Happy Monday! Start your week with a sharper look at where the peso may be headed, how Davao is expanding its fresh exports, and what smart fabrics could mean for everyday life. We also follow Alex Eala’s Washington run and round up more stories worth knowing in the days ahead.

Stay Sharp.

The refund: The ERC has ordered Meralco to return ₱9.51 billion in over-recoveries from January to December 2025. Meralco said it will comply and credit customers’ bills over six months.

Why it matters: Residential customers will receive ₱0.5861 per kWh, saving a household using 200 kWh about ₱117 per billing cycle. The ₱0.3448 rate is the average across all customer classes.

The details: The refund will appear as a separate line item, making each credit easy to spot. The total includes roughly ₱496 million in interest.

How it happened: Regulators compared Meralco’s actual weighted average tariff with its final approved distribution rate. The review found an over-recovery, triggering money back for consumers instead of another collection during the covered period.

The World Bank approved a $250.87 million loan, its first since the Philippines became an upper-middle-income economy, to improve climate-resilient water and sanitation services in Bohol, Siargao, and Jolo. The project is expected to create 8,700 jobs initially, strengthen water security, and support long-term economic and tourism growth.

Davao Ships Fresh Produce to Saudi

The Davao Region exported 17.2 metric tons of fresh produce worth around ₱800,000 to Saudi Arabia, including Cardava bananas, sweet potatoes, and jicama. The shipment, secured through trade missions, expands export opportunities for local farmers, boosts rural jobs, and strengthens the region’s reputation as a reliable supplier of premium agricultural products.

GreatDay HR Expands Across Southeast Asia

GreatDay HR expanded its Southeast Asian presence with its entry into Vietnam, strengthening its reach across five markets. Serving over 4,000 companies and one million users, the cloud-based HR platform aims to help SMEs digitize payroll, attendance, and workforce management as demand for business automation continues to grow.

Peso Seen Holding at ₱61 Range

The peso is expected to stay around the ₱61-per-dollar level this week as easing oil prices and a softer US dollar provide support. Investors are closely watching Philippine inflation and second-quarter GDP data, which could influence currency movements and expectations for the country's economic outlook.

Alex Eala advanced to her first WTA final and will face world No. 3 Jessica Pegula in the DC Open, chasing the biggest title of her career. (Read more)

Toni Fowler Says Goodbye to Implants

Toni Fowler revealed she had her breast implants removed after 10 years, saying she finally achieved her longtime goal of having a flatter chest and feels physically relieved. (Read More)

Spider-Man Spins Massive $355M Global Debut

Spider-Man: Brand New Day swung to a massive $355 million worldwide opening weekend, delivering the second-biggest box office debut in history and another blockbuster win for Marvel and Sony. (Read More)

Harvard researchers created smart knitted fabrics that can act as switches and sensors. These textiles may track steps and control devices using special yarns and patterns, opening possibilities in technology. (Read more)

Anthropic AI Models Hacked Organizations During Tests

Anthropic revealed three AI models accessed by organizations during cybersecurity tests. The company said the incidents showed the need for stronger AI safety controls and human oversight as technology advances. (Read more)

Elon Musk’s AI Platform Plans Odyssey Film

Elon Musk said Grok Imagine will create a full-length AI-made adaptation of “The Odyssey” by year-end. He claimed the film will be historically accurate and follow Homer’s original art. (Read more)

Australia Combines AI and Indigenous Knowledge to Fight Fires

Australia uses satellites, drones, AI, and Indigenous fire practices to predict and manage wildfires. Experts combine modern technology with ancient knowledge to improve disaster prevention and protect communities. (Read more)

Makopa Leaf Extract Shows Cancer-Fighting Potential

A study found makopa leaf extract caused breast cancer cells to self-destruct in laborator

Plastic Alternatives Alone May Not Solve Pollution

Environmental advocates warn that replacing plastic with other disposable materials may not fix pollution. They push for reuse, refill systems, and stronger producer responsibility to reduce waste.

“Cadaver Fat” Injections Gain Popularity After Weight Loss

A cosmetic procedure using processed donor fat is gaining attention among people who lost weight through drugs like Ozempic. The treatment aims to restore volume in certain body areas.

Japan Probe Sets Closest Asteroid Flyby Record

Japan’s Hayabusa2 probe flew just 400 meters from asteroid Torifune, marking the closest asteroid flyby recorded. The mission helps improve planetary defense research and space exploration.

🏠 Four distressed Filipino seafarers were safely repatriated from Iran after receiving government assistance amid regional security concerns. (Read more)

🌊 The Philippines strengthened its West Philippine Sea claim by officially filing updated maritime maps with the United Nations. (Read more)

🦀 Around 800 visitors consumed 700 kilograms of blue crabs during E.B. Magalona's tourism event supporting fisherfolk affected by the US export ban. (Read more)

⚖️ Family members sought justice after a teenage student was fatally stabbed inside a Las Piñas school, prompting an ongoing police investigation. (Read more)

A tourist plane crashed near Peru’s Nazca Lines, killing 11 passengers and two pilots. Authorities said the aircraft lost contact shortly after takeoff and are investigating the cause.

Italy Issues Red Heat Alerts Across Cities

Italy placed 25 major cities under red heat alerts as a severe heatwave hits the country. Officials warned residents of health risks and urged hydration and avoiding direct sunlight.

Hungary Shuts Nuclear Plant Due to Drought

Hungary will shut down its only nuclear power plant after record-low Danube River levels affected cooling operations. The shutdown raises concerns over the country’s electricity supply amid extreme drought.

📝 Uniqlo highlights indigenous crafts, education projects in Ph-Japan friendship event. (Read more)

📝 Davao resident discovers mother’s “strange collection” during flood cleanup  (Watch more)

📝 Filipino athletes and queens bring pride to the world stage. (Read more)

📝 Spider-Man fans turn Philippine Malls into multiverse celebration hubs. (Watch more)