Good morning! The Philippines has a new chief justice, and his past rulings are already drawing attention. Meanwhile, unemployment has climbed to 5.4%, the government is investing ₱887 million in creative industries, and robots are learning new tricks. Plus, a bizarre attempt to smuggle 3,000 tarantulas in dirty socks.

Stay Sharp.

What happened: Rodil Zalameda took his oath on November 6 as the Philippines’ 28th chief justice, succeeding the retiring Alexander Gesmundo. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed him.

Zoom in: Zalameda authored rulings dismissing challenges to Marcos’ 2022 presidential bid and overturning Imelda Marcos’ graft conviction. He also wrote a landmark ruling recognizing red-tagging as a threat to constitutional rights.

Why it matters: His appointment raises questions about judicial independence as the Supreme Court faces politically sensitive cases involving the Dutertes and the International Criminal Court.

What’s next: Zalameda has pledged to fight judicial corruption, reduce case delays, and improve access to justice. His seven-year term could extend beyond Marcos’ presidency, making his leadership particularly consequential.

The Philippine unemployment rate rose to 5.4% in September from 5.3% in August, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. The number of jobless Filipinos reached 2.86 million, up from 2.77 million a month earlier. Employment increased to 50.32 million, while underemployment eased to 11%, affecting 5.56 million workers.

DOST Invests ₱887 Million to Strengthen Filipino Creative Industries

The Department of Science and Technology has invested ₱887 million in 76 projects to support the Philippine creative industry and reduce its trade deficit. Science Secretary Renato Solidum said creative goods imports reached ₱711.48 billion in 2025, more than double exports of ₱320.06 billion. The funding supports traditional crafts, digital media, research and innovation.

North Korea Accused of Using Elite Hackers in Binance Heist

North Korea is accused of using elite cyber operatives behind the recent Binance hack, which investigators estimate caused $6.3 billion in losses. Reuters reported that the country recruits promising students for intensive hacking training and rewards successful operatives with cash and privileges. The FBI and Binance blamed North Korea, while Pyongyang denied responsibility.

SSS Death Benefit Payouts Rise 10.4% After Pension Increase

The Social Security System released ₱63.74 billion in death benefits from January to September 2026, up 10.4% from ₱57.74 billion a year earlier. The agency said payouts increased following a 5% survivor pension hike implemented in June. Beneficiaries grew 5.7% to 1.4 million, with surviving spouses accounting for nearly 90%.

Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie is among speakers at the 2026 ASEAN Inclusive Growth Summit in the Philippines, bringing attention to regional discussions on inclusion, development and economic opportunities. (Read more)

Alex Eala Battles Into Another Gutsy Victory

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala defeated Czech player Tereza Valentova in a hard-fought match, showcasing her fighting spirit and resilience as she continued her campaign in the tournament. (Read More)

Sasha Lacuna Finishes Miss Globe Top 11

Filipina candidate Sasha Lacuna finished in the Top 11 at Miss Globe 2026, representing the Philippines in the international pageant and securing a place among its semifinalists. (Read More)

Emergency responders and support teams physically carry an advanced bipedal machine down a rugged mountain trail following a mechanical malfunction during high-altitude navigation tests. (Read More)

Artificial Intelligence System Measures Cardiac Function in Seconds Outperforming Traditional Clinical Methods

New medical technology dramatically accelerates diagnostic workflows by processing echocardiogram data instantly, reducing evaluation times from minutes to mere seconds while maintaining exceptional clinical precision.(Read More)

Unitree Robots Use GPT-6 to Paint and Play Chess Without Training

Chinese robotics firm Unitree says its humanoid robots can paint pictures and play chess without prior training, using GPT-6 to perform complex physical tasks. CEO Wang Xingxing said the industry's main challenge is improving mechanical precision and control. (Read More)

CarbonCoat Transforms Agricultural Waste Into Innovative Heat-Reducing Roof Coating

Sambali Beach Farm develops a sustainable surface material utilizing biochar from coconut husks and rice hulls, successfully lowering indoor temperatures by up to 40 percent.

NASA's 22-Year-Old Swift Space Telescope Re-enters Atmosphere in Fiery Finale Over Indonesia

The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory burns up after falling out of orbit following a failed rescue mission, concluding two decades of tracking powerful cosmic energy blasts.

Scientists Uncover Molecular Traces of Red Blood Cells in 115-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Fossil 

Curtin University researchers identify mineralized red blood cell structures and heme signatures within the bones of an Aratasaurus dinosaur, challenging conventional assumptions about biomolecule survival.

Study Links Disrupted Sleep Brain Waves to Memory Loss

Scientists have identified unusual brain wave patterns during deep sleep associated with Alzheimer’s-related protein buildup and memory loss. The findings suggest that changes in overnight memory processing may occur before noticeable symptoms develop.

🐾 UPLB defended its memo restricting security guards from feeding or sheltering stray animals, citing student safety and concerns around campus buildings.(Read more)

💥 Five people, including a child, died after a suspected illegal fireworks factory exploded and caught fire in Malasiqui, Pangasinan. (Read more)

⚖️ The Senate impeachment court admitted Sara Duterte’s SALNs and financial records as evidence, while clarifying that admission does not prove allegations.(Read more)

🏛️ The Supreme Court upheld RA 12326, confirming five-year terms for barangay and SK officials and elections scheduled for November 2028. (Read more)

🔎 Malacañang called for a deeper investigation into why former House Speaker Martin Romualdez allegedly had an aide assigned inside jail. (Read more)

Prolonged drought conditions and competing local resource demands force communities in Batam to use seawater for basic sanitation needs as utility supplies dwindle.

Peruvian Customs Authorities Thwart Smuggling Ring Sealing 3,000 Tarantulas in Dirty Socks

Airport security at Lima's international airport intercepts three European tourists attempting to smuggle thousands of native spiders out of the country in luggage bound for foreign collectors.

Global Tech Stocks Decline Amid AI Growth Concerns

Technology stocks worldwide plunged as fears of slowing artificial intelligence development shook investor confidence. Major markets in the United States, Japan, and the United Kingdom recorded significant losses amid concerns over AI investments and industry growth.

📝 LGU earns praise for swift action on hazardous garbage truck tires. (Read more)

📝 MET Gala 2027 ditches fashion rules as everyday clothes get the couture treatment. (Watch here)

📝 Dennis Trillo calls out party supplier over use of wife’s childhood abuse story in tabloid reproduction. (Read more)

📝 CCTV catches man allegedly trying to steal restaurant’s business phone in antipolo, prompting barangay action. (Watch here)