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Good morning. Philippine exporters face a fresh 12.5% US tariff, putting costs, orders and competitiveness under pressure. We also unpack oil relief, electricity rates and Filipino-built technology. 

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What happened: The United States imposed an additional 12.5% duty on most Philippine products after finding that the country lacks an explicit and effectively enforced ban on imports made with forced labor.

The details: The measure succeeds the expired 10% blanket tariff. Exemptions include semiconductors, vehicles, selected metals, certain pharmaceutical inputs and hundreds of other products.

Why it matters: Exporters warn that the added cost could weaken the competitiveness of Philippine goods, especially garments and other labor-intensive products. Buyers may delay orders while awaiting clearer guidance.

What’s next: Manila has created an interagency mechanism to investigate and prohibit forced-labor imports. Trade talks remain open, but any tariff reduction or additional exemptions will depend on further US review.

The government will use ₱22.7 billion in budget savings to expand cash assistance and livelihood programs for vulnerable Filipinos affected by rising oil prices. Funds will prioritize low-income families, farmers, workers, commuters, and overseas Filipinos, while transport authorities also study broader fuel subsidies for public utility drivers. 

PEZA July Approvals Drop 40%

PEZA approved ₱11.21 billion in investments in July, down nearly 40% year on year as global economic headwinds weighed on new commitments. Despite the decline, approved projects are expected to generate $2.54 billion in exports, while total investment approvals for the first seven months of 2026 remain up 66.99%.

48 Utilities Charge Above-Average Power Rates

Nearly 50 electricity distributors charged residential rates above the national average of ₱12.43 per kWh in June, with some reaching ₱16.57 per kWh. Analysts said prolonged coal plant outages and reliance on expensive spot market power drove the increase, while utilities using more renewable energy generally posted lower rates.

LeBron James signed a two-year, $8 million deal with Philadelphia, choosing the 76ers over retirement as he chases another NBA championship in his 24th season. (Read more)

Vivienne Drops ‘Pitt’ From Her Name

Angelina Jolie’s daughter Vivienne filed to remove “Pitt” from her surname, joining her siblings as the actress says she hopes their family can finally heal. (Read More)

AHOF Returns to Manila for Two-Night Show

K-pop rookie group AHOF returns to the Philippines for a two-day Manila concert, giving Filipino fans another chance to see member JL perform on home soil. (Read More)

The University of the Philippines highlighted ROAM, the country's first Filipino-made air quality monitor, citing its durability, low maintenance, and cost-effectiveness for local governments monitoring pollution across communities. (Read more)

Teen Builds AI Robot Turtle to Detect Microplastics

Sixteen-year-old Evan Budz created an autonomous AI-powered robot turtle that detects microplastics in water. His invention aims to support environmental research and improve ocean pollution monitoring efforts. (Read more)

AI Models Achieve Perfect Score in Math Olympiad Test

AI systems from Huawei and Xiaohongshu reportedly scored 100% on problems from the International Mathematical Olympiad, marking a milestone as artificial intelligence matches top human mathematical performance. (Read more)

AI Helps Discover Natural Molecule Similar to Ozempic

Stanford researchers used AI to identify BRP, a natural molecule that may reduce appetite and support weight loss like Ozempic while avoiding common side effects such as nausea and muscle loss. (Read more)

Drug Reverses Autism-Like Brain Changes in Mice

A UCLA-led study found that a single rapamycin dose temporarily reversed autism-like brain and behavioral changes in adult mice linked to inflammation during pregnancy, offering insights for future research.

Scientists Create Reusable Magnetic Material to Remove Pollutants

Researchers from RMIT University developed a reusable magnetic material designed to remove pollutants from water. The innovation could offer a more efficient and sustainable solution for water purification.

Three Ancient Tombs Unearthed in Egypt’s Saqqara Necropolis

An Egyptian archaeological team discovered three rock-cut tombs at Saqqara’s Bubasteion Necropolis. The findings date back to the New Kingdom period, offering new insights into ancient Egyptian history.

Scientists Detect Sugar Molecule in Interstellar Space

Researchers detected a sugar molecule in the interstellar medium for the first time, suggesting space may contain key ingredients linked to the origins of life and early chemical processes.

🌊 China Coast Guard again used water cannons against Philippine vessels, but the PCG and BFAR completed their fisherfolk assistance mission safely. (Read more)

☀️ Aboitiz Renewables broke ground on its largest Visayas solar plant in Cadiz City, creating jobs and expanding renewable energy capacity by 2028. (Read more)

🌧️ Tropical Cyclone Kiyapo and southwest monsoon rains flooded 40 barangays in Iloilo and Antique, displacing hundreds of residents. (Read more)

⚖️ Romualdez said he is ready to face plunder allegations, seeking fair judgment based on evidence and legal process. (Read more)

💰 BIR filed a ₱22.71-billion tax evasion complaint against Sunwest and executives over alleged income underdeclaration and unsupported claims. (Read more)

Former soldier Huang Yung-fu transformed an aging military settlement in Taiwan by painting colorful murals at 86. His artwork helped save the community, now known as Rainbow Village, from demolition.

Six Beluga Whales Rescued From Closed Canadian Park

Six beluga whales were airlifted from Canada’s abandoned Marineland to a U.S. sanctuary after officials warned they could be euthanized. The rescue aims to provide them better care and protection.

108-Year-Old Delaware Woman Shares Secrets to Long Life

 A 108-year-old woman who still drives and lives independently credits daily exercise, self-care, and staying active for her longevity. She recently renewed her driver’s license through 2033.

📝 KATSEYE’s “ANIMAL” Music Video Features Demi Moore and Jollibee Cameos. (Watch here)

📝 Percy Jackson Season 3 Teaser Reveals November Premiere at Comic-Con. (Watch here)

📝 Rare bleeding-heart pigeon spotted in Ifugao backyard. (Read more)

📝 Popular Bali run club faces backlash over alleged exclusion of locals. (Watch here)