Good morning. Today, Congress turns its attention to protecting children online and offline, GCash moves closer to its market debut, and SSS rolls out a new digital microloan. Plus, AI’s job-replacement story gets a twist as companies rethink the value of human workers.

Stay Sharp.

House Speaker Faustino Dy III is urging closer coordination between Congress and local governments to protect children from risks involving firearms and social media.

He highlighted two proposed laws. House Bill 11387 would strengthen firearm storage requirements, safety training, and accountability when negligence allows unauthorized access to guns. The bill remains pending before the House Committee on Public Order and Safety.

Meanwhile, House Bill 9965 proposes safeguards for children using social media, including restrictions for those below 13 and parental oversight for older minors. It is also still pending in committee.

Dy said LGUs, schools, police, social workers, and parents would be crucial in turning any eventual national rules into practical safeguards within communities.

The Social Security System launched LoanLite, allowing qualified members to borrow ₱1,000 to ₱20,000 based on their average Monthly Salary Credit. Loans carry an 8% annual interest rate and can be repaid in 15, 30, 60 or 90 days. UnionDigital Bank is currently offering the facility through its mobile app.

PH, Singapore Wrap Up Tax Talks

The Philippines and Singapore have concluded negotiations for an updated tax treaty covering income taxes. The agreement aims to improve tax certainty, prevent double taxation and strengthen cooperation between the two countries. The revised treaty still needs to undergo signing and ratification before taking effect, potentially supporting deeper investment and trade ties.

Metro Pacific Buys ₱124B Meralco Stake

Metro Pacific Investments Corp. agreed to buy 21.4 million Meralco shares from San Miguel Global Power Holdings for ₱12.4 billion, or ₱580.99 per share. The shares represent about 1.9% of Meralco, raising Metro Pacific’s direct and indirect interest to about 49.4% from 47.5%. The transaction remains subject to closing conditions.

GCash IPO Set at ₱6.60 Per Share

Mynt, the parent company of GCash, set its final IPO price at ₱6.60 per share for 8.03 billion common shares. The base offering could raise about ₱52.98 billion, while full exercise of the 1.2-billion-share overallotment could bring proceeds to about ₱60.9 billion. GCash is scheduled to list on the PSE on October 20.

Jeus Yape won gold in mixed individual virtual taekwondo, defeating Vietnam’s Chau Ngoc Tuyet Sang 2-0 to deliver the Philippines’ fourth gold medal at the Asian Games in Japan today. (Read more)

Drug War, Salvageland Win Four AACA Honors

Rein Entertainment’s Drug War: A Conspiracy of Silence and Salvageland won four Asian Academy Creative Awards national honors, with Drug War taking three and Salvageland one for Philippines this year. (Read More)

Stars Join Tom Holland’s Astaire Biopic

Sabrina Carpenter, Margaret Qualley, and Talia Ryder joined Tom Holland in Sony’s Fred Astaire biopic, with Carpenter playing Ginger Rogers and Qualley portraying Astaire’s sister Adele for Sony Pictures’ project. (Read More)

Scientists tested underwater shades that reduced sunlight on corals by 60%, helping reduce bleaching and allowing some damaged corals to regain their color during heat stress. (Read More)

Ultra-Precise Coatings Improve Gravitational Wave Detectors

ANU researchers developed extremely precise optical coatings for LIGO, helping detectors measure weaker gravitational waves and study distant black holes and neutron stars more accurately. (Read More)

Neurable Unveils Brain-Scanning Headphones to Improve Focus

Neurable introduced brain-scanning headphones designed to help users focus while studying, working, or gaming. The device claims to monitor concentration, suggest breaks, and track brain energy levels each day better. (Read More)

China Tightens AI Use as Overreliance Raises Concerns

China is increasing rules on AI use as people become heavily dependent on chatbots for relationships, farming, entertainment, and advice, raising concerns about judgment, jobs, and society and human relationships. (Read More)

APOE4 Gene May Have Reversible Effects on Brain Damage

Researchers found that APOE4 may damage brain blood vessels and cause harmful protein buildup. Experiments showed these effects could be reversed, suggesting possible treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders.

Iowa Cancer Concerns Grow Over Water Pollution

Iowa’s rising cancer rates have raised concerns about contaminated water, especially nitrates from agricultural runoff. However, scientists have not reached a consensus about possible cancer risks.

Rising CO₂ Makes African Savanna Grasses Grow More

Rising CO₂ is helping African savanna grasses grow more, especially during dry conditions. This could affect grazing, wildfires, plant species, and carbon storage in the future.

Human Brain Tissue Transplanted Into Mice Reveals New Insights

Stanford scientists transplanted human brain tissue into mice, allowing researchers to observe development, brain activity, nervous system connections, and possible behavioral changes while raising ethical questions.

🚢 The Philippine Coast Guard rejected China’s National Day flag-raising ceremony near Bajo de Masinloc, asserting Philippine jurisdiction over the area. (Read more)

💧 Manila Water and Philippine Ventures are strengthening preparations for El Niño, focusing on water supply measures and contingency plans. (Read more)

📱 A foreign national was arrested in Cebu City for allegedly selling counterfeit iPhone 17 units, according to authorities investigating the case. (Read more)

🏛️ Former senator Antonio Trillanes criticized Senate President Francis Escudero over delays during Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial proceedings. (Read more)

🔥 LPG prices are expected to rise ₱18 per kilogram in October, with increases starting October 3 and continuing weekly. (Read more)

The Atacama Desert in Chile is covered with colorful wildflowers after heavy rains. The rare bloom includes over 200 plant species and has attracted many tourists from around world.

Japan Raises Permanent Residency Fee by 20 Times

Japan raises permanent residency fee by 20-fold, making applications much more expensive. New rules also require stable income, pension qualifications, and Japanese language skills for foreign applicants seeking residency status.

Prince Edward Honors George Washington at Mount Vernon

Prince Edward visited George Washington’s tomb in Virginia and placed a wreath, continuing a royal tradition that began over 160 years ago. The visit highlighted ties between Britain and America.

📝 Dashcam captures rider hitting car, knocking down fellow rider. (Watch here)

📝 Unusual toilet with net at Taguig restaurant goes viral. (Read more)

📝 Alex Eala and EJ Obiena share a fun moment together at the ASIAD. (Watch here)

📝 Jollibee mascot playfully pokes fun at sleeping customer at the restaurant. (Watch here)