delta’s nonstop service to the US,” Delta Vice President for Asia Pacific Jeff Moomaw said in a statement.

“As we continue growing across the Asia Pacific region, Manila represents an exciting opportunity to introduce more travelers to Delta’s premium experience while expanding access to our global network,” he added.

The new route, operated by Delta Air Lines’ Airbus A350-900, offers four cabin classes: Delta One, Delta Premium Select, Delta Comfort, and Delta Main. Passengers aboard will have access to onboard services, including free Wi-Fi for SkyMiles Members and seatback entertainment.

Delta One cabin, the airline’s premier business-class product, also offers flat-bed seating with sliding doors, elevated dining, and refined service. Meanwhile, Delta Premium Select has a wider seat option with deeper recline and enhanced amenities.

Service will operate three times weekly beginning March 28 and March 30 from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), respectively, while daily flights begin on June 7.

Due to the time difference, flights departing Manila at 7:40 A.M. will arrive in Los Angeles at 6:05 A.M. on the same day, while return flights will depart Los Angeles at 11:50 P.M. and arrive in Manila at 5:30 A.M. two days after departure.

Delta previously served Manila through its Tokyo-Narita and Seoul-Incheon hubs before suspending operations in 2021. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

UnionDigital Bank microloan program with SSS to roll out this year

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

UnionDigital Bank, Inc. (UD), a subsidiary of UnionBank of the Philippines, is set to launch its microloan program with the Social Security System (SSS) this year, with micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) able to apply for capital, according to a UD official on Friday.

“(As for the) target date, I can’t really say yet. All I can say is it’s coming soon. Very, very soon… within the year,” Kimberly Dy-Tenchavez, head of brand and communications for UD, told reporters during the Hapinoy Caravan.

SSS LoanLite, officially introduced last September, is a micro-lending program for eligible SSS members that offers loan amounts between P1,000 and P20,000. Its repayment terms range from 15 to 90 days.

The program seeks to give members an accessible and convenient way to access lending, as the application and loan disbursement process is fully digitalized and will be available through the UnionDigital banking app. Funds may also be disbursed through the MySSS Card.

“The approval for that will go through the usual approval process handled by SSS and also UD,” Ms. Tenchavez said.

SSS LoanLite carries an 8% interest rate per annum and a service fee, according to the SSS website.

The upcoming launch of the micro-lending program is one of UD’s responses to the persistent challenge of MSMEs in gaining access to capital, Ms. Tenchavez said.

Access to capital remains one of the most glaring challenges faced by MSMEs, especially sundry shops, locally called sari-sari stores, said Mark Joaquin Ruiz, president and co-founder of Hapinoy, a nationwide grassroots community network of over 70,000 micro entrepreneurs, the majority of whom are sundry shop owners.

“If you ask what a sundry shop real concern is… it’s really capital,” Mr. Ruiz told BusinessWorld during the caravan.

“Because right now, many still rely on 5-6, which has extremely high interest rates,” he said, noting that the SSS LoanLite program is a game changer for MSMEs.

MSME loans accounted for only 4.73% of the banking system’s P12.143-trillion loan portfolio, net of exclusions, as of March, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

This was below the 10% lending allocation previously required under the Magna Carta for MSMEs, which mandated banks to set aside 8% of their loan portfolio for micro and small enterprises and 2% for medium-sized businesses. The mandatory credit allocation expired in June 2018 and has yet to be reinstated.

Apart from the upcoming SSS LoanLite program, UD is also working with Hapinoy to launch a loan product that will be rolled out much later, Ms. Tenchavez said.

The recent Hapinoy Caravan, held in Novaliches, Quezon City, was a collaboration between Hapinoy and UD that helped nearly 300 sundry store owners become more financially and digitally literate. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

XPENG to enter Philippine market in third quarter of 2026

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:01:08 -0600

Chinese smart electric vehicle (EV) maker XPENG on Friday said it will enter the Philippine market in the third quarter of 2026 through XPENG Philippines, a direct subsidiary of the company, as it bids to support the country’s transition to greener mobility.

In a statement, the company said it will introduce two smart EV models as its initial lineup. Further details on the vehicles and their official launch will be announced closer to their market debut.

XPENG Philippines aims to offer premium, AI-driven smart EVs designed to provide an intelligent driving experience for Filipino motorists, the company said.

XPENG is a global artificial intelligence and technology company focused on smart EVs. It designs, develops, manufactures, and markets electric vehicles equipped with its in-house advanced driver-assistance system, intelligent in-car operating system, and other core vehicle technologies.

The company currently operates in more than 60 countries and regions across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania, and Latin America. It has more than 380 overseas stores and regional hubs in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Australia, Thailand, and Mexico.

XPENG said it will release more information on its Philippine launch in the coming months.— Edg Adrian A. Eva

Married at First Sight Finally Quit Pretending It’s About Love – And I’m Here for It

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:00:08 -0600

After 20 seasons, Married at First Sight has finally stopped pretending it’s a social experiment about love.

It’s embracing what it’s actually been for years: a reality show fueled by chaos, conflict, and irresistible mess.

And frankly, I’m perfectly content with that.

(Jim Bennett/Peacock)

For pretty much its entire run, the US versions of this popular franchise have held fast to its own structure: a panel of “experts” sets up a handful of couples and allows us to follow them on this journey of marriage to a stranger.

Earlier seasons mostly kept these designated couples in their own little bubble, where they barely interacted with the others and only saw the matchmakers (with their shoddy track record) sparingly.

In the interim, they attempted to build a romance with a stranger, with virtually no tools at their disposal.

Cameras shoved in their faces? Oh, yeah, plenty of those. But legitimate guidance, mentorship, and support? Not so much.

(Lifetime (Screenshot))

Later seasons of Married at First Sight at least started putting the couples within orbit of each other. They framed it as giving them a support system.

The reality? It was a breeding ground for even more juicy drama, especially when you had things like partners ditching their match to have affairs with each other.

You know, perfect reality TV fodder.

The early days of the series liked to present itself as a genuine chance to find true love. It sold this romantic fantasy of “happily ever afters.”

We had seemingly earnest people who seemed genuine and felt that these matchmakers were their answer to it all.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

MAFS dangled true love stories in our faces and stood fast in the notion that their intentions were pure and that the goal was genuinely to create long-lasting, happy, and healthy couples.

The problem is that they held onto this falsehood for years, long after it became clear that the goal was to produce edgy, controversial, messy, and dramatic television, not something authentic and long-lasting.

Casting mostly young, aesthetically pleasing individuals with more emotional baggage than the Griswolds on all of their vacations was a surefire sign that it wasn’t about “love.”

Essentially, when it became clear that contestants just wanted to be on television or get exposure, the show’s original premise went out the window.

And that’s before you even get into the franchise’s poor background-check controversies, which have resulted in everything from criminal records and restraining orders to secret babies.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

The truth is that MAFS stopped being anything other than a messy reality show created to generate buzz well before the MAFS Season 18 group pact, which aimed to manipulate production (and the audience) as much as possible.

And other iterations of Married at First Sight across the world understood this.

MAFS UK stopped taking itself too seriously and jumped into its full potential as a messy reality show almost instantly.

And Married At First Sight Australia is reality TV gold.

As the most unhinged version of both this franchise and Love is Blind combined, Australia works because it doesn’t even pretend to be anything beyond what it is.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

Messy, jaw-dropping, enraging, horrifying, and painfully addictive, MAFS Australia steps into its full, overproduced glory as if UnReal‘s Quinn King and Rachel Goldberg are orchestrating the hell out of it themselves.

Part of the unspoken contract between viewers and producers is knowing exactly what’s happening and happily going along for the ride anyway.

It’s bold, brash, and unapologetic, and ultimately, you begrudgingly respect it for what it is.

That’s why Married at First Sight finally abandoning the pretense we all knew they weren’t abiding by in the first place, in a relief.

Before that, the series was stuck in a strange purgatory, not simply leaning into its antics enough and straying too far from a genuine, wholesome premise.

(Allyson Riggs/PEACOCK)

Married at First Sight may have started as an experiment about love…

Maybe even a sociological experiment of sorts to explore how people function in relationships, navigate cultural changes, differences, and converging lifestyles, and prioritize connection over superficiality.

But the series has spent more time exploiting those things by pairing up people who are destined to clash and making the most explosive television of anything else.

Simply pairing up two people who lost a parent and love the color green is not what a strong partnership or marriage is built on.

Rather than convincing us of that, gaslighting viewers as well as some of its contestants, it’s much more respectable of them to lean into the bit.

( Christine Bartolucci/PEACOCK)

In this day and age, you don’t cast a man who has never had a long-term relationship with a woman who barely has time to pencil in a relationship unless you want them to combust.

And you sure as hell don’t pair two people with polar opposite political leanings in the extreme or completely different stances on children or religion unless you’re looking for fireworks.

You pair them up for the drama and mess. Australia gets that. UK understands the assignment, and now, blessedly, MAFS gets it as well.

We already have polar opposite pairings, people who aren’t even close to compatible on paper, a woman who can’t tell us where she was on January 6, and even a guy who has been on damn near half a dozen reality shows already.

Pass me the popcorn, please!

Married at First Sight is adapting more of the group interactions, and let’s face it, that’s where the drama really sings in the first place.

(Allyson Riggs/Peacock)

It’s something the UK and Australian versions get, delivering us group therapy/couch sessions with the experts on one night and the absolutely scintillating, jaw-dropping dinner parties on another.

Married at First Sight is still trying to keep it “cute and classy,” as far as I know.

We aren’t getting those tell-tale dinner scenes that keep the internet abuzz as PEAK reality TV at its finest (or most deprived).

But the group couch sessions are sufficient because the tension between the group is almost as delicious as that between couples.

At this point, I’m not here for the love. Married at First Sight proved a long time ago; it’s not genuine in wanting to produce that.

(Jim Bennett/PEACOCK)

No, I’m here for the mess.

And with these changes, and the series choosing to be as honest with itself as we are, maybe MAFS Season 20, which was deliberately designed for streaming unlike the others, will finally deliver.

It won’t be boring, and that’s all I can ask for.

Any Married at First Sight Fanatics out there? How are you feeling about this season and the changes so far?

You can stream Married at First Sight Thursdays on Peacock.

With Married at First Sight Season 20’s revamp, it’s finally doing what it should’ve done all along… no longer pretending it’s remotely about love.
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I’m thrilled Little House on the Prairie was renewed, but I’ll miss the talented recurring characters in Season 1.
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Trump rips Canada for wildfire smoke, threatens to raise tariffs

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:00:08 -0600

Smoke from massive wildfires in Canada engulf the New York City skyline, reducing visibility and casting an orange haze over the city, July 16, 2026.

Selcuk Acar | Anadolu | Getty Images

President Donald Trump on Friday blasted Canada for wildfires enveloping swaths of the United States in a smoky haze and said he would add the costs of that pollution to existing tariffs.

Calling the situation “totally unacceptable,” Trump accused Ottawa of failing to address what he said were the causes of the fires in Canada, whose smoke has sent air quality to dangerous levels in major U.S. cities in recent days.

The billions of dollars in costs inflicted on the U.S. as a result of the air pollution “must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post.

“We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their Forests, and Brush therein, and the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air,” Trump wrote.

He said he plans to call Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney later Friday “to find out what they are going to do about it.”

Carney, in an X post Wednesday, said the wildfires have “escalated significantly” in recent weeks, particularly in Northwestern Ontario, where thousands of people have been forced to evacuate.

The poor conditions have raised questions about potential impacts on the FIFA World Cup final, which is set to take place Sunday in northeastern New Jersey. Trump, who is slated to attend the match, between Spain and Argentina, traveled to New York City on Friday to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower.

Scientists have warned that human-influenced climate change is leading to more wildfires and other extreme weather events.

Shortly after Trump posted about Canada on Truth Social, The New York Times reported that the Trump administration in recent months has moved to dismantle government labs researching wildfire smoke and its effects.

Lee Zeldin, who heads the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, said Friday that the “impacts of the Canadian wildfires are causing great concern and harm across the United States.”

The EPA is in communication with Canada’s leadership and will “strongly encourage them to do everything in their power to extinguish these fires as fast as possible,” Zeldin wrote in a post on X.

The post also directed Americans to visit AirNow’s Fire and Smoke map for the latest information.

Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.

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There’s Now An API For Mainlining Trump’s Truth Social Posts

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:00:08 -0600

The API is supposed to deliver posts from ‘the highest-ranking Truth Social accounts.’

IB Photography/Shutterstock

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Trump Media and Technology Group, the company behind social media platform Truth Social, has announced it will sell access to Truth Social posts through a new API. When it becomes available on August 1, the new Truth API will give businesses “real-time access to posts from the highest-ranking Truth Social accounts” — a direct pipe from President Donald Trump’s favorite social media site to anyone trying to make investments based on his posts.

“Truth API uses familiar, industry-standard delivery methods to deliver Truth Social posts to our customers in milliseconds,” Trump Media says. “It is expected to provide continuous 24/7 coverage and includes a historical archive of posts dating back to 2022.”

Other social media sites have offered free or paid access to their APIs in the past for building clients to view posts or other features. Twitter notably closed free access to its API in 2023, not long after it was purchased by Elon Musk. The difference here, as TMTG CEO Kevin McGurn notes, is that “markets already move on Truth Social posts.”

One likely reason for that is Truth Social’s most popular user, President Trump. Besides being a majority shareholder in the platform’s owner through his trust, Trump is also Truth Social’s most followed user, with around 12.9 million followers as of July 2026. The President frequently announces major new policies and governmental actions through Truth Social before they trickle out through official channels.

Trump Media expects offering unfettered access to posts to be “a meaningful, ongoing source of revenue for the company, creating lasting value for shareholders,” including the President’s family. If that doesn’t work, there’s always the nuclear fusion business Trump Media merged with last year.

Read the original article here

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Lauren Laverne reveals blood and bone marrow disorder diagnosis

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:00:08 -0600

BBC 6 Music host Lauren Laverne has announced she has been diagnosed with a rare blood and bone marrow disorder that can be linked to blood cancer.

The presenter and former Kenickie frontwoman, who also hosts Desert Island Discs and The One Show, took to Instagram to reveal the news but assured readers the diagnosis does not require treatment at the moment.

“Hey. So – personal news,” she began in her post that was shared on Friday (July 17). “I’m quite a private person by nature, but am sharing this as one of the many things I’ve learned after going through health challenges in recent years is that talking about this stuff helps people.”

“I’ve been diagnosed with something called smouldering myeloma (yes that is a weird name and no I’d never heard of it either). It’s an asymptomatic blood and bone marrow disorder that in some people can develop into blood cancer.”

“Thankfully the risk of this happening in my case is pretty low,” she continued. “At the moment I feel OK and don’t need treatment. Most people my age who have it have no idea – it tends to be cancer survivors like me who are diagnosed early as we’re so carefully monitored. It has nothing to do with my previous illness or my recent surgery, it’s just one of those things.”

She went on to say that the condition is “chronic”, and means that her immune system is compromised and requires regular monitoring through “blood tests, MRIs, and bone marrow biopsies.” She also thanked her colleagues at 6 Music, family, and her GP.

“I’m taking a couple of weeks holiday and will be back to work as normal after that” she concluded, before promising she will discuss her experiences “soon”.

The diagnosis comes nearly two years after revealing she had received a cancer diagnosis in August 2024, which had been caught early and treated to the extent that she was given the “all clear” by November of that year. “I now see more beauty in ordinary things than I could have imagined,” she said at the time, “and feel more than ever that the small things in life – the connections we make and care we take with each other – are the big things really.”

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Jeff Tweedy Brings “Out in the Dark” to Kimmel

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 21:00:08 -0600

Jeff Tweedy recently took a night off from Wilco’s North American tour to perform for a Jimmy Kimmel Live! episode that aired last night. Watch him do the Twilight Override single “Out in the Dark” with a five-piece band—including his sons Spencer and Sammy Tweedy—below, following an introduction by The Studio actor Ike Barinholtz.

Wilco’s U.S. itinerary concludes tomorrow night in Columbus, Ohio, before a European jaunt gets under way in August. Tweedy has his second solo run of the year lined up for the fall, supported by Case Oats.

Revisit Ryan Dombal’s interview The Music That Made Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy.

Read the original article here

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Reliable surface protection for the rainy season

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:21:07 -0600

As homeowners, these questions come to mind when preparing for the rainy season: Have I checked the roof for any leaks? Are my gutters clear? Do I need to stock up on emergency supplies? Sure, all these concerns are valid. But sometimes we overlook other essentials right under our feet and around us — our floors and walls.

The part of our home that we come into contact with the most is the floor, and even the walls when we lean or rest against them. That’s why it is important to inspect these surfaces every once in a while. The rainy season brings many challenges, and for surfaces, it means constant exposure to moisture and dirt that can cause stains, damage, and slippery exteriors that compromise both the appearance and safety of the home.

Take extra effort to prevent severe cuts, trips, and fall-related injuries especially if you are living with elderly and young family members.

Reliable floors and walls start with choosing the right materials. Since tiles are designed to last for decades, investing in high-quality porcelain tiles from the start helps reduce maintenance, prevent premature wear, and avoid costly replacements in the future. For floors, Arte Ceramiche’s 60×60 cm polished porcelain tiles in Onice Gold and Linieto White, and Sol Ceramica’s 60×120 cm options in Sudan Gris and Sonata Gold offer lasting durability and high slip resistance, providing better grip and safer steps in areas frequently exposed to water while maintaining their elegant appearance even with everyday use.

When renovating, pay special attention to your walls. Decorative wall tiles not only refresh a space but also provide durable surfaces when properly installed. Basel offers 30×60 cm decor wall tiles including Cirque, inspired by mid-modern geometric style, Chex with Moroccan details, Vein featuring a patchwork design, and Iceland Vitro with teal and blue brushstroke accents. These designs create striking feature walls while also delivering the durability needed for long-term use.

Those who love the warmth and timeless appeal of wood don’t also have to sacrifice durability in times like these. Polished porcelain tiles like the Apricot Natural, Crosswood Beige, and Saga replicate the elegance and marbling of natural wood while offering excellent resistance to moisture, making them a practical choice amidst weather changes.

Selecting quality tiles, however, is only half the equation. Proper installation is just as important in ensuring surfaces remain durable for years to come. Using the right tile installation equipment – including an Electric Tile Cutter, Rubber Grout Float, Levelling Wedge, and Electric Tile Vibrator – helps achieve accurate cuts, proper alignment, and stronger adhesion that minimize future problems.

Reliable grouts, waterproofing products, and installation tools further strengthen every tiled surface. Products such as Powermix Cementitious Waterproofer provide an added layer of moisture protection by helping prevent water seepage beneath tiles, while Tile Grout helps seal joints against water penetration and moisture buildup. Supporting tools like the Pro Electric Mixer, Paint Brush, Silicon Gloves, Safety Glasses, Grouting Sponge, Rubber Bucket, and Wood Finish Trowel help ensure safe and proper mixing, application, and finishing for long-lasting results.

Even the best-installed tiles require regular care — NOT with vinegar or bleach, as these can gradually damage the tile glaze and weaken grout over time. A simple maintenance routine is enough to help preserve their appearance and prevents premature wear. Dry sweeping or using a Cordless Wet-Dry Vacuum first removes dirt that may scratch the tile surface, while a Spin Mop with Bucket and Microfiber Refill or a Foam Sponge Floor Mop gently cleans without damaging the finish. For outdoor areas where moss, mud, and slippery grime accumulate, the Hills’ Aquablast High Pressure Washer provides efficient deep cleaning. A handy Microfiber Feather Duster also helps reduce indoor dust that settles on the surfaces of tiled walls.

Moisture control also extends beyond cleaning. Rubber Door Mats help prevent rainwater from entering the home through the main entrance, while the Cotton Bath Floor Mats absorb water and reduce slips outside the bathrooms. Pairing these with a Shoe Rack encourages family members to leave wet footwear at the entrance to reduce the amount of water tracked indoors.

For Filipinos, protecting floors and walls is ultimately an investment in a family’s safety, home’s appearance, and long-term comfort. Whether planning a full renovation or a simple DIY upgrade, Wilcon Depot makes it easier to find the right products with its wide selection of durable tiles, quality installation materials, reliable cleaning solutions, and other home essentials that help create lasting spaces, while reducing the risk of costly repairs and accidents.

For added convenience, customers may also take advantage of the Call, Collect, & Deliver (CCD) Program, which offers a more personalized and hassle-free shopping experience. Simply inquire about products through a branch’s Viber number or the 88-WILCON Hotline at (02) 88-945266, place your order, and have it delivered straight to your doorsteps!

For more information about Wilcon, visit www.wilcon.com.ph or follow their social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, or subscribe and connect with them on Viber Community, LinkedIn, and YouTube. Or you may contact Wilcon Depot Hotline at 88-WILCON (88-945266) for inquiries.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

Globe secures P10-B LANDBANK loan for capex, refinancing

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:01:06 -0600

GLOBE Telecom, Inc. has secured a P10-billion term loan from the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) to help finance capital expenditures (capex), refinance debt, and support general corporate funding requirements as the telecommunications company continues investing in its network.

In a regulatory filing on Thursday, Globe said proceeds from the facility will be used to partially finance capex, debt refinancing, and general corporate funding requirements.

The company said it maintains its full-year 2026 cash capex guidance of below $1 billion (about P61 billion), reflecting what it described as a disciplined capital investment strategy while continuing to invest in network infrastructure to support rising digital demand.

For the first quarter, Globe incurred P12.7 billion in capex, up 51% from a year earlier. Capex accounted for 30% of service revenues during the period, while about 91% of capex was allocated to data-related initiatives.

“By investing strategically in resilient and future-ready digital infrastructure, Globe remains committed to enhancing the quality of its network to empower more Filipino homes and businesses with consistent, reliable connectivity and robust digital solutions,” the company said.

Globe’s attributable net income fell 20% to P5.55 billion in the first quarter from P6.98 billion a year earlier, as higher financing costs and the absence of one-off gains booked in 2025 offset revenue and core earnings growth driven by strong data demand.

For 2026, the company expects low- to mid-single-digit growth, supported by anticipated growth in service revenues.

The LANDBANK facility follows Globe’s P5-billion term loan from BDO Unibank, Inc., announced in June, which was also earmarked for capex and debt refinancing.

Shares in Globe rose P20, or 1.1%, to close at P1,824 each on Thursday. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Factory activity likely to continue expanding in next few months

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:01:06 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

PHILIPPINE manufacturing activity is expected to continue expanding in the next few months amid easing oil prices, although economists warned the looming El Niño, renewed Middle East tensions and rising labor costs could slow growth momentum.

“We see further manufacturing condition improvements in the coming months as softer global oil prices allow firms to normalize operations,” University of Asia and the Pacific economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia told BusinessWorld via e-mail.

Mr. Agonia pointed to the latest S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data showing that firms are continuing to ramp up manufacturing and purchasing activities as pre-oil crisis inventories have already been depleted.

The Philippines’ PMI reading slightly improved to 50.9 in June from 50.8 in May, marking a second straight month of expansion in factory activity. A PMI reading above 50 indicates improving operating conditions, while a reading below 50 signals contraction.

Mr. Agonia said he expects some improvement in manufacturing activity “as the expected second-half rebound stimulates business and household confidence.”

He noted that the oil refining and consumer goods manufacturing sectors will likely drive factory activity in the coming months.

“Assuming no further significant shocks to the economy, consumers will likely reorient budgets towards the usual fourth-quarter holiday rush and manufacturers can go on with raw material purchasing,” he said.

“Price effects from still-elevated domestic pump prices will also incentivize more refining activity.”

However, Mr. Agonia said headwinds in the form of renewed Middle East tensions and the looming super El Niño weather event may dampen recovery.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration earlier said that the country may encounter a “strong” El Niño season from September to November, which could intensify into a “very strong” one starting October.

“The upcoming El Niño season may drag manufacturing sector growth if it proves to be severe,” said Mr. Agonia. “Extreme weather events can damage agro-industry supply chains, especially for manufacturing categories with direct inputs from the agricultural sector.”

Citing the 1998 El Niño episode, he said both the agriculture and industry sectors posted annual declines.

Meanwhile, the conflict in the Middle East, which began in late February, remains unresolved. Earlier this week, the US military began fresh strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and coastal areas in Iran.

Iran has again closed the Strait of Hormuz, where a fifth of global oil and gas shipments pass through, raising fears of further supply disruptions that will drive up prices.

The Philippines is under a one-year state of national energy emergency until March 2027, as soaring global oil prices dampen economic activity.

Reyes Tacandong & Co. Senior Adviser Jonathan L. Ravelas said manufacturing activity will remain in expansion territory in the coming months, supported by easing inflation, resilient consumer spending, infrastructure projects and improving business sentiment.

“Domestic demand should continue to be the primary growth engine, particularly for food and beverage, consumer goods, and construction-related industries,” Mr. Ravelas told BusinessWorld via Viber.

However, he said softer global demand, trade uncertainties, geopolitical tensions and volatile energy costs could moderate the pace of growth.

“Overall, the outlook is cautiously optimistic, with the sector likely to grow steadily as long as domestic demand remains healthy and policy conditions remain supportive,” he added.

However, Ateneo de Manila University economist Leonardo A. Lanzona, Jr. cautioned against reading too much into the latest PMI data, noting that the June expansion remained modest.

“Given the reading is barely above the 50 line, still-soft export orders, and cautious forward expectations, I’d treat June as tentative stabilization rather than a growth trend you can bank on for the third quarter,” he told BusinessWorld via e-mail.

Mr. Lanzona said manufacturing remains “improving but fragile,” particularly as the recently approved dual-tranche P85 wage hike in the National Capital Region (NCR) and persistent core inflation continue to pressure production costs.

The minimum daily wage in NCR will increase by P60 on July 25, and by P25 in January 2027.

In June, core inflation, which discounts volatile fuel and food prices, quickened to a 31-month high of 4.4% in June. This despite headline inflation easing to 6.4% from 6.8% in May.

Mr. Lanzona’s concerns were reflected in the slower pace of factory output growth in May. Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed manufacturing output, as measured by the volume of production index, grew by 10.2% year on year in May amid weaker output of transport equipment, food products and chemicals.

Although this marked a reversal from the 0.3% contraction recorded in the same month a year earlier, it was slower than the revised 11.7% growth posted in April.

InstaPay, PESONet transfers surpass P16T

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:01:06 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE COMBINED VALUE of InstaPay and PESONet transactions topped P16 trillion in the first half, reflecting the continued shift of Filipinos toward digital payments, central bank data showed.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed the combined value of InstaPay and PESONet transactions jumped by 44.61% to P16.09 trillion as of June from P11.126 trillion recorded in the first half of 2025.

The volume of transactions processed through the two payment gateways also surged by 166.5% year on year to 4.203 billion in the first half from 1.577 billion a year earlier.

InstaPay saw its transaction volume increase by nearly triple at 172.18% to 4.139 billion at end-June from 1.521 billion last year.

This brought the value of InstaPay transactions to P7.977 trillion in the first half, jumping by 60.26% from P4.978 trillion a year earlier.

On the other hand, the volume of PESONet transfers grew by 13.84% annually with 64.065 million as of June from 56.277 million in the same year-ago period.

Transfers that went through PESONet stood at a total value of P8.113 trillion at end-June, jumping by 31.94% from last year’s P6.149 trillion.

InstaPay and PESONet are automated clearing houses under the central bank’s National Retail Payment System framework.

InstaPay is a real-time, low-value electronic fund transfer facility for transactions up to P50,000 and is mostly used for remittances and e-commerce.

Meanwhile, PESONet is mainly used for high-value transactions and may be considered an electronic alternative to paper-based checks.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort noted that the sustained double-digit growth in InstaPay and PESONet transfers even before the industry’s move to zero fees is a “good sign” for the digital economy.

For Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., the sustained growth shows the increasing adoption of digital payment channels.

“The continued surge in InstaPay and PESONet transactions reflects the rapid digitalization of the Philippine economy,” he said via Viber, “Consumers and businesses are increasingly embracing cashless payments because they are faster, more convenient, and now more affordable as banks and e-wallet providers reduce (or) eliminate transfer fees.”

RCBC’s Mr. Ricafort expects InstaPay and PESONet transfers to surge further in the coming months as local financial institutions race to cut or scrap their digital fund transfer fees following the BSP’s recent order.

“Definitely, lower or zero transfer costs would lead to significantly higher growth and use of online banking transactions and e-wallets that are already integrated in the country’s online payments and electronic fund transfer ecosystem,” he said in a Viber message.

However, Mr. Ravelas noted that the value of InstaPay and PESONet transactions is unlikely to double in the months ahead despite cheaper transfer costs.

“While lower fees will help sustain strong growth, I think a doubling of transaction values in the next few months may be too ambitious given the already large base,” he said.

“What is more likely is continued robust double-digit expansion driven by higher smartphone penetration, growth in e-commerce, wider use of digital payroll and business payments, increasing financial inclusion and literacy, and ongoing BSP initiatives to promote a cash-lite economy,” Mr. Ravelas added.

BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan said earlier this week that banks saw digital transaction volumes surge by as much as 50% as the transfer fee waivers encouraged more online transactions and attracted new online banking users.

BSP Circular No. 1238, which took effect on July 4, directed financial institutions like banks, e-wallets, and other payment service providers to adopt reasonable, fair, and market-based pricing for retail digital fund transfers.

The central bank said its decision to mandate lower costs for digital fund transfers was part of its broader efforts to enhance the country’s payments system and digital economy.

It wants digital payments to make up 60%-70% of the total volume of retail payments by 2028 in line with the Philippine Development Plan.

Under the new rules, fees charged for person-to-person transactions between different institutions should not materially differ from charges for transfers within the same entity, with the switch cost being the only allowable pricing difference from its intrabank transfer fees.

Switch cost refers to the fee charged by a clearing switch operator to process interbank transactions, which the BSP said is typically around P1.50.

As of July 15, 11 universal and commercial banks, including most of the country’s largest banks, are offering free person-to-person InstaPay and PESONet transfers.

Meanwhile, several digital banks and electronic money issuers lowered their transfer fees, with charges ranging between P5 and P25 for InstaPay and PESONet.

Last month, the Securities and Exchange Commission approved the merger of BancNet, Inc. and Philippine Clearing House Corp. (PCHC), with the former as the surviving company.

The merged entity, which unifies the country’s biggest payments and clearing switch operators, is now operating under the corporate name Payments Network of the Philippines, Inc.

BancNet operates InstaPay, while PCHC handles PESONet along with the Philippine Domestic Dollar Transfer System and Payment-versus-Payment.

OFW remittances to stay resilient despite global uncertainty — Maybank

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:01:06 -0600

STABLE GLOBAL labor conditions for Filipinos and diversified sources may help cushion the impact of global uncertainties on remittance flows to the country, according to Maybank Investment Bank.

Maybank Chief Economist Suhaimi Ilias and economist Azril Rosli said they still expect cash remittances to grow by 2.8% to $36.5 billion in 2026, noting signs of resilience in underlying remittance trends.

This is a tad faster than the central bank’s projected 2.7% climb in remittances to $36.6 billion this year. However, it will be weaker than the 3.3% growth to $35.6 billion seen last year.

“Moving forward, OFW (overseas Filipino worker) remittances are expected to remain broadly resilient over (the second half of 2026), supported by stable overseas employment conditions and continued demand for Filipino workers across key destination markets,” Mr. Ilias and Mr. Rosli said.

However, they also flagged potential risks from the over four-month long Middle East war, which they said may keep remittances growth subdued throughout the year.

“(W)e maintain our projection for 2026 remittances to grow by 2.8% year on year to $36.5 billion, although downside risks from heightened geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, remain elevated and may contribute to month-to-month volatility,” Mr. Ilias and Mr. Rosli said.

“Growth momentum is likely to remain modest amid softer global economic conditions and elevated geopolitical uncertainties,” they added.

The latest Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed that growth in cash remittances remained at a four-year low of 2% to $2.713 billion in May. This is likewise the lowest inflows seen in a year or since the $2.658 billion in May 2025.

The United States remained the largest source of OFW remittances in May, accounting for over 39% of the total.

However, the BSP noted that this might only reflect the fact that most remitting banks are based there and that not all remittances recorded from the US were generated within the country.

Remittances from other top country sources such as the Philippines’ neighbors Japan and Taiwan, Middle Eastern nations Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as Canada picked up month on month.

“Collectively, these trends point to continued resilience in remittance dynamics across key source markets,” Mr. Ilias and Mr. Rosli said.

“Although headline growth remained moderate, the broad diversification of remittance sources continues to provide an important buffer against external shocks, helping sustain overall remittance inflows amid heightened global uncertainty,” they added.

OFWs based in the Middle East sent home $447.73 million in May, 8.9% lower than the $491.569 million they remitted in April. Nearly 20% of all remittances flowing to the country are sourced from the region, which hosts over 2.4 million Filipinos.

Meanwhile, total money sent home by OFWs in the January-to-May period hit a record-high $14.11 billion, climbing by an annual 2.5% from $13.766 billion.

Mr. Ilias and Mr. Rosli said this means migrant Filipinos’ remittances have held up despite a “challenging external environment.”

This came even as the five-month remittance growth stood as the weakest since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when remittances during the same period declined by 6.4%.

Meanwhile, the Maybank economists’ remittance forecast also comes on the back of its projection that the peso will settle at the P61 mark against the dollar by yearend.

Safe-haven demand for the greenback amid persistent uncertainties surrounding the ongoing Middle East war has weighed on the local unit, pushing it to test back-to-back historic lows.

From the P57- to P58-a-dollar prewar level, the peso has plunged to average over P61 versus the greenback in May and June. It hit a record-low of P61.75 to the dollar on May 18 and 19.

Maybank likewise projects the peso to finish at P61 against the dollar in 2027. — Katherine K. Chan

Gov’t targets sale of 3 major assets

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:01:06 -0600

THE GOVERNMENT plans to sell three more big-ticket assets this year, including the Food Terminal, Inc. (FTI) and Mile Long properties, the Privatization and Management Office (PMO) said.

This after the PMO on Thursday completed the sale of state-owned properties at the Atrium of Makati. It sold 24 condominium units and 21 parking slots at the Atrium to Sanpiro Realty Development Corp. for about P1 billion.

“The successful sale of our Atrium of Makati units reflects the PMO’s continued efforts to bring idle government assets to the market through well-planned and competitive transactions,” PMO Chief Michael Peter A. Alejandro said.

“We will build on this momentum as we pursue other properties for disposition in the pipeline,” he added.

The transaction raised the PMO’s collections to P1.87 billion in the first half, matching its full-year collections in 2025. It also exceeded this year’s P753.64-million target under the 2026 Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing by nearly 150%.

Mr. Alejandro said the agency is targeting the sale of three more major assets before yearend, including the FTI property currently estimated to be worth about P20 billion, and the Mile Long property that is valued at around P10 billion.

The government is also preparing to dispose of its stake in South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), although its valuation is still being finalized.

Mr. Alejandro said the estimates remain preliminary because these assets have yet to undergo appraisal. The minimum bid price will also have to be approved by the Privatization Council before they can be auctioned.

“Those are rough estimates and that is based on zonal (value), roughly. As far as right now, that is kind of the valuation just to give an estimate. But again, it depends on the market,” he added.

Mr. Alejandro said that the government still has a long list of assets that it plans to dispose of, with prioritization given to bigger assets.

“But I think, what is important for PMO now is to prioritize the ones that are really idle and that would really spur economic activity,” he added.

“We are hoping for the end of the third quarter for Mile Long, and then the fourth quarter for FTI. Those are our targets, hopefully, we are able to sell it,” he said.

For the government’s stake in SLEX, Mr. Alejandro said the auction could be held in the early part of the fourth quarter.

Mr. Alejandro said the planned sale of the FTI and Mile Long properties, together with the government’s shares in SLEX, would be key to achieving the P101-billion privatization revenue target this year.

“That is our target, so we are endeavoring to hit that P101 billion. But obviously, a lot of things have to happen,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Alejandro said the revised guidelines issued by the Privatization Council last year have helped spur interest in public assets.

“We have actually been getting a lot of unsolicited offers from the private sector, which is good, since there is interest,” he said. “I think that is one very positive thing, we are getting the market to actually initiate some of these offers.”

Despite priority given to the bigger assets, he said the smaller transactions would also help the government achieve its privatization revenue target.

“They do add up… The value of these transactions does not matter, we just have to make sure that it is fair for the government so that we can reach our target,” he added.

The revised guidelines, issued in March 2025, allow the government to entertain unsolicited offers from the private sector, adopt alternative modes of disposition, and accredit brokers for privatization transactions. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Big Brother: One Houseguest Walks Off the Block as Another Heads Out the Door

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

It’s felt like the longest week in Big Brother history, not because the show has been boring or anything, but because so much has happened.

It’s hard to believe it’s been just a week since Rachel Reilly returned to the Big Brother house and got knocked into a pool of lava.

Big Brother Season 28 is off to a flying start, and the CBS reality juggernaut is showing no sign of slowing down.

What more could we want?

As TV Fanatic previously reported, Dee Valladares held all the power throughout the first week, but her influence only extends to the vote if she can sway enough people.

Dee’s initial target was Mallory, but the rocket scientist pulled off a victory by winning the Golden Power of Veto.

That sent Dee into a bit of a tailspin because nominating four people in the first week is a surefire way to put a target on your back.

On Monday, Mallory saved herself from the block and Ashley was put up in her place, leaving Ashley, Taylor, and Yash as the final nominees heading into the eviction.

In the days that followed, there was a lot of back and forth as all three nominees got to work trying to secure their futures in the game.

The Scheming on Big Brother is Intensifying

The good news is that none of them rolled over and accepted defeat, and that back and forth led to plenty of drama on the Big Brother live feeds.

While Ashley initially seemed to be the target, things shifted when Dee and her allies began discussing keeping her.

However, word got back to Dee that Ashley wanted to target the Survivor winner, and, well, that didn’t go down well.

By Wednesday evening, Ashley’s fate seemed to be a done deal because she had spoken too openly about who she wanted to target.

I don’t know whether she thought she could successfully turn everyone against Dee’s side of the house, but it was a bad move.

Ashley staying could theoretically shift things because if she’s vocally going after the majority alliance, she could become the underdog the episodes need.

It’s still a surprise that everyone seemed set on deciding between Taylor and Yash because Ashley had seemingly imploded her own game.

Thursday’s live eviction was pivotal because it would shape the first half of the game by setting up the dynamics moving forward.

With the Big Brother Blockbuster in play, there was also a chance that Ashley could walk off the block and back into the house.

So, where did the chips fall by the end of the episode?

Yash won the Big Brother Blockbuster competition, leaving Taylor and Ashley on the block to face the eviction vote.

Ashley was evicted by an unanimous vote of 14-0.

So, there we have it. One eviction down and 15 more to go before we learn who will be the winner of Big Brother Season 28.

What are your thoughts on the first eviction episode? Did it live up to the hype? Who do you want to be crowned the second Head of Household of the summer?

Let’s dive into it in the comments section!

Big Brother Season 28’s first eviction is here! Who won the Big Brother Blockbuster competition and who went home? Let’s dive in!
A split house is making the Big Brother Season 28 Week 1 eviction vote a close call. Where are the votes leaning? Read on to find out.
The first eviction of the season is right around the corner. Who will be the first boot of Big Brother Season 28? Let’s talk about it!

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Trump to give national address with election focus

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

US President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC on July 16, 2026.

Saul Loeb | Via Reuters

President Donald Trump will home in on alleged threats to the integrity of U.S. elections in a primetime address to the nation set for Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.

It would hardly be his first time doing so. Trump has continuously claimed to be the victim of a “rigged” and “stolen” election since his loss to former President Joe Biden nearly six years earlier, and he has made similar claims about more recent contests that Republicans lost.

Trump’s decision to give his election claims the spotlight treatment coincides with multi-level efforts by the president and his allies to reshape U.S. elections ahead of the November midterms. Polls show Democrats are favored to retake the U.S. House amid Trump’s slumping popularity.

Trump is expected to repeat his false claims about the 2020 presidential results, while alleging foreign adversaries, including China, have engaged in election influence operations, administration officials told MS NOW.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday that news outlets are “misreporting” what Trump’s speech will entail. But she hinted that Trump will make claims about U.S. election security.

“The president will be making a very important announcement with respect to the integrity of our elections,” she told reporters at the White House.

“We should have the safest and most secure elections in the history of the world. And what the president will be speaking about tonight will show you that perhaps that is not the case, and we need to make some adjustments moving forward,” she said.

Trump could also mention a “range” of other topics, including Iran and the economy, Leavitt noted.

Trump has kept mum on specifics about the speech, his first formal address since early April, when he claimed the Iran war — which is still going — was nearly over.

But he has repeatedly suggested his remarks Thursday night will focus on his gripes about U.S. elections and his plans to change them.

“It’s really, really big news, and our country has to shape up,” Trump said at the White House on Tuesday when asked about the speech. “Without free and fair elections, you don’t have a country.”

Asked in a Monday night interview on Newsmax for a preview of the address, Trump brought up last month’s Los Angeles mayoral primary election as what he saw as an example of a “rigged” race.

Trump had made baseless claims of mass ballot fraud in the race even before his preferred candidate, former reality TV star Spencer Pratt, officially lost.

“Our elections are crooked, and we’ve gotta straighten them out,” Trump told Newsmax.

The way to do that, Trump insists, is for Congress to pass the “SAVE America Act,” the controversial bill that purports to crack down on noncitizens meddling in U.S. elections by requiring photo identification to vote and proof of citizenship to register, among other provisions. Opponents say the measure would disenfranchise voters, particularly those who are low-income or people of color.

Trump’s election efforts

People vote during primary elections at the Brooklyn Museum in New York, U.S., June 23, 2026.

Eduardo Munoz | Reuters

Trump has sought to challenge election results he opposes using every lever at his disposal.

After his 2020 election loss, Trump and his allies filed dozens of lawsuits challenging states’ tallies, but none of the results were overturned and no credible evidence of election-flipping fraud was presented.

The efforts to overturn the 2020 outcome culminated in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, when a mob of Trump’s supporters stormed the center of U.S. government and forced lawmakers to temporarily flee their chambers for safety. Trump later pardoned or commuted the sentences of virtually all defendants involved in the riot.

In late January, an election office in Georgia — a top target of Trump’s attempts to overturn the 2020 race — was raided by the FBI, which sought 2020 election-related records. Trump’s then-Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, was spotted at that raid.

After Gabbard announced her resignation in May, Trump picked federal housing regulatory chief Bill Pulte as her acting replacement.

Pulte, who has gained a reputation as a loyal attack dog for Trump, is expected to join the president for the speech, MS NOW previously reported.

The Department of Justice, meanwhile, has filed lawsuits in numerous states seeking to obtain detailed voter registration data. The DOJ has argued it needs the information to ensure compliance with federal election laws. More than a dozen such cases have been dismissed by federal judges so far.

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A White House Teleprompter Operator Reportedly Won Big Betting On Presidential Speeches

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

The staff member allegedly made over $100,000 on Kalshi.

John Moore/Getty Images

Gabriel Perez, President Donald Trump’s teleprompter operator, has been placed on administrative leave after it was discovered he bet on dozens of the President’s speeches on Kalshi, ABC News reports. Officials from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the body that currently oversees betting platforms like Kalshi, are reportedly willing to settle with Perez if he returns his winnings.

Perez allegedly made more than $100,000 betting on the length of President Trump’s speeches, including the State of the Union address, a speech at the World Economic Forum in January and remarks at a Medal of Honor ceremony in March. “Perez typically has the final eyes on nearly all of the president’s prepared remarks,” ABC News writes, which likely made it easier to place informed bets. If that wasn’t enough of a giveaway, Perez reportedly backed out of certain bets when Trump went off script.

Kalshi “promptly flagged and referred” those trades to the CFTC, according to a statement provided to ABC News, and Perez has reportedly already confessed to some of the trades in an interview with investigators. At a press conference, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the President is aware of the Perez’s actions and called them “deeply unfortunate” and a “disgrace.” Leavitt added that Perez had been put on unpaid administrative leave and that he will “no longer be here.”

In April 2026, Kalshi introduced new policies to prevent politicians and athletes from betting on their own elections or games. The company later suspended three political candidates from its platform for breaking those same policies. Kalshi introduced further restrictions in June, requiring users to disclose where they work before placing certain bets.

Attempts to tamp down insider trading might not have done much to discourage anyone, and states trying to regulate prediction markets have been blocked. After New Jersey banned Kalshi, a US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the state had no right to ban the platform, putting power firmly in the CFTC’s hands.

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Watch Matty Healy sing with The 1975 tribute band on his Malibu stag do

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

Matty Healy has performed with a tribute band of The 1975 on his Malibu stag do.

Healy is due to be married to model and former Nasty Cherry musician Gabbriette. Now, he’s held a stag do in Malibu in preparation for the big event – where he got on stage to perform with The 9075, a tribute band of The 1975.

Footage has captured the frontman singing along to ‘The Sound’ with the tribute band, before requesting his doppelgänger join him on stage.

In addition to The 1975, all members of The 1975 (George Daniel, Ross McDonald, Adam Hann) were present, each wearing different costumes of Healy. The band’s official photographer Jordan Curtis Hughes was also at the stag do, alongside Healy’s brother Louis.

Watch clips of the night below:

Matty ordered a The 1975 cover band for his stag do and then went on stage with them this is absolutely frying me
he’s so unserious pic.twitter.com/51lnmvToak

— /ˈtinɑ/ ⎕ / (@hazyheadbigcity) July 15, 2026

Healy and Gabbriette confirmed their engagement at a Charli XCX show in 2024. His mother, Denise Welch, later said she’d “known for a few weeks that Matty got engaged”. She added: “We couldn’t be happier, she is everything that I would want in a daughter-in-law.”

The 1975 have told fans that two albums are in the works. One of those albums will be called ‘DOGS’, a word the band mysteriously flashed at the end of their giant Glastonbury headline performance last year.

After confirming ‘DOGS’ was the name of an album, he added: “We made two. It might be one, it might be two… but yeah, we’ve made two albums”.

The band’s manager Jamie Oborne has also previously that The 1975’s new record would be “pretty extraordinary”, sharing: “I don’t know when it will come out, but they’re making one.”

“It’s already a pretty extraordinary record”, he added, continuing to say that he has a “constant discourse about it” with the band. “I think they’ve earned the right to take their time. The world’s gonna be listening, so it needs to be right.”

Meanwhile, the band’s last record ‘Being Funny In A Foreign Language’ dropped in 2022. NME gave it four stars and declared them “back to their very best”.

“‘Being Funny In A Foreign Language’ feels like the right next step after pushing experimental excess to its logical conclusion, and is comparatively lean with just eleven tracks to its name,” we wrote. “The 1975: At Their Very Best – the lofty, and slightly tongue-in-cheek title they’ve given to their upcoming tour – might be infuriatingly, brilliantly cocky, but let’s face facts: it’s also pretty accurate.”

Elsewhere, Tiny Habits have teamed up with The 1975’s Matty Healy for tender single ‘Anything He Was’ as they announce new album ‘Keepers’.

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Lorde on Spotify’s AI Song Descriptions: “We Don’t Want This”

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

This post has been updated to include a statement from Spotify.

Lorde would prefer to let her music speak for itself, especially when it comes to misleading AI descriptions. In an Instagram story posted on July 16, the singer expressed frustration over Spotify’s new About the Song feature, which uses AI to generate a summary of whatever song the app is playing. Tagging the streaming platform, she wrote: “I’m gonna go out on a limb and say we don’t want this.”

The summary in question appeared alongside the Virgin track “Current Affairs,” and incorrectly cited it as the song Lorde performs during a moment from her 2025 Ultrasound World Tour when she removes her clothes and a dancer pours water on her. The choreographed sequence actually occurs during “GRWM.”

“Not only is this inaccurate (not the song I did that in) but reducing a song to an AI-generated meaning right at the source feels like it limits free interpretation IMO,” Lorde wrote of the description. “At least make it possible for artists to opt out please.”

Spotify launched the About the Song feature in February, announcing in a press release that it would “explore the meaning behind the music you’re hearing” using summaries from “third party sources.” The extension is still in beta. The launch arrives under a year after, in September 2025, the company claimed to be strengthening its policies around AI music specifically, asserting that the platform had removed over 75 million “spammy tracks” over a 12-month period.

In a statement shared with Pitchfork, a spokesperson for Spotify said: “We built ‘About the Song’ because fans want to dig into the stories behind the music. It’s still in beta. The info comes from articles across the internet, and when something’s off, we move fast to fix it, like we did here. Getting it right matters to us.”

Lorde has been consistent in her criticism of the encroachment of AI on every facet of society; this isn’t even the first time this month she’s vocalized this concern. During a set at Madrid’s Mad Cool Festival on July 9, she offered a straightforward piece of advice to her audience in regards to Meta’s new line of AI glasses, which include a built-in AI assistant and facial-recognition technology. “Increasingly, in our world, it gets harder and harder to know what is real,” she told the crowd. “Can I just say, for the record, fuck the glasses. Don’t get the glasses. Not sexy.”

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Big Brother Spoilers: A Split Vote Shakes The House Before Eviction Night

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

The Week 1 Eviction is a tight race to the finish.

Head of Household Dee Valladeres wanted an easy eviction for Big Brother Season 28. Initially, she leaned toward targeting Mallory.

However, as our TV Fanatics reported, everything changed after the Power of Veto.

You guessed it: Mallory won the POV and took herself off the block!

After using the POV, she forced Dee to name a new nominee. In her place, Dee chose Ashley.

By all accounts, Ashley’s nomination shouldn’t have changed the course of events.

Mostly, she’s an outsider who hasn’t cemented any core alliances. Sure, Ashley has been an entertaining houseguest, but her gameplay was non-existent.

Her fate depended greatly on the outcome of the BB Blockbuster against fellow nominees Yash and Taylor.

So, what changed to ignite the house?

The alliances are taking shape.

Three words: A split house.

Before the nominations, new alliances were being formed. On one side, you had “The Red Corner,” a group formed between Kamu, Haley, Chuk, Dee, and Rick.

Their members had been secretly leading the vote, buddying up to HOH Dee.

The alliance benefited another secret group called “The Crossovers.” This group comprised Rick, Dee, Angela, Drew, and Barrett.

Through all accounts, Dee and Rick are more loyal to The Crossovers. It helps everyone to manipulate The Red Corner members.

After the POV Ceremony, Yash’s fate was sealed. At least, it looked to be.

If he faced Ashley or Taylor during the eviction vote, he would’ve been evicted unanimously. The house agreed he was the easy target.

Had Yash won the BB Blockbuster, Ashley would have been the next unanimous target.

Taylor had nothing to worry about, as no one viewed her as a threat.

Unfortunately, Taylor’s brewing friendship with LaTrice played a part in lines being drawn.

LaTrice finds herself on the opposite side of the house. She’s buddying up to players like Rome, Jason, and Taylor.

By extension, Rome is connected to his showmance, Lyric.

Lyric has close ties to Melody and Mallory. And Jason is connected to everyone, despite his open targets of the reality TV icons (Dee, Rick, and Angela).

Yash is on an island by himself. However, he’s strangely closest to Rome.

Rome hasn’t done anything to justify this safety, and Yash isn’t playing well enough overall. But the boys had cemented a friendship.

Now, we have one side of the house that’d benefit from Taylor and Yash staying, and another side that needs to turn the numbers in their favor.

Enter the Ashley predicament!

Would it benefit The Red Corner and The Crossovers to keep Ashley? Would they take the risk?

Based on the 24/7 live feeds, it seems so. Big Brother Season 28 is a split house of alliances!

How Close Are The Eviction Votes?

Heading into Thursday’s Eviction Night, the numbers are too close to call.

The Red Corner and The Crossovers are leaning heavily toward keeping Ashley. As of now, Dee looks to be breaking any ties in Ashley’s favor.

In a Yash vs. Ashley vote, Yash will go home in a possible 7-7 tie, with Dee breaking the tie.

The same goes for an Ashley vs. Taylor vote. A tie happens if Yash votes out Ashley instead.

On the other hand, a Yash vs. Taylor vote is up in the air.

The Big Brother Season 28 house is constantly shifting, but it’s clear Yash hasn’t found his footing yet. He has no strong bonds to protect him.

He’s thrown out the idea of a men’s agreement (not an alliance, per se). This, however, hasn’t grown into anything substantial.

Taylor, meanwhile, started having chats and making attempts to save herself.

She hasn’t succeeded in the same way Ashley has through her campaigning, but there’s still time for her to build bonds with houseguests like Angela.

Whoever wins the BB Blockbuster will change the course on Eviction Night.

New Plans Could Shake The Votes.

Interestingly, Mallory and Melody are still undecided votes.

In a typical Big Brother season, we would’ve seen both connect with Lyric to form a trio and vote together. However, Mallory’s nomination led Melody to distance herself from her former friend.

Melody made a terrible move. Mallory is still here!

While we can estimate that they’ll vote with Lyric, the tensions between them will ruin any future alliances in the short term.

What could impact the votes? Drew.

Drew is on good terms with everyone. However, he’s a feisty bro who dishes all the dirt.

He almost hindered his game by revealing Jason was coming for the veterans. Dee, Rick, and Angela have warmed back up to him, but they’re recognizing Drew is a floater.

If Jason finds out Drew spilled the tea, that’ll cement the divide even further.

In addition, Drew has formed strong groupings outside of The Crossovers.

His fake parachute alliance with Melody has evolved into a strong working relationship.

Drew and Melody are on track to be an established working pair. They’re already in a few trios with Barrett and Jason.

And they formed the “Four Seasons” alliance with Lyric and Rome.

He’s already warning Melody not to be on the wrong side of the vote. If she votes his way, he might get the showmance to switch too.

Drew might seal the eviction vote long before the BB Blockbuster is needed.

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.

Who should the house vote out during Week 1? Will the votes flip again before the eviction?

What can Yash, Taylor, or Ashley do to avoid being evicted?

Share your thoughts in the comments below, and invite another Big Brother fan to join the conversation.

A split house is making the Big Brother Season 28 Week 1 eviction vote a close call. Where are the votes leaning? Read on to find out.
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Cape Fear’s Bowden kids mirror Max Cady’s chaos in ways that are either brilliantly constructed or conveniently underwritten, and the show is not always sure which.
There is no timetable on great TV. Some shows are worth watching years after they end. So why not start watching right now?

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New Jersey deli fraud defendant Patten seeks no prison time

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Courtroom sketch of James Patten, left, and attorney Ira Sorkin at N.J. District Court in Camden, N.J., Oct. 11, 2022

Source: Elizabeth Williams

The final defendant awaiting sentencing in the brazen $100 million New Jersey deli stock manipulation case is asking a judge to give him no prison time — despite having a prior felony conviction that got him locked up.

A lawyer for the defendant, James Patten, in a new filing in New Jersey federal court cited the short jail sentence received by his co-defendant and former employer, Peter Coker Sr.

“Mr. Patten was Peter Coker, Sr.’s employee in the offense conduct,” the lawyer, Adam Brody, wrote.

“Accordingly, if a sentence of six months’ incarceration and six months’ home detention constitutes just punishment for Peter Coker, Sr., then surely Mr. Patten is entitled to a lesser sentence.”

A third defendant, Coker’s son, Peter Coker Jr., received a 40-month prison sentence for his role in the scheme, and has since been released, as has the father.

Brody also cited the former stockbroker Patten’s remorse for his crime of securities fraud, and his history of seizures, which included two in February and May, as other reasons for a non-prison sentence.

The filing revealed that the Winston-Salem, North Carolina, resident Patten has been working as a warehouse materials handler for Coca-Cola, and a part-time handyman at a taproom and brewery since pleading guilty in December 2023.

Prosecutors in late June asked Judge Christine O’Hearn to sentence Patten to between 12 and 18 months when she sentences him on July 21.

That is sharply lower than the term of between 70 and 87 months suggested by federal sentencing guidelines for Patten.

Prosecutors in their filing said that giving Patten a sentence that was more severe than that of the Cokers would be unfair, but also said he deserved to do time in prison.

“He was released in 2012, approximately two years before the beginning of this conspiracy,” prosecutors wrote. “A prison sentence is necessary because his return to fraud so soon after spending approximately two years in prison is troubling.”

CNBC requested that the sentencing submissions by both sides be made public by the court. O’Hearn did so, but several pages of both the prosecution’s and defense’s submissions have been redacted for unstated reasons.

Patten, Coker Sr., and Coker Jr. admitted to scheming to artificially boost the share prices of two thinly traded companies to make them attractive candidates for reverse mergers.

One of the companies, Hometown International, owned just one small, money-losing deli in Paulsboro, New Jersey — Your Hometown Deli — while the other one, E-Waste, was a shell company with no significant business operations.

Patten grew up in Paulsboro, where he was a standout high school wrestler. The deli was run by Patten’s friend and teammate, Paul Morina, a high school principal and renowned wrestling coach, who was unaware of the stock manipulation scheme.

As a result of the scheme, the market capitalization of both companies at one point exceeded $100 million.

Patten was convicted in an unrelated mail fraud case in 2010 and sentenced to 27 months in prison.

Haptic Bass Meets Whisper-Quiet ANC

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

The new flagship headphones blend Bose audio and big bass.

James Trew for Engadget

RATING : 7.8 / 10

Pros

Solid ANC
Well-balanced sound
Unique bass experience

Cons

Dated design
Heavy for prolonged use

Skullcandy has spent years carving out its own niche in the headphone market. While brands like Sony, Bose and Sennheiser were fighting over which had the best sound quality and noise cancellation, Skullcandy leaned into its reputation on one thing above all else: bass. The Crusher line, with its signature haptic bass system, has always been unapologetically over the top and front and center for the brand.

But times change, and there are hints that the company wants to grow out of that niche. The new flagship Crusher 1080 headphones come with audio credentials borrowed from Bose. Specifically, they carry Bose’s QuietControl active noise cancellation (ANC), TrueSpatial directional audio and WaveForm tuning. This isn’t the first Skullcandy headphone to be part of the Bose Sound program, but it’s the first with such deep integration.

At around $270, though, Skullcandy is entering a fiercely competitive segment where Sony, Bose and Sennheiser already have pricier, well-established favorites. That means the Crusher 1080 has to be more than just fun — it has to be genuinely good. Thankfully, for the most part, it is.

Hardware and features

On paper, the Crusher 1080 checks just about every flagship box. There’s the aforementioned ANC along with wear detection, a claimed 60 hours of battery life, fast charging, multipoint Bluetooth, Auracast and an EQ with customizable controls via an app. The over-ear design is reminiscent of older Crusher models, with a reassuring, but hefty build and an understated aesthetic that feels a bit 2010’s in a non-intentional way. There are some nice metal accents in the headband which make it feel premium, but overall it’s a larger, more robust headset compared to the sculpted lines of current Sony or Bose models.

James Trew for Engadget

Skullcandy hasn’t really ventured into the realm of gesture and touch controls, and they remain absent here. The physical buttons are all quite large which generally makes them easy to locate. The biggest is the dedicated haptic bass dial, which is so large it’s part of the aesthetic. Nestled beside that is a switch for toggling between ANC and transparency mode. This pressable switch also cycles through listening presets (Music, Podcast, Movie and Custom). These two controls are close enough to each other that I often accidentally deactivate ANC when I want to adjust the haptic bass. The right-hand side has a mini joystick style control for volume and media, plus a button for power/pairing. The Crusher 1080 also supports regular 3.5mm and USB-C wired connections.

With 50 hours of battery with ANC active or 60 without, the Crusher 1080 is already pretty longevous. I still appreciate the fast-charging feature as quick top-ups can provide enough juice for a long commute or cafe work session on the occasions you forgot to plug them in.

Who’s the Bose?

The standout feature on the Crusher 1080 is no longer the haptic bass, although that, too, has been given a makeover. This focus here is on the Bose-powered audio. Skullcandy already dabbled with Bose Sound on the Method wireless buds, but that was more of a general tuning. With the Crusher 1080, Bose’s fingerprints are all over the audio, from the main WaveForm audio engine to the TrueSpatial dimensional feature and, of course, the Bose-powered ANC.

The result is a clear sonic upgrade. I use a pair of Crusher 540’s as my gym headphones, so I’m familiar with the Skullcandy sound. The Crusher 1080’s are quite a departure, with a much more well-rounded, open/balanced sound stage. The 540’s feel dense and flat by comparison, even with the beefy bass.

I spent an unreasonable amount of time swapping between the Crusher 1080’s and the Sennheiser HDB 630’s, listening to The Streets’ Original Pirate Material hoping that the combinations of sharp snares and gritty basslines would expose the differences between the two headphones. And differences there are, but not nearly as much as I was expecting. In general, the HDB 630 remains more spacious and neutral. The Crusher’s sound feels elevated in the upper mid-ranges.

Without the haptic feature enabled, the low-end on the 1080 almost feels modest — present but controlled. The overall sound is still higher energy than the pricier Sennheiser HDB 630, but it feels much closer to what you’d expect from a premium pair of wireless headphones.

While I would say the Sennheiser still has the superior sound over all, the Bose-tuned Skullcandy two characteristics I prefer. One is the presence of those upper mids: Percussion, hi-hats and other sounds in this range are more forward on the Crusher’s tuning. The other advantage is just that the Skullcandy headphones offer more volume, making them better suited for older music that isn’t mastered so loud.

Noise cancellation

James Trew for Engadget

Perhaps the biggest improvement over previous Skullcandy headphones is the Active Noise Cancellation. This is leagues ahead of earlier Skullcandy efforts and, in my own testing, even outperformed the Sennheiser HDB 630 and Soundcore Space One Pro — two headphones that sit either side of the Crusher in price. Constant background noise is handled impressively well, making commuting or working in busy environments much more pleasant.

It’s still not quite at the level of Bose’s class-leading ANC on its own headphones, and Sony remains one of the benchmarks in the category, but the gap is now much smaller than I expected. For the first time, Skullcandy deserves to be taken seriously in this area. Transparency mode is similarly solid, sounding natural enough for quick conversations without needing to remove the headphones.

Crushing it

What would a pair of Skullcandy headphones be, though, without Crusher Bass? This feature is as iconic as it is divisive. Personally, I enjoy it at the right moments. There’s a reason why I wear Crushers in the gym, and sometimes bangers just slap a little bit more when you can feel them. But older Crusher models got comically over the top when the haptic effect was dialed up too much.

On the 1080, the effect has been rebooted, and it’s for the better. It’s still the same haptic bass, but when used in moderation it genuinely feels like the movement is part of the bass, rather than a mechanical trick. Sure, if you drive it all the way up, things will get rumbly, but it’s still a lot of fun, and you don’t ever have to use it if you don’t want to.

The competition

This is where things become more complicated. At $270, the Crusher 1080 is in an awkward spot. Skullcandy has priced them around $100 cheaper than the likes of Sony’s WH-1000XM6, Bose’s own QuietComfort lineup and the Sennheiser Momentum 5. But if you are okay with a Momentum 4, or an XM5, suddenly the Crushers look more expensive. Even Anker’s Soundcore Space One Pro — a similarly-specc’d mid-range favorite — are coppable for $100 less than the Crusher’s asking price if you don’t want the bass feature and ANC is less important.

The question might really be, are these a more affordable entry point to Bose-level audio? Bose still has the edge in ANC and a stronger all-round audio experience in a more premium package. But the Crusher 1080 occupies a category almost entirely by itself: a capable sound, strong ANC and, of course, that unique approach to bass. This makes it far easier to recommend than previous generations.

Wrap-up

James Trew

The Crusher 1080 is the most complete and mature pair of Skullcandy headphones I’ve used. Rather than relying solely on its bass credentials, it finally delivers the fundamentals expected from a premium wireless headphone: enjoyable sound, capable ANC, good battery life and a feature set that feels relevant in 2026.

It’s not perfect. The design still lacks some of the polish of its biggest rivals, the controls could be better laid out and the weight becomes noticeable during longer listening sessions. But if you’ve ever been curious about the Crusher concept and dismissed previous models as novelty headphones, this is the one that changes all of that.

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Blue singer Lee Ryan to be sentenced for racially aggravated assault on air steward after losing appeal

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Blue singer Lee Ryan is set to be sentenced for a racially aggravated assault on an air steward, after losing an appeal to clear his name.

The boyband member appeared in front of a court, accused of telling a member of the British Airways cabin crew that she was like a “sweet chocolate chip cookie”. The incident took place in July 2022, with him admitting that he was drunk on the flight.

The following year saw him convicted of racially aggravated assault. At first, Ryan was given a 12-month suspended sentence in 2023, however, this was later revoked as the singer made a bid to overturn his conviction.

The appeal to clear his name was rejected by the judge, and Ryan later took the case to the High Court – objecting to the crown court’s refusal to allow an appeal to High Court judges. The move was called “frivolous” and rejected by Lord Justice Holgate and Mr Justice Johnson, and the case was sent back to the crown court.

The flight in 2022 was on July 31 and saw the singer travel from Glasgow to London. During the journey, the admittedly-drunk Ryan allegedly physically touched the steward after she told him to return to his seat, and also made the inappropriate “chocolate chip cookie” comments.

Blue singer Lee Ryan loses plane assault appeal https://t.co/wAR7GfBG6Y pic.twitter.com/458Us4eevu

— BBC London (@BBCLondonNews) July 14, 2026

The steward alleges that “he grabbed both her wrists [and] leaned in as if to kiss her”, but at an appeal at Isleworth Crown Court in 2024, Ryan denied the claims of grabbing her wrists (via The Independent).

He instead argued that he was “touching her wrists with an open palm and said that was by way of an apology” after realising the comments were inappropriate and unwanted.

This, judges said, was “different from the account that he gave in the interview” with police after his arrest, and they added that it was “common ground that he reached out his hands and physically touched her”.

Ryan initially said he did grab the steward’s wrists, but later denied the claims and alleged that he had been “misled” by the police (via BBC News).

The singer’s lawyers have argued that the Crown Court judge who declined to refer the case had drawn an inaccurate inference from his police interview, however two judges argued against this claim – saying that it was their duty to weigh the picture painted by the steward compared to that from Ryan.

“It was entitled to rely on the inconsistency between Mr Ryan’s account in the interview, which coincided with [the steward’s] allegation that he had grabbed her wrists, and the account he gave in evidence,” they shared (as per BBC News).

“The essential reasoning of the court was that it believed [the plaintiff], who had been sober at the time and who was a consistent and compelling witness, and they disbelieved Mr Ryan who had been drunk at the time and had been inconsistent.”

Ryan is now set to be sentenced by the crown court.

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Watch Robyn Cover Erasure’s “Always”

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Synth-pop emergency! Robyn stopped by BBC Radio 2 earlier today, July 15, for a quick performance, during which she busted out a cover of Erasure’s 1994 classic “Always.” She also played three songs from her most recent album, Sexistential: “Dopamine,” “Sucker For Love,” and “Talk to Me.” Watch it all go down below.

The session accompanied Robyn’s appearance in a BBC Radio 6 Music Artist in Residence: AAA film, which is now available to view on iPlayer and BBC Radio 6 Music’s YouTube channel. In the mini-documentary, Robyn chats with Metronomy founder Joseph Mount about Sexistential, detailing her creative process and breaking down how early demos evolved into the final LP.

Robyn is currently in the midst of the European leg of an arena tour in support of Sexistential. She’ll bring the run to North America this fall, stopping in cities including New York, Chicago, and Toronto. Earlier this year, she also released an alternate version of her 2002 single “Blow My Mind,” with new lyrics dedicated to her three-year-old son.

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First Gen receives $5-billion takeover proposal for EDC

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

LOPEZ-LED First Gen Corp. has received an unsolicited, non-binding offer worth $5 billion (about P308 billion) from Indonesia’s PT Barito Renewables Energy (BREN) to acquire its renewable energy subsidiary Energy Development Corp. (EDC), the company said on Wednesday.

In a disclosure to the stock exchange, First Gen said the proposal was “unsolicited, indicative and non-binding” and remains subject to due diligence, the execution of definitive agreements, and the receipt of regulatory and other necessary approvals.

“To date, there have been no discussions between the parties, no agreements have been signed, and First Gen has not appointed any advisors for this transaction,” the company said.

The proposed acquisition would involve the country’s largest geothermal energy producer, which accounts for about a fifth of the Philippines’ installed renewable energy capacity. EDC has a total installed capacity of 1,480.19 megawatts (MW) across its geothermal, wind, hydro, and solar assets.

EDC also accounted for 87% of First Gen’s revenues last year, contributing P48.6 billion.

BREN is the renewable energy arm of Indonesian conglomerate PT Barito Pacific Tbk. It holds a majority stake in Star Energy Geothermal, Indonesia’s largest geothermal energy producer.

Juan Paolo E. Colet, managing director at China Bank Capital Corp., said the proposal could unlock shareholder value if it materializes.

“Given First Gen’s persistent market valuation discount, such a transaction represents an opportunity to return a meaningful amount of capital to shareholders while simultaneously recycling proceeds into more profitable clean energy investments,” Mr. Colet said in a Viber message.

Based on First Gen’s 45.8% economic stake in EDC, the company could realize about $2.29 billion (about P141 billion) from the transaction, he said.

Shares in First Gen were volatile following the disclosure. The stock climbed as much as 33.37% to an intraday high of P22.30 before ending Wednesday’s session down 1.71% at P19.50 apiece from Tuesday’s close of P19.84.

EDC was established in 1976 under the state-owned Philippine National Oil Co. to develop the country’s geothermal resources. First Gen acquired a 60% voting stake in the company for P58.5 billion through privatization in 2007.

The company recently marked its 50^th anniversary as the world’s largest vertically integrated geothermal producer.

“EDC was borne out of necessity — in the midst of an oil crisis that had affected global economies, but had more severe consequences on smaller energy-import dependent countries like the Philippines,” EDC President and Chief Operating Officer Jerome H. Cainglet said during the company’s anniversary celebration.

Beyond its domestic operations, EDC has expanded into Indonesia through a partnership with PT DSSR Daya Mas Sakti to develop geothermal projects with a potential capacity of about 440 MW.

Global minimum tax may blunt Philippine tax incentives for multinationals

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

TAX PERKS granted to large multinational enterprises could become less attractive if the Philippines implements the proposed Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax (QDMTT), an expert warned.

“We provide tax incentives to foreign investors who want to locate in the Philippines. So, some of them are not paying any taxes at all to the Philippines because of the incentives that they are enjoying,” Deloitte Philippines Tax & Legal Leader Carlo Navarro told BusinessWorld.

“But because of the qualified domestic minimum tax rule, the Philippines will now impose a minimum tax of 15% on that income that is incentivized by the old framework,” he added.

Mr. Navarro said this would reduce the benefits of existing tax incentives, which could prompt some investors to reconsider investing in the Philippines.

“Once you reduce the benefits derived from those tax incentives, you can already see that investors might reconsider their investment in the Philippines and look for another jurisdiction that will provide them with better tax rates,” he said.

“And that is the main challenge that will arise because of the implementation of the QDMTT,” he added.

The QDMTT forms part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s Pillar Two framework, which establishes a global minimum effective tax rate of 15% for large multinational enterprises.

The Philippines has yet to enact a QDMTT law but is targeting to implement the regime in 2027, with collections expected to begin in 2028. The Department of Finance is currently drafting the proposed legislation.

Despite the potential impact on investment incentives, Mr. Navarro said the Philippines should proceed with the QDMTT because it would allow the government to collect taxes that would otherwise go to other jurisdictions.

“If the Philippines does not implement or enact a qualified domestic minimum tax legislation, somebody else will tax the income that arises in the Philippines,” he said.

“With the implementation of the Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax legislation, it will restore the right of the Philippines to collect these taxes.”

Mr. Navarro said the Philippines has lagged its Southeast Asian neighbors in terms of implementing major and significant regulatory developments.

“That’s where we stand at the moment. We’re really behind in terms of adopting some of these international rules that will help the Philippines protect its tax base,” he added.

Mr. Navarro said the QDMTT would generate additional tax revenue for the government by allowing the Philippines to collect taxes that would otherwise go to other jurisdictions.

“Certainly, it will add additional tax revenue to our government… When we did initial estimates on this, just looking at the data from the Philippine conglomerates, we estimated back then, this was in 2023, around P20 billion of tax revenue,” he said.

“But again, these are only from seven companies. The extent of the amount of lost revenue, we don’t know. We don’t have the estimates. But I think the DoF has estimated the amount of revenue lost from the non-implementation of Pillar 2 legislation and that could run in trillions,” he added.

To remain competitive under Pillar Two, Mr. Navarro said the government should review its current incentive framework.

“There are incentives that will still work within the context of Pillar 2, except that probably we will need to enhance the benefit derived from those existing incentives. That one is the enhanced deduction regime,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deloitte Philippines executive said the country could also look at incentive schemes being adopted by neighboring countries.

“For instance, you have Singapore adopting the qualified refundable investment credit or the qualified refundable tax credit. So, our government can probably adopt some of the features of those qualified refundable tax credit mechanisms adopted by Singapore,” Mr. Navarro said.

However, Mr. Navarro said the Philippines should not simply replicate the incentive schemes adopted by neighboring countries, as doing so would not give the country a comparative advantage.

PSA sees ‘low likelihood’ of hitting growth goal by 2028

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

THE PHILIPPINES has a “low likelihood” of hitting its 6-7% gross domestic product (GDP) growth target by 2028 under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP), according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

“The latest data showed low likelihood of achieving its end-of-plan target growth rate of 6.0% to 7.0%,” the PSA said in the 2025 Statistical Indicators on Philippine Development.

The PSA defines a “low likelihood” as a low chance of attaining the target.

This comes after the Philippines’ GDP growth slowed to a five-year low of 4.4% in 2025 from 5.7% in 2024, as the flood control corruption scandal continued to weigh on government spending, investments and consumer spending. Excluding the pandemic, it was the slowest growth since the 3.9% expansion in 2011.

The 2025 growth print was also below the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s (DBCC) 5.5%-6.5% goal, marking the third straight year it missed the target.

De La Salle University economist Marites M. Tiongco said achieving 6-7% annual growth by 2028 remains possible but would require sustained and well-targeted government interventions.

“The central issue is not simply whether the government should regulate more. The more important question is whether it can intervene more effectively,” she said in a Viber message.

“The country needs interventions that remove binding constraints, crowd in private investment, raise productivity, improve resilience, and ensure that growth generates broad-based employment and income gains,” she added.

Without these improvements, Ms. Tiongco said the economy could instead track the DBCC’s revised 5-6% growth target by 2028, assuming household consumption remains resilient and external conditions improve.

“However, sustaining growth of 6-7% will require a shift from a largely consumption-driven model toward one that is increasingly investment-led, productivity-enhancing, export-competitive, institutionally credible, and inclusive,” she added.

The PSA also said the government is unlikely to meet its target of bringing down the National Government (NG) debt-to-GDP ratio to 58-61% by 2028.

In 2025, the NG’s debt stock-to-GDP ratio rose to 63.2% from 60.7% in 2024, as the government ramped up borrowings to plug the budget deficit.

The debt-to-GDP ratio rose further to 65.2% in the first quarter of 2026. This was the highest level since 2005 and remained well above the PDP’s 2026 target of 60-63%.

Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said the PSA’s assessment should be viewed as an early warning signal rather than a definitive forecast.

“Current trends suggest that meeting the PDP’s 2028 growth and debt targets will be challenging,” he said in a Viber message.

He said the key issue is not whether the economy will hit the targets, but whether it can regain momentum while keeping fiscal consolidation on track.

“If investment activity strengthens, infrastructure spending is sustained, and macroeconomic stability is preserved, the Philippines can still improve its growth trajectory and gradually reduce its debt burden over time,” Mr. Asuncion added.

The PSA also flagged the low likelihood of achieving the target of raising the share of wage and salaried workers in private establishments to 53-55% of total employed workers by 2028, after the share slipped to 50% in 2025 from 50.1% in 2024.

However, the statistics agency said the country remains on track to meet its fiscal deficit target of 4.3% of GDP by 2028 after the deficit narrowed to 5.6% in 2025 from 5.7% in 2024.

“This reflects progress in fiscal consolidation, where the pace of improvement suggests a high likelihood of achieving the end-of-plan target of 4.3%,” it added.

The PSA also assessed a high likelihood of achieving the PDP’s end-of-plan inflation target of 2.4-4.0% by 2028.

“Headline inflation, which tracks changes in the cost of living based on movements in the prices of a specified basket of major commodities, declined further to 1.7% in 2025 from 3.2% in 2024, already surpassing the end-of-plan target range of 2.4% to 4.0%,” it added.

However, inflation has remained above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2-4% tolerance range this year after oil prices surged following the Middle East conflict. Headline inflation eased to 6.4% in June from 6.8% in May.

The PSA also said that there is a high likelihood of achieving the 4-5% unemployment and 10-11% underemployment rates by 2028.

The Philippines’ unemployment rate edged up to 4.2% in 2025 from 3.8% in 2024.

The report likewise indicated a high likelihood of reducing the poverty incidence target to 8.8-9% by 2028. Poverty incidence stood at 15.5% in 2023, already below the PDP benchmark of 16-16.4%.

Under the PDP, poverty incidence is projected to decline to 12.9-13.2% in 2025 before falling further to 10-11% in 2027.

Meanwhile, the PSA gave a “medium likelihood” assessment to the country’s target of raising gross national income (GNI) per capita to $5,882-$6,081 by 2028.

GNI per capita rose 3.5% to $4,470 in 2024 from $4,320 in 2023.

A “medium likelihood” means the target may or may not be achieved, according to the PSA.

The World Bank recently reclassified the Philippines as an upper-middle income economy after its GNI per capita reached $4,850 in 2025, just above the lower threshold of the World Bank’s $4,636-$14,375 upper-middle income classification. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Palace weighs measures vs rising fuel prices

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:00:06 -0600

By Erika Mae P. Sinaking, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE government is studying possible measures to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices as renewed tensions in the Middle East threaten global oil supplies, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has ordered concerned agencies to assess the situation and ensure assistance reaches sectors most vulnerable to higher fuel costs, Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters.

The Department of Energy earlier said developments in the Middle East continue to put upward pressure on domestic pump prices and that it has stepped up fuel price monitoring as market volatility persists.

Ms. Castro said the Department of Transportation is evaluating additional interventions, including assistance for affected sectors, but did not specify possible measures.

“As of now, we have spoken directly with [Transportation] Secretary Banoy [Giovanni Z. Lopez], and he has been tasked to study the situation, as there is a need to balance circumstances because when fare prices increase, the prices of other products will definitely increase as well,” she said in Filipino.

“So, the President’s wish is for no one to be left behind; everyone must be helped in the right way and in a balanced manner,” Ms. Castro added, but declined to say whether the administration would approve pending fare hike petitions or suspend excise taxes on gasoline and diesel, saying discussions continue.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin earlier noted that renewed military strikes between the United States and Iran have reignited concerns over the security of energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

Because the Philippines is a net importer of petroleum products, with a heavy reliance on Middle Eastern supplies, these geopolitical shocks translate directly to higher domestic costs.

Transport group Pasang Masda requested the President to reinstate the one-peso fare increase that was suspended in March. This request comes on the heels of this week’s price hike where diesel increased by more than P4 per liter. Ms. Castro said that this is also part of the ongoing review.

“Again, Secretary Lopez also mentioned that this is being studied simultaneously at this time to ensure that the assistance we provide to our fellow citizens in the transport sector is appropriate, so they are not left behind. Our support for our fellow citizens who are consumers also continues,” she said.

This week, major retailers like Seaoil Philippines, Inc. and Shell Pilipinas Corp. raised pump prices by P1.00 for gasoline, P4.60 for diesel, and P2.30 for kerosene.

In April, the government temporarily suspended the excise taxes on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for three months to cushion the impact of higher oil prices triggered by the Middle East conflict. However, the excise tax rates on kerosene and LPG reverted to their original levels on July 8 after the average Dubai crude oil price fell below the threshold set under the law.

Ms. Castro said the government is still studying the removal of excise taxes for gasoline and diesel.

“As of now, no update has been relayed to us,” she said.

Sought for comment, Jose M. Layug, Jr., executive board member of the Philippine Energy Research and Policy Institute, said the government appears more prepared this time in responding to oil market disruptions.

“While the government is better prepared with its response and assistance programs, it is really imperative to fast-track the transition to other forms of transportation that rely less on oil,” Mr. Layug told BusinessWorld over Viber.

He said that short-term interventions will not solve the country’s long-standing vulnerability to global fuel shocks.

“We need to shift to electric vehicles, both for private and public sectors, and improve our public transportation system to ensure lesser impact to the Filipino consumers and riding public,” he added.

As of July 10, the national fuel inventory stood at approximately 47.87 days of supply, an improvement from the previous 46.50 days. This inventory is supported by an average daily demand of roughly 78.08 million liters as of March 2026.

Broken down by product, the country maintains 48.17 days of gasoline, 45.69 days of diesel, and a substantial 148.98 days of kerosene. Other critical fuels like jet fuel and fuel oil have supplies lasting 80.09 days and 33.37 days, respectively, while liquified petroleum gas (LPG) inventory is at 39.51 days.

OFW cash remittances slump to a one-year low in May

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:48:02 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

MONEY sent home by migrant Filipinos fell to its lowest level in a year in May, with the annual growth steadying from the prior month, preliminary Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) data showed.

Cash remittances from overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) rose by 2% year on year to $2.713 billion in May. This figure is the lowest amount of cash remittances since May 2025, when remittances stood at $2.658 billion.

The 2% annual growth was the same as in April, which was the slowest in nearly four years or since the 1.8% in May 2022.

“Cash remittances increased year-on-year in May 2026, reflecting sustained inflows from overseas Filipinos,” the central bank said in a statement on Wednesday.

However, the latest monthly tally was 0.18% lower than the $2.718 billion in cash remittances logged in April.

In the five months to May, migrant Filipinos sent home a total of $14.11 billion, up 2.5% from the $13.766 billion a year ago.

The BSP expects cash remittances to climb 2.7% to $36.6 billion this year, slower than the 3.3% to $35.6 billion in 2025.

BSP: 2028 digital payment goal achievable following zero transfer fees

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:04:02 -0600

THE PHILIPPINES is still on track to achieve its digital payment target by 2028, as banks and electronic wallet providers waive or cut transfer fees, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

“Yes, yes. We will continue to plow along until we reach that goal,” BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto E. Tangonan told Money Talks with Cathy Yang on One News when asked if the 2028 goal is still achievable.

The BSP wants digital payments to account for 60%-70% of the total volume of retail payments by 2028 in line with the Philippine Development Plan.

Mr. Tanongan noted that banks’ digital transaction volume has increased by up to 50% as existing customers do more online transactions and banks onboard new users amid the transfer fee waivers.

The BSP deputy governor said the central bank’s decision to nudge banks regarding transfer fees came as they saw flat annual growth of online payments.

“(W)e noted that the growth of digital payments year on year has more or less approached a plateau,” Mr. Tangonan said. “And so, we said that we need a breakthrough. We need a second wind in order to propel the greater usage of digital payments, especially to those who are still nonusers.”

The central bank has not released the 2025 digital payments data.

Mr. Tangonan said the latest BSP regulation is expected to encourage more people to use formal digital payment channels by reducing the transaction costs associated with digital wallets and banks.

“What we want is to bring more people into the formal economy. So, we know that digital payments can increase GDP (gross domestic product) per capita and also reduce informality. So, these are our goals,” Mr. Tangonan said.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. previously said that financial institutions’ lower digital transaction costs will improve the Philippines’ payment system and broaden the digital economy. He welcomed banks and e-wallets’ recent announcements, noting that it would even be better if they could bring InstaPay and PESONet transfer fees down to zero.

BSP Circular No. 1238, issued last month, directed financial institutions like banks, e-wallets, and other payment service providers to adopt reasonable, fair, and market-based pricing for retail digital fund transfers.

Switch cost refers to the fee charged by a clearing switch operator to process interbank transactions, which the BSP said is typically around P1.50.

The new regulation took effect on July 4.

Mr. Tangonan also noted that increased digital payments use among consumers amid lower transfer fees may urge more merchants to adopt digital payments eventually.

“So, we bring in more and more people into not only the digital payments system, but also the formal financial services where they can access other services that will give them the tools to help them protect or increase their wealth,” he added.

Jonathan L. Ravelas, a senior adviser at Reyes Tacandong & Co., said the industry’s move to scrap transfer fees can help boost the country’s digital economy.

However, he noted that it could also slightly dampen the profitability of institutions reliant on transaction costs.

“My view is that free transfers can accelerate usage, particularly among lower-income consumers, small businesses, and frequent fund transfer users who are very price sensitive. More importantly, it encourages habitual use of digital channels, which is what ultimately drives adoption,” he added.

For Mr. Ravelas, the BSP is now likely closer to the lower end of its digital payments target with the boost from free transfer fees, but noted that achieving 70% will require more system-wide developments.

“Infrastructure reliability, cybersecurity, internet connectivity, and user trust remain just as important as fees,” he said. — Katherine K. Chan

Philippine banks’ assets soar to all-time high

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:04:02 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE BANKING industry’s assets jumped to an all-time high as of end-May amid stable deposit inflows, continued financing for households and businesses, and higher investment holdings, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Assets held by domestic banks reached a fresh high of P30.442 trillion at end-May, climbing by 11.69% from P27.257 trillion in the same period last year.

This exceeded the previous record of P30.336 trillion in total assets logged at the end of March.

Month on month, the sector’s assets edged up by 1.07% from P30.12 trillion posted at end-April.

Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said recovering economic conditions and steady demand allowed domestic banks to expand their balance sheets during the period.

“The record-high level of bank assets as of end-May reflects the continued expansion of economic activity and financial intermediation in the country,” Mr. Asuncion said in a Viber message.

“Sustained loan growth, steady deposit inflows, and the buildup of investment holdings have supported balance sheet expansion, underpinned by resilient domestic demand and improving financing conditions,” he added.

As of end-May, the banking sector’s total net loan portfolio inclusive of IBL and RRP increased by 12.07% year on year to P16.946 trillion from P15.121 trillion.

Net investments, or financial assets and equity investments in subsidiaries, stood at P8.641 trillion, up 8.61% from P7.956 trillion logged a year prior.

Banks’ net real and other properties acquired also rose by an annual 18.79% to P143.804 billion from P121.061 billion.

Meanwhile, the industry’s other assets jumped by 20.11% to P2.497 trillion at end-May from P2.079 trillion in the previous year.

Central bank data also showed that cash and due from banks grew by 11.83% to P2.215 trillion at end-May from P1.98 trillion in the comparable year-ago period.

Universal and commercial banks continued to hold most of the sector’s assets, with P28.384 trillion at end-May.

This was followed by thrift banks, which had P1.404 trillion in assets, and digital banks with a total of P195.593 billion.

Based on the latest data available on the central bank’s website, rural and cooperative banks in the country had combined assets of P458.013 billion at end-March.

On the other hand, Philippine banks’ total liabilities reached P26.854 trillion as of the end of May, rising by 12.89% from P23.787 trillion last year.

Of this amount, around 83% were deposits, which climbed by 11.19% year on year to P22.306 trillion from P20.061 trillion previously.

Peso-denominated deposits totaled P18.395 trillion, while foreign currency deposits stood at P3.911 trillion.

UnionBank’s Mr. Asuncion said banks’ assets are likely to continue growing as monetary conditions ease, supported by ample liquidity in the financial system and steady loan demand.

However, renewed financial market volatility triggered by the re-escalation of the conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran could weigh on the banking industry’s asset growth.

“A prolonged escalation could exert pressure on global oil prices, potentially fueling inflation, affecting consumer spending and business activity, and introducing greater uncertainty into financial markets,” Mr. Asuncion said. “These developments could temper credit demand and lead banks to adopt a more cautious lending stance if risks become more pronounced.”

The impact of global geopolitical risks on local inflation, interest rates, and market sentiment will likely shape banks’ balance sheets in the coming months, he added.

“For now, domestic economic fundamentals remain supportive of balance sheet growth,” Mr. Asuncion noted.

The central bank earlier said that geopolitical shocks from the ongoing Middle East war have minimal direct impact on the local banking system.

However, the BSP also flagged potential asset quality risks in certain sectors from weaker domestic and external financial conditions.

Marcos: MTerra Solar to power over 2.4 million households by 2027

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:04:02 -0600

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday said the $4-billion MTerra Solar project in Central Luzon is expected to supply electricity to more than 2.4 million households by 2027, as the government steps up investments in renewable energy to reduce the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

“Last year alone, coal accounted for 57% of our total power generation mix, while renewable energy contributed only about 25%,” Mr. Marcos said during the inauguration of the project’s first phase in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija. “Such an energy mix leaves us more vulnerable to fluctuations in global fuel prices and developments in the international market.”

The President said the project’s first phase is 91% complete and is expected to begin commercial operations by August.

Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN), a subsidiary of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), has energized 1,373 megawatt-peak (MWp) of solar photovoltaic capacity and 3,300 megawatt-hour (MWh) of battery energy storage from the project’s Phase 1.

The project spans 3,500 hectares across five municipalities in the provinces of Bulacan and Nueva Ecija.

“What we inaugurated today will be the world’s largest integrated solar and battery energy storage facility located in a single site,” Meralco Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said during the event. “It (MTerra Solar) rises not in Texas, not in the Gobi Desert, but right here in Gapan, Nueva Ecija.”

Mr. Pangilinan said the MTerra Solar project will help lower electricity prices.

“The price, it’s a curve, it goes up at night. So, this is mid-merit, so we can sell it at the time to bring down the price,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the project’s inauguration.

The second phase of the project is scheduled for completion next year, which is expected to help MGEN exceed its renewable energy capacity target of 1,500 MW by 2027.

Upon full completion, the plant will deliver 3,500 MWp of solar power to the grid, supported by 4,500 MWh of battery energy storage capacity.

At present, its maximum export capacity to the Luzon grid remains at 750 MW pending completion of various works done in collaboration with the grid operator.

Following the successful completion of required grid tests, the facility is now ready to deliver 650 MW mid-merit capacity to Meralco under a power supply agreement.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said the massive power project will help the country move towards “cleaner and more sustainable energy.”

“Because of the scale of the project, it is also expected to help drive electricity prices down over time,” Ms. Garin told reporters. “So in the long run, the benefits will be a more stable power supply and lower electricity prices.”

Regarding environmental impact, Mr. Marcos said that once the project is fully operational, it is expected to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 4.3 million metric tons annually.

“These capabilities will help strengthen the stability of our power system while expanding the role of clean energy in our power generation mix,” Mr. Marcos said, noting the government’s goal to increase the renewable energy mix to 40% by 2040.

The government has accelerated the issuance of permits to meet these targets, with the Department of Energy awarding 605 renewable energy contracts between July 2022 and May. The country’s installed energy storage capacity has grown from 93 megawatts in 2022 to 845 megawatts as of May this year.

“All of this enhances the reliability of our power supply, improve the integration of renewable energy into the grid, and help ensure that Filipino consumers benefit from a more stable and efficient energy system,” Mr. Marcos said.

Over the next decade, the facility is projected to generate nearly P23 billion in financial benefits such as increased tax revenues for local government units and direct financial assistance to the host communities in Central Luzon.

Meralco’s controlling shareholder, Beacon Electric Asset Holdings, Inc., is partly owned by PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., has an interest in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking and Sheldeen Joy Talavera

AI, global competition force Philippines’ IT-BPM industry to cut targets

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:04:02 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE information technology-business process management (IT-BPM) industry slashed its revenue and employment targets for 2028, citing the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and intensifying global competition.

In its revised roadmap, the Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) projected that under a downside scenario, the IT-BPM industry could post $43.3 billion in revenues and 1.85 million in AI-enabled workers by 2028.

Under a best-case scenario, the industry is expected to generate $50.5 billion in revenues and boost its headcount to 2.14 million by 2028.

These recalibrated targets are much lower than the IBPAP’s initial projection of $59 billion in revenues and 2.5 million in full-time employees by 2028 under its previous roadmap.

IBPAP President and Chief Executive Officer Jack Madrid said the revised projections have factored in disruptions caused by rapid adoption of AI, changes in buyer behavior, and heightened competition in the global IT-BPM industry.

“We reviewed some of the strategic initiatives we need to embark on to ensure that our industry continues to grow and to address any changes in the initiatives needed given all the events that have happened in the past several years. It’s not just technology and agentic AI but also addressing some of the uncertainties caused by geopolitics and our own domestic opportunities and challenges,” he said at a briefing on Tuesday.

Mr. Madrid noted that the industry roadmap, which was first started in 2022, was “refreshed” since a lot of conditions have changed.

Mr. Madrid noted that global buyers are taking longer before deciding to invest in offshore operations, citing the rise of other IT-BPM hubs in South Africa, Egypt, Poland, Vietnam, Colombia, and Costa Rica.

“We are number two in the global IT-BPM [industry,]” he said, noting that India remains the top BPO player. “The challenge before us is whether we can move fast enough to capture this next wave of opportunities.”

For the downside scenario in 2028, Mr. Madrid said the IBPAP factored in policy-related issues that could discourage investors, depth of talent, quality of infrastructure, and challenges on the ease of doing business.

This year, the industry’s revenues are projected to reach $42.3 billion from $40 billion in 2025. The total headcount is expected to rise to 1.96 million full-time employees from 1.9 million last year.

For 2027, the IBPAP expects the industry to grow to $45.3 billion in revenues and 1.99 million full-time employees.

“Success will depend on how quickly we invest in talent, embrace AI responsibly, and deepen collaboration between industry, government, and academe,” Mr. Madrid said.

IBPAP said developing an AI-enabled IT-BPM workforce will require stronger AI literacy, deeper domain expertise, and greater emphasis on human skills such as judgment, critical thinking, empathy, and leadership.

Mr. Madrid also emphasized the need to position the Philippines as a hub for global capability centers (GCC). At present, the country hosts about 200 GCCs.

“In terms of GCCs, I think the growth sectors come from banking, financial services, and healthcare,” he said.

On AI, Mr. Madrid said the IT-BPM industry has yet to see its widespread impact.

“I think AI is a real development, but I think we have not really seen it scale yet,” he said. “AI has affected some jobs… but for entry-level jobs that some of the AI trials have affected, those employees were able to be redeployed.”

Meanwhile, IBPAP Chief Operating Officer Celeste B. Ilagan said there is a need for policies to improve the ease of doing business and address insider cybercrime in the country.

“What we see would be a challenge is that the existing investors in the country, who can probably expand more but are hampered by some policy and regulatory challenges, are now having second thoughts in terms of the expansion they have earlier planned for the Philippines,” she told the same briefing.

“There is always a question from client headquarters about the growing difficulty of dealing with our local government units. That’s really among the major issues that are raised to us by our members,” Ms. Ilagan said.

Puregold OPM Con Generations 2026 fills the Big Dome in celebration of OPM across generations

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:04:02 -0600

Puregold’s OPM Con Generations 2026, spurred by a high-spirited full-house crowd at the Big Dome, recently delivered Original Pilipino Music’s (OPM) biggest and boldest celebration yet with a lineup featuring some of the country’s most sensational names in music.

Held on July 11 at the Araneta Coliseum, OPM Con knocked it out of the park once more with a remarkable gathering of OPM talent — a feat made possible only by Puregold.

The concert capped weeks of anticipation after tickets were sold out in just two days. Puregold OPM Con Generations 2026 presented a pool of established OPM icons comprising the country’s most influential music acts and a roster of emerging artists in one event. With thousands of fans filling up the cavernous venue, the evening became a tribute to the artists, songs, and communities that have shaped OPM across generations.

“The Big Dome has long been a home to some of OPM’s most iconic acts and unforgettable performances, and seeing it come alive once again for Filipino music is something Puregold will always be proud of,” said Ivy Hayagan-Piedad, senior marketing manager of Puregold Price Club, Inc. “OPM has the power to bring generations together. Puregold is deeply grateful to the artists, fans, communities, partners, and everyone who helped turn this vision into a true historical moment for OPM.”

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Headlined by SB19, Ben&Ben, Alamat, Flow G, Skusta Clee, SunKissed Lola, G22, KAIA, and XONARA, OPM Con showcased the breadth of modern Original Pilipino Music. The performers represented a wide spectrum of genres and styles, from P-pop, folk-pop, and alternative music to hip-hop and contemporary pop, highlighting the richness of today’s music scene.

The sense of community that has become synonymous with OPM Con was evident throughout the evening. Families, friends, and fandoms came together under one roof, united by a shared appreciation for Filipino music regardless of genre or generation. Their enthusiasm carried through every performance, with deafening cheers, sing-alongs, and thunderous applause, creating an atmosphere that never let up from the opening number to the final encore.

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Beyond the performances themselves, the landmark event attested to the increasing enthusiasm in Filipino music and the people who champion it. The overwhelming turnout of the audience underscored the extraordinary response to this year’s OPM Con while serving as a powerful reminder of OPM’s deep-rooted place in Pinoy culture and the passionate audiences that proudly embrace it.

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With three successful editions to its name, Puregold OPM Con continues to grow alongside the Filipino music industry it proudly supports. Over the years, it has become one of the country’s leading platforms uniting artists, fans, and music lovers through a shared love for OPM. As Filipino music evolves, Puregold remains committed to creating experiences that keep that connection alive.

For updates, like @puregold.shopping on Facebook, subscribe to Puregold Channel on YouTube, and follow @puregold_ph on Instagram and X, and @puregoldph on TikTok.

Join us on Viber at https://bit.ly/3hv6bLA to get more updates and subscribe to BusinessWorld’s titles and get exclusive content through www.bworld-x.com.

Buried in Barstow Is Finally Coming Back With Two New Movies

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Buried in Barstow fans can finally stop wondering whether Hazel King was left bleeding on the floor for all eternity because Lifetime has officially ordered not one but two new movies continuing Angie Harmon’s wonderfully pulpy action drama.

That sentence has been a very long time coming.

Lifetime announced that Harmon will return to star in and executive produce Buried in Barstow: Blood for Blood and Buried in Barstow: The Reckoning, both working titles, with Kristoffer Polaha and Lauren Ashley Richards also reprising their roles as Elliot and Joy.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

The new installments are expected to premiere sometime in 2027, along with another Lifetime project that Harmon will direct.

After four years of silence, two movies almost feels like an apology. And, frankly, we accept.

The original Buried in Barstow premiered in June 2022 and introduced Harmon as Hazel King, a former assassin who escaped that life after becoming pregnant and eventually built a new home for herself and her daughter in Barstow, California.

Naturally, because quiet lives rarely support movie franchises, Hazel’s past came roaring back after Elliot arrived at her diner and pulled her into another dangerous assignment.

The movie had action, romance, family drama, and enough twists to make it immediately clear that Lifetime was building something bigger than a standalone film. It also ended with Hazel shot and Elliot racing to save her as the words “to be continued” appeared on screen.

And then it did not continue.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

Years passed without another installment, and fans who discovered the movie on Lifetime, streaming platforms, and digital rentals continued arriving at TV Fanatic to ask the same increasingly desperate question: Where is Part 2?

Some were patient. Others were understandably irritated. One viewer said the cliffhanger turned a five-star movie into a zero-star experience, while another demanded a refund after paying to watch a story without an ending.

One particularly committed fan simply repeated, “We want Buried in Barstow, now!!!!!” seven times, which seemed excessive until another year passed without news and it began to feel like the only reasonable response.

I had reached the point of telling readers that the planned sequels had probably been scrapped, possibly becoming casualties of the strikes or shifting priorities at the network.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

That was especially disappointing because everyone involved had originally spoken as though more movies were already on the way.

When I talked with Polaha before the first movie premiered, he told me there was interest in telling at least four stories and that the cast was prepared for the long haul.

“I would love to keep telling these stories because I think our story is just getting started,” he said at the time, adding that Hazel and Elliot were only beginning to explore their complicated connection.

He was right. It was just getting started. Lifetime may have decided to take a four-year intermission before getting around to the rest, but now, we know it’s on the way.

Richards was equally excited about continuing Joy’s story when we spoke in 2022, and she believed the cast would be filming another installment almost immediately.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

She had already connected deeply with Joy, whom she described as outspoken, emotional, and desperate for a life beyond the town and diner where she had grown up.

Joy’s relationship with Hazel gave the first movie much of its emotional weight because, beneath all their arguments and Hazel’s sometimes suffocating protectiveness, mother and daughter were fiercely devoted to one another.

Richards also imagined that discovering the truth about Hazel’s past could initially drive Joy away before their bond eventually pulled them back together.

That conflict should finally have room to unfold in the new movies, especially now that Joy can no longer remain sheltered from who her mother was or the enemies who still know exactly where to find her.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

The movies will also introduce Megan Follows as Zadie, the enigmatic matriarch of a powerful construction family whose interests in Barstow begin colliding with Hazel’s in increasingly dangerous ways.

Anyone familiar with Follows’ work on Reign knows she can make a formidable matriarch positively terrifying, so Zadie sounds less like a minor inconvenience and more like someone who may force Hazel to dust off every old survival skill she possesses.

Harmon’s daughter, Finley Sehorn, will make her acting debut as a younger Hazel, which suggests the sequels will reveal more about Hazel’s early years and the circumstances that transformed a vulnerable teenager into a trained killer.

That history has been one of the franchise’s most intriguing elements. Hazel was taken from the streets of Las Vegas at 15 and molded into an assassin before pregnancy gave her a reason to escape, but the first movie could only offer pieces of that story.

Casting a younger Hazel signals that the new installments may finally show us what she endured, how she survived, and why leaving that world behind was never going to be as simple as opening a diner and hoping nobody came looking.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

The official description for the continuing franchise finds Hazel still trying to create a quiet life for herself and Joy as new threats and unexpected connections force her to navigate loyalty, motherhood, redemption, and the woman she used to be.

Elliot will also be building a new life alongside Hazel while attempting to reclaim the medical career he lost.

This is a welcome confirmation that Polaha’s character remains central to the story rather than becoming merely the handsome man who carried Hazel out of danger before disappearing between films.

Harmon and Polaha had immediate chemistry in the original, and Polaha understood that Elliot’s mystery was part of the attraction.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

He described the role as exciting because viewers could never be entirely certain where Elliot was coming from or what he really wanted, and he believed Hazel and Elliot could bring out qualities in each other that might either save them or get them both into much deeper trouble.

That relationship deserves two more movies almost as much as fans deserve an answer to the cliffhanger.

The original Buried in Barstow also looked and felt more cinematic than viewers might have expected from a television movie, and Polaha credited director Howie Deutch and the production team with creating that atmosphere while still working at Lifetime’s typically fast pace.

He called the film surprising and beautifully shot, and that care helped elevate the story beyond its deliciously heightened premise.

Alexandra La Roche will direct both upcoming installments. Thompson Evans wrote Blood for Blood, while Chris Pozzebon wrote The Reckoning.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

There are no premiere dates yet beyond the promise that both movies will air in 2027, which means Lifetime is still asking fans to exercise patience after thoroughly exhausting their previous supply.

But the scripts are written, the director is attached, the returning cast has been announced, and two films are officially moving forward.

This is finally real!

Buried in Barstow was introduced as a movie series, and viewers invested in Hazel, Joy, and Elliot because they believed the first chapter would lead somewhere.

(Lifetime/Screenshot)

The long silence made it increasingly difficult to believe that Lifetime intended to keep that promise, particularly as new viewers continued to discover the movie and reach that unresolved ending.

Now they will get more than the missing second chapter.

Hazel King is alive, Elliot is coming back, Joy’s life is about to become even more complicated, and two new threats are headed for Barstow.

After four years of waiting, that “to be continued” is finally going to mean something!

Who else is incredibly excited for this news? Share your cheers in the comments below!

Buried in Barstow fans can finally stop wondering whether Hazel King was left bleeding on the floor for all eternity because Lifetime has officially ordered not one but two new movies continuing Angie Harmon’s wonderfully pulpy action drama. That sentence has been a very long time coming. Lifetime announced that Harmon will return to star…
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Read the original article here

The post Buried in Barstow Is Finally Coming Back With Two New Movies appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

U.S. strikes Iran before Hormuz Strait blockade restarts

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

An F-35B Lighting II, attached to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121, takes off from the flight deck of America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7), May 13, 2026.

Courtesy: U.S. Navy

U.S. forces launched strikes against Iranian targets shortly before the U.S. resumed its naval blockade of Iranian ports in and around the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command said Tuesday.

The latest round of strikes, aimed at “degrading Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping” in the economically vital strait, began at 3 p.m. ET, Centcom said in an X post. The U.S. said its naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman would restart at 4 p.m. ET.

In a statement posted on social media later in the day, Brad Cooper, Centcom Commander, said that Iran had “intentionally” targeted civilians and attacked seven commercial ships over the past seven days, resulting in about a dozen crew members killed, missing or injured.

The blockade of Iranian ports was lifted after the U.S. and Iran struck a temporary ceasefire deal as part of a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed last month. But President Donald Trump last week declared the ceasefire was “over” after multiple flare-ups of hostilities in the region and as each side accused the other of violating the terms of the deal.

Trump announced Monday that the U.S. would reimpose the blockade against Iran, as Tehran’s efforts to forcefully take control of the strait appear to have ramped back up as the ceasefire falls to the wayside.

To increase pressure on the Iranian regime, the U.S. Treasury said on Tuesday it had imposed new sanctions to dismantle the “illicit shipping empire” of Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, describing the network as “a major enabler behind Iran’s oil exports.”

Commercial shipping traffic through the waterway, which was far below prewar levels even as the ceasefire was in effect, sharply dropped in recent days, ship tracking firms found.

Before the U.S. and Israel launched the war against Iran in late February, the strait saw 20% of the world’s oil pass through it.

“The Hormuz Strait is OPEN, and will remain OPEN, with or without Iran,” Trump insisted in a Truth Social post announcing the blockade was back on.

In the same post, Trump said that the U.S. will start demanding reimbursement “at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped” through the strait.

The policy proposal met with deep skepticism from energy experts and swift opposition from shipping industry groups, including the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization. Critics quickly resurrected recent clips of Trump administration officials declaring that it would be illegal for a country to impose tolls in an international waterway.

One day after announcing the 20% fee plan, Trump reversed course. He claimed on Truth Social on Tuesday morning that he would “replace” the proposed toll with “Trade and Investment Deals that the various Gulf States will be making into the United States.”

At the White House later Tuesday, Trump said that he had fielded calls from world leaders who told him “we’d love to do it a different way.”

“I like that, actually, because I don’t think anybody should be able to charge a fee for the strait,” Trump said. “I don’t think anybody should be really in that position, but we were doing it as a reimbursement.”

He said that he spoke with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and others. None of those countries has yet revealed plans this week to boost investment in the U.S.

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The WGA Is Also Suing To Block Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

It seems some people take issue with one billionaire family overseeing a third of the US’ entertainment media.

Alex Millauer/Shutterstock

The Writers Guild of America East and Writers Guild of America West have combined forces for an antitrust lawsuit against Paramount Skydance’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. Their case claims that the deal violates US antitrust laws as well as creating specific business harms to writers.

The writers’ unions complaint raises concerns that “the merged Paramount-Warner Bros. entity would have both the incentive and the ability to lower costs by suppressing writers’ wages and reducing output. Writers will be paid less and have fewer employment opportunities.” It also asserts that reduced competition could see the remaining studios “converging on the lowest-risk projects” rather than gambling on more original concepts and creative voices. The suit points to the 2022 Warner Bros.-Discover merger and the 2025 Paramount-Skydance merger as evidence that deals of this type are often succeeded by layoffs and cost-cutting.

Just yesterday, 12 state attorneys general filed a separate antitrust case to prevent the merger. Paramount won approval for the $110 billion deal in June after a protracted and aggressive few months of maneuvering where it fought off the initial bid from Netflix to acquire a portion of the WBD business.

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It’s like hitting your funny bone, where it’s funny because it hurts and it hurts because it’s funny

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Queens Of The Stone Age have returned with a new single, ‘Easy Street’ – check it out below.

The psychedelic, jaunty track marks Josh Homme and co’s first material since 2023, following on from their eighth studio album, ‘In Times New Roman…’.

The band first debuted the song live last autumn as part of their ‘Catacombs’ tour. ‘Easy Street’ later became a regular fixture on their setlist, securing itself as a fan favourite.

Today (Tuesday July 14), QOTSA have shared the official studio version of the tune via Matador. The serene yet rough-around-the-edges cut boasts acoustic guitar and psychedelic synths, while bringing some withering wit.

‘Easy Street’ features singer Nikki Lane, whose gravelly, raw vocals counter Homme’s smoother lead delivery against the sparse instrumental. It was produced by the latter and bassist Michael Shuman.

“It’s kind of a funny song. It’s like hitting your funny bone, where it’s funny because it hurts and it hurts because it’s funny. You’re serious, but it’s funny,” the Homme explained.

“We made it the way you’d make a demo. No click track, mistakes left in. It speeds up, it slows down, the claps aren’t great, but they’re not bad, and a bad clap adds this human thing you can’t fake.”

He continued: “It’s not just about silliness. It’s about understanding the imperfection of your life. The song, like your life, is in the mistakes. Its imperfections are unbeatable.”

‘Easy Street’ is accompanied by an official music video, directed by Tony Wolski and Christopher Gruse, and based on a story and idea by Homme.

The film opens with a bruised and battered Homme attempting to outrun a motley crew of pursuers, including band members dressed as themselves, a Juggalo, a mall Santa, a leather enthusiast, and a fancy cowboy leading a tiny horse.

But the story upends expectations with an unexpected twist that honours the very outsiders we often dismiss, per a press release.

Upon the live debut of ‘Easy Street’ last year, some fans noted the stylistic change for Queens. One commented on the song’s “Flamenco vibe”, with another saying it was “maybe the most catchy thing they played tonight”.

QOTSA are currently opening for System Of A Down on their UK and European stadium tour. The two bands played at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last night (Monday July 13), and will return to the huge venue for a second show tomorrow (Wednesday July 15). Find any remaining tickets here.

Earlier on the tour, Queens dusted off some deep cuts from their 2007 album ‘Era Vulgaris’, including the first airing of ‘Run, Pig, Run’ since 2008.

The band will open for Foo Fighters on the North American leg of their ‘Take Cover’ stadium tour later this summer. QOTSA have announced their first Icelandic show since 2005 for this October, too.

They played a stripped-back concert at the historic Parisian Catacombs back in 2024, which was captured for an accompanying concert film and live album. NME gave Alive In The Catacombs a four-star review, hailing it as a “moving and meditative concert doc”.

Queens followed up the Catacombs show with an intimate tour of the UK, Europe and North America, where they were joined by a string section.

The final UK date was held at London’s Royal Albert Hall in October. Here, they aired new material and were joined by Matt Berry for a stripped-back and emotional set – you can check out footage and photos from the show here.

In 2024, Homme promised to “roll his sleeves up” so that the fans wouldn’t have to wait so long for Queens Of The Stone Age’s next record. There was a six-year gap between 2017’s ‘Villains’ and ‘In Times New Roman…’.

Homme and bandmate Dean Fertita had previously talked to NME in late 2023 about the group, their personal battles and plans for the future.

“I think we should be making something,” Homme explained at the time. “The mantra of the last five years was, ‘It won’t be long now!’ That needs to pertain to making things too. I certainly think we should make more, faster-er, better-er.”

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Friendship and Charlotte Cornfield Are Going on Tour Together

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 14 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Toronto singer-songwriter Charlotte Cornfield is going on tour with Friendship this December. No, not the concept of camaraderie—the Philadelphia band whose latest record, Caveman Wakes Up, came out in 2025. The co-headliners will spend the last month of 2026 traversing the U.S., making stops in New York, Atlanta, Nashville, St. Louis, and more. (Requisite hometown shows in Toronto and Philadelphia are also on the docket.) Support on select dates will come from More Eaze and Fred Thomas, respectively. Check out a full list of shows below.

Cornfield shared her most recent album, Hurts Like Hell, back in March. Her first release for her new label Merge, the album featured back-up vocals from Buck Meek, Feist, Christian Lee Hutson, and Maia Friedman.

Friendship & Charlotte Cornfield On Tour Together

Charlotte Cornfield and Friendship:
12-03 Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace *
12-04 Buffalo, NY – The Rec Room *
12-05 Kingston, NY – Assembly *
12-06 New York, NY – LPR *
12-08 Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church *
12-09 Washington, DC – Black Cat *
12-10 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle *
12-11 Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre *
12-12 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Purgatory) *
12-13 Asheville, NC – Revival *
12-16 Nashville, TN – Cannery Hall (The Mil) ^
12-17 St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway ^
12-18 Evanston, IL – Space ^
12-19 Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig ^

* with more eaze
^ with Fred Thomas

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On humility and doubt, from a builder of empires

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:11:03 -0600

By Bjorn Biel M. Beltran, Special Features and Content Assistant Editor

No matter how successful a man becomes, life has a way of humbling him.

This is the lesson Manuel V. Pangilinan brought home from a long-delayed, complicated orthopedic surgery in Singapore. The entire ordeal has left him feeling limited, a state in which every successful step is celebrated as a major achievement.

“Suddenly, standing up feels like winning a badminton championship. Walking across the room deserves applause. And finding a comfortable sleeping position takes more engineering than designing a power plant,” he told the room at the 45^th anniversary of First Pacific Company Ltd., one of the country’s biggest corporate empires, of which he remains chief executive.

“And you know what? This experience reminds us that no matter how successful we become, our knees remain completely unimpressed.”

It is a rare admission of vulnerability from a man who has spent five decades building things designed to outlast him: telecom networks, power grids, water systems, hospitals, highways. And the timing is peculiar, as this year, Mr. Pangilinan turns 80.

By any ordinary measure, this is the age of the victory lap, the retrospective, the quiet handover. But as anyone who has ever known him can attest, Mr. Pangilinan is far from ordinary.

From humble beginnings

There is nothing in Mr. Pangilinan’s origins that predicts a trillion-peso conglomerate. He was born on July 14, 1946 in Manila and grew up in a modest household on the edge of a squatter settlement in Little Baguio, San Juan.

His was a family that moved up through patience and hard work. His grandfather was a public school teacher from Central Luzon who rose to become a superintendent and eventually served as the Secretary of Education. His father was a messenger at the Philippine National Bank who rose through the ranks to eventually become the president of Traders Royal Bank, and whom he would later credit as the source of the work ethic that would arm the future tycoon for all his life. His mother traced her ancestry back to a Portuguese sea captain.

He earned his way through San Beda College on a scholarship, graduating cum laude in Economics from Ateneo de Manila. He landed a scholarship at the prestigious Wharton School of Finance and Commerce, where he earned his MBA as a Procter & Gamble Fellow, one of the most competitive and prestigious fellowships offered at the time.

The first training ground for his career however was in Manila, as executive assistant to the president of Philippine Investment Management Consultants, Inc. (PHINMA), where he spent six years learning industrial analysis from the inside. Having built up experience, Mr. Pangilinan moved to Hong Kong in 1976 to become executive director of Bancom International, then moved further into international capital markets at American Express International Banking Corp.

In May 1981, with the support of the Salim family of Indonesia, he co-founded First Pacific, with the whole operation comprising of six people in a 50-square-meter office. Over the years under his guidance, First Pacific grew from a small trading outfit into a multinational investment management and holding conglomerate with deep operational roots across Southeast Asia.

“If I could go back and stand again in that small 50-square-foot room and speak to my 35-year-old self, I would tell myself: Look around. There is something sacred about small beginnings that you cannot feel until they are behind you,” he reminisced during his speech.

“There was freedom in being young. We risked freely. We didn’t have much in experience and money, but we made up for it in sheer energy, in daring, in taking risks, and almost being promiscuous with it.”

Mr. Pangilinan brought his international investment strategies back to the Philippines in 1987 by establishing Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) as First Pacific’s domestic investment arm. His most notable corporate achievement came in 1998 when First Pacific acquired a controlling stake in the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT). At the time, the utility was burdened by heavy debt and significant technical challenges. Under his management, PLDT underwent a sweeping structural and technological overhaul, transforming it into the country’s leading digital communications provider and one of its most profitable enterprises.

Although he initially stepped back from daily operations, he returned to the front lines as President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PLDT and Smart Communications in January 2024 to oversee its long-term strategic transition.

Around that core, he assembled what now amounts to a stack of national utilities. MPIC became the platform. In June 2023, he took over as President and CEO of Meralco, and under his watch the utility moved into renewable energy at serious scale — most notably a majority stake in SP New Energy Corp. to build Terra Solar, a 3,500-megawatt facility that is now the largest single-site solar installation in the world.

As Chairman of Maynilad Water Services, he oversaw the modernization of Metro Manila’s western water concession and took the company public. He chairs Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., NLEX Corp., and Philex Mining Corp. — expressways and mineral resources both running through the same hands.

Through Metro Pacific Health, he built the country’s largest private hospital network, including the modernization of Makati Medical Center. And through MediaQuest Holdings, chair of the group that includes BusinessWorld, The Philippine STAR and TV5, he sits over media and communications as well.

Individually, these are profitable ventures that make for good assets on a portfolio. Taken altogether, the list reads as one man’s herculean effort to support an entire nation’s infrastructure, from its telecommunications to its water supply.

“What started as a pure investment company — investing in banks and trading companies, evolved in 1988 to become an investment and management company. Eventually, First Pacific’s investments began to connect the dots into something none of us had ever conjured, much less memorialized, into a coherent road map. God, after all, does not write in straight lines,” Mr. Pangilinan said.

“And what accumulated, over 45 years of being completely honest with ourselves and our governance, was a group that found itself woven into the fabric of daily Filipino life. The water people drink in the morning. The power that lights their homes at night. The roads that take them to work. The connections that keep them close to the people they love.”

As part of the early birthday celebration of Manuel V Pangilinan with the PLDT Group, the PLDT-Smart Foundation unveiled the Extraordinary Manny mascot, based on the children’s book Extraordinary Manny.

Beyond the balance sheet

Indeed, Mr. Pangilinan’s commitment to nation-building extends well beyond corporate balance sheets, through his active leadership of key civic organizations. He serves as the chairman of the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), the country’s largest business-led social development alliance. He also heads corporate philanthropic foundations, including the PLDT-Smart Foundation, Inc., the One Meralco Foundation, Inc., and the Metro Pacific Foundation, Inc.

As co-chairman of the Philippine Disaster Resilience Foundation, he has helped coordinate private-sector disaster response and keep supply lines open during national emergencies. His reach extends into education — chairman of the board at San Beda, formerly at Ateneo, and a former member of Wharton’s Board of Overseers — and into foreign policy, as co-chairperson of the US-Philippine Society and the Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute.

Then there is sports, arguably where his public affection runs deepest. He founded the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) in 2007, serving as its inaugural president for two terms until 2016, and now holds the title of Chairman Emeritus. His governance capability led to his election to the Central Board of FIBA, where he served from 2014 until August 2023. In the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), his conglomerates operate three competitive franchises: TNT Tropang Giga, the Meralco Bolts, and the NLEX Road Warriors. Through the MVP Sports Foundation, Inc., he has provided vital financial backing to high-performance local athletes, funding training regimens that helped secure historic gold medals for the Philippines at the Asian Games and the Olympics.

“I know that it takes ambition and power to build empires, any empire. But equally, it requires passion for your work, and the love and care of your people to build a lasting legacy of an empire,” Mr. Pangilinan said.

The honors have accumulated accordingly. Management Man of the Year in 2005; the Order of Lakandula, elevated in 2010 to Grand Cross with the rank of Bayani, the country’s highest civilian recognition for economic and civic contribution; an honorary commission as Lieutenant Colonel (Res) in the Philippine Air Force in 2021; honorary doctorates from the Asian Institute of Management, Far Eastern University, Holy Angel University, Xavier University, and San Beda.

The power of doubt

It would be easy to read Mr. Pangilinan’s ninth decade as a man refusing to let go. It reads more like the opposite: a man trying to finish the handover on his own terms, while there is still time to get it right.

He said as much, in his own way. “Comfort, strength, and mobility are blessings we often take for granted until they are taken away. We may own luxury cars, but today, the vehicle that matters most for me is a 16-year-old, thrice-depreciated van — because it is the only one that can carry me, my wheelchair, and my hope for recovery,” he said.

Mr. Pangilinan admitted that the experience forced him to learn to slow down, to heal, and to notice the people who stayed close while things changed.

“The luxury cars may remain in the garage for now, but real wealth is with us here in this theater: family, friends, faith, and the determination to stand and walk again.”

It would have been a natural place to end on acceptance. But once again, Mr. Pangilinan chooses differently.

While others his age might grow anxious at the uncertainty of a major knee surgery, he encouraged his colleagues to revel in it. “We all know business abhors uncertainty and the unknown. But if all things were certain in our world, there is no need for projections or forecasts; there would be no need for CFOs or even CEOs, because there is really nothing for them to do when all forecasts become predictable. We shouldn’t dislike the mystery brought by the unknown in our lives. I know it makes life more complicated for us, but it’s also what makes living so dynamic, so alive, so interesting,” he said.

“Certainty is the enemy of tolerance, of unity, of progress — if certainty were pervasive, there would be no mystery, and therefore no need for faith.”

Leadership, he explained, is the answer to uncertainty and complexity. He urged First Pacific to develop the leaders who are able to doubt and question themselves, because the process of doubting is in itself the process of learning how to lead.

For someone who has repeatedly eschewed choosing the successor to his empire, this is as close as he gets towards suggesting one. But for now, Mr. Pangilinan says he cannot wait to go back to work, be healthy, and play badminton again.

A case of classical pop

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:05:05 -0600

1 of 2

Silent Sanctuary adds 2^nd day to arena concert with MSO

SIX-PIECE Original Pilipino Music (OPM) band Silent Sanctuary will perform on the biggest stage of their career — the SM Mall of Asia Arena — for a solo concert, Gabi ng Lambing, on Oct. 24 and 25.

A second performance on Oct. 24 had to be added to the original one-night-only concert on Oct. 25 when tickets sold out in just five hours after their release online. Tickets for day two will go on sale on July 18 via SM Tickets.

In the 24 years since the band formed, Silent Sanctuary has cemented a reputation for songs about first love, heartbreak, longing, healing, and the quiet nostalgia of growing up.

Being a pioneering OPM band with a dedicated string section, they will play both fan favorites and deep cuts with the help of the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO), Viva Voce, and surprise guests.

Silent Sanctuary members Raymund “Sarkie” Sarangay (guitar and vocals), Poch Villalon (synthesizers), Ronnie Ropal (bass guitar), Allen Calixto (drums), Anjo Inacay (cello), and Kim Mirandilla-Ng (violin) spoke to the press on July 10 about the concert.

“We’ll do at least 30 songs, from back then to our most recent. There will be hits, newer songs, even B-sides with a cult following,” said Mr. Sarangay. “First time namin mag-30 songs (It will be our first time doing 30 songs)!”

Speaking on what to expect from their collaboration with MSO at the concert, he said, “Nakaka-excite kasi may ibang mga kanta na walang strings, pero may wind section. I-e-explore talaga namin kung ano pa ang babagay doon sa mga kanta (It’s exciting because there are some songs without the usual strings, but with a wind section. We’ll really explore what else could suit the songs).”

While they have performed in major venues before, it is the first time they will do so with newer members Mr. Mirandilla-Ng, Mr. Ropal, and Mr. Villalon in the lineup, who helped “usher in a refreshed chapter,” the band said.

Billed as a celebration of 24 years of songs, the show will be directed by Paolo Valenciano, with Ria Osorio as musical director in charge of the orchestra, choir, and new arrangements.

“Iba ang mangyayari sa day one at day two para walang mga spoilers (Different things will happen on day one and day two of the concert to avoid spoilers),” Mr. Sarangay said, adding that they would have preferred the second day to naturally come after the original performance, but there were no other dates available.

MIXING OPM AND CLASSICAL MUSIC
Because the concert will feature the MSO and the choir Viva Voce, fans can expect the ultimate Silent Sanctuary vision of combining OPM and classical music.

“’Yung nasa imagination namin na fusion ng classical at rock, ito ang magiging ultimate na pagtupad ng vision na ’yon through our music (What is in our imagination as the fusion of classical and rock, this will be the ultimate execution of that vision through our music),” said cellist Mr. Inacay. He and violinist Mr. Mirandilla-Ng were members of the MSO prior to joining the band.

“It’s been years since we performed some of these songs on stage. Maybe the last time would have been at a bar gig or for album promotion,” he added. “Gagalingan talaga namin (We will really do our best).”

Compared to their other shows, the concert will be different in that the arena stage allows for a bigger and more cinematic performance, with some moments allowing the orchestra and choir to shine alone.

Silent Sanctuary had been featured in the MSO’s Rockestra concerts in 2005 and 2018, appearing for about three to five songs and allowing orchestra lovers to appreciate OPM. This time, it’s the band’s show that will serve as a bridge to the orchestra.

“We have this exposure to classical music, so ’yung mga natutunan namin (what we’ve learned) over the years by playing symphonies and solo pieces, that’s where we get ideas and inspiration sa pagtatahi ng (in stitching together) classical and OPM,” Mr. Inacay explained. “In our songs, it comes out through the strings because those are the classical instruments we have. For this concert, with a 40-piece orchestra and a choir, we’ll be able to expand those ideas.”

“[Classical music] has a very healthy scene. It’s not too mainstream, so we’re happy that Silent Sanctuary is becoming a window for people to hear and see what classical music is all about,” he added. — Brontë H. Lacsamana

10 firms keen on NSCR O&M contract

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:05:05 -0600

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

AT LEAST 10 COMPANIES have expressed interest in bidding for the operations and maintenance (O&M) contract for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), the Department of Transportation (DoTr) said, as it extended the bid submission deadline to September.

“The bid submission deadline is now in September because we are still conducting one-on-one sessions with prospective bidders,” Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John R. Batan told reporters on Monday.

The DoTr is set to conduct another round of technical discussions with prospective bidders for the O&M contract in the coming weeks, Mr. Batan said.

The department initially set the bid submission deadline for July 29 but moved the deadline to September.

“The bidders have a lot of questions. Remember, the winning bidder will operate one of the largest metro rail systems in the region,” he said.

At present, the DoTr is in discussion with Japanese rail operators particularly Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd., the operator of Japan’s major rapid transit system; as well as the JR East and JR West, the operators of Japan’s high-speed railway network, Shinkansen.

“We also have French operators. The company that operates Paris’ metro system and other French (rail) operators are also interested in participating in the bidding,” Mr. Batan said.

In December, the RATP Group, which oversees and operates Paris Metro system, attended DoTr’s pre-bidding conference for the project.

The DoTr noted that other French transport companies like transportation and mobility networks company Keolis S.A. and rolling stock manufacturer Alstom also signified interest in the NSCR O&M contract.

“I think, overall, we have about 10 companies interested in participating. Again, we now have Japanese, French, and some Filipino companies,” Mr. Batan said.

Earlier, the DoTr said potential bidders, including San Miguel Corp. and the Lopez group’s construction company First Balfour, Inc., attended the pre-bid conference for the project.

The 147-kilometer NSCR will connect Malolos, Bulacan with Clark International Airport, and Tutuban, Manila with Calamba, Laguna. The O&M deal will cover 15 years from the signing date of the contract.

The NSCR is expected to be fully operational by January 2032, although partial operations of the Malolos to Valenzuela segment are projected by December 2027, while the Clark to West Valenzuela segment is expected to run by October 2028.

“It will attract foreign bidders, because it is very low risk to them. Aside from without skin in the game, payment is guaranteed with standby ADB (Asian Development Bank) credit,” Rene S. Santiago, an international consultant on transport development and former president of the Transportation Science Society of the Philippines said in a Viber message.

In March this year, the Philippines requested an $800-million loan from ADB to serve as a partial credit guarantee that will ensure payments to the operator of the NSCR project.

Mr. Santiago noted that domestic firms will not be able to participate in the bidding based on the criteria given by the DoTr.

“Expect heavy foreign interest, and understandably so. The ADB credit guarantee removes virtually all downsides, while the bidding criteria effectively bar domestic participation,” he said.

According to the instructions to prospective bidders published in October last year, bidders must have a minimum net worth of P114.65 billion or its equivalent in foreign currency as of the 2024 financial year.

Bidders including consortium members or affiliates must include at least one entity with 10 years of experience in rail operations, specifically in managing a rail line that handles at least 45,000 passengers per hour in each direction.

At least one entity must have eight years of experience in maintaining railway infrastructure and systems, including the use of a computerized maintenance management system, and another must have eight years of experience in track and civil infrastructure maintenance.

PwC Philippines Chairman Roderick M. Danao said the NSCR O&M project is the largest rail operation in the region which makes it an attractive opportunity for railway operators.

“Its availability payment structure is particularly appealing because it provides more predictable revenues than a demand-risk concession, allowing operators to focus on delivering reliable services rather than assuming ridership risk,” Mr. Danao said in a Viber message.

He said the level of competition will depend on how risks will be outlined in the concession agreement, particularly the construction completion, asset handover and performance obligations.

“Investor appetite remains strongest for infrastructure projects that offer balanced risk allocation, predictable contractual arrangements, and strong government support. NSCR exhibits many of these characteristics,” Mr. Danao said.

BoI targets P4.5T in investment pledges in 2 years

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:05:05 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

THE BOARD of Investments (BoI) is aiming to secure P4.5 trillion in investment pledges over the next two years under its updated Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), which prioritizes frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and renewable energy (RE).

“This new SIPP puts a focus on sectors that are innovation-driven,” Trade Undersecretary and BoI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo told reporters last week.

Priority sectors under the 2026 SIPP include mining and mineral processing; digital infrastructure like data centers, fiber optic networks, submarine cables; advanced manufacturing such as components for AI data centers; and tourism, he said.

If realized, this would be 33% higher than the P3.38 trillion in approved investments under the 2022-2025 SIPP.

Signed in May, the new SIPP expands the list of industries and economic activities eligible for incentives under Republic Act No. 12066 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy Act.

A project or industry that aligns with the SIPP may apply for registration under the government’s investment promotion agencies (IPAs).

“For BoI, the focus would be on the big-ticket strategic investments like RE infrastructure,” Mr. Rodolfo said, noting that other activities like advanced manufacturing and export-oriented projects are covered by other IPAs.

The BoI launched its nationwide SIPP roadshow on July 10 with its Luzon leg. The agency will hold roadshows for Visayas- and Mindanao-based investors in the coming weeks.

Mr. Rodolfo also noted that the updated SIPP aligns with the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC), which seeks to capture investments in sectors like logistics, logistics infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.

The LEC is an 11-country partnership launched by the Philippines, the United States and Japan in 2024 to accelerate investments in key areas like Metro Manila, Batangas, Subic, and Clark.

Erwin Kenneth R. Peralta, vice-president of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority’s Investment Promotions and Marketing Department, said the new SIPP is expected offer a simplified incentives regime for investors to locate in New Clark City in Tarlac.

“This tier system would address [the need for] renewable energy investments in New Clark City, as well as AI, data centers, and semiconductor manufacturing — which are all in tiers determined in SIPP,” he said.

The Philippines is looking to position New Clark City as a key growth hub for AI and semiconductor manufacturing, especially with its upcoming 1,618-hectare AI-native hub under the US-led Pax Silica initiative.

The agency is also considering to align the SIPP with the six-year Philippine Development Plan, Mr. Rodolfo said.

Under the new SIPP, Tier I activities include modern agriculture, state-of-the-art construction, mobile healthcare, ecological zones, and climate-related initiatives such as carbon capture, waste-to-value, and circular economy projects, and forest management for carbon credits.

Tier II activities under the SIPP include defense services, desalination, electric vehicle infrastructure, sustainable aviation fuel, and processing of critical minerals.

Under Tier III, activities eligible for incentives include AI, quantum computing, cybersecurity, hydrogen and nuclear energy, and advanced research and design.

Sought for comment, Reyes Tacandong & Co. Senior Adviser Jonathan L. Ravelas said the 2026 SIPP would allow the country to focus on generating higher-value investments.

“The new SIPP shifts the country’s focus from simply attracting more investments to attracting higher-value investments in areas such as AI, digital infrastructure, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, and other frontier technologies where global capital is increasingly moving,” he said in a Viber message.

However, the government must also accelerate regulatory approvals, lower the cost of doing business, upskill local talent, and maintain policy consistency to ensure investor confidence, Mr. Ravelas said.

“Incentives may open the door, but ease of doing business, infrastructure, human capital, and execution will determine whether investors choose to stay and expand in the Philippines,” he added.

Two more 25-bp rate hikes seen this year

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:05:05 -0600

STILL BROADENING PRICE pressures despite slowing headline inflation may warrant two more consecutive rate hikes by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Deutsche Bank Research said.

In a report dated July 10, the Germany-based think tank said it still sees the central bank delivering a 25-basis-point (bp) rate hike at each of its next two policy meetings on Aug. 27 and Oct. 22.

In June, headline inflation eased to a three-month low of 6.4%, while core inflation, which strips out volatile food and fuel prices, quickened for a sixth straight month to a near three-year high of 4.4%.

“Measures of underlying inflation show that the process of broadening price pressures is still underway,” Deutsche Bank Research economist Junjie Huang said in a separate report released on July 7. “Our monetary policy outlook remains unchanged as we expect this process to continue in the coming months.”

If his projections hold true, the BSP’s key policy rate will climb to 5.25% by October. This will be the highest in one-and-a-half years or since the 5.5% in April last year and also match the rate set in June 2025.

The Monetary Board began its tightening cycle with a quarter-point hike in April and later delivered another 25-bp increase in June due to increasing inflationary pressures from the energy shocks triggered by the Middle East war.

This has so far brought the benchmark rate to 4.75%, with monetary officials leaving the door open for further measured hikes.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has said that they still have space for a third straight 25-bp rate hike as he sees the economy gaining some momentum by the second half of the year.

The central bank has also reiterated its hawkish signals, noting that they could continue to pursue further monetary action to bring inflation back to their 3% target.

Deutsche Bank now sees the headline print settling at 6% this year, slower than its previous 6.2% estimate. However, it left its inflation forecast for next year unchanged at 4.1%.

“While headline inflation has come down in the past two months, second-round effects are still working their way through the economy, in our view, as seen in the measures of underlying inflation,” Mr. Huang said.

He also flagged price risks from the looming El Niño event amid lingering pressures on food inflation, as well as from the peso’s fragile standing versus the dollar.

“Moreover, we believe that the upside risk from El Niño and food price inflation has not been fully priced in, while USD (US dollar) strength or rates repricing could keep the peso and imported cost inflation under pressure,” he added.

The Philippines may encounter “strong” El Niño conditions by September to November, with a potentially stronger phenomenon to come between October and January next year, according to the state weather bureau.

If realized, the local agricultural sector will likely take a hit from extreme hot weather, which could push food prices up nationwide.

Also, the ongoing war between the US, Israel, and Iran continues to weigh on the peso, averaging above the P61-per-dollar mark for two straight months or since May.

WAGE HIKE IMPACT
In a separate commentary, Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) noted that the upcoming minimum wage hike could also add pressures to the country’s inflation, growth and employment.

Metrobank Research Officer Marian Monette Florendo-Obias said this record-high hike could stoke inflation via second-round effects as businesses may opt to increase their prices to meet the new minimum wage.

“Higher minimum wages raise labor costs for businesses, particularly for labor-intensive firms in the services sector. As wage expenses rise, profits may be squeezed and businesses may be forced to pass on part of the costs to consumers through higher prices,” she said.

“This will result in higher inflation for goods and services heavily dependent on labor inputs. It is then reasonable to expect upward pressure on overall inflation figures,” she added.

According to Ms. Florendo-Obias, rising prices could also dampen demand and lead to a slightly weaker job market as businesses cut workers’ hours or reduce hiring to offset increasing labor costs.

“Now this could have an overall negative impact on economic growth, with the government estimating that a P100 nationwide minimum wage increase could reduce GDP (gross domestic product) growth by around 0.4 percentage point,” she added.

Philippine GDP growth slumped to a post-pandemic low of 2.8% in the first quarter of the year.

However, all these spillover effects only pose minimal threat to the economy as the wage hike is set to affect merely 2% of the country’s labor force, Ms. Florendo-Obias noted.

“Inflation may rise; employment numbers may take a hit; and growth may slow down,” she said. “However, the overall impact on the broader economy is expected to remain manageable, particularly if accompanied by complementary government policies.”

The Department of Labor and Employment announced late last month that it will implement a dual tranche P85 increase in the minimum wage in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Starting July 25, the minimum wage in the NCR will increase by P60 to P755 for nonagricultural workers and to P718 for agricultural workers and employees of retail, service, and small manufacturing establishments.

The second tranche of the wage hike or P25 will take effect in January 2027. — Katherine K. Chan

DoE eyes stricter fuel pricing rules

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:05:05 -0600

By Sheldeen Joy Talavera, Reporter

THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) is set to tighten fuel price guidance as fresh developments in the Middle East threaten to drive pump prices higher, its top official said.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said that renewed tensions in the Middle East are putting upward pressure on global oil prices amid concerns over possible supply disruptions.

“Threats to navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have underscored the vulnerability of one of the world’s most critical energy trade corridors, placing upward pressure — prices have gone up again — on international crude oil prices, and consequently, domestic pump prices are affected,” she said at a briefing on Monday.

Reuters reported oil prices surged more than 3% on Monday after renewed military strikes between the United States and Iran reignited concerns over energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

“If things are still volatile, then we will no longer set a fixed range… It’s either a rollback or hike,” Ms. Garin said.

“Since the prices still seem to be very volatile, we decided here in the DoE that next week we will prescribe a specific number, no longer a range.”

For this week, the DoE still gave a range of price adjustments that will take effect on Tuesday. Fuel retailers can implement a rollback of at least P1 per liter or an increase of up to P1 per liter for gasoline. Prices of diesel and kerosene are set to increase by up to P4.62 and P4.22 per liter, respectively.

Seaoil Philippines, Inc. and Shell Pilipinas Corp. have announced they will raise the price of gasoline by P1 per liter, diesel by P4.60 per liter, and kerosene by P2.30 per liter.

Since the Philippines was placed under a national energy emergency in late March, the DoE has prescribed a range for weekly fuel price adjustments, setting a minimum rollback and a maximum increase that oil companies may implement.

However, as the international market began to stabilize, the government gave greater flexibility to fuel retailers by allowing them to adjust prices within a range.

Ms. Garin said they had earlier prescribed a range for pump price adjustments to ensure the viability of oil companies.

The Philippines is particularly vulnerable to global oil price shocks because it is a net importer of petroleum products, most of which come from the Middle East. The conflict between the US and Iran has heightened concerns over possible disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transit chokepoint, raising supply risks and driving up global crude prices.

Asked to comment on DoE’s oil price outlook, Top Line Business Development Corp. Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Brigitte Carmel C. Lim said the recent escalation in the Middle East and persistent risks from the Russia-Ukraine conflict continue to cloud the outlook for the global oil market.

“These developments could make global oil prices (and consequently local pump prices) volatile in the near term,” Ms. Lim told BusinessWorld. “For now, we remain cautiously optimistic, but much will depend on how these geopolitical events evolve over the coming weeks.”

As of July 10, the country’s fuel inventory is equivalent to 47.84 days, increasing from 46.50 days previously.

The average inventory for gasoline is 48.17 days, while diesel has an average inventory of 45.69 days. Kerosene has an average inventory of 148.98 days, 80.09 days for jet fuel, 33.37 days for fuel oil, and 39.51 days for liquefied petroleum gas.

Big Brother Spoilers: Veto Meeting Locks In Week 1’s Final Nominations — Who’s in Trouble?

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:05:04 -0600

It’s been an interesting first week of Big Brother Season 28.

The long-running reality TV juggernaut brought in 14 new houseguests in a house with three reality TV legends.

We’ve already gotten a showmance and some wild nominations, and we’re now looking ahead to the rest of the week.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Dee Valladares won the crucial first Head of Household of the season and wasted no time in setting her noms, sending Mallory, Taylor, and Yash to the block.

The initial target was Mallory, particularly because of the way she spiraled after being put on the block.

With Dee’s plan seemingly set in motion, it backfired spectacularly on Saturday when Mallory won the Power of Veto.

The good news for viewers is that Big Brother Season 28 is off to an unpredictable start, and Dee will have to name a fourth nominee for the week.

Putting almost a quarter of the house up on the block during your HOH reign isn’t the best measure of success, but Dee knows how to pivot.

She won Survivor for a reason — She’s strategic and is a competition threat.

Is Dee Making a Mistake?

When Dee made her nominations on Friday, she already had a replacement nominee in mind.

Melody was that person, but conversations have shifted things considerably over the last few days.

Dee seems ready to send Ashley to the block because she sees Ashley as an easy target who won’t cause too much blowback for her game.

Given that it’s still the first week, we really don’t know how Ashley would take being the renom.

From the feeds alone, Ashley is bubbly and seems to be getting along with most of her fellow houseguests.

Does that mean she could rally enough votes to stay? I think so.

But we also need to remember that there’s the Big Brother Blockbuster to be played.

Right now, Yash seems like an easy target to send home, too, and with so many things that could change between now and Thursday, I’m not confident about which of them will go home.

Big Brother Week 1’s Final Nominations Are Set

The other nominee is Taylor, who has been in the midst of a lot of conversations on the live feeds.

It’s hard to imagine her going home this week, but, again, a lot can change between now and Thursday.

(CBS/Evan Mulling)

The Big Brother Live feeds went dark on Monday afternoon, and when they returned:

Mallory had removed herself from the block.

Dee nominated Ashley in her place.

The final nominations for week 1 of Big Brother Season 28 are Ashley, Taylor, and Yash.

What’s your take on the nominees? Do you think Dee made the best choice for her game, or did she make a grave mistake?

What are your thoughts on who will be evicted on Thursday?

Big Brother just had its first Veto meeting of Season 28 and there’s a big surprise in store! Let’s discuss!
The first veto of Big Brother Season 28 has been played, and it changes the HOH’s plans quite a bit. Let’s discuss!
The live feeds are on, and the drama is on fire! Who has emerged as the main target for Big Brother Season 28’s first HOH? Read on!

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Trump to claim declassified intel reveals 2020 election interference: MS NOW

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:05:04 -0600

U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a Freedom 250 Grand Prix Showcase at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., July 13, 2026.

Kylie Cooper | Reuters

President Donald Trump plans to claim in a Thursday night speech that newly declassified intelligence reports reveal a foreign nation’s plans to interfere in the 2020 presidential election, two White House officials told MS NOW on Monday.

Trump will be joined by officials including CIA Director John Ratcliffe, acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte, FBI Director Kash Patel and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, according to one of the officials, who were granted anonymity to discuss the internal plans, MS NOW reported.

Trump earlier Monday afternoon announced on Truth Social that he “will be making a Speech to the Nation on Thursday evening, at 9 P.M. Eastern,” without providing further details.

Trump lost the 2020 race to President Joe Biden, but falsely claimed his defeat was due to widespread voter fraud. He continues to frequently claim that race and others were “rigged.” No credible evidence has been presented that widespread fraud affected the outcome of the 2020 contest; Trump and his allies brought dozens of court cases challenging the 2020 results in multiple states, but they were overwhelmingly rejected.

Numerous conspiracy theories persist surrounding the 2020 election, including several that allege foreign nations interfered to harm Trump’s candidacy.

Please Let This Hot Pink Pixel 11 Leak Be Real

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:05:04 -0600

Bring on the magenta and peach.

9to5Google

We are expecting to hear news about the new generation of Google’s Pixel smartphone lineup when the company hosts its next showcase event in August. But in the meantime, a possible leak has gotten us colorfully-inclined buyers pretty excited.

9to5Google, by way of sister site 9to5Toys, found three listings on Amazon that might show some new looks coming to the Pixel 11. These potential placeholders depict one smartphone in a bold magenta and another in a rosy peach hue. The publication noted that there are some convincing details in the listings’ specs. The colors have one set of names in the titles and a different set in the description, and the second trio aligns with a previous leak suggesting a fuchsia model was on the way. At the time of publishing, none of the Amazon listings in 9to5Google‘s article are live.

It’s entirely possible that these are not from official Google sources. But I would really like it if they turn out to be real. Paying for our gadgets is going to be a grim and painfully expensive experience, can’t we at least have the actual hardware we’re splurging on be vibrant and joyful?

Read the original article here

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Watch Limp Bizkit bring out Tom Green for ‘Rollin’’ at Ottawa Bluesfest

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:05:04 -0600

Limp Bizkit brought out Tom Green for a performance of ‘Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)’ at Ottawa Bluesfest this weekend – watch footage below.

The nu-metal band performed at the Canadian festival on Saturday night (July 11), where frontman Fred Durst introduced Green to the stage during the set.

The comedian, who grew up in the Ottawa area, walked out wearing denim overalls and sporting a long grey beard, before bantering with the crowd and joining Durst on vocals for the 2000 single.

Check out footage from the collaboration below, with Green throwing himself into the track and trading lines with Durst:

‘Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)’ was released as a single from Limp Bizkit’s third album, ‘Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water’, and remains one of the band’s defining tracks. It also became closely associated with the MTV era, arriving around the same time Limp Bizkit were a fixture on Total Request Live. Green also broke through to mainstream audiences on MTV with The Tom Green Show in 1999 and 2000.

Limp Bizkit recently headlined Download Festival for the first time, 23 years after they were first meant to top the bill. They used the set to pay tribute to their late bassist Sam Rivers, who died last year and was described by the band as “the soul in the sound”.

Guitarist Wes Borland recently said the band are “the biggest we’ve ever been right now”, following their resurgence online and huge recent festival appearances.

“It’s crazy. And I’m not saying that in a cocky way. I’m saying that, like, we can’t believe it,” he said. “It’s just been — we’re so lucky. I don’t know exactly how it happened, but I think people… We just get along so well now, and everybody, we’re adults, and we’re still having fun doing it, and I think that translates to the audience.”

The band’s last new music arrived last September with the standalone single ‘Making Love To Morgan Wallen’, their first new material since 2021 album ‘Still Sucks’.

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PinkPantheress to Make Acting Debut in New Movie From the Daniels

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 13 Jul 2026 21:05:04 -0600

Fancy some film? PinkPantheress has locked in her first-ever acting role in a movie. Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the Oscar-winning directing duo who go by the Daniels, are staying tight-lipped about their new feature film for Universal, but we do know that the British pop star has joined the cast alongside Matt Damon and Sandra Oh, according to Deadline.

The untitled movie follows the Daniels’ Everything Everywhere All at Once from 2022. Rounding out the cast are Charles Melton, Sean Kaufman, Silvia Dionicio, Jackson Kelly, Kerrice Brooks, Thalia Dudek, and Michael Gandolfini. It’s eyeing a theatrical release date of November 19, 2027.

A move onto the silver screen for PinkPantheress makes sense given her apparent comfortability on camera and how many of her charismatic interviews have gone viral these past few years. Plus, she’s still riding high after getting two Grammy nominations this year—Best Dance Pop Recording for “Illegal” and Best Dance/Electronic Album for Fancy That—and becoming the first woman and youngest person to ever receive the BRIT Award for Producer of the Year.

PinkPantheress’ most recent album, Fancy That, and its remix version, Fancy Some More?, came out in 2025. Although it wasn’t directed by them, the new music video for her single “Girl Like Me” has similarly glitzy, fun, and fast-paced visuals as the Daniels’ past work. It’s easy to see why they would collaborate!

Read about Fancy That at No. 18 in The 50 Best Albums of 2025.

Read the original article here

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Megawide eyes more housing projects in Cavite, Bulacan

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:04 -0600

MEGAWIDE Construction Corp. plans to expand its horizontal residential developments in Cavite and Bulacan, the listed engineering and construction company’s top official said.

“Our subsidiary, we are focusing on socialized housing, affordable and horizontal housing (projects) such as the Southscapes. We will be launching more new projects in the southern part area like Cavite and also in the Bulacan area,” Megawide Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer Edgar B. Saavedra said during the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting last week.

Through its property unit, PH1 World Developers, Inc., Megawide last year earmarked P1 billion for Southscapes, a residential development in Trece Martires, Cavite.

Located in Barangay Lapidario, Trece Martires, the five-hectare (ha) project will have 343 housing units featuring modern design and energy-saving features.

Mr. Saavedra also said the company plans to develop additional projects under the government’s expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program in other cities and municipalities.

“The priority of the company is to focus on Metro Manila. Obviously, you have the southern part, Cavite; and the northern part will be somewhere in Bulacan. This is primarily to focus on the Metro Manila market,” he said, adding that Megawide is pursuing developments near Metro Manila to help reduce travel time.

Megawide is currently building about 11,000 housing units under the expanded 4PH Program.

For 2026, the company is targeting a net income of P1.2 billion, expecting lower borrowing costs following debt reduction and continued growth in its construction and real estate businesses to support earnings.

In the first quarter, Megawide’s attributable net income rose 24% to P265.35 million, driven by stronger real estate operations and sustained performance in its construction business. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

AC Health pursues acquisitions for hospital growth

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:04 -0600

AYALA Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (AC Health), which operates hospitals and clinics under Healthway Medical Network (HMN), said it has several hospital acquisition targets in the pipeline and hopes to announce at least one deal within the year, while planning to open three to five clinics annually over the next three to five years.

“For now, we have a few acquisition targets in the pipeline. Hopefully, we’ll be able to announce something within the year,” AC Health Chief Strategy and Investment Officer Rafael Jaime V. Recio told reporters on the sidelines of an event last week.

“But if you’re asking whether we want to build greenfield projects, I think we’re focusing first on making sure the Cancer Hospital ramps up. Then everything else, for the foreseeable future, will be through acquisition,” he added.

Mr. Recio said the company is evaluating hospitals with at least 100 beds, Level 2 classification, and locations in densely populated urban areas.

“We look at the quality of the facility, make sure that it’s not a super fixer-upper. It’s important that there’s a good doctor base associated with it that remains even after we come in. I think those are the important building blocks,” he said.

Alongside its acquisition strategy, AC Health plans to expand its clinic network by opening three to five facilities annually over the next three to five years.

“The target is to expand to three to five clinics per year in major areas where we feel that it’s important for us to be in. I think that’s the target for the next three to five years,” Mr. Recio said.

While many of its clinics are located in shopping malls, AC Health is also considering other formats, including roadside commercial locations.

“It just so happens that the malls sometimes provide us the best location with the most foot traffic that’s most accessible,” Mr. Recio said. “It could be that at some point we have locations in commercial areas that are more roadside also. But we’ll see. It really depends on what opportunities are presented to us.”

As part of its medium-term growth strategy, AC Health aims to expand its network to 1,150 retail pharmacies, 300 clinics, and 10 hospitals through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions.

Earlier this month, HMN expanded its multi-specialty outpatient network to 18 centers nationwide with the opening of its flagship facility at One Ayala in Makati City.

Following the launch of the One Ayala facility, HMN said it plans to open a standard-sized multi-specialty center in Batangas in August and another at McKinley West in Taguig before yearend.

Separately, AC Health, through its pharmaceutical arm AC Health Pharma, entered into a partnership with Japan-based Taisho Pharmaceuticals in June to distribute healthcare products in the Philippines.

Under the agreement, AC Health Pharma will distribute Taisho products through AC Health’s network of pharmacies, clinics, medical centers, and hospitals.

Mr. Recio said the company remains on track to meet its long-term expansion targets despite industry challenges.

“I wouldn’t say we’re ahead. I’d say we’re making good progress… It looks like we’re on track. It’s been an encouraging 2026 so far, despite all the challenges we’ve seen lately,” he said. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

PERA contributions hit over P750M as enrollees surge at end of June

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:04 -0600

FILIPINOS’ CONTRIBUTIONS in Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) surged in the first half of the year as the number of enrollees increased nearly fivefold from last year, data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

As of the end of June, accumulated PERA contributions soared by 45.3% to P757.554 million from the P521.363 million recorded in the same period last year.

Of the total, the bulk or 59.33% came from employee contributions, which grew by 24.08% year on year to P449.45 million from P362.239 million.

Contributions from self-employed Filipinos also more than doubled (179.85%) to P207.901 million at end-June from P74.29 million in the prior year, while those from overseas Filipinos climbed by 18.12% annually to P100.203 million from P84.833 million.

Meanwhile, the total number of PERA contributors as of the first half ballooned by 385.31% to 30,055 from 6,193 a year ago.

Most of the enrollees during the period were self-employed Filipinos at 23,529, surging by 2,398% from the 942 logged a year earlier.

The tally of PERA-enrolled employees also went up by an annual 22.63% to 5,441 from 4,437, while Filipinos abroad with PERA rose by 33.29% to 1,085 from 814.

PERA, created under Republic Act No. 9505 in 2016, is a voluntary retirement saving program which supplements benefits from the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, and employer-provided plans.

Contributors aged 18 and above with a tax identification number are allowed to open a PERA. Self-employed and locally employed contributors may contribute P200,000 annually, while overseas Filipino workers may invest up to P400,000.

The PERA law also offers incentives to contributors, such as tax exemptions and credits.

BSP Deputy Governor Lyn I. Javier said they aim to expand overseas Filipino contributors through partnerships with the Department of Labor and Employment and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

The central bank has likewise tapped employers to boost the share of employees in the total PERA enrollees, with other banks also seeking to offer the product in their respective platforms.

“(So, with more banks) adopting, then opening also their platforms for easy access to PERA, we hope that we could reach more Filipinos enrolling to have a PERA account,” she told reporters on the sidelines of an event last week.

This came after East West Banking Corp. began offering in May a voluntary PERA contribution program for its employees, with DragonFi Securities, Inc. as the administrator.

Ms. Javier also noted that digital banks have also signified interest to follow suit.

Under the program, private employers can contribute to the employees’ PERA as part of its compensation package, which may be reflected in the employer’s income tax return as a deductible expense from its gross income.

The Capital Markets Efficiency Promotion Act also allows private employers to acquire an additional 50% tax deduction to a total of 150% by contributing an amount equal to or greater than their employees’ PERA contributions.

Meanwhile, Ms. Javier said they are working to further boost public awareness of PERA as they hope to hit “more than double” growth in PERA accounts.

“Well, the promise, I mean, the product itself is very attractive. So, it should speak for itself. Awareness would help it,” Ms. Javier said.

“As to the pace of growth, there are several factors that would affect that, but everybody wants (double-digit growth), more than double in fact,” she added.

Last year, the BSP also launched the Open Finance for PERA Pilot to encourage more Filipinos to open accounts by streamlining the onboarding process as well as improving access to the program.

Under the framework, customers of Land Bank of the Philippines; Maya Philippines, Inc.; Metropolitan Bank & Trust Corp.; Philippine National Bank; Rizal Commercial Banking Corp.; Union Bank of the Philippines, Inc.; and G-Xchange, Inc. can open a PERA account in the respective financial institutions’ platforms.

Their investments will be managed by the PERA administrators ATRAM Trust Corp.; BDO Unibank, Inc.; and BPI Wealth – A Trust Corp. — Katherine K. Chan

BoI-approved investments jump 21%

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:04 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

THE BOARD of Investments (BoI) has approved P461.84 billion worth of investments in the first half of 2026, mainly in renewable energy and real estate sectors.

In a statement on Sunday, the BoI said approvals in the six-month period jumped by 21% from the P382.24 billion recorded last year.

As of end-June, the BoI had greenlit 124 projects, which are expected to create 14,415 local jobs.

The January-June pledges account for nearly half or 46% of the BoI’s P1-trillion investment target for 2026.

The energy sector, particularly renewable energy, accounted for the largest share of approvals at P343.47 billion or 74.25% of the total.

This was followed by investments in real estate activities (P36.55 billion); air and water transport (P36.25 billion); mining and quarrying (P14.64 billion); hotel, tourism and accommodation projects (P7.58 billion); and manufacturing (P7.22 billion).

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary and BoI Chairman Maria Cristina A. Roque said the increase in BoI-approved projects in the January-to-June period reflects investors’ sustained confidence in the Philippines amid geopolitical uncertainties.

“The strong growth in DTI-BoI-approved investments reflects investors’ confidence in the Philippines and in the government’s reform policies,” she said.

“The country’s recent attainment of upper-middle income country status highlights the positive impact of sustained investments and sound economic reforms,” she added.

Earlier this month, the World Bank classified the Philippines as an upper-middle income country after it posted a record gross national income per capita of $4,850.

DTI Undersecretary and BoI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo noted that policy support and facilitation measures are in place to guide investments from approval to implementation.

“With the implementation of the CREATE MORE (Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy), the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP), and the Green Lane for Strategic Investments, the BoI is ensuring that investors have both the policy support and facilitation mechanisms needed to bring projects from approval to operation,” he said.

Domestic investments surged by 41% to P447.32 billion as of end-June, with the Cordillera Administrative Region posting the highest level of investment pledges at P150.4 billion.

This was followed by the Ilocos Region at P144.13 billion, National Capital Region at P48.78 billion, Central Luzon (P33.55 billion), CARAGA (P16.93 billion), and Central Visayas (P13.97 billion).

Meanwhile, foreign investments stood at P14.16 billion as of end-June, with Singapore as the top foreign source at P3.15 billion.

Other foreign commitments came from China (P1.13 billion), United States (P1.06 billion), Australia (P961 million), and Japan (P873 million).

“The robust investment performance builds on the BoI’s broader efforts to strengthen the country’s investment ecosystem and position the Philippines as a preferred destination for strategic and high-impact investments,” BoI said.

Mr. Rodolfo also noted that the updated SIPP is critical in ensuring that the BoI meets its P1-trillion target in investment approvals this year.

Approved in June, the 2026 SIPP expands the scope of fiscal incentives under Republic Act No. 12066 or the CREATE MORE Act to cover frontier industries like artificial intelligence and high-value manufacturing.

The surge in the BoI’s first-half investment approvals amid geopolitical risks show that investors are prioritizing projects with long-term prospects, said Diana R. Rueda, an economics professor at the University of Asia & the Pacific.

“Most BoI-approved projects have long investment horizons, and investors tend to focus more on economic fundamentals, policy consistency, and the ease of doing business,” she said in a Viber message.

However, Ms. Rueda cited the need to intensify efforts to attract more investments in high-value manufacturing to cushion the economy against external shocks.

“Expanding the country’s manufacturing base would strengthen economic resilience, diversify sources of growth, and reduce vulnerability to external shocks,” she said.

Sticky core inflation seen to keep BSP on tightening path

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:04 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE BANGKO SENTRAL ng Pilipinas (BSP) could extend its tightening cycle as the widening pass-through effects of energy shocks stemming from the Middle East war are expected to keep core inflation elevated, analysts said.

Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) Chief Economist Nicholas Antonio T. Mapa said the faster pace of core inflation, despite easing headline inflation, supports the BSP’s hawkish but measured policy stance.

“With headline inflation receding and core inflation heating up, we are witnessing now what the BSP had been warning us about: second-round effects,” Mr. Mapa told BusinessWorld in a Viber message.

“Even with the initial energy shock dissipating somewhat, firms have passed on the costs for items indirectly related to the first round of price spikes. And thus, the recent uptick in core inflation represents a broadening increase in prices across the CPI (consumer price index) basket,” he added.

In June, core inflation accelerated for the sixth month in a row even after the headline print eased for a second straight month.

Core inflation, which discounts volatile food and fuel prices, quickened to 4.4% in June, the fastest pace seen in nearly three years or since the 4.7% in November 2023.

Core inflation removes the impact of temporary disruptions and shocks on price changes, independent of economic or monetary policy.

For Security Bank Chief Economist Angelo B. Taningco and University of Asia and the Pacific economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia, core inflation will likely stay sticky throughout the year.

“Core inflation is seen to remain sticky throughout the year given… that recent price hikes made by restaurants, healthcare institutions, personal care providers, and schools will not adjust downward immediately given that global energy prices have not gone (down) fully to pre-Iran war levels,” Mr. Taningco told BusinessWorld in an e-mail.

Mr. Agonia also noted that underlying price pressures may linger due to higher aggregate demand from the government’s infrastructure spending catch-up and the upcoming minimum wage hike in the National Capital Region (NCR).

“While crude oil has softened recently, pricing and wage adjustments in secondary and tertiary sectors have likely been pushing underlying price pressures,” he told BusinessWorld. “This may persist for the rest of the year, especially as the National Government’s infrastructure spending revival raises aggregate demand and the recent minimum wage adjustment feeds into prices.”

The first tranche of the P85 daily minimum wage hike in NCR, or P60, will be implemented on July 25. The second tranche of P25 will take effect in January 2027.

Second-round effects refer to the impact of initial price shocks on the costs of other commodities. This is often realized when businesses pass on the burden of higher costs to consumers by raising the prices of commodities and services, including food, utilities, and transport.

By measuring core inflation, economic managers like the BSP can determine whether prevailing consumer price movements reflect short-lived disruptions or a long-term trend.

FURTHER TIGHTENING
Metrobank’s Mr. Mapa and Security Bank’s Mr. Taningco expect the BSP to deliver a final 25-basis-point (bp) hike at its next policy review in August to cap its tightening cycle this year.

“With headline falling amidst core inflation increasing, BSP would be correct to carry on with its data-driven approach and measured pace of tightening,” Mr. Mapa said.

“We expect another 25-bp increase at their next meeting. If headline inflation continues to fade and fall quickly, the next rate hike may be BSP’s last for the year,” he added.

However, Mr. Taningco said there could potentially be more hikes if price pressures worsen due to a re-escalation of the Middle East war, the looming El Niño phenomenon, and higher minimum wage and transport fare hikes.

Under its inflation-targeting framework, the BSP uses monetary policy tools to prevent inflation spillovers and keep inflation expectations anchored, particularly by tempering the second-order effects of price shocks on wage- and price-setting behavior.

This includes the central bank raising its key interest rate to make borrowing more expensive, which helps cool down inflation through lowering aggregate demand by dampening spending.

At its June 18 meeting, the Monetary Board lifted its benchmark rate for a second straight meeting by 25 bps to 4.75%. This brought its total hikes since April to 50 bps.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has left the door open for another 25-bp hike, with expectations of an economic rebound by the second half giving them space to tighten further.

The central bank has also remained hawkish on the back of still “strong” inflationary pressures, evidenced by the heated core inflation last month.

The BSP noted that it will continue to pursue price stability and hope to bring inflation back to their 3% target through monetary policy rate adjustments.

Meanwhile, Nomura Global Markets Research slashed its Philippine inflation forecast to 5.1% from 5.5% for 2026 and to 3.1% from 3.2% for 2027 as it noted that the headline print has likely peaked.

However, expectations of heated core inflation may still warrant an additional 50 bps in hikes to bring the key policy rate to 5.25% by yearend.

“We lowered our CPI inflation forecasts due to our latest oil price assumptions. In terms of the trajectory, we believe headline inflation has already peaked, but core inflation has not, reflecting second-round effects,” Nomura research analysts Euben Paracuelles and Nabila Amani said in a report.

EL NIÑO RISKS
The Philippines, alongside India, stands as the most vulnerable to the impact of El Niño given its position as a net food importer and the heavy weight of food in its CPI basket, according to Nomura.

“The Philippines and India are most exposed to an El Niño shock, followed by Indonesia and Thailand,” it said. “(The) Philippines is particularly vulnerable to higher rice prices: it is a net food importer (2% of gross domestic product), and rice accounts for 8.9% of its CPI basket.”

Food and nonalcoholic beverages account for 37.75% of the country’s total basket of goods, with rice making up around 9%.

The state weather bureau earlier said emerging El Niño conditions in the tropical Pacific has an 80% chance to develop into a full-fledged El Niño, with the Philippines likely to encounter a “strong” El Niño season between September and November, and a “very strong” one between October and January next year.

According to the Department of Agriculture, the looming “super El Niño” can bring high temperatures that will harm crops, livestock, fisheries and aquaculture, potentially slashing agricultural output by 20%-30%.

“Lower oil and fertilizer prices can also help keep the lid on food inflation, although with 2026 an El Niño year, medium-term risks to food inflation remain,” Nomura also said.

For Mr. Agonia’s part, the Philippines risks facing a fresh round of supply shock and from the upcoming “super El Niño,” which could weigh on the cost of other commodities.

“The looming El Niño threat may also invite another supply shock that could ripple once more through different industries,” he noted.

Mr. Agonia said the central bank may tighten by another 50 bps before standing pat in 2027, with pressures from the El Niño event and worse second-order effects to open room for more hikes.

“BSP may be more aggressive than this if second-round effects and the El Niño phenomenon prove to materially alter the inflation outlook,” he said.

“However, more rate hikes may disproportionately weaken medium-term economic growth prospects. As such, we think BSP will tighten by 50 bps more this year while going on pause for 2027.”

The Monetary Board is scheduled to hold three more regular policy reviews this year on Aug. 27, Oct. 22, and Dec. 17.

Days of Our Lives Spoilers for The Week of 7-13-26: Will Stephanie’s Hypocritical Act Really Be Discovered So Quickly?

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:03 -0600

That was fast.

Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 7-13-26 promise that Alex will quickly realize that he missed Joy’s voicemail — but will he put two and two together?

Stephanie isn’t the only one with an explosive secret, but considering her history with Alex, this one needs to come out ASAP.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

Stephanie Couldn’t Forgive Alex When He Engaged In This Behavior, So…

It’s bad enough that Stephanie decided that she had the right to delete a voicemail from Joy just because she believed Joy was manipulating Alex.

She had no evidence whatsoever — just her gut feeling that Joy’s emergencies couldn’t possibly be important, and an offhand, likely unfair comment from Chanel about how Joy is a backstabber.

She didn’t know, of course, that Joy had a car accident with the baby in the back of the car, but that doesn’t excuse her behavior. Even if Joy is being manipulative, she is also the mother of Alex’s child and needs to be able to communicate freely with him about their baby.

But Stephanie’s behavior is even harder to stomach, knowing that she raked Alex over the coals for a long time when he did the same thing.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

Several years ago, Alex grabbed Stephanie’s phone while she was in the shower and deleted a voicemail from Chad because he had decided Chad was interfering with the relationship and trying to win Stephanie for himself — and it was from Kayla, supposedly dying.

Stephanie (rightfully) was furious when she found out, because she felt she had missed out on seeing her mother one last time.

Of course, it was a false alarm — Kayla was only temporarily dead so she could be part of a ridiculous storyline involving an orchid and the world’s longest, stupidest dream sequence, but that’s beside the point.

Stephanie took months to forgive Alex. She was brutal toward him during all that time, accusing him of being controlling, and the fact that Kayla was eventually resurrected didn’t change how she felt.

Now, the roles are reversed. Stephanie deleted Joy’s voicemail because she felt Joy was interfering with the relationship and didn’t realize it was actually urgent. That’s not only wrong, but absolutely hypocritical.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 7-13-26 promise that Alex will realize that he missed a voicemail — but will he realize Stephanie was to blame?

According to the spoiler video, Joy will tell Alex she left him a panicked voicemail, and he’ll realize he never received it.

He likely won’t want to believe that Stephanie deliberately erased it. Not only does he love her, but he undoubtedly remembers how she treated him when he did the same thing, so it won’t make sense to him to suspect that she could do such a thing.

Plus, Days of Our Lives is not reluctant to make characters stupid when it suits the plot, so Alex could very well realize his voicemail was deleted but not have a clue that Stephanie was the only one with access to his phone.

After all, Alex not figuring this out could lead to Joy accusing Stephanie, and Alex believing she’s only saying that to interfere with his marriage.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

I hope not, though.

Stephanie needs to be caught, and Alex needs to confront her for being a total hypocrite. Sorry, but her PTSD doesn’t excuse this.

Trauma responses aren’t an excuse anyway — they’re an explanation. And this particular choice wasn’t related to her trauma. It was an impulsive move borne out of jealousy, just like when Alex did it.

Do you think Alex should forgive Stephanie once he finds out what she did?
Let us know in the comments. Don’t forget to share this article with your friends.

I’m also interested in Kayla’s reaction. Stephanie is supposed to confess to her, and there’s no telling how her mother will react.

Kayla is often a lot like Caroline was. She tends to have strict ethical boundaries and doesn’t accept shady behavior (yes, we’re looking at you, EJ!).

(Peacock/Screenshot)

But most of Salem makes exceptions for their kids, no matter how much of a moral absolutist anyone is otherwise, and Steve and Kayla have been worried about Stephanie since the abduction.

Kayla might rationalize that Joy has pushed too many of Stephanie’s buttons and Stephanie fought back the only way she could. I’d hate it, but I could imagine her doing that.

Meanwhile, Stephanie and… Theo?

I figured either Stephanie or Alex would sleep with someone else while their marriage was on the rocks, but I didn’t expect Alex to think there was something going on between her and Theo.

For once, the show is being unpredictable, at least for now — I was sure she would re-establish a relationship with Philip since he’s starting to replace Jeremy as her non-Alex source of support.

Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 7-13-26 have Theo and Stephanie bonding over something unexpected. On Theo’s end, he likely feels betrayed by Abe, while Stephanie feels the same about Alex.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

And of course, the spoiler video ends with Alex coming home and finding Theo asleep on his couch.

That’s likely a false alarm or a misunderstanding, but it’s still a strange pairing choice since these two have rarely interacted.

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Elsewhere in Salem, Other Secrets Explode…

Kayla informs EJ that the board has voted to remove him as owner of the hospital, but I’d bet anything he’s not giving up without a fight, and no one fights dirtier than EJ.

I’m curious what his next move is, and whether it has anything to do with the pills that Tate finds in Holly’s hospital room.

(Peacock/Screenshot)

I’m really not happy with this story, which makes a mockery out of real addiction issues, although I suppose Holly really could decide to use because she believes that everyone thinks the worst of her anyway.

But it’s more likely that someone is planting those pills to take the heat off of EJ for the Coreseal disaster, and I don’t want to sit through months of Holly being punished for something she didn’t do — even if it is her karma for letting Tate take the rap for her original overdose.

What do you think? Is Holly going to relapse for real?

Head to the comments with your thoughts about that and everything else coming up on Days of Our Lives, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends so they can join the conversation.

Vote in our poll below to tell us which Days of Our Lives spoiler for the week of 7-13-26 is your favorite.

If you enjoyed this article, check out Laura Nowak’s recent thoughts about Stephanie’s storyline.

These Days of Our Lives spoilers will stream on Peacock during the week of 7-13-26. New episodes drop on weekday mornings at 6/5c.

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Stephanie made a headscratching decision, but Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 7-13-26 suggest she may already get caught.
Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 7-06-26 promise more angst ahead for Chanel, and we hate what that might mean.
Days of Our Lives spoilers for the week of 6-29-26 promise plenty of summer heat, but something is missing from these stories.

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Graham’s death complicates myriad GOP goals in Congress

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:03 -0600

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) talks to reporters outside of the West Wing of the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. Following a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Graham told reporters that Zelensky should resign.

Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Sen. Lindsey Graham‘s death stands to scramble an array of Republican policy efforts, as Congress loses one of its top White House whisperers and coalition builders.

Graham, R-S.C., who died at 71, was a titan of the Senate whose close relationship with President Donald Trump helped the upper chamber broker numerous deals and secure aid for allies such as Ukraine. Graham, who chaired the Senate Budget Committee, was integral to passing Trump’s marquee reconciliation tax-and-spending law, known as the “one big, beautiful bill.”

He also served on the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works Committees and was known to work across the aisle on policy issues.

Graham’s death comes as the Senate works to advance many of Trump’s priorities before heading into a tough midterm election in November, and his passing is likely to complicate those efforts. Included in the long list of unfinished business is the SAVE America Act, Trump’s sought-after voter-ID bill; a third reconciliation bill to address affordability and replenish the military; and the confirmation of Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche.

SAVE America Act

Graham was a staunch advocate for the SAVE America Act, Trump’s laundry list bill to require voter ID and proof of citizenship to vote, along with several other White House priorities. Trump has been almost singularly focused on the bill, despite its steep odds of becoming law.

Trump, in a Sunday call on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” lamented that the SAVE America Act will be harder to pass without Graham’s support.

“This is a big blow to the Save America Act, let me tell you,” Trump said. “He was pushing for the SAVE America Act like crazy.”

The SAVE America Act, especially the version being pushed by Trump, faced steep odds of becoming law with or without Graham. It was far short of the 60 votes needed to overcome the Senate filibuster, given strong Democratic opposition.

Graham’s death, however, will make it more difficult for the Senate to communicate the steep odds of passing the SAVE America Act. Trump noted that he spoke with Graham Saturday night about the bill.

“He called, and he said we’re all set for the Save America Act,” Trump said. “He literally called me about the Save America Act.”

Reconciliation 3.0

Graham would have been integral to any additional reconciliation packages Republicans aim to pass by the end of this year. The Budget Committee steers reconciliation bills, which must be budget-centric and comply with the Byrd Rule — an arcane Senate process that allows the upper chamber to skirt the 60-vote filibuster.

Congress has already passed two reconciliation bills this year, including the one big, beautiful bill and a bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies after federal agents from those agencies shot and killed two American citizens earlier this year.

A third package — still not entirely fleshed out and largely in flux — was expected to include military spending to replenish stockpiles depleted by the war with Iran, affordability issues and fraud.

Graham’s death now throws into disarray any planning he had done for that bill and leaves the Budget Committee without a chairman.

Blanche nomination

Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche testifies at House Appropriations Committee Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing on oversight of the Department of Justice, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on June 2, 2026.

Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images

Trump’s pick for Attorney General, acting AG Todd Blanche, now faces a new hurdle to Senate confirmation.

Graham served on the Judiciary Committee and was next in line to take the gavel when the term of Chair Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, ends. The Committee includes 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats, meaning any Republican defection, along with full Democratic opposition, would result in a deadlock. Graham’s death brings that tally to 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who is retiring at the end of his term and also serves on the Judiciary Committee, is currently undecided on Blanche’s nomination, though he said he has a positive predisposition toward him and has met with Trump’s former personal attorney. Should Tillis defect now, along with all Democrats, Blanche’s nomination would fail 11-10.

Ukraine aid

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine May 30, 2025.

Ukrainian Presidential Press Ser | Via Reuters

Graham has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters as it repels Russia’s invasion that began in 2021. He has been critical in shepherding money through Congress and greasing the wheels for Trump to support aid to Ukraine.

The senator had just returned from Ukraine immediately before his death.

Trump, who came into office pledging to end the war in Ukraine, was significantly more antagonistic to the country than his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. In the first days of his second term, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and berated him publicly. Trump has also threatened to cut off aid to Ukraine on numerous occasions.

Summer Games Done Quick Once Again Raises Over $2 Million For Doctors Without Borders

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:03 -0600

The annual speedrunning marathon event ran from July 5-11.

Games Done Quick/Count Gooby

Summer Games Done Quick is officially over after a marathon week of speedrunning games for a good cause, and the organizers say it raised a total of $2,408,701 for Doctors Without Borders in that time (again!). The annual event in Minneapolis kicked off on July 5 and wrapped up early Sunday morning. Roughly 2,500 people showed up in person, in addition to the thousands of viewers who watched from home.

This year’s Summer Games Done Quick brought a new speedrunning world record: streamer Bluekandy completed a No Dupes run of Kirby Air Raiders with a final time of 37 minutes and 54 seconds. Other highlights include “a Balatro run that beat all odds, and impromptu beatboxing during the Resident Evil: Requiem run,” the organizers noted in an announcement. Everything was streamed on Games Done Quick’s Twitch and YouTube channels, where you can find the full archive of videos now if you missed anything while the event was live.

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Watch the moment Pulp play ‘Common People’ at Mad Cool 2026 as England fans celebrate win against Norway

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:03 -0600

Pulp played an epic closing set at Mad Cool 2026 last night (Saturday July 11), with their performance also doubling up as a celebration for England fans.

The escalations of the World Cup have been a focal feature of the Madrid festival, particularly the day before when Spain beat Belgium. Not only was the home country’s match shown on a big screen in the middle of the Iberdrola Music arena site, but their 2-1 victory was celebrated by Kings Of Leon and Interpol from the stage.

Then on the closing Saturday, the England match clashed with the latter part of Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds’ headline set, as well as those from David Byrne and Pulp. The line-up drew a large number of British fans and many in England shirts, who could be seen celebrating when goals were scored as they kept up to date on their phones. The blowing of the whistle on England’s 2-1 win coincided with Pulp kicking into set closer ‘Common People’, with many taking to their friends’ shoulders to celebrate.

During the song, Jarvis Cocker also got guitarist Mark Webber (who’d been previously watching the match backstage with drummer Nick Banks) to share news of the score, before the frontman wryly told the crowd: “But we don’t care about football because we’d rather play a concert for you people.”

Reviewing the set in NME‘s highlights from the day, we wrote: “Running into the early hours of Sunday morning, their set also saw classics like ‘Babies’ and ‘Do You Remember The First Time’ come in thick and fast, as well as a euphoric rendition of newer single ‘Spike Island’ and an elaborate performance of ‘Farmer’s Market’ — which the frontman fittingly introduced by throwing some grapes into the crowd.

“Fluttering between intense theatrical performances of deeper cuts and straightforward, feel-good versions of their biggest hits, the closing set was a pure visual spectacle from start to end.”

Pulp’s Mad Cool 2026 setlist was:

‘Sorted for E’s & Wizz’
‘Disco 2000’
‘Spike Island’
‘Razzmatazz’
‘Farmers Market’
‘This Is Hardcore’
‘Sunrise’
‘Begging for Change’
‘Do You Remember the First Time?’
‘Mis-Shapes’
‘Got to Have Love’
‘Babies’
‘Common People’

Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker live at Mad Cool 2026. credit: Javier Bragado

Pulp’s 2026 summer tour is almost at an end up with upcoming shows including a Rough Trade 50th anniversary celebration show at London’s Southbank Centre and headline appearances at All Together Now in Ireland, Manchester’s Wythenshawe Park and End Of The Road Festival as they wrap up the campaign for 2025’s acclaimed comeback album ‘More‘. Visit here for tickets and more information.

NME is the official media partner of Mad Cool.

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Everything You Missed So Far at Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium Run

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 21:17:03 -0600

On Friday night, more than 45,000 people gathered at Yankee Stadium not to enjoy the national pastime, but a bucket-list New York one: seeing Jay-Z perform in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Reasonable Doubt. It was the first in a three-night residency, with the Friday show dedicated to Reasonable Doubt and the Saturday show reserved for The Blueprint, which turns 25 this year. Across both nights, Jay-Z commanded an understated stage set up (“I think the statement piece in a Jay-Z show is Jay-Z,” Willo Perron, the performance’s creative director, told Wired recently) with support from guests including Beyoncé, Nas, Eminem, Slick Rick, and his daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. Check out clips and full set lists from both nights below.

The residency’s first night kicked off with a bang in the form of a surprise Beyoncé duet. Mrs. Carter joined Jay-Z onstage to open the show with “Can’t Knock the Hustle,” before Jay dove into a series of solo cuts including “Made In America (Freestyle)” and “Brooklyn’s Finest.” Beyoncé wouldn’t be the last guest to pop up throughout the night though, nor the last family member. Jay-Z’s daughter Blue Ivy Carter—who also recently danced on her mom’s Cowboy Carter tour—accompanied him on the piano to introduce “Feelin’ It.” Other special appearances throughout the night came from Memphis Bleek, Jaz-O, Alicia Keys (because one doesn’t just play Yankee Stadium without dropping “Empire State of Mind’), and Nas, who shared the stage with Jay for multiple songs.

The fanfare hadn’t died down on Saturday, which was all about 2001’s The Blueprint and broke Yankee Stadium’s ticket sales record. Performing for another packed-out crowd, the rapper kicked things off with a rendition of “The Ruler’s Back” with Slick Rick. Later in the night, Eminem also popped out to go toe-to-toe with Jay on their song “Renegade.” But the guest with the most stage time on Saturday was Pharrell, who accompanied Jay on five songs including “Excuse Me Miss” and “Frontin.’’ “HOV the greatest of all time,” Pharrell quipped at one point. “It’s not up for discussion.”

Jay-Z will return to Yankee Stadium tonight for the third and final show in his residency, billed under the name Extra Innings. This fall, he’ll also bring the anniversary production to London, Paris, and Los Angeles.

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Power Book III: Raising Kanan Has Raq Going Nuclear as Kanan Becomes the Biggest Threat of All

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Critic’s Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

4.5

For Raq to go nuclear, her back truly had to be up against the wall.

We’ve seen her in various positions that seemed insurmountable, and she’s always found a way out. But to give up Kanan to Marvin in a moment of sheer panic?

Raq’s officially reached the point where she’s realized her son is a bigger problem than she ever could have imagined.

(Courtesy of Starz)

After the failed hit on Stefano during Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 4, Raq and Marvin knew they were in trouble, and it’s clear how much Lou-Lou is missed as the two siblings continuously butt heads over things.

Raq always wants to assess every situation from every angle, while Marvin is a reactor.

He sees a problem, and he follows his instincts to solve it. Sometimes that works, and sometimes it doesn’t, but it’s not always the wrong decision.

But in this scenario, Raq was banking on her connection with Pino and the money she was making him to help keep her safe, which was a safe bet, albeit a little shortsighted.

If there’s anything we’ve learned about Stefano since we met him, it’s that he carries a grudge. He’s vindictive, and he’s clever, and there was never a universe where he was going to turn the other cheek after Raq tried to get him whacked.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Raq choosing to just act as if she had nothing to do with the hit on Stefano when talking to Pino was comical because it’s not as if she thought Pino was buying it, but she still had to stick to the story that she wasn’t behind it.

What’s worrisome about Raq’s position right now is that everything depends on her business flourishing. If she’s not producing for Pino and Flossie, she’s of no use to them and has no protection.

Pino’s been an interesting addition thus far, and Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 5 felt like the first time we got to see how he operates.

There’s obviously no love lost between the two bosses, but while Stefano is outwardly menacing, Pino’s a little more casual with it. There’s no doubt he’s a killer, same as Stefano, but he’s a little quieter about it.

Stefano is quick to cut people down and issue threats, but Pino is a little less bold and hides behind a smile.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Considering we only have a few more episodes left, I’d love for the focus to be on Raq and Kanan, but there’s something inherently fun about seeing Tony Danza and Joe Pantoliano go up against each other every week.

Stefano making the rounds to all of Raq’s enemies shows just how much she’s gotten under his skin, and that was before she wanted him dead. He’s always felt like he’s above Raq, as many of these men do, and when she didn’t give in to his demands earlier this season, he decided she was persona non grata.

When Pino didn’t budge, he pulled Kanan, Breeze, and Flossie to get them to do his dirty work.

Breeze was the only one who bit, and I do wonder if Stefano will eventually keep pressing Raq enough that he ultimately pushes everyone else away.

Either way, it’s very unlikely that Pino and Stefano both make it out of this season alive.

(Courtesy of Starz)

It’s always fascinating to see how people approach Kanan about Raq, because no matter what he says, how does one trust that he’d ever truly go against his mother?

Of course, we know there is no love lost between them, but from the outside looking in, how does Stefano believe that Kanan would truly side with him when push came to shove? He has no allegiance to him outside of the shared business, and why would that be enough?

Breeze is smart enough to recognize that, to truly get Kanan, he needs to hammer home the idea that they are long-lost brothers bonded by their dead drug-dealing superstar daddy.

Kanan knows it’s all crap, but there’s no reason to let Breeze in on that when they’ve got a good thing going.

The dynamic between Breeze and Kanan has been growing steadily, but you can still tell these are two alphas learning how the other works. They’re a good team, and they can sense that, but it still feels like there’s a wall between them.

(Courtesy of Starz)

They aren’t in competition with each other, but they’re still figuring the other one out. And it’s a fun little cat-and-mouse game they’re playing right now. But how long will that last?

This hour proved to be a bit of a defining moment in the series as things played out, with Raq becoming increasingly overwhelmed by her situation.

It wasn’t like the walls were closing in on her just yet, but she could tell she wasn’t in a comfortable position at all. And pulling one of Kanan’s messenger boys off the streets felt a little desperate, but also showed she was finally taking Kanan seriously as a threat.

Both she and Marvin have failed to see the kind of man Kanan has become, or more likely, they’re unwilling to. Kanan’s still a kid in their eyes, and definitely still making kid mistakes, but he’s far from some incompetent new player in the game.

And that’s to say nothing of the people who have gathered behind him.

(Courtesy of Starz)

We’re seeing Kanan become increasingly violent and menacing, and it’s such a treat to see MeKai Curtis fully embody and embrace this side of Kanan.

Kanan’s reached a point where he’s setting himself up to be completely opposite of his family, even if it may not seem like it on the surface.

Kanan’s side is in Queens, and Raq’s is in Manhattan, but there’s overlap, history, and a lot of animosity. Stefano coming to him was as much about gauging his feelings as it was further reiterating that the side he’s on is firmly plotting against Raq, and thus his family.

Kanan’s okay with that because he’s made it very clear how he feels about his mother. And I’m inclined to believe him at this point.

Raq’s a different story.

(Courtesy of Starz)

She’s done a lot of cleaning up for Kanan and a lot of protecting, but she’s also done a lot of lying and a lot of looking out for her own interests before looking out for her son.

It’s very fair to say that, in some ways, she’s getting what’s been coming to her, but in other ways, you can see that she’s done so much for Kanan that Kanan has repaid her with venom and judgment.

Their relationship has always been a slippery slope, and you’ll talk yourself in circles trying to justify why one is “better” than the other, or why one deserves more compassion than the other.

Power Book III: Raising Kanan has done a masterful job over the years of fleshing out these two deeply imperfect characters, giving them the space and nuance to be complicated and to exist within that complexity.

I constantly find myself warring with understanding Raq and agreeing with her, then feeling confused or disappointed by her choices. That emotional push and pull is the hallmark of truly great character writing and one of the reasons she’s always been so compelling.

(Courtesy of Starz)

She’s now at a point where she sees that while she’s not losing, she’s also not winning. And she’s been pushing Kanan to the back of her mind, focusing on the work and only the work, but she could only ignore Kanan for so long.

When she shot the poor boy, I knew that she’d officially come unglued in a way we hadn’t seen from her in a while. Even when Raq loses herself, you can hardly tell, because she will parlay it into making sense one way or the other.

There was no reason to kill that boy, and there was no reason to tell Marvin about Kanan outside of her realizing that she was losing her grip on the situation, Marvin, and everything around her.

Raq can exist within the chaos, but she has to feel she controls it. That’s not what’s happening right now, and in many ways, it hasn’t been for some time.

By telling Marvin that Kanan killed Lou-Lou, she knew Kanan would be dealt with, and she could feel in control again. Control of Marvin and, by extension, everything else, because she knew that Marvin was going to leave a mark on Kanan that he would never forget.

(Courtesy of Starz)

But we then circle back to the fact that no one understands just what kind of monster Kanan has become.

I wonder if this will be the real turning point for Kanan Stark. The moment when everything shut off, and he turned into the kind of man who would murder his own child in cold blood.

Marvin gave him the beating of a lifetime, and he should have finished the job if we’re being honest.

I wonder if Jukebox ever regretted stopping her father that day, because it’s very likely that it changed the trajectory of their lives.

It certainly changes Power Book III: Raising Kanan and prepares us for the final days of this piece of the universe.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Everything Else You Need To Know

I’m loving this side plot of Jukebox entering the business and seeing how she starts to break away from her family. Marvin’s trying, weakly, to steer her away, but everyone in that family was doomed from the start.

Justice for Famous! At least there’s someone out there still trying to avenge his murder.

When did Garcia get so tough? He’s really doing the most when nobody told him he had to become a dirty cop!

Jarita is soft-launching her departure from Flossie to become Kanan’s full-time girlfriend. I wish someone would tell her to run!

(Courtesy of Starz)

Joaquin coming back for one week only to be taken out the next. And that foreshadowing of Breeze’s own demise? Perfection.

Submit that confrontation between Patina Miller and London Brown for every award possible.

Everything changes from here on out, and the series continues to reach new heights, gifting us with one of the greatest scenes in the entire Power Universe.

There’s much to discuss with this one, so don’t be shy! Let me know in the comments where you see things going over the final hours!

You can watch Power Book III: Raising Kanan at midnight on the STARZ app. On linear, it airs on STARZ at 8:00 pm ET/PT in the U.S.

Whether it’s isolation, history, trauma, or systems that fail people, the fear always comes from something deeper, and The Terror: Devil in Silver continues that tradition in unsettling ways. Dan Stevens stars as Pepper, a man who finds himself trapped inside New Hyde psychiatric facility while trying to understand whether the horrors unfolding around him…
The Terror: Devil in Silver uses horror to explore the unsettling reality of institutional life. Christopher Cantwell and Victor LaVelle talk about it.
IT: Welcome To Derry has been sensational in terms of storytelling, but has to stop relying on age-old crutches.

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Trump admin export rule benefits UAE firm MGX

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

The Commerce Department on Friday moved toward easing export controls on the United Arab Emirates, including by saying it will “favorably review” export license applications for MGX, the UAE-backed investment firm that used a stablecoin linked to President Donald Trump‘s family for its $2 billion investment in Binance.

An unpublished version of a new 17-page rule viewable in the Federal Register includes one sentence about Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security favorably reviewing applications involving MGX semiconductors and servers bound for the UAE.

The rule is scheduled to be officially published on July 14.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, quickly blasted the new rule, calling it “corrupt” because of MGX’s use of a Trump-connected stablecoin.

MGX used USD1, a stablecoin issued by the Trump family-affiliated World Liberty Financial, to complete its investment in Binance, the world’s largest crypto exchange by daily volume.

The transaction provided a major source of business for the newly launched USD1, and fueled questions about whether Trump’s financial interests could influence U.S. policy toward the UAE.

MGX is also a backer of AI juggernauts OpenAI and Anthropic.

The broader rule also gives the UAE government, Abu Dhabi AI conglomerate G42 and its cloud subsidiary Core42 access to license exceptions for certain advanced-computing equipment.

The Commerce Department, in a statement, said that it “will significantly upgrade the status of the United Arab Emirates” under export regulations “in recognition of the UAE’s status as a U.S. Major Defense Partner and its support in advancing U.S. national security interests, including Operation Epic Fury,” the war against Iran.

Warren, in a statement, said, “We already know that the UAE royal behind G42 and MGX secretly bought a 49% stake in the Trump crypto company, World Liberty Financial.”

“It was also just revealed that President Trump made a whopping $263 million windfall related to this deal, part of the $1.4 billion he raked in from his crypto ventures last year alone,” Warren said, citing the president’s recent financial disclosure.

“Now, Trump’s Commerce Department is giving G42 license-free access to advanced AI chips and promising favorable treatment for MGX, despite reported concerns about the diversion of sensitive technology to China and other national security risks,” she said.

Warren, who is the ranking Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee, called for Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and BIS Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler to testify before Congress “to explain this corrupt deal and how it could put our national security at risk.”

Warren and other Senate Democrats earlier Friday called for hearings into whether UAE-linked investments in World Liberty influenced administration decisions on advanced chips, arms sales and other policies benefiting the country.

Kessler is already scheduled to testify next week before the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

There is no evidence in the rule that the UAE’s financial dealings with World Liberty influenced Commerce’s decision.

Amazon, Apple, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle and xAI would receive streamlined treatment for some controlled equipment used in UAE operations and data center projects under the new rule.

The changes could speed chip sales by reducing the need for separate export licenses, but they do not eliminate restrictions intended to prevent sensitive technology from reaching prohibited users or countries such as China.

The rule also eases controls on some military, satellite and spacecraft-related exports.

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Apple Calls OpenAI’s Hardware Business ‘Rotten To Its Core’ In Trade Secret Theft Lawsuit

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Apple is suing OpenAI and two of its former employees who currently work at the AI company, for theft of its trade secrets. In a lawsuit filed in federal court Friday, Apple alleges extensive misconduct by the company it once partnered with, describing its hardware business as “rotten to its core.”

The lawsuit also names io Products, the Jony Ive-led hardware startup acquired by OpenAI last year, as complicit in the trade secret theft. It doesn’t mention Ive by name, but described the organization as complicit in “a coordinated pattern of misconduct at an institutional level” within OpenAI.

The filing also names Chang Liu, a former senior system electrical engineer at Apple, and Tang Yew Tan, a former Apple VP who is now OpenAI’s Chief Hardware Officer. Apple claims that both Liu and Tan shared trade secrets with OpenAI. Liu, according to Apple’s lawyers, “surreptitiously accessed and downloaded dozens of Apple’s confidential hardware-related files, including voluminous, detailed information about unreleased products, engineering presentations, technical specifications, and proprietary project data.”

Apple also claims that Tan “has directed job candidates still working for Apple to bring ‘actual parts’ from Apple to their interviews for ‘show and tell’ sessions in which he and his team at OpenAI can elicit still more Apple confidential information.” In all, Apple says that more than 400 of its former employees have taken jobs at OpenAI and that the company’s interview process if structured “to try to solicit additional confidential Apple information.”

OpenAI didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on the allegations. The company “never responded” when Apple reached out about its concerns, the lawsuit says. Drew Pusateri, OpenAI’s director of strategic communications, tweeted that the company has “no interest in other companies’ trade secrets” in reaction to the suit.

Our statement in response to this suit: We have no interest in other companies’ trade secrets. We remain focused on building innovative technology that empowers people everywhere. https://t.co/lIxGW6hyz5

— Drew Pusateri (@drewpusateri) July 10, 2026

In the filing, Apple says that it’s likely not aware of the full extent of OpenAI’s misconduct. “This much is clear, however: at every level, from members of its Technical Staff to its Chief Hardware Officer, and in coordination with business partners, OpenAI has been stealing Apple’s trade secrets and confidential information,” it says. “As a natural result, OpenAI’s nascent hardware business now rests on the shakiest of foundations, rotten to its core by its illegal reliance on misappropriated trade secrets.”

The lawsuit comes as Apple is still partnering with OpenAI for Apple Intelligence. In a footnote, Apple says that its existing agreement, which allows the iPhone maker to integrate chatGPT into its devices, “is not at issue here” and that its allegations of trade secret theft have “no connection” to the arrangement.

Update, July 10, 7:30PM ET: This story was updated after publish to include a public comment from Drew Pusateri, OpenAI’s director of strategic communication.

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Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s ‘Rein Me In’ makes history as longest-running British Number One of all time

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Sam Fender and Olivia Dean‘s ‘Rein Me In’ has made history by becoming the longest-running British Number One single of all time.

The two artists officially released the collaborative version of the ‘People Watching’ track last summer, after they performed it live together at Fender’s shows in London and Newcastle.

READ MORE: Olivia Dean live in Glasgow: a new popstar’s victory lap

In May, the pair celebrated nine non-consecutive weeks at the top spot on the UK singles chart by delivering a joint rendition during Dean’s headline concert at London’s O2. The collab earned Fender his first UK Number One single, and gave Dean her second following ‘Man I Need’.

Its 35-week climb broke the previous record of 19 weeks in the UK top 40, set by Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ in 2014. Fender and Dean’s team-up bagged them the Song Of The Year award at the BRITs 2026, too.

Now, it’s been revealed that the track has spent a record-breaking 16th week at Number One in the UK. The feat sees ‘Rein Me In’ overtake Wet Wet Wet’s ‘Love Is All Around’, which held the British record for more than 30 years after spending 15 weeks at the top spot in 1994. Fender and Dean had tied with the Scottish group last week.

The single now also equals Bryan Adams’ ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You’ (1991) as the joint second-longest-running Number One single of all time, behind Frankie Laine’s ‘I Believe’ from 1958.

Ben Mortimer, President, Polydor Label Group, said: “From the beginning, we knew that ‘Rein Me In’ had a rare quality, so it was important to give it the space and support needed to grow.

“Watching it build has been incredibly rewarding – that kind of sustained success doesn’t happen by accident, it takes brilliant artists and a dedicated team.”

He added: “Breaking a record that has stood for more than 30 years is a remarkable achievement for Sam and Olivia, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part.”

Jo Charrington, President, Capitol UK, commented: “This is the duet of the decade. What Olivia and Sam have achieved with ‘Rein Me In’ is incredibly special.

“To see Olivia’s voice and artistry connect with people on this scale, alongside an artist as brilliant as Sam, has been wonderful to watch.”

Sam Fender performing at Reading 2023. Credit: Andy Ford for NME

Fender and Dean’s duet took 35 weeks from its first UK chart entry to reach Number One, breaking the record for the longest climb to the top when it first hit the summit this February.

At the time, Dean occupied three of the top four spots on the UK singles chart, with ‘So Easy (To Fall In Love)’ rising to Number Two and her previous chart-topper ‘Man I Need’ coming in at Number Four.

‘Rein Me In’ is the longest-running UK Number One of the 2020s, and the only single in UK chart history to climb back to the top position four times during the same chart run.

Olivia Dean. CREDIT: Press

As well as its 16 weeks at Number One, the track has now spent 55 consecutive weeks in the UK top 40, 28 consecutive weeks in the UK top 10, and 38 weeks in total inside the UK top 10.

These figures make it the longest consecutive top 40 run in history, the longest top 10 run in 73 years, the second-longest consecutive top 10 run ever, and the outright record-holder for the most weeks in the UK top 10 for any non-Christmas single.

The collab is also only the second single in history to spend a full calendar year in the UK top 40.

Earlier this year, Fender was the recipient of the Songwriter Of The Year award at the Ivor Novellos. Elton John presented the artist with the prize, describing him as “one of the greatest lyricists Britain has ever produced”.

Nodding to the ongoing success of ‘Rein Me In’, John joked: “The only thing I’ll say is, for Christ’s sake, you’ve been at Number One for 12 weeks now, bugger off!”

Meanwhile, Olivia Dean won the Best New Artist statue at the BET Awards last month. She cleared up at this year’s BRITs in February, with her wins including Album Of The Year for ‘The Art Of Loving’.

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Madison Square Garden Has Been Secretly Tracking Queer Musicians

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Madison Square Garden’s current on-site technology includes cameras that scan for facial recognition, allowing the arena to track every person who enters the building. But according to a recent Wired report, the historic New York City venue is keeping a far more extensive database on celebrities than previously known, with entries noting a supposed risk level, and, in some cases, an individual’s sexual orientation and racial identity. Among those listed are Phoebe Bridgers, Freddie Gibbs, and Geese’s Emily Green.

Wired journalists Noah Shachtman and Maddy Varner combed through Madison Square Garden documents that were published last month by the criminal hacker collective ShinyHunters and first covered by 404 Media. They found 39,539 entries in the Garden’s “talent” database, including politicians, athletes, business figures, and more.

Of the nearly 40,000 people in the database, 93 have been marked as “LGBTQIA,” such as Bridgers, Green, and Ricky Martin. Some celebrities’ race and gender identity were also noted, but not everyone’s was labeled. Pitchfork has reached out to representatives for Martin, Green, and Bridgers for comment.

Roughly 400 celebrities were also reportedly assigned a “risk” score. According to one source who spoke to Wired, Madison Square Garden’s security assigns a score if the person has “done something in the publicity world, the social media world, that has caught the attention of the wrong people.” Those deemed a “low risk” include Ice Spice, Selena Gomez, and Benson Boone, while a “medium risk” tag has been assigned to Morgan Wallen, Lily Allen, and Jadakiss. Then there’s the “high risk” label, which is used on Gibbs, Lil Jon, DaBaby, and A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, among others.

Per Wired, Madison Square Garden’s security actively searches the internet and social media for anything threatening or negative said by its guests, especially celebrities and VIPs. They keep a particularly watchful eye for anything negative about James Dolan, the executive chairman and chief executive officer of Madison Square Garden Sports and Entertainment. Rap producer and longtime Knicks fan DJ Pete Rock is currently marked as “DO NOT HOST” in the database—which Rock believes is due to his call for a boycott of Dolan after former Knicks enforcer Charles Oakley was forcibly escorted from the venue. “You can’t stop me from being a Knick fan, but your controlling behavior towards people is very unprofessional,” Rock told Wired.

The surveillance practices implemented by Dolan are also enforced at his company’s other venues: The Sphere in Las Vegas and Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Madison Square Garden is currently facing several class-action lawsuits that claim this private data leak was the result of Dolan’s increasing surveillance. People whose information may have been compromised are encouraged to change their passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and contact each credit bureau to freeze their credit.

Update: In a statement shared with Pitchfork the morning of Friday, July 10, a representative for Madison Square Garden wrote “Wired’s reporting is inaccurate and false. MSG is pursuing legal remedies.”

Going Analog at Phoebe Bridgers’ Phones-Free MSG Show

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US tags Pax Silica initiative in Philippines as top priority — DoF

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

THE United States has identified its Pax Silica-related initiatives in the Philippines as one of its top priorities, with Manila looking to generate hundreds and thousands of jobs from a “generational investment,” the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go, who met with US Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Lipton on July 9, noted the project’s importance to Washington.

“He expressed that on the economic side, the Pax Silica project is on top of the priority list of the Americans,” he told reporters on Friday.

Citing his talks with Mr. Lipton, the Finance chief said the US is keen to fast-track developments related to Pax Silica in the Philippines.

“If we’re going to do this, we might as well do it as fast as possible so that we can provide jobs and be a significant player in the technology of the future,” Mr. Go said.
He added that the Philippines’ inclusion in Pax Silica is expected to generate “hundreds and thousands of jobs” for Filipinos, as the country seeks to become a global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and chips manufacturing.

“If we want to be a player in the AI industry in the future, we need to start somewhere,” he said. “This is really a great start because once you have the ecosystem, one thing leads to another.”

In April, the Philippines joined Pax Silica, a US-led initiative to secure global AI supply chains and counter China’s growing tech manufacturing sector.

As part of Pax Silica, the Manila and Washington are developing a 1,618-hectare AI-native hub in New Clark City in Tarlac, which is expected to attract AI and chip manufacturing investments.

“I think both sides are very excited to get this moving along, because I really believe this could be a generational type of project,” Mr. Go said.

The Philippines is one of 23 signatories under the Pax Silica, which includes Argentina, Australia, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Sweden, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom.

Mr. Go earlier said the Philippines is hoping to sign a framework agreement under the Pax Silica initiative before the year ends.

Teodoro seeks higher defense spending to bolster maritime security

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro Jr. said on Friday that the Philippines should increase defense spending to between 2% to 4% of gross domestic product (GDP) to strengthen its military capabilities and maritime security, as the government prepares to expand maritime patrols and receive additional defense assets.

Mr. Teodoro said that the government would need to realign its budget to support higher defense spending, noting that resources are finite.

“We definitely need to realign,” he told reporters on the sideline of the Stratbase Institute conference, “More for one means less for another.”

Asked if where the funding can get, he said, “It is up to somebody, all I’m saying is we need to increase.”

Mr. Teodoro also confirmed that the planned transfer of five Japanese warships has been accepted “in principle” and is being worked out, although he declined to provide a timeline.

He said that the vessels would be transferred at no costs, but the Philippines would shoulder expenses for transport, crew training and system integration, as well as invest in new naval facilities to support future acquisitions.

Mr. Teodoro also backed calls for a stronger response to China’s latest claims involving Batanes, saying that the country’s pushback should be firm as such assertions violate international law and Philippine sovereignty.

“Naturally, our pushback should be strong because, number one, this is not only a violation of international law… it is also a violation of the normal thinking of the people,” Mr. Teodoro said.

Former Senior Associate Justice Antonio T. Carpio, meanwhile, challenged China to bring its reported claim over the Batanes Islands before an international court, saying Beijing should prove its assertions through legal channels instead of public statements.

“My challenge to China is why don’t they bring that issue to the International Court of Justice that they own the Batanes Island,” Mr. Carpio told reporters.

“Go ahead, bring a case in the International Court of Justice. We will meet there. We will abide by the ruling,” he added.

Meanwhile, Batanes Rep. Ciriaco B. Gato Jr. rejected the claims, calling the assertions an affront to Philippine sovereignty and the identity of the Ivatan people.

“Batanes is a province of the Republic of the Philippines. The Ivatans are Filipinos,” Mr. Gato said in a statement on Friday, “We treat any insinuation that seeks to question or undermine the absolute sovereignty of the Republic of the Philippines over our islands with utmost gravity.”

Adding, “Any challenge to our statues is not merely a geopolitical provocation; it is an affront to our identity that we will not tolerate.”

The Chinese Embassy to the Philippines did not immediately reply to a Viber message seeking comments.

Meanwhile, Mr. Teodoro said that the Philippines should leverage its growing defense partnerships to deepen economic and political ties with like-minded countries, arguing that security cooperation alone would not be enough to sustain the country’s long-term strategic objectives.

“These defense alliances will not be sustainable if these are strictly defense alliances, but should be the foundations for more extensive economic and, at the end of the day, political relations,” he said at the Stratbase Institute conference marking the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitral ruling.

Mr. Teodoro said that the government is shifting its defense strategy from one centered on internal security and land-based operations to a multi-domain approach that includes the country’s exclusive economic zone, the Philippine Rise and other maritime areas under Philippine jurisdiction.

He said that the review of the country’s defense posture identified significant gaps in infrastructure, logistics, defense industries, and military capabilities, underscoring the need for sustained investments.

The defense secretary also called for stronger cooperation among government, businesses, and civil society in building a credible deterrence, saying that the country’s security depends not only on military spending but also on resilient supply chains, telecommunications networks, critical infrastructure, and strategic industries.

“Without that commitment, then we cannot build a credible deterrence posture, which at the end of the day is necessary for us to assert our rights,” Mr. Teodoro said.

He also described the 2016 arbitral award as a catalyst for the Philippines’ shift toward external defense, saying the ruling has strengthened international support for a rules-based order in the Indo-Pacific.

“It is not an award for the Philippines, it is an award for the world because it institutes the primacy of UNCLOS and guards it against revisionist attempts,” he said.

AFP Chief of Staff Romeo S. Brawner Jr. said that the military’s experience over the past decade has shown that the Philippines must continuously exercise the rights affirmed by the 2016 arbitral ruling.

“Rights endure only when they are exercised,” Mr. Brawner said, adding that the ruling provides a strong legal foundation that must remain meaningful “not only in legal discourse but also in our actions.”

He said that the AFP’s objective is to prevent conflict through credible deterrence posture.

“Credible deterrence is much more than military hardware,” Mr. Brawner said, “It is built through capable forces, operational readiness, trusted partnerships, resilient institutions, and above all, the national resolve to stand firm in defense of what is rightfully ours.”

He also stressed the importance of maintaining a sustained presence in the West Philippine Sea, saying every patrol, resupply mission, and joint exercise reinforce the country’s sovereign rights. — Pexcel John Bacon

UP backs rental housing project amid demolition, displacement concerns

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

The University of the Philippines (UP) on Friday said construction of its ‘low-cost’ rental housing project will begin later this year despite residents’ concerns over displacement and demolition.

“The University has a legal duty to protect and utilize its land for the UP community,” the academic institution said in a statement.

“UP can not turn a blind eye to the substandard living conditions in its own backyard – it is morally bound to help its most vulnerable community members,” it added.

Tensions sparked at Pook Malantic in Barangay UP Campus, UP Diliman, on Wednesday after residents formed a human barricade out of fear of demolition, preventing a private truck and security personnel from entering the community.

The university clarified that no house demolitions were ordered that day and that it intended only to fence the perimeter of the on-site transition housing area.

“UP is indisputably the owner of the land on which rental housing will be provided to UP staff and ISF (informal settler families),” the institution said. “The courts have affirmed many times that UP owns the land in its Diliman campus.”

UP is also committed to providing ‘secure’ and ‘dignified’ shelter to at least 26 ISFs who may be affected by the construction of its housing project. “With on-site relocation, no ISFs will be displaced from their community,” it added.

The UP Southern Diliman Gardens Rental Housing Project is a socialized rental housing project under the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. It is one of the flagship housing components envisioned for the UP Sustainable Development Goals Park.

The project comprises eight walk-up buildings totaling about 1,000 housing units, each measuring 27 square meters. It targets construction completion in 2027.

The rental housing initiative will be undertaken by Megawide Construction, the contractor for the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD).

“UP’s rental housing initiative is specifically designed to provide affordable, decent, secure, and accessible shelter for UP staff and ISFs,” the university said. “Protecting them from displacement or exploitation by individuals or groups falsely claiming ownership of or control over UP land.”

“Beyond housing, UP has committed to providing livelihood training and support, sustainable communal urban farming, education and university readiness programs, and other initiatives for the welfare of community members,” it added.

UP earlier unveiled the model unit for its pilot rental housing project that is expected to benefit over 3,000 individuals. Apart from the Diliman campus, DHSUD is also implementing a rental housing project for UP-Los Baños. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

Philippines’ net FDI inflows plunge to near 10-year low in April

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

Net inflows of foreign direct investments (FDI) in the Philippines plunged to a near 10-year low of $250 million in April, as heightened global uncertainty dented investor sentiment, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Based on central bank data released on Friday, FDI net inflows declined by 58.8% to $250 million in April from $607 million in the same month last year.

April saw the lowest monthly level seen since the $244 million in June 2016, and the steepest year on year drop since the 76.1% in December 2022.

Month on month, FDI net inflows slumped by 59.1% from the $611 million in March.

“The sharp decline in FDI net inflows to $250 million in April likely reflects a combination of weaker intercompany borrowings, slower reinvestment activity, and continued investor caution amid an uncertain global environment,” Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion said via Viber.

The latest FDI level was dragged by the 91.7% drop in net investments in debt instruments to $44 million in April from $522 million a year ago.

Reinvestment of earnings likewise slipped by 1.9% to $80 million from $81 million in April 2025.
Meanwhile, investments in equity and investment fund shares more than doubled (143.5%) to P207 million in April from $85 million the prior year.

Foreign net investments in equity capital other than reinvestment of earnings also ballooned (3,041%) annually to $127 million from $4 million previously.

Equity placements jumped by 21.4% to $136 million from $112 million a year earlier, while withdrawals plunged by 91.7% to $9 million from $108 million.

For Mr. Asuncion, the softer FDI inflows in April likely came as firms and investors deferred investments amid highly uncertain global conditions compounded by weak domestic growth.

“At the same time, heightened global uncertainty stemming from trade tensions, lingering geopolitical risks, and episodes of financial market volatility may have prompted multinational firms to defer expansion plans and adopt a more conservative stance toward capital deployment,” he said.

“Domestically, relatively subdued economic growth in the early part of the year may have also tempered investment decisions,” he added.

FOUR-MONTH FDI DOWN
In the four months to April, the country’s FDI net inflows totaled $1.968 billion, falling by 26.5% from the $2.675 billion in the same period last year.

This was the 15th consecutive month that the cumulative FDI level dropped year on year.

“The decline was driven by lower foreign net investments in debt instruments and reinvestment of earnings, which more than offset the increase in foreign net investments in equity capital (other than reinvestment of earnings),” the BSP said in a statement.

BSP data showed nonresidents’ net investments in debt instruments sank by 40.3% to $1.218 billion in the January-to-April period from $2.042 billion the previous year.

Reinvestment of earnings, on the other hand, dropped by an annual 14% to $285 million in April from $332 million a year ago.

However, net equity capital investments excluding reinvested earnings surged by 53.7% to $464 million as of April from $302 million a year ago.

This as equity capital placements edged up by 3.3% to $526 million from $509 million, with bulk of the flows coming from Japan, the United States, and Singapore.

“These were channeled largely into the manufacturing, financial and insurance, and real estate industries,” the BSP added.

At the same time, withdrawals plunged by 70.5% to $61 million in April from $207 million a year ago.

Investments in equity and investment fund shares also climbed by 18.3% to $750 million during the period from $634 million last year.

According to Mr. Asuncion, the Philippines may continue to see subdued foreign investment flows over the near term, with recovery expected as the global financial climate and domestic growth improve.

“That said, while FDI may remain soft in the near term, we do not expect a sustained collapse in inflows,” he said, noting gains from long-term investment fundamentals, enhanced infrastructure, ongoing investment liberalization measures, and growth opportunities across multiple sectors.

“As global financial conditions stabilize and domestic growth gains traction, we expect FDI inflows to gradually recover, although the pace will likely remain uneven given the lingering uncertainties in the global economy,” Mr. Asuncion added.

The central bank sees FDI net inflows falling to a total of $7 billion this year from the estimated $7.8 billion recorded in 2025.

DepEd tightens LGU classroom construction monitoring

EM - News Moderator — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday said it has strengthened its project monitoring framework as it partners with 168 local government units (LGUs) to construct classrooms nationwide.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure these classrooms are built with efficiency and transparency as this infrastructure is the bedrock of a quality learning environment,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” M. Angara said in a news release.

“We will continue to hold our partners and our internal systems to the highest level of accountability to ensure these projects remain on track,” he added.

According to the agency, 72 provinces, 73 cities, and 23 municipalities have signed Supplemental Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) for the localized classroom building program.

The enhanced monitoring framework aims to ensure that local infrastructure projects align with national timelines, digital validation, and strict quality protocols. All LGU-implemented projects are ordered to strictly adhere to DepEd’s technical standards, safety protocols, and the New Government Procurement Act.

DepEd said that 130 of the 149 monitored LGUs are currently conducting pre-procurement activities, including pre-bidding, posting, opening of bids, preparation of the Program of Work (POW) and Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design (DAED), and market scoping. These activities cover construction requirements for 358 schools nationwide.

Three LGUs have also advanced to the procurement award stage for 22 school sites.

The agency noted that it continues to use INSIGHTED, a real-time digital validation and monitoring system, to track construction progress and monitor the remaining LGUs.

“Our goal is not merely to construct buildings, but to ensure that every peso spent translates into quality and safe classrooms for our learners,” Mr. Angara said in Filipino.

“Under the directive of President Marcos, we continue to strengthen monitoring to ensure that every project meets our high standards,” he added.

The localized classroom construction program complements the agency’s other infrastructure initiatives to address the current classroom gap of over 144,000.

DepEd has allocated P65.9 billion from its P1.015-trillion 2026 budget for the construction of 24,964 new classrooms, and P7.7 billion for the repair and rehabilitation of 11,886 classrooms. — Almira Louise S. Martinez

Big Brother Season 28 Spoilers: First Head of Household Revealed Before Premiere

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

Well, this is a new one.

Big Brother Season 28 hasn’t even premiered yet, and spoilers are already escaping from the most famous house on television.

Hours before Big Brother Season 28 Episode 1 airs, the first Head of Household of the summer has reportedly already been crowned.

(Diana King/CBS )

Survivor alum Dee Valladares is the first Head of Household of the season.

@Hamsterwatch shared the update on Thursday afternoon on X.

Considering Dee was a competition beast during her time on Survivor, it’s no surprise that she would translate well to the Big Brother house.

The most surprising part of this spoiler is that CBS hasn’t even confirmed Dee is part of the Big Brother Season 28 cast.

(CBS/Screenshot)

Shortly after the 14 houseguests were revealed earlier this week, rumors surfaced that polarizing Big Brother Season 26 contestant Angela Murray had joined the cast alongside Survivor standout Rick Devens.

With the season not yet underway and the live feeds still offline, we don’t know exactly how the reality TV veterans will factor into the game.

Big Brother Has a Habit of Bringing Back Players

Last season, Rachel Reilly returned as part of a twist, so it’s widely believed that the “Time Trip” theme will explain why some familiar faces are entering the house.

It could be that only Angela, Dee, and Rick competed for the first Head of Household win, or it’s possible the other houseguests threw the competition to a veteran player.

(CBS/Sonja Flemming)

Either way, Dee immediately enters the game with a major advantage.

Dee was part of one of the most dominant alliances in Survivor history, and I don’t expect her to have much trouble building relationships and finding allies inside the Big Brother house.

The bigger question is whether she’ll want to work with Angela.

Angela remains one of the most controversial faces of modern Big Brother.

(CBS/Sonja Flemming)

The reaction to her rumored casting alone proves that fans still have strong opinions about her return.

Some viewers love the chaotic energy she brings, while others are already dreading another unpredictable summer.

It will be fascinating to see how Angela adapts to a return season as she navigates relationships with 14 new houseguests and two Survivor legends.

The biggest question is whether these reality TV veterans can coexist or whether their personalities will collide before the game even gets going.

(CBS/Sonja Flemming)

Because if Dee and Angela end up on opposite sides, Big Brother Season 28 could have fireworks from the very beginning.

Looking ahead to Big Brother Season 28 Episode 1, it’s expected that Dee won’t be a part of the opening episode.

Earlier reports this week indicated that Dee’s participation will only be revealed on Friday evening on Big Brother: Unlocked, right before the live feeds open.

It’s certainly surprising that CBS didn’t just expand the premiere to feature every contestant, since everyone is finding out the spoilers anyway before the episodes air!

What are your thoughts on these first spoilers from the Big Brother house? Are you excited about Dee potentially steamrolling another CBS hit?

Hit the comments.

Big Brother Season 28 hasn’t even premiered, but the first Head of Household winner has already been spoiled. Get the details!
Reality TV shows like Big Brother recycling players is a big problem. Repeat players are becoming the new norm, and we’re frustrated!
Big Brother has finally unveiled the cast of Season 28, and you better believe we have some thoughts. Let’s discuss!

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How Trump transformed NATO’s extraordinary 48 hours

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

For 48 hours in Ankara, Turkey, it felt as though the world was moving on Donald Trump’s timetable.

Markets lurched. NATO allies braced for confrontation. Ukraine searched for reassurance. Iran threatened to upend the agenda. One moment, leaders were preparing for diplomatic crisis; the next, they were describing a “love-in” with the very president many had feared would leave the alliance more divided than ever.

I’ve covered hundreds of major international events over my 25 years at CNBC — G7, G8 and G20 summits, OPEC meetings, climate conferences and multiple trips to Ukraine. But I’ve never witnessed such dramatic reversals of fortune, affecting so many global players, compressed into just 48 hours.

The NATO Summit wasn’t simply another diplomatic gathering. It became a real-time demonstration of how quickly the geopolitical landscape can shift when President Trump is at the center of it.

While major summits involving the U.S. inevitably revolve around Washington, this one felt different. It revolved not just around one country, but also around one individual.

Think about everything that was in play. Iran. Russia’s war in Ukraine. Greenland. European security. Spain’s refusal to meet NATO’s military spending targets. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy‘s uncertain standing with Washington. Every major issue seemed to converge on one summit — and every one of them ultimately revolved around the U.S. president.

To recount, every European NATO member — plus Canada — was effectively on trial coming into this gathering. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had again been aggressively criticizing NATO for its lack of support over Iran and for failing to spend anywhere near enough money on its own security.

In addition, the president took aim at Denmark yet again over its refusal to hand over Greenland for the greater good — whose greater good being a mildly contentious point — and, of course, Spain was getting both barrels for being even worse than the other 30 NATO partners in its military spending.

Zelenskyy was in town, once again to drum up NATO support. And let’s be honest, he never really knows what kind of reception he’s going to get from the Leader of the Free World.

Then came the absolute bombshell from Mr. Trump that he was done with dealing with the Iranians, done with the memorandum of understanding and the ceasefire. Markets went south and oil went north.

At that point, the summit appeared to be heading toward confrontation.

And yet, then the optics changed on a dime. The mood changed just like that, and suddenly love was in the air.

Even before the big final Trump press conference, world leaders were telling me in quiet asides that the meeting with Trump had gone brilliantly, that he had been very happy, that he had listened — actually listened — to every leader in the big closed-door confab and had left in a good mood.

Hang on, was this the same Donald Trump who had been berating partners only hours earlier?

Yes, apparently so.

I wasn’t so sure, but I heard it myself from the horse’s mouth only hours later when, in front of a thousand journalists at his summit-closing press conference, the U.S. president confirmed the love-in was real.

Standing alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Hegseth and Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, the president spoke of the “tremendous love in the room” during the leaders’ meeting. “The unity was amazing,” he said. “The love was pretty wild.”

It was a remarkable turnaround from the public criticism Trump had directed at many of those same allies only hours earlier.

CNBC’s Steve Sedgwick speaks with Finland’s President Alexander Stubb at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.

Michael Green

The summit produced some clear winners and losers. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan emerged stronger after hosting a smooth summit and appeared to move closer to securing U.S. approval for F-35 fighter jets.

Mark Rutte, the NATO secretary general, kept up the praise for Trump and, in doing so, helped keep the U.S. engaged with NATO, at least for now. Spain and Denmark, despite early assaults, came away without any major rebuke from the U.S. in Trump’s closing press conference.

Another big winner must be Zelenskyy, who appears to have risen in the U.S. president’s estimation as Ukraine has stabilized the battlefield and taken the fight deep into Russia despite the odds. The Ukrainian leader may even have secured a deal to produce Patriot missile systems — something Kyiv has long viewed as a priority.

Losers? Well, clearly Putin would have been unhappy with both the show of unity from NATO, its huge progress on defense spending and Ukraine’s warmer reception from Trump.

And Iran? Well, that remains the big unknown.

I asked the U.S. president directly when I got the chance to fire a question at him: “What happens next if you really have given up on the ceasefire?”

His answer, I’m afraid, was opaque. He simply returned to the point that Iran would never have a nuclear weapon on his watch.

And perhaps that’s the lasting takeaway from these extraordinary 48 hours.

The atmosphere inside NATO changed dramatically over the course of the summit, but the biggest questions remain unanswered. What happens next with Iran? Can the improved mood between Trump and NATO allies last beyond this meeting? And what does it ultimately mean for Ukraine?

Those questions matter far more than the political theater. But if this summit demonstrated anything, it is how quickly the geopolitical landscape can shift when Donald Trump is at the center of it. Allies, adversaries and markets alike are learning to adjust in real time.

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Days After Announcing Mass Layoffs, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Tapped To Advise The Federal Reserve On Jobs

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

Pabradyphoto/Getty Images

The US Federal Reserve has announced the industry leaders who will head up its various task forces guiding monetary policies. The country’s central bank has made some baffling appointments to its productivity and jobs team, which will “Assess the economic impact of new general-purpose technologies, including artificial intelligence, to inform the Federal Reserve’s policy judgments.”

One of the advisors will be new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. After moving to gaming from Microsoft’s Core AI group, in the first few months of her tenure, she’s overseen yet another price hike for the gaming hardware and most recently announced to the company that it would be cutting 3,200 jobs across its studios. Microsoft has been gutting its staff across many divisions for awhile, so this isn’t a new policy she’s personally brought in. But the timing here could not be worse, especially as so much of the game industry is struggling to keep people employed and to figure out a responsible way to use AI.

Joining her in this strange advisory trio are Marc Andreessen, who doesn’t have the best track record on talking intelligently about AI, and Charles I. Jones, a Stanford University economics professor who is currently on leave to work at the Anthropic Institute. Jones aside, it’s not necessarily the most reassuring group when it comes to being critical of artificial intelligence and the job market.

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The Last Dinner Party share “final tale from ‘The Pyre'” with new single ‘Knocking At The Sky’

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

The Last Dinner Party have shared a new single, ‘Knocking At The Sky’ – you can listen to it below.

The song appears on the deluxe edition of the London band’s second and latest album, 2025’s ‘From The Pyre’, which was released today (Thursday July 9).

Abigail Morris and co. debuted the track at London’s O2 Academy Brixton last December, and have since made it a regular fixture of their setlist. They most recently performed it at Mad Cool in Madrid last night (Wednesday July 8).

“‘Knocking At The Sky’ is the final tale from The Pyre. After creating an album about storytelling and worldbuilding, we thought it apt to end this act with a story set in the sinister mythworld itself: Los Angeles,” explained The Last Dinner Party.

“Hollywood is the ultimate fairytale; the stakes are at surreal heights, the landscape is unruly and plastic and its populated with a cast of Grimm characters all striving and struggling at the centre of their own hero’s journey.”

The single was the last song The Last Dinner Party recorded with Animesh Raval at Crouch End’s Church Studios. It is accompanied by a music video shot with director Sinclair Bryant in the band’s ersatz LA, as an homage to classic cinema.

“The visuals pay tribute to the sirens of Hollywood noir, the scream queens of slashers and skin flicks, and the underground world of John Waters,” a description adds.

‘From The Pyre (Deluxe Edition)’ also features the 2026 single ‘Big Dog’ and its accompanying spoken word piece, ‘Come All You Beasts’. Listen in full here.

Last weekend saw The Last Dinner Party open for Wolf Alice at their huge Finsbury Park show in London.

They’ll appear at Latitude and Wilderness this summer as part of their current UK and European festival run, before supporting both Sombr and Olivia Rodrigo in the US later this year and into 2027.

Reviewing TLDP’s slot at Mad Cool last night, NME wrote: “It left fans hungry for more, hopeful that their next course might be somewhat meatier.”

NME described the original ‘From The Pyre’ album as “a darker, more accomplished return” in a four-star review, concluding: “It’s still as deliciously dramatic as [2024 debut] ‘Prelude To Ecstasy’, fleshing out their world more and more with daring, dashing songs of true depth.”

The group later told us that their latest full-length effort was an “end of the world” album of sorts. Frontwoman Abigail Morris explained that the record examined “the surreal, simultaneously euphoric and destructive feeling of being in this band and everything we experienced over the last 18 months”.

Meanwhile, Morris recently joined forces with Lucia & The Best Boys on the single ‘Big Romance’. Earlier this year, The Last Dinner Party contributed to the star-studded ‘Help(2)’ charity album for War Child with the song ‘Let’s Do It Again!’.

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Watch ANOHNI Cover Selena and Lou Reed for Balenciaga

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:03:03 -0600

On Wednesday, July 8, the fashion house Balenciaga presented it’s latest haute couture collection at Paris Fashion Week, the first designed by freshly-appointed creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli. But Piccioli’s garments weren’t the only new pieces of art revealed on the catwalk. The runway sountrack featured a recorded performance by ANOHNI, who covered verses from the late Selena’s “I Could Fall In Love” and Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day,” before seguing into three of her original songs: “Miracle Now,” “My Lord My Love,“ and “Hope There’s Someone.” Listen—and watch the show—below.

ANOHNI and the Johnsons released their most recent album, My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross, in 2023. In 2024, the group also shared a standalone song, “Breaking,” produced during the same sessions for that LP. More recently, ANOHNI appeared on the November 2024 Red Hot Organization benefit compilation Transa, contributing a cover of SOPHIE’s “Is It Cold In The Water?” with Moses Sumney.

Read more about ANOHNI in The 200 Most Important Artists of Pitchfork’s First 25 Years.

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SM Prime opens P7-billion Cebu arena

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:00:11 -0600

SM PRIME HOLDINGS, Inc. has expanded its South Road Properties (SRP) estate in Cebu City with the opening of the P7-billion SM Seaside Cebu Arena, which the company said marks the next phase of its integrated development in the area.

The property developer formally introduced the arena to trade, industry, and corporate partners on Thursday.

“Cebu has long been one of the country’s most dynamic markets. With this arena, we can bring more Filipino and international acts to the Visayas and strengthen the region’s place in the live entertainment circuit,” SM Prime President Jeffrey C. Lim said in a statement.

The arena has direct access to SM Seaside City Cebu and the upcoming SMX Convention Center Seaside Cebu, Park Inn by Radisson, and Radisson Hotel.

“More importantly, this investment will generate economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs and nearby communities,” Mr. Lim said.

Designed by global architecture firm Arquitectonica, the arena spans more than seven hectares (ha) of gross floor area and can accommodate up to 25,000 guests.

It features a center-hung display system for sports, concerts, and other live events.

The venue also has 30 Premier Suites above the VIP sections. Each suite can accommodate 13 to 31 guests and includes dedicated VIP lounges, a café, and an exclusive entrance.

SM Prime said the arena will open its major events calendar with the BINI Signals World Tour on July 11.

Other scheduled events include performances by IV of Spades, TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan, Hillsong Worship, and LANY.

“This arena is part of our long-term vision for Cebu. By creating a world-class platform for live entertainment and large-scale gatherings within SRP, we give local and foreign tourists another reason to visit and stay longer,” Mr. Lim said.

SM Prime shares fell 1.74% to P18.10 apiece on Thursday. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

Philippines secures $60-M grant from MCC

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:00:11 -0600

THE PHILIPPINES has secured a $60-million (around P3.7-billion) grant from the US Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC) to support reforms aimed at improving energy security, electricity sector governance, and the investment climate, the Department of Finance (DoF) said.

In a statement on Thursday, the Finance department said the country was selected for the MCC Threshold Program, which helps countries address key policy and institutional constraints to economic growth.

“The approval of the $60-million MCC Threshold Program affirms the Philippines’ commitment to good governance, transparency, and sound economic management,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said.

“It reflects the confidence of our international partners in the reforms we are pursuing to strengthen institutions, improve the ease of doing business, and create more opportunities for Filipinos,” he added.

The DoF was designated as the lead agency for engagement with the MCC and will work with relevant government agencies to develop and implement the program.

The grant will support the Energy Development Governance Efficiency project, which seeks to improve governance and operational efficiency in the country’s electricity sector.

The initiatives are expected to reduce delays in project implementation, improve the reliability of electricity supply, and encourage greater private investment in the sector.

“This grant comes at an opportune time and provides a significant boost to our efforts to strengthen the country’s energy security,” Mr. Go said.

“We thank the MCC for its continued partnership with the Philippines as we pursue reforms that deliver more reliable services, attract greater private investment, and sustain faster, more inclusive economic growth,” he added.

The MCC Board approved the program on June 24 to help the Philippine government address the high cost and unreliability of electricity.

“The approval of the Philippines Threshold Program reflects the strength of the US-Philippines partnership and our shared commitment to expanded economic opportunity and mutual prosperity,” US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau said in a June 25 statement.

“By strengthening energy security, this program will help unlock US private sector investment and support lasting, broad-based growth across the Philippines,” he added.

The Philippines qualified for the Threshold Program after meeting the MCC’s scorecard standards on economic freedom, ruling justly, and investing in people.

Jose Enrique “Sonny” A. Africa, executive director of the think tank IBON Foundation, said that the grant could help improve regulatory processes but is unlikely to significantly strengthen long-term economic resilience without broader structural reforms.

“It might support incremental improvements but is unlikely to have a transformative impact on the country’s long-term economic resilience or investment climate,” he told BusinessWorld.

Mr. Africa said the country’s vulnerability to energy shocks stems more from its reliance on private investment and market incentives than from regulatory bottlenecks.

He said reforms should instead focus on making state-owned energy firms dominant in power generation, transmission and distribution, citing countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

The MCC is an independent US foreign assistance agency that provides time-limited grants to support reforms that promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and strengthen public institutions.

Over the past two decades, the MCC has invested more than $17 billion across 76 programs in partner countries. — J.I.D.Tabile

DBCC trims revenue goals

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:00:11 -0600

THE DEVELOPMENT Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) trimmed its tax revenue projections for this year, as it cut the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) target by 1% amid expectations of slower economic growth.

Data from the DBCC showed it cut its overall revenue projection for 2026 by 0.33% to P4.807 trillion, equivalent to 15.78% of gross domestic product (GDP), from the P4.823 trillion or 15.8% of GDP approved during its 192^nd meeting in December.

The revised projection is also 3.5% lower than the P4.983-trillion program under the 2026 Budget of Expenditures and Sources of Financing.

Tax revenues are now expected to account for P4.442 trillion or 92.4% of total revenues this year, 0.7% lower than the P4.474 trillion projected in December.

For the BIR, its collection target for this year was lowered by 1% to P3.393 trillion from P3.43 trillion previously. However, BIR collections are still expected to account for about 76.4% of total tax revenues.

Finance Undersecretary Rolando T. Ligon, Jr. said the lower target mainly reflected the ambitious goal set last year.

“Actually, if you look at the year-on-year collection, the BIR collections have increased. Unfortunately, the set target was 25% more than the last year,” he told reporters on Wednesday.

Last year, the BIR collected P3.109 trillion in revenues, up 9% from the previous year. If the revised projection is realized, BIR’s collection will increase by 9% this year,

In the first five months, BIR collections rose by 5.5% year on year to P1.434 trillion, and 0.7% above the P1.424-trillion target for the period.

The DBCC had tweaked its revenue collection targets after it lowered the GDP growth projection to 3.5-4.5% this year from 5-6% previously.

“Growth is expected to moderate this year amid heightened domestic and external uncertainties, including the lingering effects of governance-related issues, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and other global developments affecting business and consumer confidence,” the DBCC earlier said.

Meanwhile, the DBCC raised the Bureau of Customs’ (BoC) revenue collection target by 0.7% to P1.011 trillion this year from P1.003 trillion previously.

Mr. Ligon said the higher BoC revenue projection reflected the agency’s efforts to boost collections, as well as the weaker peso against the US dollar.

In the first half, BoC collections rose 7.2% to P491.75 billion, and exceeded the P480.27-billion target for the period by 2.4%.

The local currency has been trading above the P61-per-dollar mark since June 22. On Thursday, the peso closed P61.605 against the greenback, weakening by 10 centavos from its P61.505 finish on Wednesday.

Mr. Ligon also said the BoC also remained on track to hit its target this year, despite the three-month suspension of excise taxes on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The government suspended excise taxes on kerosene and LPG beginning April 17 to provide relief for consumers after oil prices surged due to the conflict in the Middle East. The Department of Finance (DoF) estimated the measure reduced revenues by about P2.5 billion over the three-month period.

The government lifted the suspension this week after the Department of Energy certified that the average Dubai crude oil price in June fell to $79.45 per barrel, below the $80 threshold that triggers the temporary tax relief.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said the DBCC could again recommend suspending the excise taxes should average Dubai crude prices rise above $80 per barrel.

“We can again make a recommendation (to the President) to reduce or suspend the excise taxes,” he said.

While tax revenue projections were revised downward, the DBCC raised its nontax revenue forecast by 4.3% to P365.1 billion from P349.9 billion previously. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

A decade after Hague win, Filipino fishers still shut out of Scarborough Shoal

EM - News Moderator — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 21:00:11 -0600

LEONARDO CUARESMA remembers when a day at Scarborough Shoal almost guaranteed a full catch. Nearly a decade after the Philippines won an international arbitration case against China, the 60-year-old fisherman says that promise remains out of reach as Chinese vessels continue to keep Filipino boats away from one of their richest traditional fishing grounds.

“The arbitral ruling was significant,” Mr. Cuaresma, who heads a fishermen’s association in Zambales province, said by phone in Filipino. “However, even though we won the case, it did not help our livelihoods.”

Defense economist Rocio Salle Gatdula said the arbitration victory remains legally significant but has produced little practical benefit for fishermen.

“However politically impactful the arbitration was, the ruling has not improved access for Filipino fishermen to traditional grounds like Scarborough Shoal, with Chinese forces continuing to harass and restrict entry despite the legal invalidation of China’s claims,” she said via Facebook Messenger.

The Philippines brought China before a United Nations-backed arbitral tribunal in 2013, challenging Beijing’s sweeping “nine-dash line” claim over most of the South China Sea.

On July 12, 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that China’s expansive maritime claims had no legal basis under international law and that Beijing had violated the Philippines’ sovereign rights within its exclusive economic zone.

The ruling also found that China unlawfully prevented Filipino fishermen from accessing Scarborough Shoal, a traditional fishing ground shared by the Philippines, China and Vietnam. Beijing has consistently rejected the decision.

Known locally as Bajo de Masinloc or Panatag Shoal, Scarborough lies about 220 kilometers west of Zambales. The coral atoll has long sustained fishing communities in western Luzon with its abundant marine resources.

“Bajo de Masinloc is very important for us because in times of need, we know that there is a place where we can catch fish,” Mr. Cuaresma said. He described the shoal as so rich in fish that they appeared “like grains of unhusked rice scattered across the water.”

That abundance has become increasingly difficult to reach.

China has maintained effective control over the shoal since a 2012 standoff with Philippine government vessels. Chinese coast guard, navy and maritime militia ships have since maintained a near-continuous presence around the atoll, regularly driving away Filipino fishermen.

“They always tell us not to approach Bajo de Masinloc and drive us away,” Mr. Cuaresma said.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent via Viber.

China has strengthened its presence around Scarborough despite the arbitral ruling. Chinese coast guard vessels accumulated 933 ship-days around the shoal during the first seven months of 2026, nearly matching the 1,099 ship-days recorded for all of 2025, according to a July report by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI).

AMTI said several coast guard vessels coordinated patrols around a perimeter roughly 30 nautical miles from the shoal, while six to eight Chinese maritime militia vessels maintained a persistent presence closer to the lagoon.

Philippine maritime agencies have also stepped up patrols. AMTI estimated Philippine vessels averaged 43 ship-days a month near Scarborough in the first half, a 43% increase from the previous year.

‘CLOSE EYE’
The increased patrols have also resulted in more confrontations. AMTI tracked 112 days of interaction between Philippine and Chinese vessels near the shoal in the first six months, averaging 19 days each month.

The think tank also noted that China has adopted additional measures to reinforce its presence. Last year, Beijing established a 3,500-hectare marine reserve around part of the shoal, and floating buoys have since appeared near the feature, prompting Manila to file diplomatic protests.

“As Beijing pushes the boundaries of just how much control it can assert over the shoal, Manila and Washington would do well to keep a close eye on Scarborough,” AMTI said.

Ms. Gatdula said the Philippines should continue expanding joint patrols with allies such as the US and Japan while sustaining transparency efforts documenting Chinese activities in contested waters.

She also urged the government to accelerate the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ modernization program by acquiring more offshore patrol vessels, frigates, anti-submarine capabilities and maritime surveillance radars, while investing in domestic shipbuilding to strengthen long-term maritime presence.

Matteo Piasentini, a senior lecturer at the University of the Philippines and analyst for China and Indo-Pacific region at Italian think tank Geopolitica, said Manila should complement military modernization with investments in maritime infrastructure that strengthen coastal communities and economic activity.

“There are many measures that could be adopted, such as developing maritime infrastructure in the area,” he said. Such projects would improve the country’s maritime capacity without necessarily requiring large-scale development of disputed features.

Mr. Piasentini added that China tends to intensify maritime coercion when the geopolitical costs remain low, making credible deterrence essential.

He said relatively inexpensive assets such as drones, small patrol vessels and subsea monitoring systems could significantly boost Philippine maritime capabilities.

For Mr. Cuaresma, the Philippines should not stop asserting its rights even if Beijing continues to ignore the tribunal’s ruling.

“It’s important to file another case so our neighboring countries and allies will take notice,” he said. “It will show that we are not simply giving it away.”

For fishermen who once relied on Scarborough Shoal for their livelihoods, the 2016 arbitration victory remains more a legal milestone than a practical one.

Nearly a decade later, access to one of the country’s richest fishing grounds is still measured not by international law, but by the ships waiting at its entrance. — KCLB

El Niño, prolonged Middle East war seen keeping Philippine inflation elevated

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:28:03 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

Headline inflation could stay above the Philippine central bank’s target for longer if price pressures worsen amid the looming El Niño season, renewed Middle East conflict, and a potential de-anchoring of inflation expectations.

In its latest Monetary Policy Report following its June meeting, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said its “high-inflation scenario” sees the headline print moving further away from its 3% target over the medium term.

“The high-inflation scenario pushes headline inflation further above the 3% target over the medium term,” it said. “This suggests the need for a tighter monetary policy stance to contain sustained cost-push shocks. The negative output gap widens further under a more restrictive monetary stance.”

Under this scenario, the central bank said risks will stem from potential oil supply shortages in the country, renewed escalation in the US-Israel war on Iran, costlier rice amid El Niño, and de-anchoring of inflation expectations.

Its low-inflation scenario, on the other hand, shows inflation will be elevated only in the near term as price pressures fade by next year.

This may be realized if global oil prices drop to a full-year average of $80 per barrel in 2026 before falling further to $70 per barrel in 2028 backed by a Middle East war de-escalation and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Expectations of sluggish consumption and investments amid weak sentiment could likewise ease price pressures, the central bank added.

“The low-inflation scenario shows elevated headline inflation in 2026, followed by a gradual decline to within the inflation target tolerance ceiling in 2027,” the BSP said.

“While weaker demand and lower oil prices help ease price pressures, some policy tightening in 2026 remains necessary. However, the required tightening is less than that implied by the central projection,” it added.

The central bank expects inflation to accelerate sharply to 6.4% this year from 1.7% last year, before easing to 4.5% in 2027 and 3.1% in 2028.

Elle’s Danielle Chand On Playing the Most Popular Girl at Rainier West High

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:03:05 -0600

The first season of Prime Video’s prequel series to the Legally Blonde movies, Elle, has hit all the right notes for nostalgia and humor, with a quirky Scooby-gang vibe to boot.

A key character in the series is Shannon Walker, a senior at Rainier West High, Elle’s new school in Seattle, who proves that being popular doesn’t exclude being kind and optimistic.

Landing the role of Shannon Walker was actress Danielle Chand’s first big booking, and, speaking exclusively with TV Fanatic via Zoom from Vancouver, Canada, she shared how amazing the whole experience was.

(Pamela Littky/Prime Video)

Tell us about how you landed the role on Elle. This is your first major job you’ve booked, is that correct?

Yeah, my first booking! I got the self-tape request sent to me via my agent just through email. I was at my restaurant job at the time when I looked at my phone and saw that I had an audition. “Okay, cool.”

At this point, all of my auditions had just been smaller ones. I had only been with my agent for not even a year yet, so we were still trying to do smaller auditions, nothing too big, nothing too crazy.

Then, after my shift, I opened my phone and was like, “Wait, what is this?” because the description said it might be a good idea to watch the Legally Blonde movie.

(Kristine Cofsky)

After that, I taped the audition and, two days later, my agent told me that Vancouver casting was going to be sending it to L.A. and I was like, “That’s crazy, okay.”

Two days after that, I had just shown up to my restaurant job — it was 10 am, I was opening — said hi to my managers, went to the office, and my agent called me. “They want to do a Zoom interview with you at 2 pm!”

At 2 pm? “So, I’m going to go back out to my managers and say, ‘I actually can’t work my full shift.’ [laughs] They were so supportive. I was so grateful because they had just done all of their call-offs for the day, and then they called someone back in.

They said, “No worries, as soon as this person comes in, you can totally go.” I think I served two tables, and then I was outta there.” Did the Zoom callback. That night is when I heard the news. I was in acting class at the time. The turnaround was so fast!

(Kristine Cofsky)

After booking the role, what happened next?

For some reason, March 17 is ingrained in my mind. That was either the table of the table read or something like that. We did the table read, and then I remember being on set for April 5.

I don’t even think all the scripts were actually finished yet. I think I only had maybe two or three Shannon scripts. It was very exciting, and it all happened very fast.

What was the vibe like among the cast?

The cast was fantastic. Everyone was super nice. I remember at the table read, we all created a group chat right away.

(Kristine Cofsky)

Then, because they were in my neck of the woods, I was like, “All right, welcome to Vancouver! Cactus Club [restaurant] is really close by.” I kind of think that’s a Vancouver staple, and none of them had gone to a Cactus Club before.

So I took them to Cactus Club, and we got to know each other a little bit. It was fantastic working with everybody.

[Full disclosure: Cactus Club is NOT Danielle’s restaurant job, although she did work there as a hostess in 2018. It was her first job.]

Did you get to attend some of the premiere events?

I was included in the premiere, and there was an afterparty after that that I went to. The premiere was fantastic. It was such a dream come true. And so wild.

There were so many press opportunities there on the carpet. So many microphones everywhere! I was just like, “What is happening?” and in awe that the cast… that was not their first time doing that. It was a lot, but it was very fun.

(Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Prime Video)

The premiere was in New York. It was my first time in New York, so I ended up staying a little longer. Just wanted to tour the city, saw a Broadway show, had to do the whole thing.

I saw Death Becomes Her. It was so much fun. I hadn’t seen a live show in such a long time. It was really nice to just be a theater kid. Sit with my Sour Patch Kids and just enjoy the show.

Had you seen the Legally Blonde movies before they were assigned as homework?

Yes, I saw the Legally Blonde movies in high school. I definitely had to go back to it just because it had been a while. I remember re-falling in love with it, watching it.

It was also crazy because watching the Legally Blonde movie — taking [note of] tone, trying to figure out where Shannon would fit into that type of world — then seeing Lexi at the table read and being like, “Woah, she is literally Elle Woods.” Perfect casting.

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

With Elle as a prequel, we see the proto-Legally Blonde version of Elle Woods navigating cliques and other high school issues. What was your personal experience navigating that environment?

I would say elementary school is when I experienced the more cliquey behavior among students — the mean girls, the people who are a little bit more on the outside. I was a little bit more on the outside.

And then, in high school, I was at a very small high school. Maybe only 750 or something like that. I related to Shannon not because she’s the most popular girl at school, but just because she knows everybody and is friends with everybody.

Yeah, I was kind of the floater at school, where I did have my core group of friends — I still talk to a lot of them today — but I just remember being at school and kind of bopping around, being able to work with anybody when it came to class projects.

(Kristine Cofsky)

At the caf or at a school event, everything was pretty chill. But also, because I was a floater, I don’t think I knew much about each specific friend group, since I wasn’t so close with each one.

What were your touchstones for how Shannon relates to the people in her life?

When it came to Shannon and Miles’s relationship, Jacob [Moskovitz] and I sat down at a coffee shop and talked about this two-year-long relationship that we had barely gone through, and then a few episodes in, we broke up.

So he and I said, “Let’s build this relationship. What did their relationship look like?”

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

It was a lot of Jacob feeling like Miles was always trying to do the right thing. He would do whatever for Shannon, and she would do the same for him, but as for the intentions behind it, he wanted to be the good boyfriend.

For me, thinking of Shannon and her wanting the world, loving her boyfriend, but her boyfriend wasn’t her identity. Miles felt like the identity was the “Shannon-Miles” relationship.

She ultimately breaks up with him, and we thought, “Yeah, Miles wouldn’t be the one to break up with Shannon because of the relationship dynamic.” It was safe. It was comfortable. They were really close. They had known each other all their lives.

So, yeah, [Jacob] and I did a deep dive of their day-to-day, what the routine was like. Study sessions. They’d go out for runs because he’s on the cross-country team.

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

When Chandler [Kinney] and I talked about Kimberly and Shannon’s dynamic, they grew up together, so Shannon saw Kimberly’s home life.

There’s a lot of empathy and compassion for Kimberly because of her harshness at school, since Shannon knows her home life isn’t great and that she lives this double life.

We all have friends who aren’t everybody’s cup of tea, but you love them so much because you know everything about them.

In terms of drawing from real-life experiences, I’ve definitely had friends where someone’s all, “Oh, I don’t know about this person,” and I’m like, “Just get to know them. They’re awesome. They’re a little bit intense, but they’re great people to the core. These are the people you want in your corner.”

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

I really had to work on character development and on building relationships between Shannon and Kimberly, and between Shannon and Miles.

And then, after that, a lot of my scenes were with Elle, which was nice because we were new friends. There didn’t have to be a lot of backstory there, but more just things they related to: fashion, both being bubbly, and being very optimistic.

There’s a genuine mother-daughter vibe between you and Sharon Taylor, who plays Shannon’s mother, Robin. Was that something that came naturally for you two?

When we met, everyone in Hair and Makeup was like, “Okay, Casting. You guys look really similar!” It was really funny because she was my first TV Mom!

I was intrigued as to who they were going to go with. I’m very mixed — I’m Indigenous, I’m Indian, and I’m Swiss — so I was wondering what my mom was going to look like. They could’ve hired anyone. I had no idea what they were going to do.

It was also so easy to work with Sharon. She was very lovely to work with. I just remember being on set and everyone commenting, “You guys look related.” It was wild!

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

I drew a lot from me and my mom’s relationship. My mom hasn’t written a book, but we’re really, really close. We have a close dynamic. Also, my mom and dad never stayed together either. Unlike Shannon, I’m really close with my dad.

But I drew on the idea of a mom and daughter who love and want to support each other, which was great because that’s my mom and me.

My mom and I also have a small age gap. My mom was 22 when she had me, and Sharon looks so young. It all made sense.

The book Robin writes in the show is all about overcoming adversity and surviving. Do you think Shannon’s optimism and ability to find the good in people and situations stemmed from her mom’s can-do attitude?

Yes, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Shannon did find her mom very inspiring. Even when Shannon puts the book in Elle’s gift basket. She’s very much saying, “My mom’s the best! I’m so proud of her. You don’t have to read it, but…”

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

A lot of Shannon’s positivity, being super heartfelt, and wanting to see the best in others… that’s definitely from her mom.

Even in the bookstore scene, when Eva [Elle’s mother] is saying, “Your book reminded me of my husband’s botched nose job,” the way that Robin reacts is, “Well, I’m so glad that you found something in there.”

She realizes this is a bit much, but Robin’s not the type of person to say, “Wow, you get the book.” No ego there. It’s more, “I’m really happy that you enjoyed it.”

Now that the show’s dropped and you’ve seen it in its entirety, is there anything that stood out for you from this experience?

It was such a nice treat to see it all put together. Because I was mostly in scenes with just Elle, I didn’t get to see everyone else’s talent and everyone else’s characters.

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

So it was really nice to watch everyone and feel so proud to see the whole thing come together.

When we were on set, there were two months where I was super busy. I was there a lot. Then there were two other months when I was here for just five days and there for five days.

I wasn’t always watching the monitor, where I could see everyone’s scenes. And that’s not even the same as sitting down and watching the show.

What stood out to me was seeing it as a whole, how they put everything together.

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

I’m not in it, but the Breakfast Club episode [Elle Season 1 Episode 6, “Whoever Said Orange is the New Pink Was Seriously Disturbed”] I LOVED Episode 6! It was so cute.

Also, a shout-out to the teachers! I didn’t see any of the teachers’ performances until watching it. I just loved the dynamic of the teachers who are just clueless and then the principal! He’s just reacting however he feels he needs to react.

Basically, everything that I didn’t see [while shooting] was a very nice surprise.

What’s next for you?

Right now, I’m just auditioning. There’s nothing else at this time, but we’re still early in the year. I’m really hopeful. That’s always how I like to think: there’s something coming. I don’t know when, but there’s always something coming.

(Prime Video/Screenshot)

Shannon and I are similar in that way. I’m a huge optimist, very optimistic by default. You have to be. It’s an industry where you really don’t control much. I don’t want to focus too much on waiting to be picked.

It’s going to happen. Not sure when, but that’s how I’m going to look at it because it can get so grim and so dark otherwise.

Also, I’m doing classes right now. Scene study classes. I love the community of people that I work with. It’s also so positive because people are constantly booking in class all the time. I love to be around that.

It’s all manifestation. Even if it’s not my success, it’s about thinking about other people’s success and being happy for them.

(Kristine Cofsky)

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Be sure to catch Danielle as Shannon Walker on Elle Season 1, now streaming on Prime Video.

Over to you, Fanatics! With Elle Season 2 already in production, is Shannon’s return on your wishlist?

Could she be Elle’s mentor at F.I.T.? Will she return for Kimberly’s graduation? Hit our comments below with your best ideas for her triumphant — or at least celebratory — return!

Interviews like this take time and care — and we hope it shows.
If you liked hearing from me, please comment or share the article. That’s how we keep conversations like this going.

In this exclusive interview, Danielle Chand describes landing her first TV role as Shannon, the girl whom teenage Elle Woods yearns to be besties with.
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Read the original article here

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Platner quits Maine Senate race; Democrats set to pick new nominee

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:03:05 -0600

Graham Platner, Democratic US Senate candidate for Maine, during a primary election night event at the Blue Hill YMCA in Blue Hill, Maine, US, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.

Graeme Sloan | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Democratic Maine Senate nominee Graham Platner said he intends to exit the race on Wednesday after a woman accused him of sexually assaulting her in 2021, causing an insurmountable rupture with his closest allies.

Platner’s fall is a seismic shift in the 2026 midterm elections, as Democrats try to wrest control of Congress from Republicans and weaken President Donald Trump‘s grip on power. Flipping the Maine seat held by five-term Republican Sen. Susan Collins is critical to those ambitions, and Democrats in the state must now field a new candidate with less than four months until Election Day.

Platner, an oysterman and military veteran, said in Wednesday that he is “suspending campaign operations” after his support dried up and national fundraisers threatened to direct money away from his campaign.

“We believe that for the movement to continue, it can’t be me,” Platner said. “I intend to file my paperwork to withdraw. The process needs to assure that what comes next is reflective of the Mainers who, on June 9, turned out and showed that they are desperate for a different kind of politics.”

In a direct-to-camera video, Platner said that his decision to withdraw “most certainly is not” an admission of guilt, but a reflection of the reality he now faces. He has denied claims made by his Jenny Racicot, who dated Platner and told Politico he forced himself on her in 2021 while heavily intoxicated.

“We did it the right way, we built a campaign, we engaged in electoral politics, we motivated people, we banded together,” he said. “We did it the way we are told we are supposed to make change, and we won, and now they are not going to let us have it. Not if it’s me.”

His fall from grace is a tremendous swing-and-miss by Democrats, who once hoped the gruff, progressive Mainer could help the party reconnect with disaffected blue-collar voters who gravitated toward Trump. And his campaign’s implosion now puts Democrats’ hopes for Senate control in jeopardy by pushing a must-win state into harder-to-reach territory.

Members of the Maine Democratic Party voted Wednesday night to hold a nominating convention to select a replacement for Platner. The party said it will provide more information on the convention in the coming days. Maine law stipulates that the party can replace him on the ballot by July 27.

Multiple candidates have already hopped into the race to replace him, though the process for nominating a new candidate remains largely unclear.

Dan Kleban, the founder of Maine Beer Company who ran for the seat in the Democratic primary earlier this year, said on Wednesday he will try again for the nomination.

Volkswagen Is Employing 100 Sheep At A Solar Farm In Poland

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:03:05 -0600

It’s more of a baa-ter arrangement.

canon_photographer/Shutterstock

Volkswagen has some woolly new unofficial employees flocking to one of its European facilities. There are now 100 sheep grazing at the solar farm that powers the car company’s manufacturing plant in Poznań, Poland. Electrek reports that in addition to replacing lawn mowers, the critters are part of a bigger research project to study agrivoltaics, where agriculture and energy are farmed in the same space in a symbiotic relationship. Poznań University of Life Sciences is handling the study of the flock, exploring how the grazing activity impacts animal welfare, biodiversity, soil quality, vegetation and the microclimate at the site.

“Today, the photovoltaic farm delivers much more than green electricity. It has also become a place that supports biodiversity, local agriculture, and scientific research. The sheep grazing project demonstrates that modern industry can work in harmony with nature,” Marzena Pillich-Grońska, director of Volkswagen Poznań, said. A video posted by Quanta Energy, which built Volkswagen’s solar farm, shows some of the sheep in situ:

Agrivoltaics has become a compelling subject for the energy industry, allowing hybrid use of land. We’ve seen experiments with crops grown under solar panels, but the introduction of livestock seems both smart and adorable.

Read the original article here

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You’re very beautiful as YOURSELF

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:03:05 -0600

Ariana Grande impersonator Paige Niemann has shared a private DM she received from the pop star after going viral online.

Niemann, who built a huge online following thanks to her resemblance to Grande, has opened up about the message in a new six-part documentary series Turning The Paige, which is available now via Apple TV. Watch it here.

The series follows Niemann as she attempts to “reclaim her identity” after years of being known online as an Ariana Grande lookalike. The first episode sees her stepping back into the spotlight, while later episodes explore the online backlash and her attempts to build a career on her own terms.

In the documentary, Niemann shares a message she says Grande sent her in 2019, after the singer came across videos of her impersonating both Grande and her Nickelodeon character Cat Valentine from Victorious.

“I am flattered and i am sure you’re very sweet,” Grande reportedly wrote. “but i just wanted you to know, i looked back a little ways on your page and i think someone should tell you if they haven’t today that you’re very beautiful as YOURSELF.”

Ariana Grande impersonator Paige Niemann reveals in her documentary that the singer DMed her:

“i am flattered and i am sure you’re very sweet. but i just wanted you to know, i looked back a little ways on your page and i think someone should tell you if they haven’t today that… pic.twitter.com/5kWvMKeEDh

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) July 8, 2026

The DM reportedly continued: “Without all the make up and trying to make your face look more similar to someone else’s and whatnot. i had to say it because it is the truth. always do what makes you happy of course but if i didn’t say that to you, i’d regret it. you’re beautiful as you are. take care.”

Niemann first went viral in 2019, when clips of her recreating Grande’s signature high ponytail, winged eyeliner and mannerisms spread widely on TikTok. Grande herself responded publicly at the time, describing it as “bizarre” to see her Cat Valentine voice paired with her then-current pop star image, while adding that she was sure Niemann was “the sweetest”.

Grande is currently preparing to release her eighth studio album ‘Petal’, which is set to arrive on July 31 via Republic Records.

The album follows 2024’s ‘Eternal Sunshine’ and its deluxe edition ‘Brighter Days Ahead’, and includes the lead single ‘Hate That I Made You Love Me’. Grande recently unveiled the full tracklist during a show at the Kia Forum in Inglewood, California.

The ‘Eternal Sunshine’ tour kicked off in Oakland earlier this month and will include a 10-night residency at The O2 in London later this year. Find any remaining tickets here.

The album comes after Grande reassured fans last year that she was not “abandoning” music while continuing to focus on acting. She is due to appear in the comedy sequel Focker-In-Law alongside Ben Stiller and Robert De Niro, and will head to London’s West End in 2027 to star in Sunday In The Park With George opposite Jonathan Bailey.

Grande also recently launched a new foundation aimed at supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and hit out at the White House for using her music in a recent ICE video online.

Read the original article here

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Wavves and Say Anything Crack Open Collaborative Album Cherry Soda

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:03:05 -0600

Wavves and Say Anything are merging their respective takes on coastal pop-punk for a new collaborative album called Cherry Soda. It’s out September 18 via I Surrender. The lead single, “Deathx1k,” gets a cheeky stop-motion video directed by Jelly Eyes, featuring claymation versions of Nathan Williams, Max Bemis, and a handful of other critters who get up to no good. Check it out below.

Produced by Aaron Rubin, Cherry Soda is 10 songs long and co-written entirely by Williams and Bemis. In a press release, Williams revealed that he was inspired to collaborate with the Say Anything frontman after digging through Bemis’ catalogue and being surprised at the range of his sound. “I wanted to see what an early 2000s Wavves emo record would sound like,” said Williams. “That was the idea: to make a mall emo record.”

Bemis adds: “We kind of wrote to each other’s situations. We’re both very different people, but we get along really well. As writers, we pushed ourselves. He became more emo and I became more Wavves-y. I think we brought out some of the stuff that isn’t most obvious in each other. I may be singing stuff that sounds kind of bleak, but that’s kind of like Nate’s whole shtick, although he’s actually a very sweet, sensitive guy.”

Read about Wavves’ classic surf-punk record King of the Beach in The Top 50 Albums of 2010.

Cherry Soda:
01 Keep What Hurts
02 Deathx1k
03 Gone Away
04 So Low
05 Still Alive
06 Cherry Soda
07 Sell You Hope
08 Litterbug
09 Pretend Again
10 Pinesol

Wavves x Say Anything: Cherry Soda

Read the original article here

The post Wavves and Say Anything Crack Open Collaborative Album Cherry Soda appeared first on Los Angeles Weekly Times.

PAL’s $300-M bond draws $1.4B in orders

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Ashley Erika O. Jose, Reporter

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES (PAL) announced on Wednesday that it had priced its inaugural $300-million (P18.45-billion) international bond offering after receiving more than $1.4 billion (P86.11 billion) in investor orders, about 4.5 times the amount offered.

In a statement, PAL Holdings, Inc., the listed parent of Philippine Airlines, Inc., said its wholly owned subsidiary Primero Agila Ltd. priced the fixed-rate five-year senior notes at a 7.75% coupon on July 7.

The notes, which will be unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines Corp., are expected to settle on July 16, subject to customary closing conditions, and will be listed on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Ltd.

Toby Allan C. Arce, head of sales trading at Globalinks Securities and Stocks, Inc., said the successful pricing demonstrated the airline’s ability to access international debt capital markets after rebuilding its balance sheet following the pandemic.

“PAL’s successful pricing of its inaugural $300-million international bond is a significant milestone because it demonstrates the airline’s ability to access the global debt capital markets after years of rebuilding its balance sheet following the pandemic,” he said in a Viber message.

Mr. Arce said demand for the issuance was likely driven by high-yield and emerging-market credit investors seeking attractive returns.

“From a credit perspective, the issuance is unlikely to result in an immediate ratings upgrade on its own, but it could support a more stable or positive rating outlook if the proceeds strengthen PAL’s liquidity profile and improve its debt maturity schedule,” he said.

In June, Fitch Ratings assigned Philippine Airlines a BB issuer default rating with a stable outlook, citing the flag carrier’s position in the Philippine aviation market, diversified route network, financial flexibility, operating efficiency, and fleet expansion strategy.

PAL Holdings President Lucio C. Tan III said the transaction would allow the airline to strengthen its network and enhance the travel experience for customers.

“This landmark bond offering is a powerful affirmation of Philippine Airlines’ transformation and the confidence that global investors have in our long-term vision and growth ambitions. This allows us to strengthen our network and continue to elevate the travel experience for our customers. It reinforces Philippine Airlines’ role in promoting tourism, trade, investment and economic growth for the Philippines,” he said in a statement.

Philippine Airlines President Richard Nuttall described the transaction as a milestone for the airline.

“This inaugural international bond offering marks a defining milestone in Philippine Airlines’ ongoing transformation. We are grateful for the overwhelming support we received from investors globally, which we see as a vote of confidence in PAL’s long-term strategy, market position and growth outlook,” he said.

PAL said the transaction marked the first rated high-yield bond offering by a Philippine issuer in more than a decade, the first unsecured rated high-yield bond issued by an Asian airline, and the first rated airline bond issuance from South and Southeast Asia.

The bond offering comes as PAL continues to expand its international network and modernize its fleet.

On Tuesday, the airline announced plans to increase flight frequencies to Japan and Australia ahead of the winter and year-end travel seasons.

The carrier is also expecting the delivery of about five Airbus A350-1000 aircraft this year and is refurbishing 18 Airbus A321ceo aircraft as part of its fleet modernization program.

Mr. Arce said investors should remain mindful that the issuance increases the airline’s fixed financial obligations at a time of elevated borrowing costs, while the aviation industry remains exposed to exchange rate movements and geopolitical risks.

Unemployment rate rises in May amid 905,000 job losses in agri

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Erika Mae P. Sinaking, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINES’ unemployment rate rose to 4.8% in May as job losses in agriculture, driven by bad weather, outweighed employment gains in services and other industries, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Wednesday.

The May unemployment rate jumped from 3.9% a year earlier and 4.7% in April, while the number of jobless Filipinos rose to 2.5 million from 2.03 million in May 2025 and 2.41 million a month earlier.

This was the highest jobless rate in two months or since the 5% in March.

“There was a significant drop in the number of employed persons in agriculture and forestry. This is likely the impact of weather conditions in May,” National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa told a news briefing.

PSA data showed the agriculture sector shed 905,000 jobs from a year ago, extending its decline for a seventh month in a row.

Mr. Mapa said employment in paddy rice farming declined by 734,000 workers in May from a year earlier. The weather bureau only confirmed the start of the El Niño weather event in June.

A year-on-year drop in jobs was also seen in other service activities (-442,000), public administration and defense (-213,000), and wholesale and retail trade (-141,000).

For the first five months of 2026, the average unemployment rate rose to 5.1% from 4% a year earlier.

On the other hand, job quality improved as the underemployment rate fell to 12.2% from 13.1% a year earlier and 15.2% in April.

This was the lowest underemployment rate — or the proportion of those with jobs seeking additional work hours or having an additional job — in three months or since 11.8% in February.

Mr. Mapa attributed the improvement in job quality to fewer workers seeking additional hours, noting that average weekly hours worked increased to 41.1 hours from 39.8 hours a year earlier and 40.2 hours in April.

“More people worked more than 40 hours per week this May,” he said, adding that about 34.36 million workers logged more than 40 hours during the week.

The average underemployment rate for the January-to-May period was recorded at 12.9%, unchanged from a year ago.

Data from the PSA showed the labor force participation rate (LFPR) — the proportion of the working-age population (15 years old and over) that is part of the total labor force — stood at 63.8% or equivalent to 52.13 million Filipinos aged 15 and over.

This was lower than the 65.8% seen in the same month in 2025, and a slight uptick from the 62.7% participation rate in April.

The youth LFPR dropped to 32.3% from 33.6% a year ago, but slightly higher than the 31.8% seen in April.

In May, the employment rate slipped to 95.2% from 96.1% a year earlier and 95.3% in April. Total employment reached 49.63 million, up by 738,000 from the previous month but down 663,000 from May last year.

The average employment rate from January to May stood at 94.9%, slipping from 96% a year ago.

Services remained the country’s biggest employer, accounting for 61.8% of total employment, followed by agriculture at 19.9% and industry at 18.3%.

Administrative and support service activities posted the biggest annual employment gain in May with 329,000 jobs, mostly in call centers and private security services.

Other sub-sectors with a significant annual increase in employment in May include administrative and support services (329,000), mining and quarrying (184,000), human health and social work activities (173,000), fishing and aquaculture (170,000), and construction (168,000).

CHALLENGES
Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino said in a statement that the latest labor data show the need to sustain reforms to create better jobs.

“We must create quality jobs that provide decent incomes, encourage productivity, and prepare Filipinos for the jobs of tomorrow. This is the direction that the department is pursuing as we strengthen our education-to-employment pipeline and build a future-ready workforce,” he said.

In a note, Chinabank Research said the labor market remained soft but performed “better-than-expected” amid uncertainties and price pressures arising from the Middle East war.

“Improving business sentiment as global tensions ease could support stronger economic activity and hiring in the coming months. However, downside risks also remain, particularly from the potential impact of El Niño on the agricultural sector and the effects of minimum wage hikes on labor-intensive industries, such as food services and wholesale and retail trade,” it said.

Chinabank Research noted that a sustained dry spell could hurt the agriculture sector and lead to more job losses.

Josua T. Mata, secretary-general of Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa, expressed concern over the continued loss of agricultural jobs, especially since there is no clear evidence that displaced workers are absorbed by other sectors.

“Job losses in agriculture are being driven by a combination of mechanization, worsening climate impacts, and mounting economic pressures that make farming increasingly unsustainable for many Filipinos,” he said in a Viber chat.

“The challenge is not simply to move workers out of agriculture, but to ensure they transition into stable, productive, and decent jobs. Otherwise, we are merely shifting workers from one form of insecurity to another,” he added.

The implementation of the P85 minimum wage hike in Metro Manila is also expected to cloud the outlook for the labor market in the coming months.

John Paolo R. Rivera, a senior fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies noted that while the wage hike should help improve workers’ purchasing power, its impact on the labor market data will vary.

“Labor-intensive sectors such as agriculture, retail, and other services may face greater cost pressures, particularly among micro, small and medium enterprises, which could slow hiring or encourage productivity improvements,” Mr. Rivera told BusinessWorld over Viber.

He argued that higher wages are most sustainable when accompanied by measures that raise productivity and lower the cost of doing business.

“A meaningful wage increase will immediately improve the conditions of workers and their families by increasing their purchasing power. The second-round impact on businesses catering to workers spending on more goods and services is also going to be meaningful,” Jose Enrique “Sonny” A. Africa, executive director of the think tank IBON Foundation, told BusinessWorld.

Mr. Africa said higher wages are a “critical element” in solving joblessness but needs to be accompanied by a strategy for agricultural modernization and industrialization.

Weak consumption, delayed investments to drag Philippine growth — ADB

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

THE ASIAN Development Bank (ADB) cut its growth forecasts for the Philippines for this year and next year, citing delayed investments and weaker household consumption.

In its Asian Development Outlook July 2026 report, the Philippine-based multilateral lender lowered its Philippine gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast to 3.8% from the 4.4% previously.

The latest forecast is within the Philippine government’s recently revised 3.5-4.5% GDP target for 2026, but is slower than the 4.4% growth posted in 2025.

The ADB also trimmed its 2027 growth forecast to 5.3% from 5.5% previously, placing it at the lower end of the government’s revised 5-6% target.

“The Philippines saw a downward adjustment in growth projections due to delayed investments, softer private consumption amid higher commodity prices and climate-related risks,” the ADB said in the report released on Wednesday.

In the first quarter, the Philippine economy unexpectedly grew by 2.8%, its weakest growth since the coronavirus pandemic, due to spiraling oil prices due to the Middle East war and the lingering effects of last year’s corruption scandal.

The ADB’s 2026 growth forecast for the Philippines is also below its revised 4.6% outlook for developing Southeast Asia, which was trimmed from 4.7% previously.

“The 2026 forecast for developing Southeast Asia is trimmed following downward revisions for Cambodia and the Philippines as higher energy prices weigh on domestic demand and tourism,” the multilateral lender said.

Based on ADB’s 2026 projections, the Philippines’ growth will be the fourth slowest in Southeast Asia, tied with Timor-Leste at 3.8%, and ahead of Myanmar (2.4%), Brunei Darussalam (1.8%), and Thailand (1.8%).

The Philippines is expected to trail Vietnam (7.2%), Indonesia (5.2%), Malaysia (4.6%), Cambodia (4.1%), and Laos (4%)

For 2027, the Philippines is expected to post the second-fastest growth in developing Asia, after Vietnam (7%).

The Philippines’ heavy reliance on Middle Eastern oil imports has left the economy particularly exposed to the global oil shock that began in March.

The ADB raised its Philippine headline inflation forecast to 5.9% this year from 4% previously. This is well above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 2-4% tolerance range but below the central bank’s inflation projection of 6.4%.

For 2027, the ADB hiked its headline inflation forecast to 3.9% from 3.5% previously. This is at the upper end of the BSP’s 2-4% tolerance range but below its 4.5% projection.

Also, the ADB has raised its inflation forecasts for developing Southeast Asia to 3.9% this year from 3.2% previously, and 2.9% for 2027 from 2.8% previously.

“The upward revisions reflect higher global energy and food prices linked to the Middle East crisis, as well as exchange rate pressures that have raised import costs across the subregion,” it said, citing that the largest upward revisions were recorded for the Philippines.

The ADB said disruptions in energy markets have pushed up fertilizer costs, leaving developing Asia and the Pacific economies with low fertilizer self-sufficiency vulnerable to price volatility and supply-chain disruptions.

“Absent policy intervention, rice production could fall sharply in 2026, especially in economies reliant on imported fertilizer. The effect is best measured against the no-shock, business-as-usual scenario, under which output was otherwise projected to grow,” it added.

The ADB said Philippine rice output could decline by 14% this year under the most severe scenario where crude oil prices rise 75% above the baseline assumption of $69 per barrel. Under the same scenario, farmgate prices could rise by as much as 20%.

ADB SUPPORT
Meanwhile, ADB Philippines Country Director Andrew Jeffries said the Philippines’ recent reclassification as an upper-middle income economy is unlikely to alter the multilateral lender’s support in the near term.

“There are no immediate implications for ADB financing, or other forms of support including technical assistance, because of the Philippines’ recent classification as an upper-middle income economy,” he told BusinessWorld.

“ADB will continue to support the government’s development priorities, as well as the reforms and investments needed to build on and sustain this achievement,” he added.

His remarks came after the World Bank reclassified the Philippines as an upper-middle income country after its gross national income per capita rose to $4,850 from $4,470 last year.

While no immediate changes are expected, Mr. Jeffries said the ADB’s sovereign lending terms could change if the Philippines remains above the upper-middle income threshold for three consecutive years.

“ADB will continuously align its engagement to respond to the Philippines’ transition needs, and to sustain development gains,” he said.

The Philippines was in the World Bank’s lower-middle income category since 1987 before its latest reclassification.

IMF trims Philippine growth outlook until 2027

EM - News Moderator — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY could post its weakest growth this year since the pandemic, as the Middle East war drives up prices and dampens economic activity, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.

In its latest World Economic Outlook (WEO) released on Wednesday, the IMF trimmed its 2026 gross domestic product (GDP) growth forecast for the Philippines to 3.9% from 4.1% previously. This is still within the government’s 3.5%-4.5% target.

“This reflects a weaker-than-expected outturn in the first quarter of 2026 (2.8%) alongside a larger-than-expected effect of the war in the Middle East on prices and activity in the Philippines,” an IMF spokesperson said in an e-mail.

Oil price shocks and the lingering impact of the flood control fallout dragged first-quarter Philippine GDP growth below market and government expectations at 2.8%.

Since the United States and Israel first launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, spiraling oil prices fed into the costs of other key commodities and squeezed consumers’ pockets.

If the IMF’s projection holds true, the country’s full-year expansion will be weaker than the 4.4% recorded in 2025, when a massive flood control corruption scandal dampened public spending, investments, and sentiment.

It would also mark the economy’s worst performance since the 9.5% contraction during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Excluding the pandemic, it would match the 3.9% expansion in 2011 and would be the worst in 17 years or since the 1.4% in 2009.

The multilateral lender’s Philippine growth estimate is below its projection for ASEAN-5, which it kept at 4.1% for this year. ASEAN-5 is composed of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.

The Philippines is expected to lag Indonesia (5%) and Malaysia (4.7%) but outpace Thailand (1.9%) this year.

At the same time, the IMF trimmed the Philippine growth projection for 2027 to 5.5% from 5.8% previously, on the back of base effects and a potential improvement in sentiment.

This is within the government’s 5%-6% target for the year. It is also above the IMF’s 2027 growth projection of 4.3% for ASEAN-5.

“The rebound in 2027 is driven mainly by favorable base effects, alongside a gradual pickup in investment as confidence improves and supply-side effects related to the war ease,” the IMF spokesperson said.

According to the multilateral lender, risks to domestic growth may come from extreme weather disturbances, as well as a slower-than-projected normalization of public investments and reform momentum.

However, faster adoption of reforms, alongside lower oil and food prices, may provide relief to the economy.

“On the upside, accelerated implementation of structural and governance reforms can boost investment and FDI (foreign direct investment), increase fiscal multipliers and boost potential growth,” the IMF spokesperson said. “A faster decline in energy and food price provides additional upside risks.”

INFLATION RISKS REMAIN
Meanwhile, the multilateral lender said the Philippines still faces inflationary pressures from volatile global conditions and elevated food prices, among others.

“Inflation risks are tilted to the upside, reflecting the risk of renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and higher food prices, de-anchoring of inflation expectations, tighter global monetary conditions, and lower remittances,” the IMF spokesperson said.

The latest WEO does not include an update on the IMF’s inflation forecasts, but its projections as of April show it expects Philippine inflation to average 4.3% this year and 3.2% in 2027.

If realized, headline inflation will breach the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 3% target for two straight years, marking a sharp acceleration from the 1.7% reading in 2025.

These are, however, slower than the central bank’s projected 6.4% and 4.5% inflation for the next two years.

As of June, Philippine inflation stood at 4.8%, with the headline print remaining above target for four months in a row.

On the other hand, Pantheon Macroeconomics downgraded its inflation forecast to 5.2% from 5.5% for 2026 and to 3% from 3.2% for 2027.

This came after June inflation came in softer than market expectations at a three-month low of 6.4% amid easing pressures from food and fuel prices.

“We continue to believe that the postwar surge in the headline rate is in the rear-view mirror, and that a sustained spell of disinflation should take it back within the BSP’s 2-to-4% target range by March next year at the earliest, barring any unexpected shocks, externally or domestically,” Pantheon Macroeconomics Chief Emerging Asia Economist Miguel Chanco and Asia Economist Meekita Gupta said in a separate report on Wednesday.

Mr. Chanco and Ms. Gupta said the slowing inflation could prompt the BSP to cut its tightening cycle short with a likely pause in August.

The Monetary Board began to hike its policy rate in April as a preemptive measure to contain inflation risks from the energy crisis.

It delivered a second straight rate increase in June, bringing its total hikes to 50 basis points (bps). The benchmark rate now stands at 4.75%.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. has said that the economy can still absorb another 25-bp rise as they expect growth to start rebounding in the second half.

“The Board is banking on fiscal policy to cushion the impact of higher rates on economic growth; specifically, a revival in public infrastructure spending, after it was hammered by last year’s anti-corruption drive,” Mr. Chanco and Ms. Gupta said.

“But our chart below highlights that such expenditure is still collapsing; it fell in April — the latest data — to its lowest level since the pandemic, after seasonal adjustment,” they added.

The latest government data showed that its spending inched up by 4.81% to P2.6 trillion as of May from P2.48 trillion a year earlier. This was slower than the 9.71% growth seen in the same period last year.

Bad weather pushes PHL jobless rate to 4.8%

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:04:03 -0600

By Erika Mae P. Sinaking

The Philippines’ unemployment rate rose to 4.8% in May as job losses in agriculture, driven by bad weather, outweighed employment gains in services and other industries, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said on Wednesday.

The unemployment rate increased from 3.9% a year earlier and 4.7% in April, while the number of jobless Filipinos rose to 2.5 million from 2.03 million in May 2025 and 2.41 million a month earlier.

“There was a significant drop in the number of employed persons in agriculture and forestry,” National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa told a news briefing . “This is likely the impact of weather conditions in May.”

Mr. Mapa said employment in paddy rice farming declined by 734,000 workers from a year earlier, while corn cultivation lost 428,000 jobs.

The employment rate slipped to 95.2% from 96.1% a year earlier and 95.3% in April. Total employment reached 49.63 million, up by 738,000 from the previous month but down 663,000 from May last year.

Services remained the country’s biggest employer, accounting for 61.8% of total employment, followed by agriculture at 19.9% and industry at 18.3%.

Administrative and support service activities posted the biggest annual employment gain, adding 329,000 jobs, driven mainly by call centers and private security services.

Despite higher unemployment, job quality improved as the underemployment rate fell to 12.2% from 13.1% a year earlier and 15.2% in April.

Mr. Mapa attributed the decline to fewer workers seeking additional hours, noting that average weekly hours worked increased to 41.1 hours from 39.8 hours a year earlier and 40.2 hours in April.

“More people worked more than 40 hours per week this May,” he said, adding that about 34.36 million workers logged more than 40 hours during the week.

For the first five months of 2026, the average unemployment rate rose to 5.1% from 4% a year earlier.

Netflix’s Little House Has One Big Challenge: Winning Over Old School Fans

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

“Doesn’t Hollywood have any original ideas?”

It seems like that’s the first thing people say whenever a beloved television series or movie gets a reboot or reimagining.

Fans immediately question why Hollywood can’t leave a classic alone.

(ERIC ZACHANOWICH/NETFLIX)

Netflix’s Little House on the Prairie is no exception.

Since the project was announced, many longtime fans have wondered why anyone would want to revisit something that already felt perfect.

I’m one of those people.

I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie.

It was one of my favorite shows as a kid, and all these years later, I still watch the reruns whenever they’re on. I’ve probably seen every episode at least 10 times, maybe even more.

(NBC/Screenshot)

For many of us, Little House isn’t just another classic television series. It’s a cherished childhood memory.

It was good, wholesome television that brought families together and taught valuable lessons every week.

Whether it was about kindness, forgiveness, faith, or helping your neighbor, the series always left viewers with something to think about.

The original was also more progressive than many people give it credit for.

The Ingalls family welcomed people into their home and community regardless of race or religion.

(NBC/Screenshot)

They stood beside African American families, Native Americans, and Jewish neighbors, even when others in Walnut Grove didn’t.

Compassion was always at the heart of the series, and that’s one of the reasons it continues to resonate with audiences decades later.

Of course, it’s impossible to talk about Little House without talking about Michael Landon.

For many fans, he wasn’t just playing Charles “Pa” Ingalls. He was Pa Ingalls.

His warmth, humor, and heart became the foundation of the series, and that’s a big reason so many viewers struggle with the idea of anyone else taking on the role.

(NBC/Screenshot)

That’s the biggest challenge Netflix faces.

It’s not simply introducing a new cast. It’s asking generations of fans to look at a cherished childhood memory through a different lens.

From everything we’ve seen so far, though, this series doesn’t appear to be trying to recreate the original.

Instead, it looks like a fresh adaptation inspired by Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books with a greater emphasis on the realities of frontier life.

Visually, it looks beautiful.

(Eric Zachanowich/Netflix)

The cinematography is stunning, and the sweeping landscapes capture both the beauty and the hardship of life on the American frontier.

It already feels like a series families can enjoy together.

What also impressed me is that the new series appears to carry forward the inclusive spirit that made the original so special.

The cast includes Indigenous and African American series regulars.

(Eric Zachanowich/Netflix)

The production also worked closely with the Osage Nation to help tell a more complete story of the people who lived on that land.

That feels less like changing Little House and more like expanding it.

Another encouraging sign is that I’ve seen comments from members of the Ingalls family who have publicly expressed support for the direction Netflix has taken.

If the family behind Laura Ingalls Wilder’s legacy believes this adaptation honors the source material, that’s certainly worth noting.

(Eric Zachanowich/Netflix)

Will this series ever replace the original? No. And it shouldn’t.

Nothing will ever replace Michael Landon’s version of Little House on the Prairie.

That series has earned its place as one of television’s greatest family dramas, and generations of viewers will always treasure it.

But maybe that’s not the point.

Maybe the real question isn’t whether Netflix can recreate the magic of the original.

Maybe it’s whether old school fans are willing to give this new version a fair chance.

This old school fan is.

(Eric Zachanowich/Netflix)

The trailer was impressive. The cast looks promising.

The story appears to honor the heart of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books while bringing new perspectives to a new generation of viewers.

I have a feeling I’ll be pleasantly surprised.

And if Netflix gets it right, there may be room for both versions of Little House on the Prairie to hold a special place in our hearts.

Over to you, Little House on the Prairie Fanatics. How do you feel about this reboot? Let’s discuss it below!

Little House on the Prairie streams in full on July 9 on Netflix.

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U.S. resumes ‘powerful strikes’ on Iran after Hormuz Strait ship attacks, CENTCOM says

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, prepares to launch from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72).

Courtesy: U.S. Navy

The U.S. began a “series of powerful strikes” against Iran on Tuesday in retaliation for Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Central Command said.

“U.S. Central Command forces have begun launching a series of powerful strikes against Iran to impose heavy costs for targeting and attacking commercial shipping crewed by innocent civilians in an international waterway,” CENTCOM said in a post to X. “The U.S. strikes are in response to Iranian attacks on three commercial vessels that were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s demonstrated aggression was unwarranted, dangerous, and a clear violation of the ceasefire.”

The new U.S. and Iranian attacks threaten to reignite conflict in the region, and could spark fears that the Strait of Hormuz will close again. Oil prices rose dramatically during the U.S.-Iran conflict, stoking inflation around the globe.

The strikes come after the U.S. and Iran traded blows last month after similar Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the strait, which is one of the world’s most critical chokepoints that Iran held shut for months this year. Both sides agreed to stand down in the days following last month’s exchange amid a tenuous ceasefire as negotiations to end the war are underway.

Washington and Tehran agreed on a memorandum of understanding to end the conflict in June, which included an end to the fighting and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The latest U.S. retaliatory strikes will again test that agreement, which has held through previous skirmishes.

Tensions have been rising since Iran attacked vessels moving through the strait earlier this week, with the U.S. revoking a sanctions waiver on Iranian oil earlier Tuesday. Oil futures have risen sharply in response to the pressure.

The U.S. war with Iran began on Feb. 28, when the U.S. and Israel began strikes on the country that killed its leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that the goal of the war is to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, which is one of the subjects of negotiations under the MOU.

Trump is currently in Ankara, Turkey, for the NATO summit, meeting with leaders of the transatlantic alliance. Turkey shares a border with Iran.

Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.

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Meta Built An AI Detection Tool To ID Images And Video Created With Its New Models

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Meta is working on a tool to ID images and video created with its new image generation model, Muse Image. The company showed off a preview of the web-based tool that can check for the invisible watermarks used by the new model.

This watermarking system, called Content Seal, remains in place “even when cropped, compressed, resized, or screenshotted,” Meta explains in a blog post. “We’re previewing a detection tool that lets you check whether an image carries a Content Seal watermark, providing an initial way to help you better understand if an image was made with Meta AI.”

Content Seal seems to be a somewhat new approach for Meta. The version that’s part of Muse Image is proprietary, though the company has previously released open-source versions of the tech, Meta told Engadget. Meta’s new models don’t include any visible watermarks, like some previous versions of Meta AI that added a small logo to the bottom right corner.

For now, Meta AI’s detection abilities are limited to images that are created or edited with Muse Image, though the company said it plans to expand Content Seal watermarks to AI-generated and edited videos as well. Meta is also working on a separate video generation model called Muse Video that will be “coming soon.”

I tried out the new detection feature on images I created today with Meta AI and the web-based tool was able to detect a watermark for edited images and entirely AI-made creations (like the one pictured above). It also found the watermark in screenshots of my images. “A positive result means that the image was generated or edited using the Meta AI app or meta.ai,” the company explains in an FAQ. “A negative result means it is unlikely that the image was processed using Meta AI app or meta.ai.”

Interestingly, Meta AI’s new detection abilities don’t seem to be part of the Meta AI app yet. When I asked Meta’s app-based assistant about an image the web tool had identified as AI-made, it replied that it did not have the ability to check. “I can’t tell you definitively if this specific image was made with Meta Al just by looking at it,” it said. “Meta Al doesn’t automatically watermark images, and I don’t have a tool that can detect which Al model made an existing image.”

Meta has previously faced some criticism for how it labels and identifies AI-generated material in its apps. The Oversight Board told the company earlier this year that it was “concerned” that Meta was “inconsistently implementing” digital watermarks on AI content created by its own tools.

The new feature does still seem to have some other limitations, though. Content Seal is not compatible with SynthID or C2PA Content Credentials, two established watermarking methods used by other companies. The web-based feature was unable to identify images created or edited with earlier versions of Meta’s AI models in my testing. When I added images created in older chats with Meta AI, it was unable to tell me if the image was made with its AI. The feature also appears, for some reason, to be subject to Meta’s rate limits. After uploading a handful of examples, I was alerted that I had reached my “daily limit on identification checks.”

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Watch Eddie Vedder soak up the glory as Pearl Jam’s ‘Alive’ is played during hydration break of USA vs Belgium World Cup match

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder was filmed soaking up the moment as ‘Alive’ rang out during the hydration break at the World Cup.

The incident took place during the 2026 FIFA World Cup last-16 match at Seattle Stadium yesterday (July 6), where the USA were beaten 4-1 by Belgium.

During the second-half hydration break, the stadium PA blasted out Pearl Jam’s 1991 classic ‘Alive’, with cameras cutting to hometown legend Vedder in the stands as the crowd joined in with the song.

In the clip, Vedder can be seen raising a drink, conducting the crowd and then downing a can of Stella Artois, letting it pour down his shirt as those around him laughed and cheered.

‘Alive’ was Pearl Jam’s debut single, later appearing on their landmark 1991 debut album ‘Ten’. Written by Vedder and Stone Gossard, it has since become one of the band’s defining songs and a staple of their live shows.

Watch the moment here:

The game itself ended in disappointment for the co-hosts, with Belgium running out 4-1 winners to knock the USA out of the tournament. Charles De Ketelaere scored twice for Belgium, while Hans Vanaken and Romelu Lukaku also found the net. Malik Tillman scored the USA’s only goal.

The match had also been overshadowed by a controversy around USA striker Folarin Balogun, who had initially been due to serve a one-match ban after being sent off in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Donald Trump later called FIFA president Gianni Infantino to ask for the red-card ban to be reviewed, with FIFA subsequently suspending the ban and allowing Balogun to play against Belgium. The decision drew criticism from across the football community, although FIFA maintained that its judicial bodies had operated independently.

Belgium will now face Spain in the World Cup quarter-finals at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday (July 10), with the winners of that match set to face either France or Morocco in the semi-finals.

As for Vedder, he recently shared the inspirational new single ‘Better Believe’, made alongside Chicago-based non-profit Guitars Over Guns, which uses music to support young people by pairing students with professional musicians and artists.

Vedder wrote the song with a number of audio arts students from Columbia College Chicago, with royalties going to Guitars Over Guns. The track also received its live debut at the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago last month, where Vedder appeared alongside the students.

Earlier this year, it also emerged that Vedder could be working on music with Yungblud, after the two met at a corporate Christmas party last year. “Eddie’s such an inspiration to me, especially vocally,” Yungblud said afterwards. “I think we might write together in the future.”

Pearl Jam’s latest album ‘Dark Matter’ arrived in spring 2024, with NME giving it a four-star review and praising it as “some of their strongest work in recent memory”.

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Slayr Readies New Avant Nova EP

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Slayr, the Philadelphia rapper who’s been making a name for himself in the underground hip-hop scene, is gearing up to release a new EP this Friday. It’s called Avant Nova, perhaps in connection to another project he’s been teasing titled Fabula Nova. The EP’s opening track, “Promise,” features production from Underscores. Check out the cover art and tracklist below.

Avant Nova comes out the same day as new records by Slayr’s rage-rap predecessor Ken Carson and trap superior Future. The 19-year-old rapper spent the past few months leveling up his own game, though, with performances at Rolling Loud Orlando and Summer Smash, and plans to kick off his first North American headlining tour this August. Scroll down to see all of Slayr’s upcoming shows.

Slayr dropped his seventh mixtape, Half Blood, this past November. It was re-released in March as the expanded edition BloodLuxe, boasting 10 new songs. For those tracks, Slayr roped in a number of producers including Prettifun, 808toofly, Jackwya, M8I, Waera, Doxxmade, Kay Boba, and Marek.

Read Mano Sundaresan’s review of Half Blood (BloodLuxe).

Avant Nova:
01 Promise
02 Switch My Swag [ft. Prettifun]
03 Nova
04 I Got Taste
05 Anxiety Does Suck Sometimes
06 Raise My Voice

Slayr:
07-10 Warsaw, Poland – Lotnisku Bemowo
07-30 Seattle, WA – Showbox
08-01 San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom
08-03 Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory OC
08-04 San Diego, CA – House of Blues
08-06 Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
08-07 Phoenix, AZ – The Nile
08-10 Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
08-13 San Antonio, TX – The Aztec Theatre
08-15 Dallas, TX – The Echo
08-16 New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
08-18 Miami, FL – Midline Miami
08-20 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
08-22 London, England – O2 Forum Kentish Town
08-27 Boston, MA – Royale
08-28 New York, NY – Irving Plaza
08-30 Richmond, VA – The National
08-31 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
09-01 Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl
09-03 New York, NY – Irving Plaza
09-05 Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall
09-06 Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
09-08 Montreal, Quebec – Théâtre Beanfield
09-09 Toronto, Ontario – The Concert Hall
09-12 Detroit, MI – The Majestic Theatre
09-15 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave Bar

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DoF prioritizes signing of Pax Silica deal within the year

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

THE PHILIPPINES is hoping to sign a framework agreement under the US-led Pax Silica initiative before the end of the year as it seeks to position New Clark City as a hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and semiconductor manufacturing.

“From what I understand, this is a priority. So, I hope we can get something signed within the year,” Department of Finance (DoF) Secretary Frederick D. Go said at a press briefing on Tuesday.

The Philippines joined Pax Silica in April, a US-led initiative aimed at strengthening technology supply chains and countering China’s growing technology manufacturing sector.

According to the US State Department, the Pax Silica initiative has 23 signatories, including the Philippines.

Under the initiative, the Philippines is developing a 1,618-hectare AI-native industrial hub within New Clark City in Tarlac to support the country’s bid to join the AI supply-chain ecosystem.

The facility will host the Pax Silica Coordination Office for technology firms, research institutions, and government agencies.

Mr. Go said Clark’s designation as a Pax Silica site could pave the way for the establishment of facilities that manufacture semiconductors, chips and other advanced technology products.

“I think why they want to locate in the Philippines is always because of our workforce,” he said.

Asked about private sector interest, Mr. Go said Taiwan-based Foxconn is to serve as the anchor investor for the planned technology hub.

Foxconn is one of the world’s largest electronics manufacturers and is best known as a major supplier for companies such as Apple and Sony.

Mr. Go said the Pax Silica initiative also complements the development of the Luzon Economic Corridor (LEC).

The LEC is a trilateral initiative among the Philippines, the United States and Japan aimed at improving connectivity across Luzon’s key economic areas, particularly Subic Bay, Clark, Metro Manila and Batangas. The partnership has since expanded to include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

“Eight countries have already signed up, including Canada. And then Canada also announced that they’re giving us a $2 million grant to support this whole initiative of the Luzon Economic Corridor,” Mr. Go said.

In late April, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it expects to break ground for the first phase of the development within the first two years. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

SEC lifts ban on new online lending apps

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

THE SECURITIES and Exchange Commission (SEC) is lifting the moratorium on the registration of new online lending platforms (OLP) starting Aug. 1.

At the same time, the SEC raised the capital and disclosure requirements for financing and lending companies, as it seeks to improve the regulatory oversight of the sector and boost consumer protection.

The corporate regulator on Tuesday issued Memorandum Circular No. 20, which sets the guidelines prescribing prudential, disclosure and market conduct requirements for financing companies (FC) and lending companies (LC), as well as lifts the moratorium on new OLPs.

“The commission recognizes the need to lift the moratorium… in order to promote responsible innovation, stimulate economic activity among FCs and LCs, and ensure the operation of OLPs is aligned with consumer protection, market integrity, prudential objectives, financial inclusion, ease of market access, and alignment with the global trend of digitalization,” the SEC said.

The moratorium on new OLPs has been in place since November 2021 as the SEC developed new rules to address predatory lending and abusive debt collection practices.

“The lifting of this moratorium shall not be construed as an automatic or unconditional approval of any OLP. All FCs and LCs, whether existing or newly incorporated, shall remain subject to the disclosure, business plan, minimum paid-up capital, operational, consumer protection, data privacy, and supervisory requirements,” the SEC said.

Under the new circular, FCs and LCs seeking to operate OLPs will be required to maintain higher paid-up capital depending on the number of platforms they own, operate, control, or utilize.

An OLP is defined as any borrower-facing digital platform, app or system that is used for financing and lending activities such as loan applications, credit evaluation and loan repayment.

Lending companies with one OLP should have a paid-up capital of P10 million, P20 million for two OLPs, P30 million for three OLPs, P40 million for four OLPs, and P50 million for five OLPs.

New financing firms are required to have a minimum paid-up capital of P15 million, while new lending firms should have P5 million in paid-up capital. Existing ones are not required to adjust their capital immediately unless they expand operations.

The Lending Company Regulation Act of 2007 sets the minimum paid-in capital for lending companies at P1 million but allows the SEC to impose higher capitalization requirements when warranted.

The SEC also capped the number of OLPs that can be owned and operated by financing and lending firms to five as a “prudential limit to ensure effective supervision, adequate governance and manageable consumer risk exposure.”

Existing FCs and LCs with one or more OLPs should comply with the paid-up capital requirements corresponding to the number of platforms within 12 months.

Those that do not intend to comply with the capital requirements should reduce their OLPs and disclose only OLPs supported by their existing capital levels. If an OLP is not disclosed, it may no longer be operated.

Also, the SEC rules state that new financing and lending firms will be issued with only one certificate of authority, regardless of the number of branches or location. No separate certificates will be issued for OLPs.

The SEC is also imposing an annual licensing fee (ALF) at the entity level “to reflect the cost of continuing supervision, monitoring, and regulatory oversight of FCs and LCs, including those operating through digital or platform-based channels.” This is computed based on the total assets reflected in the latest audited financial statements.

CONSUMER PROTECTION
The SEC also tightened consumer protection standards in the industry, including preventing financing and lending firms from releasing loan proceeds without borrowers’ “explicit and informed” confirmation of final loan terms.

Under the new guidelines, companies must provide complete loan disclosures and allow borrowers reasonable time to review them before obtaining confirmation. Loan approvals and confirmations must also be properly recorded and traceable to the transaction.

“In collecting payments from borrowers, the FCs and LCs shall ensure that all collection communications… are conducted in a manner that is fair, transparent and not misleading and consistent with applicable laws, rules and regulations,” SEC said.

The borrower will have the right to disregard any collection communication that fails to reasonably identify the FC, LC or OLP.

“In no case shall any person appearing in the borrower’s contact list, character references, or similar personal information be treated, represented, or contacted as a guarantor, surety, co-maker, or person liable for the borrower’s loan obligation, unless such person has separately and expressly agreed in writing to assume such legal obligation,” the SEC said.

For unfair debt collection practices, LCs face a P60,000 fine for a first offense and P250,000 for a second offense, while FCs face a P100,000 fine for a first offense and P500,000 fine for a second offense.

For succeeding offenses, the SEC may impose a fine of not less than twice the fine for the second offense but not more than P1 million and suspend the firm for 60 days or revoke their certificate of authority. — A.G.C.Magno

Philippines core inflation hits 31-month high as headline CPI eases in June

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

PHILIPPINE headline inflation eased for a second straight month in June on lower transport and food prices, but pass-through effects pushed core inflation to its fastest pace in 31 months, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

Based on PSA data released on Tuesday, headline inflation slowed to 6.4% from 6.8% in May, but accelerated from 1.4% a year ago.

The June inflation print came in below the 6.6% median forecast in a BusinessWorld poll of 18 analysts, but within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 6%-7% projection for the month.

This was the slowest headline inflation in three months or since 4.1% in March.

As of the first half of the year, inflation averaged 4.8%, still above the BSP’s 4% ceiling. The BSP expects the headline print to settle at 6.4% by yearend.

“Inflation slowed in June as easing oil price pressures and continued government measures to strengthen food supply helped temper price increases,” the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development said in a separate statement, likewise noting easing tensions in the Middle East.

National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said inflation in transport cooled to 12.8% in June from 16.2% in May, while food and nonalcoholic beverages eased to 5.2% from 5.7%.

Local fuel retailers cut the price of gasoline by as much as P7.50 per liter and diesel by as much as P21.19 per liter last month. On the other hand, kerosene climbed by P1.98 per liter.

This led inflation for gasoline to ease to 39.2% in June from 51.6% in May, and diesel slowed to 39% from 58.5%.

Food inflation cooled amid lower meat and fish prices as easing oil costs helped boost fishing activity in the country, the BSP said.

The price of meat products declined at a faster pace of -4.2% in June from the 2.5% drop a month ago. Inflation for cereals and cereal products slowed to 12.1% from 12.6%, while fish and other seafood eased to 7.8% from 8.8%.

Rice inflation likewise slowed to 15% in June from 15.6% in May as prices declined month on month, which the BSP attributed to the arrival of imports and temporary price ceiling set during the period.

The price of regular milled rice slipped by 2.67% to P49.67 a kilo in the second half of the month from P51.03 in the same period in May, while well-milled rice was nearly 3% cheaper at P56.15 a kilo from P57.88 in the prior month.

“Nonetheless, higher vegetable prices due to limited supply during the off-season tempered the slowdown in headline inflation,” the BSP added.

STICKY CORE INFLATION
Meanwhile, core inflation, which discounts volatile fuel and food prices, bucked the headline trend as it quickened for a sixth consecutive month to 4.4% in June from 4.1% in May and 2.2% last year.

This matched the December 2023 reading and was the fastest pace in 31 months or since 4.7% in November 2023.

In a separate statement, the Philippine central bank said still elevated global oil and fertilizer prices continue to feed into the cost of fuel and food in the Philippines, showing “inflationary pressures remain strong.”

“Rising core inflation indicates broadening price pressures and second-round effects, including higher inflation expectations,” the BSP said.

According to PSA’s Mr. Mapa, faster price increases in utilities, restaurants and accommodation services, and education services, among others pushed the core print to an over two-year high.

In June, inflation for housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels picked up to 8% from 7.8% in May, largely driven by the 12% electricity inflation from 8.8% in the prior month.

This came after Manila Electric Co. hiked its electricity rate by 14.88 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P14.4833 per kWh last month, which meant households consuming 200 kWh monthly had to pay P30 more in their total electricity bills.

Meanwhile, inflation for restaurants and accommodation services quickened to 7% from 6.7% a month earlier, while inflation for education services accelerated to 3.9% from 2.9%.

Mr. Mapa said they will monitor price movements in the National Capital Region (NCR) in relation to the upcoming wage hike in the region this month, as the labor component also weighs on the country’s inflation.

The minimum wage in NCR is set to increase by P60 on July 19, bringing it to P755 for nonagricultural workers and to P718 for agricultural workers and employees of retail, service, and small manufacturing establishments. The second tranche of the wage hike or P25 will be implemented in January next year.

PSA data also showed inflation in NCR was slower at 4.9% in June from 5% in May, but picked up from 2.6% a year ago.

Outside NCR, it eased to 6.7% from 7.1% in the previous month, but was faster than 1.1% last year.

For the bottom 30% of income households, inflation cooled to 8% in June from 8.4% in May. However, this was significantly faster than -0.4% recorded in June 2025.

BSP TO REMAIN HAWKISH?
The BSP said the latest local and international developments, particularly in the oil market, will guide their decision for their next monetary policy review on Aug. 27.

“The Monetary Board will continue to be guided by incoming data and is prepared to take further monetary action as needed to ensure that inflation returns to the 3% target,” it added.

The BSP has raised its benchmark rate by a total of 50 basis points (bps) since April, bringing it to 4.75%.

ING Regional Head of Research for Asia-Pacific Deepali Bhargava noted that looming inflationary risks from the recent wage hike and the upcoming El Niño season give the BSP reason to continue tightening.

“Taken together, while headline inflation has eased, we don’t believe the BSP has enough evidence yet to declare victory,” she said in a report.

“Persistent core inflation, rising wages and lingering food price risks should keep policymakers focused on ensuring inflation expectations remain anchored, supporting our expectation of further rate hikes by the BSP.”

Chinabank Research also sees a third straight BSP rate hike in August as the faster core inflation reflects that the Middle East war’s impact on energy prices is “becoming more entrenched.”

“Key upside risks to inflation remain, which could keep the BSP on a hawkish footing,” it added.

Meanwhile, HSBC Global Investment Research Senior ASEAN Economist Aris D. Dacanay expects the BSP to be more hawkish and deliver 75 bps more in hikes by end-2026.

“Due to the upside surprise in wage hikes, we expect the BSP to stay on a hiking path for the rest of 2026 despite inflation being below expectations over the past two months,” Mr. Dacanay said in a separate report.

“We expect the BSP to increase rates to 5.5% by the end of the year,” he added, noting that the central bank may reverse its path to ease borrowing costs by the second half of 2027.

In a separate commentary, Citigroup, Inc. (Citi) said moderating headline inflation and prospects of gradual economic recovery by the second half of the year signal weaker threats of stagflation for the Philippines, although risks remain.

Citi economists Wei Zheng Kit and Helmi Arman noted that the Philippine economy may slightly rebound starting in the second half of the year until 2028, but with growth to remain weaker than its performance in recent years.

“The Philippines is likely to achieve only a gradual, below-trend growth recovery in the second half of 2026 and into 2027-28,” they said. “The recovery will be uneven: Public construction resuming gradually, consumption recovering as inflation moderates, and investment cautious pending political resolution.”

Citi also noted that an August hike remains likely, with a pause in October to come only if lower oil prices prompt the BSP to materially cut its inflation and growth estimates.

Super Typhoon Bavi enters PAR, prompts Storm Signal No. 1 in Luzon

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

Super Typhoon Bavi (international name), which has been monitored since last week, has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), prompting the hoisting of Storm Wind Signal No. 1 in several areas in Luzon, according to the state weather bureau on Wednesday.

Bavi entered the PAR at around 3 a.m. and was formally assigned the local name Inday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its 5:00 a.m. briefing.

The super typhoon was last located 1,405 kilometers east of Northern Luzon. It retained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 230 kph. It is moving westward at 25 kph.

Following its entry, Storm Signal No. 1 has been hoisted over several areas in Luzon.

This includes areas such as Batanes; Cagayan, including the Babuyan Islands; Apayao; and the northern and central portions of Isabela, including Santo Tomas, Aurora, Santa Maria, Quezon, San Mariano, Naguilian, Dinapigue, Roxas, Luna, Delfin Albano, Cauayan City, San Pablo, Ilagan City, Benito Soliven, Tumauini, Cabagan, Reina Mercedes, San Manuel, Palanan, Cabatuan, Quirino, Divilacan, Gamu, Mallig, Maconacon, Burgos, San Guillermo, Angadanan, Alicia, and San Mateo.

It is likewise in effect in the eastern portion of Kalinga, including Pinukpuk, Tabuk City, and Rizal; Dilasag in Aurora; and the northern and central portions of Catanduanes, including Pandan, Caramoran, Bagamanoc, Panganiban, Viga, Gigmoto, Baras, and San Miguel.

PAGASA said that under Signal No. 1, minimal to minor threats to life and property due to strong winds are possible within the next 36 hours.

The bureau also emphasized that the super typhoon has yet to directly affect the country during the forecast period.

The heavy rains that drenched Metro Manila and nearby areas early Wednesday were caused by localized thunderstorms.

“The heavy rains that we experienced in Metro Manila and nearby areas were not caused by the super typhoon… and southwest monsoon,” Chenel Dominguez, PAGASA weather specialist, said during the briefing in Filipino.

“Based on satellite images, the storm is too far from Metro Manila,” she added.

However, the super typhoon is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon by Friday, bringing scattered rains over large parts of the country, Ms. Dominguez said.

“We remind the public to take caution and be prepared for rains that will be caused by the southwest monsoon,” she said.

As for Bavi’s forecast track, it is expected to remain over the Philippine Sea and may be nearest to Extreme Northern Luzon by Friday. It is then forecast to exit the PAR by Saturday as it moves toward China.

Bavi is expected to maintain its super typhoon strength until Thursday before weakening into a typhoon by Thursday afternoon or evening. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Philippine banks’ loan growth hits 15-month high in May

EM - News Moderator — Tue, 07 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

Philippine banks’ loan growth posted its fastest pace in over a year in May amid faster lending for residents’ business activities, preliminary data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) showed.

Universal and commercial banks’ total outstanding loans, net of reverse repurchase agreements, grew by 12.1% year on year in May to P14.989 trillion from P13.37 trillion.

This was faster than the 11.4% expansion in April.

It was also the quickest lending growth seen in 15 months or since the 12.2% in February 2025.

“This reflects banks’ expectations of steady loan demand from businesses and households in Q2 2026,” the central bank said in a statement late on Tuesday.

Most or 53.8% of banks polled by the BSP expected businesses to sustain steady demand for credit in the second quarter of the year, while 52.9% saw steady loan demand from households, the central bank’s latest Senior Bank Loan Officers’ Survey showed.

BSP data showed outstanding loans to residents climbed to P14.692 trillion in May from P13.046 trillion a year ago, reflecting a faster 12.6% jump versus April’s 11.8%.

This accounted for the bulk of the sector’s total outstanding loans during the period, with the remainder composed of loans to nonresidents.

For nonresidents, bank lending declined quicker by 8.3%, from 7.9% in April, to P296.887 billion in May from P323.828 billion last year. This includes loans by big banks’ foreign currency deposit units to nonresidents.

Based on BSP data, loans extended for residents’ production activities reached P12.67 trillion, up 11.7% annually from P11.347 trillion. This was an improvement from the 10.7% increase posted in April.

This came amid increased lending to major industries, the BSP said, with loans to the electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning supply sector surging by 32.9%.

Lending for transportation and storage also jumped by 21.4%, wholesale and retail trade, and repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles by 10.1%, real estate activities by 7.3%, and manufacturing by 6.4%.

Meanwhile, big banks disbursed a total of P2.022 trillion in consumer loans, 19% higher than the P1.699 trillion lent out a year earlier.

“This is slightly slower than the previous month’s 19.6% growth, reflecting softer expansion in credit card and motor vehicle loans,” the central bank said.

In May, credit card loans rose by 26.3% year on year to P1.269 trillion, while motor vehicle loans increased by 10.2% to P540.9 billion, and salary-based general purpose consumption loans by 6.4% to P171.79 billion.

The central bank monitors banks’ lending activities to track the transmission of monetary policy.

MONEY SUPPLY

Meanwhile, continued growth in private and public sector borrowings drove the country’s liquidity (M3) to climb by 12.8% to P20.604 trillion in May from P18.265 trillion the prior year.

This was faster than the 12.2% increase logged in April, and marked the fastest money supply growth in nearly six years or since the 13.7% expansion in August 2020

“Domestic liquidity growth was driven mainly by the sustained expansion in borrowings by both the private and public sectors,” the BSP said in a separate statement. “The increase in domestic liquidity supports economic activity by facilitating consumption, lending, and investment.”

M3 is a measure of the amount of money in the economy that includes currencies in circulation, bank deposits, and other financial assets that are easily convertible to cash.

Based on preliminary BSP data, domestic claims picked up by 13.3% from 12.7% in April as it rose to P23.672 trillion from P20.891 trillion in May last year.

Claims on the private sector, which is largely composed of loans to production sectors and households, rose faster by 13.2% in May to P15.204 trillion, improving from 12.6% in the previous month.

“Credit to production sectors and households, mainly in the form of bank loans, continued to grow and support economic activity,” the BSP said.

Net claims on the central government likewise increased by 16.2% annually to P6.41 trillion in May. This was faster than the 15.1% in April.

The central bank noted that this was driven by “the National Government’s issuance of debt securities and withdrawal of deposits from the BSP and banks to finance its spending.”

Claims on a sector refer to that sector’s liabilities to depository corporations such as banks and the central bank.

Meanwhile, net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms went up by 9.1% to P7.153 trillion in May from P6.559 trillion in the same month in 2025.

Banks’ larger holdings of foreign currency-denominated debt securities boosted their NFA position by 16.4% to P776.001 billion.

The central bank’s NFAs also rose by 8.2% year on year to P6.377 trillion.

NFAs reflect the difference between depository corporations’ claims and liabilities to nonresidents.

On the other hand, M1 — which is considered a narrower measure of money supply comprising currency in circulation and current account deposit liabilities — was 9.5% higher at P7.982 trillion from P7.287 trillion a year ago.

The BSP said it will ensure that local bank lending and domestic liquidity conditions “remain consistent with its price and financial stability objectives.”

Inflation eases for second straight month in June

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:56:03 -0600

LOWER transport and food prices led Philippine inflation to ease for a second straight month in June, although continued pass-through effects continued to drive core inflation faster, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

Based on PSA data released on Tuesday, headline inflation slowed to 6.4% in June from 6.8% in May, but was still much faster than the 1.4% pace logged a year ago.

The June inflation print came in below the 6.6% median forecast in a BusinessWorld poll of 18 analysts.

National Statistician Claire Dennis S. Mapa said inflation in transport cooled to 12.8% in June from 16.2% in May, while food and nonalcoholic beverages eased to 5.2% from 5.7%.

“Inflation slowed in June as easing oil price pressures and continued government measures to strengthen food supply helped temper price increases,” the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said in a separate statement, likewise noting easing tensions in the Middle East.

As of the first half of the year, inflation averaged 4.8%, still above the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) 4% ceiling.

Meanwhile, core inflation, which discounts volatile fuel and food prices, quickened to 4.4% from 4.1% in May and 2.2% last year.

This matched the December 2023 reading and was the fastest pace seen since the 4.7% in November 2023.

Mr. Mapa noted that faster price increases in utilities, restaurants and accommodation services and education services, among others pushed the core print to an over two-year high.

PSA data also showed inflation in the National Capital Region (NCR) was slower at 4.9% in June from 5% in May, but picked up from 2.6% a year ago.

Outside NCR, it eased to 6.7% from 7.1% the previous month, but was faster than the 1.1% last year.

For the bottom 30% of income households, inflation also cooled to 8% in June from 8.4% in May. However, this was significantly faster than the -0.4% recorded in June 2025. — Katherine K. Chan

ManageEngine launches partner-developer marketplace in Southeast Asian markets

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:12:03 -0600

JAKARTA — ManageEngine, the enterprise IT management software division of Zoho Corp., has launched a partner-developer ecosystem called ManageEngine Marketplace in Southeast Asian markets to help companies in the region improve their systems by applying emerging technologies.

“What we have done is we have made our platforms extremely flexible so you can customize by tweaking the products inside or you can write your own software and modify or extend the capabilities of the products… Like how you have applications in the Apple, Android ecosystem, our customers and our partners can build applications on top of our platforms, extend the capabilities, modify behavior of our products and publish it in a marketplace,” ManageEngine Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Ganesan said in a media roundtable here on Monday.

The marketplace is a symbiotic ecosystem connecting partner-developers, customers, and the ManageEngine platform teams to co-innovate and accelerate enterprise IT outcomes.

Since its launch last week, the platform has hosted over 17 partner-developer organizations who have built more than 170 turnkey extensions, driving more than 10,000 downloads so far.

The solution rapid-deploys ManageEngine’s artificial intelligence (AI) agent Zia across the company’s platforms and third-party solutions to lift enterprise workloads.

Mr. Ganesan said their customers and partners can build an AI agent using the Zia Agent studio, where they can type in prompts to manage data.

He added that they are investing heavily in the solution as it will also build a developer ecosystem around ManageEngine.

“How many partners would we have in Southeast Asia region alone? There are distributors and then resellers that run in a few hundreds — 250 just in the Southeast Asian region. That is ecosystem for us,” Mr. Ganesan said.

“Now we are entering, building the developer ecosystem for ManageEngine, where ManageEngine is not just developed by our own people. It will be developed by the ecosystem in a very controlled fashion,” he added.

Across Southeast Asia, ManageEngine has more than 7500 customers, with revenues growing by an average of 25% predominantly coming from its cloud solutions, ManageEngine Asia-Pacific Regional Vice President Arun Kumar said.

“We offer both on-premise as well as cloud applications for ManageEngine and still Southeast Asia the major revenue comes from on-premise, particularly from banking, government, public sector because of the strong regulations. But cloud is picking up a lot of momentum, our cloud growth is around 35%,”

He said growth in the region will also be driven by existing customers buying more products as well as their security solutions.

The company has over 1,000 customers each in Indonesia and Singapore, some 800 in Malaysia, more than 750 in the Philippines, about 700 from Thailand, and over 500 in Vietnam.

In terms of revenue growth, Vietnam had the fastest expansion at 35%, followed by the Philippines at 30%, Thailand and Malaysia both at 25%, Singapore at 23%, and Indonesia at 20%. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

15 of the Sexiest TV Kisses of the Last Decade

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

It’s International Kissing Day, and we wanted to celebrate with 15 of the sexiest TV kisses that’ll get your hearts racing.

It doesn’t matter if these couples were short-term or long-term. They shared some of the sexiest kisses in the last 10 years.

You know the kind, when you can’t look away because it’s so steamy it might fog up your television.

(LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX)

You’ve sometimes waited weeks, if not years, for those longing looks to become a passionate kiss.

Some of these steamy kisses are iconic and won’t surprise anyone, like Jamie and Claire’s reunion kiss or Kate and Anthony’s first kiss, but you may be introduced to other new couples, too.

Check out our full list of romantic, sexy, hot, and steamy smooches below.

Thomas and Kat — The Way Home Season 2 Episode 10

(Hallmark Media/GIF)

The show may be over, but The Way Home’s fieriest kisses came from a couple separated by time and commitments — Kat Landry and Thomas Coyle.

Thomas made Kat feel more alive in less time than anyone else on The Way Home.

Kat liked to believe her heart belonged to another, but when faced with the possibility that Thomas might be killed in the past, she walked right out of Elliot’s life with the hope of either thwarting Thomas’s death or, at least, saying goodbye.

She didn’t know at the time that he planned to look dead so that Cyrus Goodwin wouldn’t steal his life. The fear for his life and the passion she felt for him were real.

(Hallmark Media/Screenshot)

They met on the beach. He was on the run from Cyrus, and she was fresh from the future. Their eyes met. Her face crumbled. He showed he would go to the ends of the earth for her.

He asked her one more time if he could carry a piece of her heart in his, and she said yes. Thomas pressed a coin into her hand that would save the Landry family farm, but before he urged her to run, to save herself and him, they locked eyes again.

They shared a kiss so passionate that the memory of it lived for centuries and captured the hearts of fans, so much so that many of us couldn’t let them go, long after their time had passed.

Helen and Erik — Sweet Magnolias Season 4 Episode 5

(Netflix)

Netflix’s comfort series may be on hiatus.

Still, Sweet Magnolias‘ hottest kisses came from a couple who had been broken up for over a season and appreciated the second chance they’d been given.

There is nothing sexier than a rain kiss, and Erik Whitley and Helen Decatur served up the sexiness.

Helen was stuck in a horrible storm when a tree fell on her car. When Erik feared she was in danger, he drove out in the storm to rescue her.

He appeared like a white knight, drenched, soaking wet, but he managed to lift her car off the tree and get Helen out safely.

It seemed as if all their problems slowly melted away when he risked his life to save her. Erik grabbed her in relief, and they passionately kissed as the rain poured down.

It was a moment many fans couldn’t stop talking about as they longed for their reunion, but we never imagined it would be that steamy.

Lucy and Wyatt — Timeless Season 2 Episode 3

(NBC/DesEtoilesDsLesYeux Tenor)

Lucy and Wyatt tried to fight fate for so long, even though fans knew as soon as Timeless started that those two were destined to end up together.

When Wyatt and Lucy were separated at the beginning of Season 2, it crushed them because they depended on each other.

After they reunited, their relationship shifted, and you could see it when they were in Hollywood. Lucy looked terrified as she serenaded him to “You Made Me Love You.”

That moment changed everything as the two stared into each other’s eyes and realized the time had come to talk honestly.

Wyatt finally admitted he was ready to move on and that Lucy had saved him as many times as he’d save her.

When they finally kissed for real, it was so much sexier than when they pretended to be a couple. It included longing and passion; now they could admit their feelings for each other.

The version of them in the pool was even sexier than them alongside the pool. They couldn’t contain their passion, so they jumped into the water to try to cool off.

Max and Ellis – Wild Cards Season 2 Episode 6

(The CW)

Max and Ellis may have hit some frustrating bumps in the road during Wild Cards Season 3, but the second season’s high is euphoric.

Speaking of “high,” the episode saw the two accidentally consuming drugs while working a murder case that had them trapped in a mansion.

But we got so much vulnerability between the two, especially when Ellis opened up about losing his brother Daniel, and what it has been like no longer having his “person.”

He regaled Max with a heartfelt story about his brother and how an initial fear of a cricket became a symbol of their devotion to each other.

Ellis’ emotion in that moment lures you in, and Max’s sincere “I’ll be your cricket” carries so much weight that it leaves you holding your breath.

The intimacy of that scene, given the vulnerable emotions, is underscored by the two being nearly a hair’s breadth apart the whole time.

We have the sound of thunder in the background, shadows and light dancing across their faces from the fireplace, and a genuinely steamy, sultry kiss after Max’s quiet pledge. It’s a moment you want to stay suspended in forever.

Brady and Brie – Virgin River Season 6 Episode 5

(Netflix)

We have two words for you, my friends. Pool. Table.

Brady and Brie have been the hot/cold couple who practically rival Jack and Mel at this point on Virgin River. One thing that’s undeniable about Brady and Brie is their scorching-hot chemistry.

So when Brie has to relay news about how Brady’s current girlfriend has been lying to him, it didn’t go over too well for a man who admits in that scene that he must’ve deserved it.

Brady notoriously doesn’t ever feel like he’s worthy of anything good, which is why Brie literally voicing to him that he’s worthy of love is enough to make you tear up, gasp a bit, too.

And Brady telling her that the only reason he even knows love at all is because of her, well, it’s no wonder that this heated moment led to a passionate, steamy kiss that had you leaning into the screen, enraptured.

That steam intensifies when the two carry that passionate makeout session to the pool table and really take things to a steamy level. Yup. We’re definitely going to need a cold shower after reliving that.

Belly and Conrad – The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 Episode 8

(Prime Video/Adamant Optimist Tumblr)

Whether you’re a Belly & Conrad shipper or a Belly & Jeremiah shipper, steamy kisses are steamy kisses.

Belly and Conrad, having a much-needed talk under the Parisian moonlight, one that had been years in the making, was such a satisfying moment.

Things that were left unsaid finally came out, and Belly heard what she needed to hear from Conrad about how his grief over his mother caused him to push her away, and the things that ultimately led to the downfall of their relationship.

Belly was as wrapped up in the romantic tension of that moment as the viewers, leading to a kiss that had her asking him to come home with her.

It resulted in a non-stop, smoking hot and sexy makeout session that went from the taxi they took, to the stairwell on their way up to her apartment, and finally to the bedroom.

It was the prelude to what is inarguably the sexiest, steamiest scene of The Summer I Turned Pretty. And it definitely makes the list of the steamiest kisses of the past decade, hands down.

Doug and Tina – Minx Season 1 Episode 7

(HBO Max/a flawed fashion Tumblr)

Minx remains an underrated gem that should’ve been on air for seasons to come, and so much of that is rooted in the great characters who buoyed the series.

One of them is Jake Johnson’s Doug.

At this point, it’s sort of an unspoken thing that Jake Johnson is often behind some of the best onscreen kisses in existence, and the Minx kiss between Doug and Tina is no exception.

After celebrating that they sold out their magazine everywhere, the pair has a giggle fit.

Doug humbles himself enough to put some respect on his Girl Friday’s name by conceding that she was right about his behavior, how in over his head he was, and for basically calling him out as she’s so adept at doing.

Humility is sexy.

Tina thanks him for an apology and also whispers in his ear that he was right, too.

It culminates in an unspoken moment of sexy tension that nails quiet consent when he clearly signifies with all body and facial reactions and no words that he really wants to kiss her, and she does the same.

His slow stand-up, which leaves him hovering over her as she looks up at him, is hot enough.

Still, he wraps his arms around her, pulling her into a steamy kiss wherein he’s practically devouring her, and it truly is one of the hottest kisses EVER.

Lucy and Tim – The Rookie Season 7 Episode 6

(ABC/chenfordsource Tumblr)

Chenford has had a few steamy kisses that made us swoon over the years. Their first one was thrilling, and it was followed by another airplane kiss while undercover that truly revealed just how deeply those emotions ran for both of them.

But if we have to choose just one that’s the steamiest, then it’ll have to be The Rookie Season 7 Episode 6‘s “We shouldn’t” steamy smooch after the gala.

They couldn’t keep their hands off each other, changing up the rules of their previous agreement to make just this one exception, and it was well worth it, because whew!

Their chemistry is so undeniable, and it’s easily one of their hottest kisses to date. But surely, they’ll raise the bar again come next season.

Technically, they were on a break and trying to be good about it, but sometimes a girl can’t resist.

Magnus and Alec – Shadowhunters Season 1 Episode 12

(Netflix/vuess Tumblr)

The story of Magnus and Alec is inseparable from Freeform’s adaptation of Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments book series.

They quickly became fan favorites thanks to the performances of Matthew Daddario and Harry Shum Jr. Shadowhunters delivered numerous iconic Malec moments throughout the show’s run.

However, none arguably beats their first public lip lock in the 12th episode of the first season.

This was the turning point that defined Malec’s future because, for the first time, Alec followed his heart’s desire and chose Magnus before everyone else.

(John Medland/Freeform)

It’s not like all the praise goes only to Alec because Magnus took a huge emotional risk by crashing that wedding without any guarantees.

The tension in that room was so thick you could cut it with a knife. From Magnus’ anxious anticipation to the permanence of Alec’s choice and his mother’s opposition, there were so many moving parts.

Yet it all came together beautifully as Alec went on autopilot and marched across the room to give Magnus a kiss that screamed: “I choose us!” And not one peck on the lips – a long, present kiss.

Add Ruelle’s “War of Hearts,” and that moment will remain iconic forever.

Kate and Anthony – Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 6

(Netflix/kathonydaily Tumblr)

Apparently, we have a thing for steamy kisses and declarations of love as a wedding is abruptly halted.

Bridgerton features many sizzling, romantic kisses, but Kate and Anthony’s forbidden romance was hard to beat. He was engaged to her sister, Edwina, yet Anthony and Kate’s chemistry spoke volumes.

Jonathan Bailey and Simone Ashley quickly became fan favorites and delivered many romantic moments, including sultry looks and warm touches, such as the infamous bee sting scene.

But nothing beats their first kiss in Bridgerton Season 2 Episode 6, on Anthony and Edwina’s wedding day.

Edwina finally noticed the chemistry between her sister and Anthony since he couldn’t stop staring at Kate during the vows, and called off the wedding. Kate’s humiliation prompted her to hide in the chapel closet.

Kate wanted to do the proper thing, but Anthony wouldn’t let her walk away, and the two finally shared the sizzling lip-lock fans had been waiting for.

Jamie and Claire – Outlander Season 3 Episode 6

(Starz/xsamcaitmix-blog Tumblr)

We can’t write a list of the sexiest TV kisses without mentioning Jamie (Sam Heughan) and Claire (Caitriona Balfe).

They’ve shared some of the most sizzling moments, and it was challenging to choose only one.

While their wedding night was extremely memorable, their reunion 20 years later proved to be even sexier and more emotional.

Outlander Season 3 Episode 6 remains a fan-favorite among Jamie and Claire shippers. It showed their growth because Claire chose to return to him from the future, while Jamie seemed more humbled and grateful around Claire.

While they were initially hesitant around each other, what followed was hot, passionate kissing and sex since Jamie admitted he couldn’t keep his hands off Claire.

He still thought his wife was the most beautiful woman ever.

Shane and Ilya – Heated Rivalry Season 1 Episode 1

(HBO Max/Consumed by Star Wars Feelings Tumblr)

Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander shared several passionate kisses during Heated Rivalry, but their spontaneous and steamy rooftop kiss was unforgettable.

Shane was angry and drunk over losing the hockey award and over Ilya celebrating his win by hiding on the roof.

He started arguing with Ilya, and as Ilya grew frustrated with it, he grabbed Shane, pushed him against a wall, and kissed him with pent-up longing and passion.

What started as an angry reaction melted into a passionate kiss as they both gave in to their physical desires.

That kiss resonated not only for the sexual tension but also for its emotional nuances. You can see the moment Shane realizes what he’s done and panics.

He realized he was attracted to his rival and didn’t want to show it in front of anyone, while Ilya was even more certain of his feelings after that kiss. It jump-started their relationship.

Eve and Villanelle – Killing Eve Season 4 Episode 8

(BBC America/oksanaastankova Tumblr)

Killing Eve’s series finale was an homage to Eve and Villanelle’s relationship as they finally let their walls down and shared an intimate road trip.

When they became stranded, they shared a sleeping bag at a couple’s shelter. Villanelle took the first step by stroking Eve’s back, elevating their physical touch.

The two stole the couple’s van, and their escapades reminded us of a romantic getaway, from spontaneous dancing to sharing curly fries at a truck stop.

It showcased how well they knew each other, and Villanelle took another risk by kissing Eve on the cheek.

The kiss that followed was the moment fans had been waiting for. It was both emotional and unscripted as Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer strived to highlight the raw emotion they felt.

As Eve pulled Villanelle towards her and they made out, you could feel how happy they were that those feelings were finally out in the open. They looked positively giddy.

Conrad and Nic – The Resident Season 2 Episode 1

(FOX)

The Resident’s Conrad and Nic shared many romantic kisses, but their shower kiss at Chastain was definitely the steamiest.

Things were so chaotic that the couple had barely any alone time, so Conrad borrowed the keys to a colleague’s private office, which included a glass shower.

Within minutes, Conrad and Nic were making out, fogging up the glass door with their passionate kisses. It was so sexy how they kept pushing each other against the shower walls.

While they’d made out in supply closets before, this was the first time they’d done that in a work shower, and it was hot!

That steamy kiss got our hearts racing.

We wish it could have gone on even longer, but then their pagers went off.

Joe and Georgia – Ginny & Georgia Season 3 Episode 8

(Netflix/livelovecaliforniadreams Tumblr)

We still don’t know how Georgia resisted a shirtless Joe earlier in Ginny & Georgia Season 3, but all bets were off in Episode 8.

Loyalty was sexy, so when she saw his bruised knuckles from punching Gil, she kissed him.

Joe then realized Georgia was contemplating running away. Georgia begged him not to become like everyone else and judge her, saying she needed him.

That hit a nerve since he was finally the right guy for her, and it was finally their time. Before he lost his nerve, he passionately kissed her.

It became hot and heavy quickly, as the kiss grew deeper. Joe was shirtless again and peeled off Georgia’s shirt as she undid his belt.

(Netflix/ Screenshot)

While we didn’t see what happened next, many fans hope that the intense, passionate scene led to Georgia’s pregnancy and that Joe is the father.

We couldn’t include every kiss from the last 10 years. It’s now your turn. Please vote on your favorite, or write in the comments if we missed any.

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Graham Platner denies sexual assault claim in Maine Senate race

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner said Monday that he is “taking the time to reflect on the best path forward” for his campaign after a woman accused the Democratic nominee of sexually assaulting her in 2021 — but calls for Platner to exit the race quickly grew.

Platner and his campaign denied the assault allegations by Maine resident Jenny Racicot, 41, as reported in a Politico article.

Platner, a Marine veteran and oysterman who rocketed to his party’s nomination this year on a populist, progressive message, is seeking to unseat five-term incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, the only Republican in Congress from New England.

“I wanted to directly address the troubling, serious, and false allegations against me. Any accusation of non-consensual behavior is categorically false,” Platner said in a video posted to X minutes after the Politico story was published.

“This movement we have built — the largest volunteer base in the history of Maine politics, the hundreds of thousands of grassroots donors, the supporters across the ideological spectrum — we were united in a love of Maine, a belief that our politics must change and a focus on defeating Susan Collins,” he said.

Platner, 41, did not say he would quit the race. But pressure on him to do so mounted among leading Democrats.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, the chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, in a joint statement said, “The allegations reported today are incredibly disturbing – violence, abuse and sexual assault are absolutely unacceptable.

“Graham Platner needs to immediately withdraw as the Democratic nominee for Senate and allow Maine Democrats the opportunity to choose a new candidate who can defeat Susan Collins,” said Schumer and Gillibrand, who represent New York in the Senate.

“The DSCC will not invest in the Maine Senate race if Platner remains on the ballot.”

Maine law states that a candidate for a general election can withdraw by 5 p.m. on the second Monday in July and be replaced, giving Platner until July 13 to quit or stay the course.

Maine Democrats would then need to find a replacement for Platner by July 27, per Maine law.

Platner won the party’s nomination in June, defeating Gov. Janet Mills in a primary after she had suspended her campaign.

The Maine Democratic Party on Monday called for Platner to withdraw, citing a “responsibility to hold every candidate who seeks to represent our state to the highest standard.”

“This Senate race comes at a pivotal moment in the struggle against a government, supported by Senator Collins, that serves the interests of the wealthy and powerful at the expense of ordinary Maine people,” party leaders said in a statement posted on X.

“It is essential that we refocus this campaign on that struggle.”

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who recently traveled to Maine to campaign with Platner, echoed that call.

“I’ve been very clear that sexual assault or violence against women is a red line,” Khanna said in a post to X. “These allegations are very serious and credible. Graham Platner should drop out from the race. I am withdrawing my endorsement.”

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., called the allegations “troubling and deeply serious,” and also rescinded his endorsement.

Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., who was an early endorser of Platner’s campaign, told CNBC, “These are very serious allegations, and they should be treated as such.”

Racicot told Politico that she had an on-again, off-again relationship with Platner for two years before he entered her home uninvited in 2021 while intoxicated and forced himself on her over her objections.

Racicot said she remembered Platner “grabbing my pelvis and being really forceful of me,” and that she cut off communication with him after.

Politico corroborated Racicot’s account with a man she began dating after Platner, along with a friend and acquaintance. She also shared correspondence with her therapist with the publication.

The allegations echo those that led to Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., dropping his campaign for California governor and resigning from Congress earlier this year.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported in April that a former staffer had alleged a series of sexual encounters with Swalwell while he was her boss, quickly leading to his political demise. The woman also alleged that Swalwell sexually assaulted her on two occasions when she was too intoxicated to give consent.

The allegations against Platner are the latest in a string of accusations of malfeasance, which have rocked Democrats who are eager to defeat Collins. Her seat is viewed as vulnerable to being flipped and helping return the party to control of the Senate.

Former Vice President Kamala Harris won Maine by about seven percentage points when she was the party’s presidential nominee in 2024.

Collins, in a statement to CNBC, said the “allegations are appalling.”

“Nevertheless, it is not up to me to choose the Democratic nominee for Senate,” Collins said.

The New York Times in June reported that several women who dated Platner recalled “unsettling” behavior, but that article did not include an accusation of sexual assault.

That article included a piece of Racicot’s story, but said she “declined to elaborate” about what happened after he showed up to her house drunk.

Platner also had a tattoo that closely resembled a Nazi symbol covered up earlier in the campaign, after photos of the tattoo became public. He said he got the tattoo while serving in the Marines and denied knowing its Nazi connotations.

Platner has repeatedly leaned on his story of military service and resulting PTSD to explain his prior behavior.

Top Democratic strategists are hopeful Platner will abandon his campaign.

Donna Brazile, a former Democratic National Committee chair, said in an X post on Monday that it is “time for Mr. Platner to step aside and be replaced by July 13th.”

“Platner needs time to heal, focus on his family and well-being. Enough. Enough,” she said.

David Axelrod, who ran former President Barack Obama’s campaign, said on X that “the latest allegation of sexual assault can’t be explained away or excused.”

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Google Will Now Count All Android Backup Data Toward Your Storage Cap

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

Fortunately, it shouldn’t take too much extra space.

ZikG/Shutterstock

This week will see a shift in the calculations Google uses for account storage. Beginning July 7, all data in your Android backups will count toward the storage limit on your Google account. Under the company’s previous approach to backups, only media uploaded to Google Photos and photos or videos within MMS data were counted against that storage cap. This rule will apply right away to new Android users, while current users will see the change roll out in the coming months.

“Android backup lets you save the data on your phone to your Google Account so you can easily restore it or set up a new device,” a spokesperson from the company told Engadget. “We’ve updated our policy so that all Android backup data now counts toward Google Account storage. We expect this to only add 40MB on average. We’re also giving you more transparency and new controls that let you select which data and apps you want to back up.”

Those controls will be accessible under the hardware’s backups menu. You can skip device settings, call history, or SMS and MMS messages from the backup process alongside the usual toggles for whether individual app data is included.

This is the latest adjustment to Google’s policies around storage. In May, the company began testing a reduced default free storage limit for new accounts, cutting the max from 15GB to 5GB unless the user linked their phone number.

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Watch Swedish House Mafia debut new Lykke Li collab ‘Happiness Is So Sad’ in Ibiza

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

Swedish House Mafia debuted their new Lykke Li collaboration ‘Happiness Is So Sad’ during their Ushuaïa Ibiza residency – watch footage below.

The Swedish electronic trio – Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso – premiered the new track at the White Isle on June 28, as part of their weekly Ibiza residency, and later confirmed that it would be released on July 31.

The track features additional production from Max Martin and Oscar Holter, with Ingrosso describing the collaboration as a “Swedish Avengers crew”.

Speaking to Vogue Scandinavia about working with his compatriot Li, Ingrosso called her “one of the coolest artists ever”, adding that “her voice is so unique”.

Watch footage of Swedish House Mafia debuting ‘Happiness Is So Sad’ below:

Li added: “It’s always nerve-racking working with new people and writing something on the spot, but Sebastian completely put me at ease. His energy is insanely positive and infectious.

“When we found the riff we were all screaming with our hands in the air. Those melodies that pierce your soul, that make you want to cry and dance at the same time. We Swedes understand darkness but we love the light more than anyone else.”

The singer has long had ties to the dance world, most notably through The Magician’s huge remix of ‘I Follow Rivers’. The original song appeared on her 2011 album ‘Wounded Rhymes’, while the remix went on to become a European club staple and reached Number One in countries including Germany, Belgium and Italy. She later teamed up with Mark Ronson on the 2019 single ‘Late Night Feelings’.

Li’s sixth album ‘The Afterparty’ arrived in May, and before its release, she suggested that the record could be her last, saying: “It was a motherfucker to make.”

She also told NME that she wanted to make something more “extroverted, impulsive and chaotic” than 2022’s ‘EYEYE’, while the album’s release was preceded by the singles ‘Lucky Again’ and ‘Knife In The Heart’.

The latter was described by Li as “my brutalist nursery rhyme anthem – the emo girl in me, fully unleashed”.

In a four-star review of ‘The Afterparty’, NME described the album as “a brief but heady last round from the Swedish alt-pop icon”, adding that “with strings, beats and love, Lykke Li slammed down a heady shot to call time”.

Swedish House Mafia, meanwhile, will continue their Ushuaïa Ibiza residency every Sunday until September 13.

They have also announced a major homecoming show in Gothenburg for August 29, which is being billed as their biggest headline show to date.

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Carmen Villain Announces New Album Memoria

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:03:02 -0600

Carmen Villain has announced a new album. The ambient dub producer and clarinetist will release Memoria on September 4 via Smalltown Supersound. She’s also shared the album’s first single. Listen to “Entre Nosotros” below.

Villain’s follow-up to 2022’s Only Love From Now On, Memoria borrows its title from Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s 2021 film. She also drew inspiration from pioneering electronic composer Pauline Oliveros’ “writings on internally recalled sounds,” according to press materials.

Read about Only Love From Now On in The Best Electronic Music of 2022.

Memoria:
01 Labour of Imagination
02 Entre Nosotros
03 Memoria
04 Hope Synapses
05 Blue
06 Holding a Shape
07 Omriss

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ACEN brings Dutch investor into second India RE project

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

ACEN CORP. has agreed to sell up to a 49% stake in another renewable energy (RE) project in India to Dutch investor Diamond India Renewables One B.V. (DIRO), expanding their partnership following a similar transaction last month.

In a regulatory filing on Monday, Unlimited Renewables Holdings B.V. (URH), ACEN’s wholly owned subsidiary, said it had entered into a securities sale and purchase agreement with DIRO covering up to a 49% stake in Diyos Renewables India Project Private Ltd.

“The transaction is expected to close in stages, with DIRO acquiring an initial 10% voting interest in Diyos,” the company said.

Diyos is developing a 100-megawatt (MW) utility-scale wind project in Karnataka, India.

The transaction follows ACEN’s agreement last month to sell up to a 49% stake in Tejorupa Renewables India Project Private Ltd. to DIRO, allowing the Dutch investor to participate in the development of a 250-MW solar project in Rajasthan.

Earlier this year, an ACEN subsidiary acquired the remaining 50% voting interest in URH from UPC India Pte. Ltd., giving the Ayala-led renewable energy company full ownership of more than 1 gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy projects in India.

URH is developing three renewable energy projects across Rajasthan and Karnataka with a combined capacity of 1,059 MW.

As of end-2025, India accounted for 26% of ACEN’s net attributable capacity from its international operations. The company operates three solar power projects in the country with a combined capacity of 1,344 MW.

ACEN had about 7 GW of attributable renewable energy capacity across operational, under-construction, and committed projects in the Philippines, Australia, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Laos, and the United States as of end-2025.

Shares in ACEN rose 3.55%, or 11 centavos, to close at P3.21 each on Monday. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

DoF sees BoC collections rising in 2nd half

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

THE DEPARTMENT of Finance (DoF) expects government reforms and stronger economic activity in the second half to lift the Bureau of Customs’ (BoC) revenue collections for the rest of 2026.

“I am optimistic. With the reforms we have put in place and the expected strength of the economy in the second half of 2026 will drive the performance of the agency,” Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go told BusinessWorld.

His remarks came after the BoC exceeded its June revenue target despite the government’s temporary suspension of excise taxes on kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The BoC collected P86.07 billion in June, surpassing its P83.22-billion target by 3.4%. The figure was also 11.7% higher than the P77.04 billion collected in the same month last year.

The June outturn marked an improvement from May, when the agency fell short of its target following the suspension of excise taxes on kerosene and LPG.

Soaring global oil prices amid the Middle East conflict prompted the government to place the country under a one-year state of national energy emergency until March 2027.

To cushion the impact of higher fuel prices, the government suspended excise taxes on kerosene and LPG for three months beginning in mid-April.

In the first half, BoC collections rose 7.2% to P491.75 billion from P458.77 billion a year earlier. The amount also exceeded the P480.27-billion target for the period by 2.4%.

The first-half collections accounted for around 49% of the BoC’s P1-trillion revenue goal for 2026.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee recently lowered its revenue projection for 2026 to P4.81 trillion from P4.82 trillion previously.

In an earlier interview with BusinessWorld, DoF Revenue Integrity Protection Service Undersecretary Rolando T. Ligon, Jr. said the BoC remains on track to meet its full-year target, with import volumes expected to pick up starting in September.

Elevated oil prices may keep core inflation sticky — Nomura

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

ELEVATED OIL PRICES could keep core inflation sticky through second-round effects even as headline inflation is expected to ease in June, Nomura Global Markets Research said.

In a July 3 report, Nomura Research Analyst Harrington Zhang said the country’s core inflation may have quickened to 4.5% last month from 4.1% in May and 2.2% a year ago.

“We also expect core inflation to continue to rise further to 4.5% from (4.1%), reflecting pass-through effects from still-elevated energy prices,” Mr. Zhang said.

If realized, this would be the fastest core print in two-and-a-half years or since 4.4% in December 2023.

It would likewise mark the second straight month that core inflation breached the central bank’s 2%-4% target.

Core inflation strips out volatile oil and food prices, allowing policymakers like the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to determine whether prevailing consumer price movements reflect short-lived disruptions or a long-term trend.

Oil prices have eased further in June, with the global oil benchmark price falling by 21%, the largest decline recorded since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, to below $100 per barrel. This was also faster than the 19% drop seen in May.

Fuel retailers implemented price rollbacks, with gasoline down by as much as P7.50 per liter and diesel cut by as much as P21.19 per liter.

However, the price of kerosene climbed slightly last month, posting a net increase of P1.98 per liter.

As of the last week of June, a liter of gasoline was sold for P68 to P96.60, while diesel cost P62.60 to P79.99 per liter, and kerosene at P94.60 to P125.50 per liter.

While pump prices have recovered from the over P100-a-liter peak during the war, it still remained above the prewar range of P50 to P60 per liter.

In terms of headline inflation, Mr. Zhang projects it to ease for a second straight month at 6.4% in June from 6.8% in May.

“We expect CPI (consumer price index) inflation to ease further to 6.4% y-o-y (year-on-year) in June from (6.8%) in May, helped by a further drop in crude oil prices as well as stable rice prices, although upward adjustments to electricity generation charges provided some offset,” he said.

This was slower than the median estimate of 6.6% in a BusinessWorld poll of 18 analysts conducted last week.

Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank Research sees inflation at 6.8% as high electricity rates offset the expected relief from softer transport prices during the month.

“Philippines’ headline inflation is forecast to remain unchanged at 6.8% year on year in June,” Deutsche Bank analysts said in a separate report on Monday. “While private transport inflation likely eased further alongside the fall in oil prices, this is likely to be offset by higher electricity rates — 19% year on year higher in June 2026 vs 17% in May.”

In June, Manila Electric Co. hiked electricity rates by 14.88 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to P14.4833 per kWh from P14.3345 per kWh. This translated to a P30 increase in the overall monthly electricity bill of households consuming 200 kWh.

MUFG Global Markets Research also projects inflation to stay above 6% in June, which would give the BSP reason to remain hawkish.

“Meanwhile, we think inflation in the Philippines will likely remain elevated at more than 6% year on year, and with risks of El Niño and food price pressures moving forward, we see the BSP remaining hawkish for now,” MUFG Senior Currency Analyst Michael Wan said in a report on Monday.

For Mr. Wan, the BSP may raise the benchmark rate further by a total of 50 basis points (bps).

“We are forecasting BSP to hike rates two times more, bringing the policy rate to 5.25% by the end of 2026, which should over time provide some support for the currency,” he said.

The central bank has tightened by a total of 50 bps as it increased the key interest rate by 25 bps for a second straight meeting in June, bringing benchmark borrowing costs to 4.75%.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. told reporters on Monday that the economy can still handle another 25-bp hike as it expects domestic growth to recover by the second half of the year following three consecutive quarters of slowdown.

He also earlier said that they still have a lot of room to tighten, especially as they want to contain price risks and bring inflation back to their 3% target using monetary policy.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release the June inflation report on Tuesday (July 7).

Meanwhile, the Monetary Board will have three more rate-setting meetings this year on Aug. 27, Oct. 22, and Dec. 17. — Katherine K. Chan

Philippines needs to grow at least 3.7% to hit target

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY must grow by at least 3.7% on average in the remaining three quarters of the year to meet the government’s revised growth target, the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) said.

“For us to achieve the 3.5% (growth) target for the year, the average for the last three quarters must be 3.7%,” DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said at a press briefing on Monday.

“And for us to achieve 4.5%, the average for the last three quarters must be 5.07%,” he added.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee recently revised its 2026 gross domestic product growth target to 3.5%-4.5% from 5%-6%, citing the possible escalation of the Middle East conflict, weak consumer and business confidence, and intensifying El Niño.

The economy expanded by just 2.8% in the first quarter, slowing from 3% in the previous quarter and 5.37% a year earlier.

“The first half of 2026 has been challenging. The economy faced a combination of domestic and external shocks that slowed growth and pushed inflation higher,” Mr. Balisacan said.

Weak public infrastructure since late 2025 and the escalation of the Middle East conflict has slowed economic activity, fueled inflation, and dampened business and consumer confidence, he said.

Despite these headwinds, Mr. Balisacan said economic conditions are expected to improve in the second half of the year, even as the second quarter likely remained weak.

“We expect much improvement in the second half. The second quarter will be a challenge because that’s the peak of the Middle East conflict,” he added.

The DEPDev chief said he expects government spending to pick up in the second half as agencies accelerate infrastructure implementation after delays earlier this year.

“We have been working closely with these agencies and we see that the second half will be a much more improved situation as far as infrastructure and government spending is concerned,” he added.

To support the recovery in the second half, Mr. Balisacan said the government is prioritizing the restoration of business confidence and accelerating growth through faster infrastructure implementation and stronger private investment.

The government will also focus on containing inflation; strengthening food and energy security; investing in education, healthcare, digital transformation and workforce development; and improving governance to sustain long-term productivity and inclusive growth.

“These priorities reinforce one another. Together, they will help us build an economy that grows faster, withstands shocks better, and creates more opportunities for every Filipino,” Mr. Balisacan said.

However, he said inflation remains a downside risk, with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas expecting inflation to stay above its 2%-4% target for the rest of the year.

“So, we’ll still be challenged by inflation, but we are determined to get that inflation come down as fast as we can. But there are, of course, factors that are sometimes outside of our control, the government’s control,” the DEPDev chief said.

A BusinessWorld poll of 18 analysts yielded a median estimate of 6.6% for June inflation, easing from 6.8% in May but much faster than 1.4% a year earlier. This falls within the central bank’s 6%-7% projection for the month, but will mark the fourth consecutive month that it breached the 2%-4% tolerance range.

Mr. Balisacan also warned that weaker economic growth could put the Philippines’ newly attained upper-middle income country (UMIC) status at risk.

“As any of the countries under that list, the World Bank list, countries can go up or down depending on how they perform after the reclassification,” he said.

To maintain its upper-middle income classification, Mr. Balisacan said the government must bring inflation under control, pursue fiscal consolidation, improve competitiveness, and ensure productivity drives economic growth.

“If we are able to do that, then the risk of falling below the threshold again is much lower,” he added.

The World Bank’s latest country income classification showed the Philippines posted a record gross national income (GNI) per capita of $4,850, which is within the UMIC category for economies with GNI per capita ranging from $4,636 to $14,375.

Prior to this, the Philippines was in the World Bank’s lower-middle income bracket since 1987. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

BSP chief says economy can absorb one more rate hike

EM - News Moderator — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Katherine K. Chan, Reporter

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY can still absorb another rate hike as growth is expected to rebound in the second half of the year, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona, Jr. said he hopes the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) will grow over 3% in the latter half of 2026 as the government ramps up spending.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event on Monday, he noted that the economy can still manage if the BSP extends its tightening cycle to deliver another 25-basis-point (bp) rate hike.

Asked if the economy can still handle another rate hike, the BSP chief said in a mix of Filipino and English: “It can, because 25 bps is small. It’s nominal”

“If you deduct inflation from that, it’s still low,” he added.

However, Mr. Remolona did not answer when asked how much space they still have for additional 25-bp increases.

In the first quarter, the Philippine GDP growth slowed to 2.8% from 3% in the previous quarter and 5.4% a year ago, amid the Middle East war-driven energy shocks and lingering effects of last year’s flood control scandal.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) has already lowered its growth target this year to 3.5-4.5% from 5-6% previously.

Mr. Remolona noted that the economy is still grappling with tepid public spending due to the flood control mess fallout.

“The problem this year is there was a lack of government spending. So, we expect to recover strongly in the second half of the year. Because of the flood control (scandal) they became strict with spending. But that might be okay by the second half,” he added.

As of May, government spending grew by 4.81% year on year to P2.6 trillion from P2.48 trillion a year ago. The DBCC has set a P6.46-trillion disbursement program for this year.

Mr. Remolona said the government has to be more disciplined in spending to help the economy recover in the July-to-December period.

“The catch-up plan is to start spending what we should have been doing, what we should have been spending if not for the flood control,” he said.

The BSP chief said there should be a rebound in the government spending in the second semester.

Despite the sluggish economy, the central bank capped its easing cycle in April to raise key borrowing costs for the first time in over two years amid emerging price pressures from the energy crisis.

Mr. Remolona said the Monetary Board’s decision came as they are banking on fiscal policy to support growth while they focus on containing inflation risks.

Last month, the BSP delivered its second straight 25-bp hike to bring the benchmark rate to 4.75% as it flagged broadening spillover effects of elevated oil prices.

Mr. Remolona at that time said they still have a lot of space to tighten but will likely stick to 25-bp hikes unless second-order price effects worsen further.

In May, headline inflation eased to 6.8% from the over three-year high of 7.2% in April, bringing the five-month average to 4.5%.

For June, a BusinessWorld poll of 18 analysts showed the headline print likely continued to breach the BSP’s 2%-4% goal as it yielded a median forecast of 6.6%.

The central bank sees inflation settling above its target over the next three years at 6.4% in 2026, 4.5% in 2027, and 3.1% in 2028.

The Monetary Board is scheduled to hold three more policy reviews this year on Aug. 27, Oct. 22, and Dec. 17.

Super Typhoon Bavi likely to enter PAR as early as Tuesday

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:16:03 -0600

Super Typhoon Bavi (international name) may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the coming days and enhance the southwest monsoon, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall to parts of the country, according to the state weather bureau on Monday.

“If the super typhoon’s movement and direction do not change,” Aldczar D. Aurelio, weather specialist at the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said during a 5:00 a.m. briefing in Filipino.

“It is expected to enter PAR between Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning,” he added.

Upon the super typhoon’s entry into PAR, it will be assigned the local name Inday, the country’s ninth tropical cyclone this year.

As of 4:00 a.m., Bavi was located 2,365 kilometers east of Southeastern Luzon, PAGASA said.

It intensified based on the latest monitoring, packing maximum sustained winds of 215 kilometers per hour (kph) and gusts of up to 265 kph.

“There is a low chance of it making landfall in the country. The super typhoon’s center may pass near the Batanes area before making landfall in Taiwan,” Mr. Aurelio said, adding that Bavi was moving west-northwest at 15 kph toward PAR.

As for its effects, the super typhoon, along with the effects southwest monsoon, is expected to bring strong winds to large parts of the country from Tuesday to Wednesday, Mr. Aurelio said.

By Thursday, the enhanced southwest monsoon may bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms, particularly over the western portion of the country.

Fair weather is expected across the country on Monday as the effects of Bavi and the southwest monsoon have yet to be felt. However, localized thunderstorms may develop in the afternoon or evening. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 4 Escalates the War Between Kanan and Raq

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Critic’s Rating: 4.3 / 5.0

4.3

People in the Power Universe are notorious for making bad decisions.

Sometimes those decisions are so bad they’re comical, while other times, they’re so bad they make you angry.

It was poor decision after poor decision on Power Book III: Raising Kanan Season 5 Episode 4, and even that feels generous.

(Courtesy of Starz)

This battle between Kanan and Raq has been brewing for years now, and while it’s had many peaks and valleys, you can tell this time it’s different because Kanan is different.

When Power Book III: Raising Kanan first started, Kanan Stark was nothing like the adult we knew. And of course, he’s changed as the series has gone on, but we’re now seeing the closest version yet of the Kanan we met in Power.

Adult Kanan was a sociopath, and he didn’t care about anything or anyone.

If you want to debate whether or not he “cared” about Tariq, feel free to plead your case in the comments, but the more we learn about Kanan’s past, the more apparent it’s become that he lacks the capacity to truly care about people.

Somewhere between watching his mother kill his father and killing his uncle—maybe even before that—Kanan lost the ability to truly care about anyone.

(Courtesy of Starz)

He’s about himself—and himself alone. I’d say it sounds a lot like Raq, but that’s not entirely fair to her, since we know that Kanan will always be her Achilles’ heel.

Kanan doesn’t have one of those.

In this hour, Kanan was on a path of destruction, making statements wherever he could. First with his mother and then with Taz.

If anyone embodied this episode’s terrible decision-making, it was Taz. I could do a whole dissertation on Taz because what exactly was he hoping to accomplish?

There’s a certain air of superiority and confidence you have to possess when you live your life on the streets, and it works for a lot of people. Tommy comes to mind when I think of someone who doesn’t even know the meaning of humility.

(Courtesy of Starz)

But not everyone has the smarts and abilities to get away with saying anything and acting any way they want.

Taz walked around with a massive chip on his shoulder, constantly challenging Kanan in public and private as though Kanan was going to react rationally.

Genuinely, what was his problem?

Taz’s beef was mainly with Breeze, and he knew what he was doing in pitting him against Kanan, and he fell right into the trap almost gladly. Then he paid the price for it, and he had no one to blame but himself.

It’s fairly obvious that Breeze plays games, and he does things to see how people will react. It’s a dangerous game to play, because people don’t like being used as real-life pawns in someone else’s chess match, but when you’re moving around silly people like Taz, then it can work.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Taz’s death was a guarantee from the first surly look he levied at Kanan this season, but it was a little surprising to see the chopping up of his body because so often in Power, people don’t go out of their way to hide their misdeeds like that.

It’s very interesting to see the early evolution of the Kanan and Breeze dynamic, given the distrust that still exists between them. Or maybe not distrust, but caution.

They’re still getting to know each other and feel each other out, which is why Breeze met up with Raq without saying anything. And also why Kanan didn’t tell Breeze immediately that he knew he was lying about the Taz situation.

Perhaps the biggest sign that these two are still learning about each other was the Defcon admission, because huh?

I’m going to take the Kanan voiceover about truth and lying and blah blah blah to infer that Breeze just made up that lie because he assumed that Kanan didn’t know anything about his supposed father, and he could use their supposed connection as a way to get Kanan further aligned with him.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Or should we assume the lies in question were really from Kanan’s end, since he knew Defcon wasn’t his father, but he couldn’t very well tell Breeze that!

Either way, their early dynamic is now characterized by deceit, and if that isn’t true for literally EVERY male dynamic throughout the Power Universe.

Just men everywhere claiming to be brothers and lying when it suits them.

Speaking of lying, I never thought I would see the day when a young Kanan would turn into Don Juan, but that day arrived, and I was not prepared for it.

Kanan’s mission with Tiana was to gather information about Raq’s new business, which he did, but there was something else beneath it.

(Courtesy of Starz)

We’ve seen Kanan fall for a few girls throughout the series, and when we got that extended clip of the two of them in bed together, it didn’t give the impression that he was just after information. It felt like he genuinely wanted to get to know her.

I’ve been wondering whether we’d meet Shawn’s mother in this series, and it finally happened with only a few episodes left.

On the one hand, I thought Jarita would be a bigger part of Kanan’s story, but then again, she didn’t exactly play a major part in Power either.

Knowing that she was working for Raq and entered into an arrangement with Kanan under false pretenses makes you think about how terribly strained that adult relationship was, and why Kanan always had such disdain for his own son.

Jarita’s arrival is a very intriguing little side plot to look out for, especially if he uses that relationship to hurt Raq, because that’s clearly one of his main agendas this season.

(Courtesy of Starz)

The whole plan to get one of Flossie’s customers to overdose was a smart move, and Kanan making it clear it was him, so Raq wouldn’t think otherwise, was lowkey a power move, because you can tell he’s reaching a point where he’s not scared of anything.

Raq’s face when she found out Kanan was messing with her was the complete opposite of unbothered. One thing about Raq is that she’s always prepared, and what Kanan did caught her off-guard.

There is no way she could have ever predicted that Kanan and another kid named Breeze would wind up being something she’d have to contend with, and that’s to say nothing of Stefano, who’s a thorn she can’t get rid of.

The conversation between Raq and Breeze was a highlight of the hour because Raq was running circles around him, but in the same breath, you could start to see why Ghost and Tommy held Breeze in such high regard.

Breeze has a firm grasp of the game, and as I mentioned earlier, he’s clearly a master at maneuvering. Raq’s someone he knows he will never be able to maneuver around the way he wants because of his proximity to Kanan, but his mention of her as a woman was reductive, a product of the times.

(Courtesy of Starz)

We’ve had to hear that Raq doesn’t belong because she’s a woman, and people can keep underestimating her all they want. When she says she’s about her money and that no one will know what she’s thinking, believe her!

Raq had a busy hour, and the decision to go after Stefano was one of those horrendous decisions I was talking about earlier.

I understand why Raq wasn’t trying to cut Stefano off a piece because he was the one who came at her to begin with. He’s only circling back around because he’s greedy, and he thought that he was hitching his wagon to the winning horse with Snaps and Pop, only to realize Raq was never going to lie down and die.

But while I applauded Raq for not giving in to Stefano, getting into a war with him feels like the wrong move at this point, when she’s just getting her business off the ground.

Bringing in those Memphis men smelled rotten from the jump, though I suspected Stefano was going to sniff them out more than I thought the one guy was going to go rogue.

(Courtesy of Starz)

All it accomplishes is sending Stefano onto the warpath, which means that as we move into the final four episodes, Raq has haters coming at her from every angle, and it’s likely to be a bloodbath at the end of the day.

The tension is escalating exactly as it should as the series enters its final stretch, and if this episode proved anything, it’s that people aren’t really thinking long-term.

They’re making emotional, impulsive moves, and in this universe, that’s usually a death sentence.

Everything Else You Need To Know

Marvin’s faith journey is making me incredibly nervous. You couple that with these heart-to-hearts with Raq, and I fear he’s not making it through this season, and THAT will be the catalyst that pushes Jukebox into being a dirty cop.

(Courtesy of Starz)

That man dancing around, snorting cocaine, and then dying was so jarring.

This was a decent hour in a season that’s shaping up to be pretty slow-moving. It really does feel like this season is getting us ready for the latest spinoff more than anything, and I can’t tell if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.

Let me know in the comments how you felt about this one!

You can watch Power Book III: Raising Kanan at midnight on the STARZ app. On linear, it airs on STARZ at 8:00 pm ET/PT in the U.S.

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Trump wants delay, E. Jean Carroll wants verdict paid

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

E. Jean Carroll arrives at Manhattan federal court in New York as her defamation suit against Donald Trump continues in New York City on Jan. 26, 2024.

Spencer Platt | Getty Images

The writer E. Jean Carroll is seeking the prompt release of the nearly $5.8 million she is owed from a civil jury verdict holding President Donald Trump liable for sexually abusing and defaming her, a new court filing by her lawyers said.

But Trump wants to delay that so he can potentially ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its refusal Monday to hear his appeal, according to the filing in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Such a request is rarely granted.

And Carroll flatly rejects the suggestion she allow any further delay in her getting paid.

“This is the end of the line,” Carroll’s lawyer Roberta Kaplan wrote in the filing Tuesday night to District Court Judge Lewis Kaplan, asking him to order the release of funds set aside by Trump to satisfy the May 2023 jury verdict.

“To date, Carroll has agreed to each of Defendant’s many requests to delay the payment he owes her,” wrote Kaplan, who is not related to the judge. “Given the extraordinary lengths he has taken to avoid such payments and that each of those efforts has been denied in full, that cooperation ends today.”

“It is time for him to pay Carroll.”

The filing cites prior statements by Judge Kaplan, who has said Trump had engaged in litigation tactics that suggested he had a “strong desire to delay” the case, and a related lawsuit against him by Carroll.

“A petition for rehearing is likely to fail,” Kaplan wrote. “Requiring Carroll to endure further delay while Defendant seeks rehearing would both be profoundly unfair and undermine the public interest.”

Why 3D TVs Failed And The Trouble With 3D In Hollywood.

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

While many TVs released between 2010 and 2015 supported 3D, using the feature required clearing a series of annoying hurdles. You had to buy 3D glasses, which ranged from $10 to $20 for passive frames, to upwards of $50 for active glasses that required constant charging. You had to make sure your Blu-ray player supported 3D discs. And you had to pay a premium for those 3D Blu-rays, assuming you could find them in stock.

For the niche media geeks who cleared those roadblocks, 3D Blu-rays did a decent job of replicating the theatrical 3D experience. But the results depended heavily on the size and viewing distance of your TV. If you’re too far away from a 42-inch or even 50-inch set, you won’t really be immersed by Avatar’s world of Pandora. It was also extra annoying if you wanted to have a 3D watch party with a crowd — you’d either have to buy a ton of extra glasses, or hope your nerdy friends had their own.

Worst of all, 3D TVs with passive glasses effectively halved the resolution of 1080p, since they had to deliver a separate image. 3D projectors and higher-end TVs avoided that issue since they relied on active glasses, but the expense and battery limitations of those frames made viewing parties all but impossible.

Outside of 3D Blu-rays, it was also tough to find much 3D content. Networks like the BBC and ESPN broadcast a handful of 3D shows and games, but they both gave up on the format in 2013. “I have never seen a very big appetite for 3D television in the UK,” Kim Shillinglaw, the BBC’s head of 3D, said in a 2013 interview with Radio Times (via The Independent). “Watching 3D is quite a hassly experience in the home. You have got to find your glasses before switching on the TV. I think when people watch TV they concentrate in a different way. When people go to the cinema they go and are used to doing one thing. I think that’s one of the reasons that take up of 3D TV has been disappointing.”

As the hype around 3D TVs waned, 4K sets with HDR started to crop up with more immediate benefits. They looked noticeably sharper and brighter than earlier HDTVs, and they were buoyed by a ton of 4K content from Netflix and other streaming services. There was no need to buy a Blu-ray player, no need to put on glasses and no need to look hard for special content. It’s no wonder 4K took off. (And even if you’re not viewing 4K content, those newer TVs still made your older SD and HD shows look better than ever.)

According to a recent study by Precision Reports, around 25 percent of households with 3D TVs actually used the technology during the peak period between 2010 and 2018. Less than 10 percent of households kept using the technology after three years. The same report also found that 65 percent of users stopped using 3D because of a lack of content, 50 percent noted discomfort for long viewing sessions and 42 percent gave up due to high equipment costs.

Despite the many issues, though, Precision Reports also predicts that the 3D TV category will grow by 15 percent by 2036 thanks to the rise of glasses-free 3D sets, commercial implementations and gaming. I’ve yet to be impressed by any glasses-free 3D TVs, personally, and they typically don’t support multiple viewers since they rely on sophisticated eye tracking to function.

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Watch ex-Dead Kennedys legend Jello Biafra return to the stage just months after suffering a stroke

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

Former Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra has returned to the stage just months after suffering a stroke.

The punk icon, real name Raymond Pepperell, made a surprise appearance at TentacleFest in San Francisco on June 27, joining Wheelchair Sports Camp onstage for a performance of their collaboration ‘Make It Make Sense’.

Footage shared by Alternative Tentacles, the independent label Biafra founded in 1979, showed Biafra returning to the stage for the first time since suffering a stroke in March.

“Not only was TentacleFest an amazing show, it also featured the return of Jello Biafra to the stage,” the label wrote alongside the clip. “Check out this clip of Jello coming out to sing ‘Make It Make Sense’ with Wheelchair Sports Camp!”

The appearance came just months after Biafra was taken to hospital after suffering a haemorrhagic stroke caused by high blood pressure.

At the time, Alternative Tentacles said the 67-year-old was in a stable condition, while Biafra later explained that he had collapsed after getting out of bed.

“I hopped out of my bed because I needed to pee, and my left leg just collapsed under me and I fell to the floor,” he said.

A later update from his family said his speech had “mostly come back in full” and that “cognitively, it’s like the stroke never happened”, although the left side of his body remained weak.

However, Alternative Tentacles has since urged fans not to read too much into the TentacleFest appearance, explaining that Biafra was only onstage for around 10 minutes and was “visibly exhausted and pale” by the end of the event.

“He still has a long way to go in his recovery,” the label added.

Biafra’s return nevertheless marks an encouraging milestone for the influential punk pioneer, who fronted Dead Kennedys from 1978 until the band split in 1986 before embarking on a long career spanning spoken-word performances, collaborations and Alternative Tentacles.

Dead Kennedys accused Biafra of withholding royalties in a lawsuit in 1998. Biafra lost the legal battle two years later, and was required to pay his ex-bandmates outstanding royalties and punitive damages.

Additionally, he was also forced to hand over the rights to the majority of Dead Kennedys’ back catalogue. This allowed the remaining members to reissue past albums, including a 2022 re-release of their debut record ‘Fresh Fruit For Rotting Vegetables’. According to Biafra, this was done “intentionally” behind his back.

Last year, Biafra joined King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard onstage for a performance of the Dead Kennedys classic ‘Police Truck’ during the Australian psych-rock band’s residency at Forest Hills Stadium in New York.

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Wilco and the Breeders Now Hold a Yo-Yo World Record

Dante Ulanday - News Moderator — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:03:04 -0600

History was made last weekend at Wilco’s Solid Sound Festival at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA) in North Adams. On June 27, Wilco, the Breeders, and thousands of others gathered together to attempt to break the world record for most people yo-yoing at one time. The group of 5,000 succeeded, smashing the previous record of 2,036 individuals.

This year’s Solid Sound featured performances from the likes of Gang of Four, Billy Bragg, Ryan Davis & the Roadhouse Band, Sharp Pins, and L’Rain. It marked the festival’s first edition since 2024, when Wednesday, Ratboys, and Water From Your Eyes counted among the artists on the bill. Beyond the music, Solid Sound also hosted a comedy cabaret, a screening previewing Mikael Jorgensen’s new film on Bob James, yoga, guided hikes, and more.

Although they may now be the most decorated, Jeff Tweedy and Kim Deal aren’t the only yo-yo-friendly indie rockers spinning today. Since 2024, longtime yo-yo devotee Faye Webster has hosted an invitational for the world’s best players in Atlanta.

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APECO pitches Malaysian investors on clean-energy, airport dev’t projects

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

THE Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (APECO) said it is soliciting clean energy and airport development investments from Malaysian firms.

In a statement over the weekend, APECO said it will mount an investment mission to Malaysia on July 7-9.

The mission will also gauge interest in seaport development, with APECO positioning itself as a rising port on the Philippines’ Pacific coast.

“APECO will also explore potential partnerships in the halal industry, especially in food and beverage, tourism and related services, as it positions Aurora as a strategic investment destination connected to ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and Pacific markets,” APECO said.

It plans to promote the Casiguran International New Port and other flagship projects at the 24^th ASEAN Ports and Logistics 2026 Conference on July 8-9 in Kuala Lumpur.

During the event, APECO President and Chief Executive Officer Gil G. Taway IV will join a forum that will discuss the future of ASEAN and global trade routes.

“The session provides APECO with a strategic platform to present Casiguran as a future Pacific-facing gateway for cargo consolidation, storage, processing and redistribution, as shipping lines, logistics firms and port developers look for new routes and resilient trade nodes in the region,” it said.

Participants are estimated at 300 business leaders from the shipping, cargo, import and export, and logistics industries.

APECO will also conduct port benchmarking activities at Port Klang, Malaysia’s primary maritime gateway, it added.

The Aurora ecozone is located 357 kilometers northeast of the Philippine capital.

The ecozone also boasts direct access to the Pacific Ocean, making it an alternative shipping hub for major Asia-Pacific and North American markets, APECO said.

Mr. Taway has said that APECO has attracted P18 billion worth of investments in renewable energy, defense, tourism, agri-processing, cold storage, and skills training. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Philippine CEOs bullish on AI, but cite talent, infrastructure gaps — Deloitte

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Beatriz Marie D. Cruz, Senior Reporter

PHILIPPINE chief executive officers (CEOs) are confident in using artificial intelligence (AI) in major company decisions, but workforce readiness and infrastructure deficiencies remain key bottlenecks, according to advisory services firm Deloitte Philippines.

“The CEOs want to adopt, but the people below or the infrastructure is not ready,” Deloitte Philippines Country Manager Ramon Chito F. Ramos, Jr. said in an interview with BusinessWorld on June 25.

“People are resisting change, they’re not upskilled to know how to use AI,” he said.

Mr. Ramos also noted that many AI users in the Philippines are still in the “pilot stage,” which yield limited benefits instead of enterprise-wide efficiency.

To move beyond the experimental use of AI, companies should focus on what outcome or business problem it’s trying to solve using their AI tools, he said.

“There should be a mindset shift in the way you do it. Otherwise, everybody’s just rushing to adopt the latest tool and they don’t know what to do, Mr. Ramos noted.

Some Filipino firms do not have the necessary infrastructure to scale their AI use, and the unstable internet connectivity in several areas remain a challenge.

“Among the companies I’m working with, some big ones are not even on newer technology. They’re maybe on AS/400, those very old mainframe computers,” he noted.

Mr. Ramos cited the Philippines’ young population as an advantage over its Southeast Asian peers but called on the government to implement a national strategy for AI adoption.

The Department of Science and Technology is spearheading the National AI Strategy for the Philippines, a framework to guide the development, deployment, and governance of an AI-powered economy by 2028. The strategy focuses on four key pillars: infrastructure, workforce, technology, and policy.

Mr. Ramos said students should be trained on AI and digital literacy early to ensure that they are equipped as the workforce grows more tech-driven.

While AI is not replacing humans, the Deloitte executive said it is redefining workforce roles.

“Whoever can work with AI has an advantage. The people whose jobs will get replaced are the ones who cannot cope and do not use AI,” he said.

As an example, Mr. Ramos pointed out that computers made the role of a traditional typist obsolete, forcing it to evolve into higher-value positions such as editing and content creation.

“No longer is it enough to just have a CPA (certified public accountant) license. Now, you need to be a CPA and AI-enabled,” he said.

The AI boom has also seen the rise of new roles like prompt engineers and AI workflow designers, he added.

However, he reminded companies to establish strict policies on the responsible use of AI to avoid data leaks when using public AI models.

“TECH-ENABLED” ADVISORY
The rise of AI and automation has also pushed Deloitte Philippines beyond its tax, accounting, and auditing functions to specialize in consulting services, Mr. Ramos said.

“We’re certainly gung-ho about growing the Philippines,” he noted. “Even our own mindset shifts within Deloitte. Now, we want to be known as a tech-enabled advisory firm.”

“We will do a lot of… technology implementations, whether it’s AI or ERP (enterprise resource planning) software. We are at the forefront of that globally, and we want to bring that expertise into the Philippines as well,” Mr. Ramos said.

He added that geopolitical tensions like the Middle East war have pushed corporate clients to tap advisory services.

“Whenever there is a crisis or volatility, that’s when advisory actually grows, because more people need advisors to answer [questions like] ‘How do I get out of this crisis? How do I make sure my company continues to grow despite what is happening locally or in the Middle East or with AI?’”

In the Philippines, Deloitte’s audit services are provided by Navarro Amper & Co., while its assurance, tax and related services are provided by Landicho Abela & Co.

Deloitte’s clients span industries like consumer products, banking, financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, and energy.

PSE’s capital-raising target hiked to P204B

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

THE PHILIPPINE Stock Exchange (PSE) expects companies to raise about P204 billion through the capital market in 2026, based on applications received so far, exceeding its initial target of P170 billion.

At a media briefing on Saturday, PSE President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Monzon said the revised forecast is backed by applications received to date for initial public offerings (IPOs), preferred share offerings, and private placements.

“Our projected capital raising for 2026, as of this date, based on the applications that we have received, is about P204 billion. So, we exceeded our optimistic target of P170 billion that we gave at the beginning of the year. And that’s a very good sign for the exchange,” Mr. Monzon said.

The PSE had earlier set a capital-raising target of P170 billion to P175 billion this year despite market turmoil arising from the Middle East conflict and flood control mess. This was higher than the P144.14 billion raised in 2025.

For the first half of 2026, Mr. Monzon said the PSE raised about P39.4 billion through two private placements and follow-on offerings of preferred shares.

“I’m happy to report that for the first half of the year, we raised about P39.4 billion from two private placements and some follow-on offerings of preferred shares,” he said.

Mr. Monzon said the exchange has so far received applications for two IPOs this year, namely, VITRO, Inc. and Mynt Inc.

VITRO, PLDT Inc.’s data center arm, has filed an application for what could become the country’s first digital infrastructure real estate investment trust (REIT). It is targeting to raise up to P24.2 billion.

Mynt, the operator of e-wallet giant GCash, filed for a proposed IPO that could raise as much as P92.3 billion. It is looking to debut on the PSE in the fourth quarter.

According to Mr. Monzon, a P30-billion preferred share follow-on offering by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) is also in the pipeline this year.

Mr. Monzon said there is also a P9-billion preferred share listing by a company whose common shares are not listed on the exchange, as well as another P4-billion private placement of preferred shares.

For 2027, Mr. Monzon said the PSE is monitoring a potential merger of the toll road businesses of SMC and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC).

“What do I look forward to in 2027? I keep hearing — and I’m hearing this from the principals; this is not a rumor — that there are ongoing talks to merge the San Miguel and the Metro Pacific tollways. And when that happens, I think they will be going to the market to raise capital,” he said.

MPIC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said in June that he expects Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.’s merger with SMC to be completed by the third quarter. SMC is likely to emerge with a majority stake in the combined tollway business.

Mr. Monzon also said four companies under the PSE’s Listing Engagement and Assistance Program (LEAP) are expected to be ready to conduct their IPOs next year.

“We have four there that we have been meeting regularly, and I think they’re ready and prepared to do an IPO next year,” he said.

LEAP is the PSE’s listing assistance program for companies considering an IPO. It provides advisory sessions, pre-listing assessment tools, and connections to IPO advisers at no cost.

PSE BOARD
Also on Saturday, the PSE Board elected three new directors, and re-elected Mr. Monzon as president and CEO and Jose T. Pardo as its chair.

Asian Institute of Management (AIM) President and Dean Jikyeong Kang and Dutch technology expert Niek Johan van Veen were elected as independent directors. Lorenzo Andres “Randy” Roxas, president of Philippine Equity Partners, Inc., was elected as regular director.

Mr. Monzon said Ms. Kang’s international expertise will bring some “good parts of governance to the Exchange,” while Mr. van Veen’s over 20 years of expertise in information technology and artificial intelligence across Southeast Asia and Europe would support the PSE’s information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives.

“We really sought out a director who could guide PSE in its IT and AI journey, and I think Niek van Veen will fill those shoes,” he said. — Alexandria Grace C. Magno

National Government’s debt service bill rises in May

EM - News Moderator — Sun, 05 Jul 2026 21:00:04 -0600

By Justine Irish D. Tabile, Senior Reporter

THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT’S (NG) debt service bill jumped by over 21% in May amid higher interest and amortization payments, the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) said.

The latest Treasury data showed payments made by the government for its obligations surged by 21.4% to P97.18 billion in May from P80.05 billion in the same month a year ago.

Month on month, however, debt service slumped by 69.1% from P314.89 billion in April.

Debt service refers to payments made by the NG for its domestic and foreign debt.

The bulk or 87% of debt payments in May consisted of interest payments, while the rest were amortization payments.

The government’s interest payments rose by 20.9% to P84.6 billion in May from P69.95 billion in the same month a year earlier.

Interest payments for domestic debt stood at P66.51 billion in May, up by 27.1% from P52.31 billion in the same month in 2025.

Of this total, P41.68 billion went to interest payments for fixed-rate Treasury bonds, P21.09 for retail Treasury bonds, and P3.74 billion for Treasury bills.

Meanwhile, interest payments for foreign borrowings inched up by 2.5% to P18.09 billion in May from P17.64 billion a year prior.

On the other hand, NG’s repayment of its loan principal increased by 24.6% to P12.58 billion in May from P10.09 billion a year ago.

These only consisted of amortization on foreign obligations as it did not make principal payments on domestic debt in May this year and last year.

FIVE-MONTH BILL
For the first five months, the government’s debt service bill surged by 63.5% to P1.15 trillion from P702.97 billion in the same period last year.

Amortization payments in the January-to-May period jumped by 110.7% to P728.21 billion from P345.57 billion a year ago.

Broken down, principal payments for domestic debt soared by 269.9% to P630.37 billion, while payments for external borrowings declined by 44.1% to P97.85 billion.

Meanwhile, interest payments stood at P421.26 billion in the five months ending May, up 17.9% from P357.4 billion in the same period a year ago.

Interest payments on domestic debt jumped by 22.7% year on year to P320.8 billion in the first five months from P261.34 billion a year ago.

This consisted of P227-billion fixed-rate Treasury bonds, P68.41 billion for retail Treasury bonds, P20.83 billion for Treasury bills, and P4.55 billion in interest payments for other domestic borrowings.

Interest payments on foreign obligations increased by 4.6% year on year to P100.46 billion in the January-to-May period from P96.06 billion a year ago.

“The increase in debt service in May and during the first five months of the year likely reflects a combination of higher principal repayments and larger interest payments as the government continues to service a growing debt stock,” Union Bank of the Philippines Chief Economist Ruben Carlo O. Asuncion told BusinessWorld via Viber.

“The repayment schedule of maturing obligations can also create significant swings in monthly debt service figures, particularly when large domestic or external debt maturities fall within a given period,” he added.

In the coming months, Mr. Asuncion said debt service could remain elevated due to the government’s ongoing financing requirements and the rollover of maturing debt.

“Interest payments may also stay relatively high as portions of the debt stock continue to reflect the higher interest rate environment seen in recent years,” he said.

He added that foreign exchange rate movements could affect servicing costs for foreign currency-denominated obligations.

On Friday, the peso closed at P61.415 against the greenback, strengthening by 15 centavos from its P61.565 finish on Thursday.

University of Asia and the Pacific economist Marco Antonio C. Agonia attributed the increase in debt servicing to a larger debt stock and elevated interest payments.

“Borrowing for the government’s normal operations and its response to higher oil prices mechanically increased principal repayment,” Mr. Agonia told BusinessWorld via e-mail.

“Meanwhile, elevated interest rates from larger risk premia arising from the flood control scandal and the oil price crisis materially pushed up interest payments thus far,” he added.

The NG’s outstanding debt stood at P18.55 trillion as of end-May, inching up by 0.41% from the prior month’s level of P18.47 trillion.

Year on year, outstanding debt went up by 9.62% from P16.92 trillion at end-May 2025.

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