Happy Thursday! ABS-CBN is rebuilding through partnerships while cutting costs and debt. We also look at Jollibee’s profit rebound, how AI could reshape BPO jobs, and more. A quick note: our Journalist / Editorial Writer post brought in hundreds of applications. We reviewed the first 15 emails today, so replies may take time. If you applied, thank you. We’re honestly amazed by how many brilliant people want to help build PesoWeekly with us.

Stay Sharp.

The big picture: ABS-CBN is betting on partnerships, content distribution and lower costs to recover after losing its broadcast franchise.

The strategy: Rather than depend on its platforms, the company is reaching audiences through television, streaming, cinemas and music. Its GMA partnership will deepen with Gandang Gabi Vice and another Pinoy Big Brother season.

The challenge: ABS-CBN’s attributable first-half net loss more than doubled to ₱1.59 billion, while consolidated revenue fell 17% to ₱6.88 billion.

Progress so far: Excluding Sky, 2025 revenue reached ₱12.6 billion, its highest since the franchise loss. General expenses and manpower costs fell 54% from 2019. Outstanding debt, excluding Sky, dropped 58% to under ₱8.5 billion.

What’s next: ABS-CBN believes its model can eventually restore profitability.

Artificial intelligence poses a significant but manageable challenge to the Philippine BPO industry, with experts expecting automation to slow hiring for routine roles while creating demand for higher-value work. The industry is shifting toward AI-enabled services, emphasizing workforce upskilling to sustain long-term growth.

Inflation Likely to Stay Above 6%

Philippine inflation is expected to remain above 6% through 2026, driven by elevated food and energy costs, peso weakness, and global supply risks. Recent forecasts place average inflation at 6.8% this year, keeping price growth above the BSP's 2%–4% target range.

VinFast EV Bikes Built for Flooded Roads

VinFast's electric motorcycles feature an IP67-rated powertrain, allowing key components to withstand dust and temporary water immersion, making them suitable for flood-prone Philippine roads. The design enhances durability and reliability while supporting the country's transition to cleaner and more resilient urban mobility.

SEC Defends 12% Online Loan Rate Cap

The Securities and Exchange Commission defended its 12% maximum monthly interest cap on small online loans despite lobbying from foreign lenders. The rule, effective April 1, 2026, covers unsecured loans of up to ₱10,000 and aims to protect borrowers from excessive lending charges.

Ernest John Obiena cleared 5.91 meters to finish second at the Memorial Kamila Skolimowska in Poland, calling the result a much-needed confidence boost after recent struggles. (Read more)

Pokwang Finally Lives Her Theater Dream

Pokwang fulfilled her longtime dream of performing on stage, joining the cast of the musical Tulog Na and marking a new milestone in her entertainment career. (Read More)

BTS Fans Rally Behind Cancer Fundraiser

BTS fans organized a fundraising drive inspired by Jimin's heartfelt encounter with a young cancer patient, raising support for pediatric cancer care while honoring the singer's compassion. (Read More)

The big picture: Jollibee Foods Corp. posted record quarterly attributable net income of ₱3.4 billion in Q2, up 5.7% year on year and 130.5% quarter on quarter. Pricing actions implemented since April helped profits rebound from a weak first quarter.

By the numbers: Revenue rose 10.7% to ₱85.9 billion, while system-wide sales grew 14.2%. International operations led with 25.4% growth, versus 5.7% in the Philippines.

Why it matters: Gross margin recovered from 16.5% in Q1 to 18.5%, reaching 19% in June.

The catch: JFC lowered its full-year targets for same-store sales growth, store openings and operating income growth, citing softer sales assumptions, slower expansion and transition costs.

Bottom line: AB Capital maintained its Outperform rating and ₱211 price target.

In collaboration with AB Capital Securities. This section is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please conduct your own research or consult a licensed professional before making investment decisions.

Unitree unveiled its new “Superman” robot, capable of jumping 2 meters and reaching 12.66 meters per second. The launch comes ahead of the robotics company’s Shanghai stock market debut. (Read more)

Raindrops Could Generate More Electricity Than Expected

Scientists discovered that tiny electrical charges can spike when water droplets stick to microscopic surface defects before slipping free. The finding could help explain how surface roughness affects water-generated electricity.(Read more)

17-Year-Old Wins $250,000 Science Prize

Pennsylvania student Connor Hill won the top prize at the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search after using a computer algorithm to classify rare three-dimensional geometric shapes. (Read more)

Chery’s Robot Unit Eyes IPO, Overseas Markets

Chery’s robotics unit is preparing for an IPO while expanding overseas, with plans involving service and police robots. The move highlights China’s growing push to develop and export advanced robotics technology. (Read more)

Rare Liverwort Species Rediscovered In Davao Del Sur

The rare Treubia insignis liverwort was documented anew at Altut Tuna Peak in Matanao, Davao del Sur, highlighting the area’s rich biodiversity and the importance of protecting its forests.

Antarctic Plant Genome Mapped For Climate-Resilient Crops

Chilean researchers mapped the genome of Colobanthus quitensis, an Antarctic flowering plant that survives extreme cold, drought, and ultraviolet radiation. The findings could guide future crops built to withstand harsher climates.

Bowhead Whales Can Live For More Than 200 Years

Scientists say bowhead whales are the longest-lived mammals known. Evidence from eye-lens chemistry and old harpoon fragments suggests some may survive for more than two centuries.

Silver Particles Could Make DNA Assembly 5x More Efficient

Japanese scientists found that silver nanoparticles can cut DNA and create longer sticky ends, helping genetic fragments join more efficiently. The method could improve future gene therapies, vaccines, medicines, and crops.

👷 Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino met labor groups to discuss wages, union rights, contractualization, and other workplace concerns through continued dialogue. (Read more)

🌧️ Malacañang ordered alternative classes and government work arrangements in NCR and 17 provinces on August 20 due to enhanced Habagat. (Read more)

🏫 The PNP recorded 50 school-related incidents involving children in conflict with the law since June, prompting heightened campus security efforts. (Read more)

☀️ A public school in Koronadal shortened class hours due to extreme heat to protect students and teachers from health risks. (Read more)

The Israeli military acknowledged firing at the vehicle carrying 5-year-old Hind Rajab in Gaza and opened a criminal investigation. Rajab was later found dead alongside family members.

Ebola Outbreak Becomes Deadliest In DRC History

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed at least 2,325 people, surpassing the country’s previous record. Health officials report nearly 5,000 confirmed cases.

Medieval Kings’ Remains Saved From Spanish Wildfire

Firefighters rescued the bones of medieval Aragonese kings and other priceless artifacts as a wildfire threatened the 1,000-year-old San Juan de la Peña monasteries in northeastern Spain.

📝 Dog turns floodwaters into a playground with kangaroo-like hops and endless joy. (Watch here)

📝 Little girl tells mom she’s already heartbroken after her first day back at school goes viral. (Watch here)

📝 ‘Hindi nakakatawa’: Pampanga floodwater ‘resort’ post draws concern. (Watch here)

📝 Piano-playing octopus retires. (Read more)