Good morning.

The future sounds exciting until the bill arrives. This week: the BIR goes digital, Binance eyes a Philippine comeback, Israel wants Philippine minerals for the AI race, and scientists test mind-bending breakthroughs. Plus: banking cracks, climate risks, and why tomorrow may cost more than expected.

Stay Sharp.

What happened:
The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is stepping up tax compliance efforts in two fast-growing sectors:

The agency issued new circulars reminding platforms and operators of their tax withholding responsibilities.

What the BIR clarified:

For online sellers:

For casino winnings:

Why it matters:
This is less about new taxes and more about stricter enforcement of existing rules as online commerce and gaming continue to grow.

Crypto exchange giant Binance is set to reenter the Philippine market after local firm BlockShoals Technologies Inc. secured SEC approval to test Binance services under the StratBox sandbox. The move gives Filipino crypto investors regulated access to digital asset products while regulators assess compliance and consumer protections.

Israel Taps PH Minerals for AI Push

Israel is exploring a deeper tech partnership with the Philippines under the Pax Silica Initiative, combining Philippine mineral resources with Israeli expertise in AI, chip design, and cybersecurity. Officials are drafting agreements on critical minerals and cyber cooperation as both countries position for semiconductor and high-tech manufacturing growth.

BIR Launches One-Stop Taxpayer Portal

The Bureau of Internal Revenue rolled out a new Taxpayer Portal for large taxpayers as the government pushes to simplify tax compliance and reduce manual processes. Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said the platform is part of broader reforms to integrate BIR systems and improve efficiency for both taxpayers and officials.

DTI Moves to Tighten Solar Safety Rules

The Department of Trade and Industry is proposing stricter certification rules for solar energy systems, requiring safety and quality marks for solar components before sale or import. The move follows concerns from utilities like Manila Electric Co. over electrical fires, faulty installations, and risks to grid stability.

Big picture: Philippine banks are still expanding, but the gap between winners and laggards is growing. An AB Capital report says Q1 2026 loan growth remained resilient, though investors are now paying closer attention to loan quality, credit costs, and earnings stability.

By the numbers: BDO and China Bank (CBC) posted the fastest loan growth at 16%, followed by BPI at 14%. Metrobank (MBT) grew 9%, while Security Bank (SECB) lagged at 5%. BPI recorded the strongest net interest margin at 4.57%, while SECB remained the sector outlier, with credit costs above 200 basis points and lower earnings visibility.

Why it matters: AB Capital says the sector is moving away from a period of easy growth. The focus is now shifting toward quality lending, stable earnings, and managing credit risks, with BDO and CBC remaining its preferred bank picks.

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.

Sophia Laforteza opened up about her ADHD diagnosis, revealing struggles with focus, sleep, and overwhelm. The Filipino idol said therapy and medical support helped her better understand and manage the condition. (Read more)

Pinoy Blood Guaranteed an NBA Ring

Jordan Clarkson, Jared McCain, and Dylan Harper ensured a historic NBA season as at least one Filipino-descended player will win this year’s championship, marking the first time Pinoy representation is guaranteed in the NBA Finals winner’s circle. (Read More)

Linda Walker Star Heads to PH

SB19 will perform a one-hour set at Chicago’s Lollapalooza on July 30, becoming the first Filipino act ever to appear at the global music festival. (Read more)

Ayaneo unveiled the Konkr Pocket Block during a livestream, an extremely compact Game Boy-style handheld with AI features. The company did not explain the AI functions or pricing details yet. (Read more)

Wearable Robot Eases Waste Collection Strain in Seoul

Hyundai Motor Group tested its X-ble Shoulder wearable robot in Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, helping waste collectors lift heavy bags while reducing strain. The electric ST1 truck also lowered emissions and noise. (Read more)

Spotify Adds Narrated Magazine Articles To App

Spotify introduced narrated magazine articles in app in United States, letting Premium users stream 650 articles and free users pay $1.99, using mixed human and digital narration, expanding audio engagement. (Read more)

Greenpeace Underwater Robot Sets Record Deepest Arctic Banner Protest

Greenpeace deployed an underwater robot at 2,315 meters in the Arctic seabed during survey, displaying banner urging leaders to listen to science and halt deep sea mining from Arctic Mid-Ocean Ridge region. (Read more)

Brilliant-Green Fireball Meteor Explodes Above Mayon Volcano

A bright green fireball meteor was seen exploding above Mount Mayon in the Philippines on May 25, producing a rare flash over the erupting volcano. Videos showed the space rock breaking apart mid-air, and officials clarified it did not hit the volcano.

Climate Change Threatens Global Plant Species As Habitats Shrink

Scientists warn climate change could wipe out up to 16% of global vascular plant species by 2100 as shrinking and shifting habitats reduce survival zones, creating major risks for ecosystems, food systems, and carbon storage worldwide.

Scientists Say Nasal Spray May Reverse Brain Aging

Researchers at Texas A&M developed a nasal spray that may reverse brain aging by reducing inflammation and restoring brain energy systems improving memory and cognitive function for months after doses.

Scientists Create Wearable Ultrasound Patch To Monitor Pregnancy 

Scientists at Stanford University developed a wearable ultrasound patch called UPatch that continuously monitors fetal heart rate and blood flow during pregnancy, showing accurate early trials and potential to detect complications.

✈️ DOT says new direct flights from China cities boost Philippine tourism, improving travel access with Hangzhou, Changsha, and Chongqing routes launched. (Read more)

🗑️ Cebu City officials are addressing a worsening garbage crisis, with plans for a new waste facility and short-term transition timeline. (Read more)

⚖️ ICC delays setting trial schedule for former President Duterte as judges await updated medical assessment of his health condition. (Read more)

🚔 CIDG and NBI searched an Angeles City house linked to Senator Bato dela Rosa but failed to locate him. (Read more)

🌳 DENR says tree-cutting along Quirino Avenue for the SALEx project has been voluntarily halted after public protests. (Read more)

President Donald Trump claimed at a White House press event in Washington, D.C. that a new drug can bring dead patients back to life after showing improvement. and criticism followed

Dog Shoots Woman at Nebraska Convenience Store

Police in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, responded to reports of a shotgun blast at a convenience store and found a dog had accidentally fired a weapon. The victim was injured but not seriously.

South Korea Film Industry Adopts AI Amid Cost Pressures

South Korea’s film industry is increasingly using artificial intelligence in movie production in Seoul to reduce costs and speed up filmmaking, raising concerns over jobs and creativity across the sector.

📝 Jeepney-turned-mobile home ‘Bahay Jeep’ goes viral online. (Watch here)

📝 Argao warns beachgoers after jellyfish sightings. (Watch here)

📝 Filipinos in Japan TV show highlight Ruffa Mae’s “go go go” attitude. (Watch here)

📝Pink trumpet trees in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon bloom, turning roads into a pink scenic landscape. (Watch here)