Good morning and happy Monday! It’s June 23.
Hope you had a restful weekend, because today’s issue is packed. We’re breaking down the still-persistent problem of endo, the Supreme Court’s new ruling on the “second place” rule, fresh tensions in the Middle East, and how the Philippines is handling OFW repatriation. Plus, as always, a dose of science and quirky stories to keep your brain buzzing.

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In a major shift, the Supreme Court has ruled that second placers in elections can no longer assume office if the winning candidate is disqualified. Instead, succession rules under the Local Government Code must apply — meaning the vice governor or next in line takes over.

The decision stemmed from the case of Sultan Kudarat Governor Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu, who was disqualified over residency issues. Despite winning in 2022 by over 100,000 votes, the SC declared his candidacy void and ordered Vice Governor Raden Sakaluran to serve the remainder of the term.

Several justices dissented, arguing the second placer should be considered the legitimate winner if the first placer was never qualified to run. They say this better reflects voter intent.

Why it matters:This ruling ends a decades-long practice and resets how electoral disputes are resolved. It prioritizes legal procedure over vote count — a move that may spark more legal battles and political recalibrations in future elections.

The DMW is organizing a repatriation flight for 26 OFWs from Israel, plus 3 more from Jordan, as regional violence intensifies. Interest in returning home jumped from 85 to 223 after the US joined Israel in bombing Iran. The OFWs, mostly caregivers and hotel workers, are currently safe in Amman. Four shelters in Israel are also providing refuge to 53 Filipinos. Eight Pinoys have been injured in the conflict.

A low-pressure area (LPA) east of Extreme Northern Luzon could become a tropical depression within 24 hours, per Pagasa. As of Sunday afternoon, it sat 2,350 km away but is being closely monitored. Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon (habagat) is drenching Metro Manila, Calabarzon, parts of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao with scattered rains and thunderstorms. The intertropical convergence zone is also triggering downpours in Eastern Mindanao.

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala clawed her way into the Eastbourne Open main draw after a gutsy 6-7(1), 7-6(4), 6-1 win over world no. 56 Hailey Baptiste. After dropping a tight first set, Eala flipped the script in a tense second-set tiebreak before dominating the third. The 2-hour, 47-minute battle came after breezing past Turkey’s Zeynep Sönmez in the first round of qualifiers.

In the Philippines, millions of workers are still stuck in a cycle of uncertainty known as “endo” — short for end of contract. It’s the long-standing practice where companies hire employees for five to six months, then let them go just before they become eligible for regular employment and the benefits that come with it.

Under the law, employees who work continuously for more than six months should be regularized, meaning they’re entitled to paid leave, 13th-month pay, SSS, PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG contributions. But some companies skirt this by rotating short-term contracts or outsourcing to agencies that appear legal but don’t actually provide long-term jobs.

Industries like retail, construction, and manufacturing rely heavily on contractual labor. Even OFWs who return home often end up in the same unstable setup — with fewer benefits than they had abroad.

Bottom Line:
Endo keeps millions of Filipinos trapped in low-security jobs with no long-term stability. It discourages saving, prevents access to credit, and blocks upward mobility. While it helps companies cut costs, it comes at a human and economic price: lower worker morale, less spending power, and a workforce that can’t plan for the future. Until enforcement improves and loopholes are closed, endo will continue to hold back the country’s labor force — and the people behind it.

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The Middle East entered a dangerous new phase this weekend after the United States launched direct military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, triggering swift retaliation against Israel and prompting global fears of a wider war.

On the evening of June 21, U.S. President Donald Trump announced “Operation Midnight Hammer” — a series of airstrikes targeting Iran’s key nuclear enrichment sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. The Pentagon confirmed that B-2 bombers dropped 14 bunker-busting bombs, with additional Tomahawk missiles launched from a U.S. submarine. Trump declared the mission a “spectacular military success,” while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that the strikes were limited to nuclear infrastructure, not civilians or troops.

Within hours, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation. Israeli officials confirmed at least 23 civilian injuries in cities like Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Nes Tziona, with several buildings damaged. Israel responded by launching its own counterstrikes and claimed it downed multiple Iranian fighter jets.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military operations in Gaza continue, as they recovered the remains of three hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023 attacks. Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed that the fight to retrieve remaining captives and counter Iran will go on simultaneously.

Why it matters:
This isn’t just another Middle East clash — it’s the first direct U.S. military strike on Iranian soil in years, and it could open the door to a much wider war. For Filipinos, the stakes are real: over 30,000 OFWs live in Israel and Iran combined. The Philippine government has begun repatriation efforts, but further escalation could put more lives at risk. With international calls for diplomacy rising, what happens next will shape global security — and impact the thousands of Filipinos living in the region.

For the next three years, the Philippines is putting its bets on three sectors: mining, semiconductors, and AI-powered data centers, says Trade Undersecretary and BoI chief Ceferino Rodolfo. Mining only contributes <1% to GDP now, but the goal is to grow that to 10%. Meanwhile, renewable energy won’t be promoted—for now—because the government’s already swamped with investment registrations.

Brace your wallets—pump prices are expected to jump on Tuesday, June 24, with diesel possibly up by ₱5.10/L and gasoline by ₱3.40/L. The culprits? Rising global oil prices, Middle East tensions, and fears of a Strait of Hormuz disruption. DOE is scrambling to soften the blow with discount schemes and promos, while ₱3B in fuel subsidies stand by if oil breaches the $80 mark.

The Philippines recorded a $298M balance of payments (BOP) deficit in May—its third monthly shortfall in a row—mainly due to foreign debt payments. Year-to-date, the dollar deficit now totals $5.8B, already overshooting the BSP’s full-year forecast of $4B. What’s fueling the gap? A persistent trade deficit and cash outflows, barely cushioned by remittances and portfolio inflows.

UK Trade Envoy George Freeman MP is aiming to double UK-Philippines trade (currently £3B) in the next 3–4 years through “deep partnerships” in areas like digital economy, cybersecurity, and online trading. The UK also sees big export potential in Philippine products like dried mangoes, coconuts, and artisanal leather goods. In 2024, PH posted a trade surplus, exporting £1.8B to the UK.

Researchers have found strong evidence of a massive underground water reservoir hidden in Earth's mantle—around 400 miles deep. But don’t picture a subterranean ocean. The water isn’t liquid; it’s locked inside a mineral called ringwoodite, behaving like a super-dense sponge. Seismic waves help detect these water-rich rocks by slowing down as they pass through. Studies suggest this zone could hold as much or even triple the water in all Earth’s surface oceans.

Scientists just unveiled a new weapon against cancer: vibrating dye molecules that literally jackhammer tumors to death. Developed by Rice University and partners, these molecules attach to cancer cells, then get blasted with near-infrared light. The result? They vibrate so violently, they rupture the cancer cell membranes—killing 99% of melanoma cells in lab tests.

Even early mouse trials are promising: half of the treated mice were tumor-free.

Move over, Terminator—robots are getting a major upgrade. Scientists from Cambridge and UCL have developed a low-cost, glove-like “robotic skin” that mimics human touch. Unlike previous tech, this entire flexible layer acts as a sensor, detecting pressure, heat, damage, and multi-point contact via 860,000 signal pathways. It’s not as sensitive as our skin (yet), but machine learning helps it improve with time.

After years of caring for patients abroad, many Filipino nurses dream of retiring back home in the Philippines. But coming home without a plan can turn that dream into a struggle—especially when it comes to money, health, and adjusting to life again in the homeland. Here's how to prepare wisely and start building your “comeback plan” today:

1. Join and Keep Paying SSS
Yes, even if you’re abroad, you can still pay into the Philippine Social Security System (SSS). As a voluntary member, your contribution depends on your income—ranging from ₱1,100 to ₱2,640 a month. The higher you contribute, the bigger your pension later. Don’t wait until it’s too late to start.

2. Watch Out for the New OFW Pension Bill
There’s a proposed law (House Bill 8574) that will give OFWs like you their own pension system, with retirement, death, and disability benefits. It’s not law yet—but keep an eye on it, and support the push for fair benefits for migrant workers.

3. Invest Beyond the Basics
SSS alone won’t cut it. Look into mutual funds, real estate, or life insurance with investment options (like Sun Life’s Peso Starter Fund or Smarter Life plans). Even a steady $50–$100 monthly can grow into a healthy retirement pot over the years.

4. Think About Health, Too
Healthcare in the Philippines isn’t cheap. Consider getting private insurance or an HMO to cover serious illness and aging-related needs. Plans like Sun Senior Care can protect you from big bills later on.

5. Budget Like You Mean It
List down what your monthly expenses might be when you return—housing, food, medicine, utilities. Then build an emergency fund, ideally in dollars, to protect you from currency shifts and surprise costs.

6. Save First, Remit Second
Helping family is noble—but don’t forget to help your future self. Always save a portion of your income before sending money home.

7. Prepare for Real Life Back Home
Retirement isn't just about money—it’s also about meaning. Reconnect with family, build your local network again, or look into part-time work or volunteering. Stay active and avoid the “reverse culture shock.”

The Bottom Line
You’ve worked hard for others. Now it’s time to take care of you. Retirement can be sweet—but only if you plan it right. Start now, save smart, and come home with confidence.

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