Good morning. The Philippines is replacing a 60-year-old data policy built before the internet, clearing a path for safer cloud and AI use. We also unpack ₱16 trillion in digital transfers, a possible ₱63 peso, fighting robots, self-destructing plastic, and the curious history of the Binukot. Let’s get into it.

Stay Sharp.

What changed: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 119, replacing a government data policy written in 1964, long before cloud computing, AI, and the internet.

How it works: Top Secret and Secret government data must stay within Philippine territory. Confidential data may be stored or processed overseas with approval and safeguards. Restricted and Open Access data may use secure cloud platforms that meet encryption and cybersecurity standards.

Why it matters: Clearer rules could make the Philippines more attractive to cloud providers, data center operators, and AI investors while keeping sensitive information protected.

What’s next: A joint oversight committee has 120 days to issue guidelines. Government agencies will then receive up to three years to fully comply. The order covers government data only, not private company data.

Combined InstaPay and PESONet transactions reached ₱16.09 trillion in the first half of 2026, up 44.6% year-on-year, while transaction volume surged 166.5% to 4.2 billion. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said lower transfer fees and wider digital payment adoption continue to accelerate the country’s shift toward a cash-lite economy.

Maynilad Set to Join PSEi in Index Shake-Up

Maynilad Water Services is expected to join the PSEi in the next index rebalancing, replacing Converge ICT Solutions after its strong post-IPO performance. The move comes as ICTSI strengthens its dominance, accounting for over 25% of the benchmark index, highlighting its growing influence on Philippine stock market movements.

BMI Sees Peso Weakening to ₱63 Against Dollar

The Philippine peso could trade between ₱61 and ₱63 per US dollar in the coming months, according to BMI, citing higher oil prices, stronger import demand, and a firm US dollar. The research firm expects holiday remittances to provide some support later this year, helping stabilize the currency.

DOF Raises ₱1 Billion From Makati Property Sale

The Department of Finance generated ₱1 billion from selling its Atrium of Makati property, advancing its privatization program to unlock idle state assets. The government is also preparing to sell the FTI Complex, Mile Long property, and its SLEX stake as it works toward boosting non-tax revenues. 

The Blu Girls stunned World No. 3 Puerto Rico with a dramatic comeback before falling to Great Britain, keeping their Women’s Softball World Cup playoff hopes alive entering a must-win finale. (Read more)

Bretman, Niana Join TIME100 Creators

Filipino creators Bretman Rock and Niana Guerrero landed on TIME’s 2026 TIME100 Creators list, earning “Titan” recognition for their massive global influence and digital impact. (Read More)

The Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons Opens Up About Fame’s Cost

“The Big Bang Theory” star Jim Parsons admitted his success came with overwhelming stress and obsessive perfectionism, saying fame made him miserable despite achieving one of television’s biggest careers. (Read More)

Students from Mariano Marcos State University developed "BangSak: Water Rising," a multiplayer game based on the traditional Filipino street game. The project represented the Ilocos Region at the ALT+TAB Festival 2026. (Read more)

China Hosts First Robot MMA Competition

China staged its first robot MMA competition in Shenzhen, featuring humanoid robots fighting in hand-to-hand matches. Actor Donnie Yen attended the event, where one robot knocked off its opponent's head with a kick. (Read more)

Scientists Develop Robot That Helps People Dress Themselves

Researchers from South Korea and the United States developed a robot-assisted clothing system that helps people dress without using their hands. The technology could assist elderly users, cleanroom workers, and emergency responders. (Read more)

Europe Uses AI, Drones to Protect Infrastructure from Heat

European countries are using drones, artificial intelligence, and heat-resistant materials to protect roads, railways, airports, and power systems as rising temperatures place growing pressure on aging infrastructure during heatwaves. (Read more)

Rare Starfish Fungus Spotted in Sierra Madre

A mountaineer discovered a rare starfish fungus in the Sierra Madre during a hike. Experts identified it as a stinkhorn fungus that helps decompose dead plants and should not be eaten or disturbed. 

Chile Observatory Begins Decade-Long Mission to Film Universe

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile launched a 10-year survey to capture changes across the night sky. Its powerful camera will track stars, asteroids, galaxies, and cosmic mysteries.

Scientists Create Self-Destructing Plastic That Leaves No Microplastics

Researchers developed a “living plastic” containing engineered bacteria that can break itself down in six days when activated. The material could offer a potential solution to single-use plastic waste by preventing harmful microplastic pollution. 

Climate Report May Strengthen Lawsuits Against Oil Companies

A new science report found that improved climate attribution methods can better link extreme weather events to human-caused climate change, potentially supporting legal cases seeking damages from fossil fuel companies.

⚖️ Ombudsman says Senator Robin Padilla ignored summons over complaints linked to Senator Bato Dela Rosa’s alleged escape from authorities. (Read more)

🌐 Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. condemned China’s AI-generated monkey video, calling it racist propaganda that dehumanizes Filipinos. (Read more)

🚨 A senior couple in Cebu was stabbed after offering shelter from rain to a stranger, who later attacked them. (Read more)

⚖️ Five suspects face robbery-homicide charges over the killing of American marine biologist Dr. Kent Carpenter in Negros Oriental. (Read more)

🎓 National University welcomed 1,800 pioneering students to its first Mindanao campus, marking a major expansion into Davao City. (Read more)

A Labrador was rescued from Ben Nevis in Scotland after becoming weak and losing consciousness due to accidentally consuming marijuana during a family hike. A mountain rescue team helped bring the dog safely down.

France Approves Assisted-Dying Bill After Years of Debate

France’s National Assembly approved a bill allowing adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication. The measure passed in a 291-241 vote, completing years of parliamentary discussions on end-of-life care.

Indian Activist Continues 20-Day Hunger Strike for Reforms

Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk refused to end his 20-day hunger strike in New Delhi, demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.

📝 Filipinos praise ‘Filipiñana’ for stunning visuals ahead of US screenings. (Read more)

📝 UV Express vehicle draws criticism after being caught running red light. (Watch here)

📝 Young Filipino Patriot joins LANS mission highlighting West Philippine Sea rights at Pag-asa Island. (Watch here)

📝 Maitum sanctuary shelters hundreds of large flying fox bats in Sarangani roosting site. (Read more)