Good morning. Gilbert Teodoro is back in the presidential conversation after a sharp exchange over China and the West Philippine Sea. Also today: fuel prices may jump again, iSON plans a ₱4.3 billion Philippine expansion, Filipino films enter the Oscar race, and new research pushes science into even stranger territory.

Stay Sharp.

Senator Panfilo Lacson floated the idea of a “President Gilbert Teodoro” after the defense chief’s sharp response to China at the Seoul Defense Dialogue.

Teodoro rejected a note disputing the 2016 South China Sea arbitral ruling, calling Beijing’s position disrespectful of international law.

Why it matters: This would not be Teodoro’s first presidential conversation.

He ran for president in 2010 under Lakas-Kampi-CMD, finishing fourth with 4.1 million votes, or 11.33%, behind Benigno Aquino III, Joseph Estrada and Manny Villar.

Teodoro later returned as defense secretary in 2023, a post he previously held from 2007 to 2009.

For now: Lacson praised Teodoro’s leadership, but did not announce a candidacy or formally endorse him for president..

Philippine pork production is projected to rise 4.4% in 2027, while beef output is expected to remain broadly steady, according to a USDA outlook cited by BusinessWorld. The pork recovery reflects improving local supply after African swine fever disrupted the hog industry. Higher domestic production could help ease the country’s reliance on imports.

Government Programs Lift Filipino Optimism

Government programs are helping improve Filipinos’ economic outlook, according to an economist cited by The Manila Times. The assessment points to initiatives supporting jobs, incomes and social protection as factors behind stronger optimism. The government has also reported declining poverty and rising per-capita income, although economic challenges remain.

iSON Plans ₱4.3B Philippines Expansion

iSON Group plans to invest about $75 million, or roughly ₱4.3 billion, to expand its Philippine operations across BPO, energy and healthcare, creating around 2,000 jobs. The investment will strengthen the company’s local presence while adding employment in several service sectors, supporting continued growth in the Philippine outsourcing industry.

Fuel Prices Seen Jumping Again

Motorists may face another steep fuel price increase starting September 15, with diesel projected to rise ₱4.00 to ₱4.50 per liter and gasoline ₱5.50 to ₱6.00, based on industry estimates. The forecast follows higher global oil prices, Middle East supply risks and a weaker peso.

Céline Dion returned to the Paris stage for her first full concert in six years, performing before thousands after battling stiff-person syndrome and canceling her world tour. (Read more)

Three Filipino Films Enter Oscar Race

Filipiñana, 58th, and Agapito were selected as the Philippines’ entries for the 2027 Oscars selection process, highlighting Filipino films gaining international recognition across major festivals. (Read More)

Tovera Shines as La Salle Opens Defense

Joaquin Tovera scored 22 points as defending champion La Salle edged NU, 89-87, in UAAP Season 89, making a strong debut in his first game for the Green Archers. (Read More)

Forest City near Singapore attracted technology entrepreneurs through Network School, but the community faced practical and regulatory problems before Malaysian authorities ordered operations to stop. (Read More)

AI Companions Leave Users Grieving After Sudden Changes, Reports Show

People forming emotional bonds with AI companions have reported grief after their personalities changed unexpectedly, raising concerns about attachment, emotional authenticity, and the effects of digital relationships. (Read More)

Anthropic CEO Urges Slower AI Development

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei urged AI companies to slow development, warning that rapid advances could create serious risks, including cyberattacks, economic disruption, and loss of human control. (Read More)

Humanoid Robot Learns to Create New Movements

Researchers developed BeyondMimic, an AI system that helps humanoid robots combine learned movements to perform new actions, including running, dancing, jumping, kicking, and acrobatic flips. (Read More)

Maternal Anaemia Linked to Smaller Baby Brains 

Researchers found babies born to mothers with anaemia had smaller brain volumes, especially in regions linked to movement, learning, emotions, and thinking, potentially affecting development later in childhood.

Jellyfish Protein Powers Tiny Solar Cell 

Researchers in Sweden repurposed green fluorescent protein from jellyfish to create a tiny solar cell. When exposed to ultraviolet light, the protein generates an electrical current.

Recyclable Hydrogel Can Heal Itself Within Minutes 

Scientists developed a fully recyclable hydrogel that repairs cuts within minutes. Its reversible chemical bonds allow the material to heal itself while remaining strong and reusable.

Fusion Experiment Reports 32 Elements 

Hylenr Technologies reported detecting signatures of 32 elements, including rare earths and uranium, using hydrogen-loaded metal lattices. The findings remain preliminary and await independent peer review.

🔥 Rescuers recovered 41 more remains from the Philippine ferry fire, raising the death toll to 76, with 13 people still missing. (Read more)

⚖️ Impeachment court spokesman clarified that 11 votes would be needed to overturn the ruling requiring 16 votes for conviction.  (Read more)

🚨 A man was reportedly seen fallen at San Juanico Bridge, with authorities responding to the report. (Read more)

🎣 West Visayas cops arrest 35, seize ₱5.39 million worth of illegal fishing gear. (Read more)

🏆 Baguio City won the 2026 ASEAN Smoke-Free Awards’ Gold Award for implementing and enforcing policies protecting the public from tobacco smoke. (Read more)

Researchers at the University of Newcastle developed an acid-free method that reportedly recovers over 97% of silver from old solar panels, potentially reducing waste and recovering valuable materials.

Six Dead, 130 Missing After Indonesian Ferry Capsizes 

An Indonesian ferry capsized in the Java Sea after encountering bad weather, killing six people and leaving 130 missing. Authorities rescued 107 passengers and launched a search operation

Iraq Seizes Drone Platform Linked to Saudi Pipeline Attack 

Iraqi authorities seized a drone-launching platform allegedly used to attack Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline. The site was traced to Maysan province, near Iraq’s border with Iran.

📝 Convenience Store’s New Food Display Setup Earns Praise From Customers. (Read more)

📝 Student Fakes Kidnapping After Accumulating Gambling and Loan Debts. (Watch here)

📝 Alex Eala attends Calvin Klein show alongside Tate McRae and Sadie Sink. (Watch here)

📝 Real-life SpongeBob and Patrick spotted together deep in the Atlantic Ocean. (Watch here)