Good Morning.

Happy Thursday Everyone. If you’re reading this, good job pushing through January. Today’s issue looks at where the money and friction are piling up: car sales nearing records, travel getting more expensive, stricter rules for boardrooms, and why everyday systems are quietly getting harder for Filipinos to navigate.

Stay sharp,
Team PesoWeekly

Big picture: Philippine vehicle sales could cross the 500,000 mark this year, with industry groups projecting around 503,000 units sold. That would be a new high, about 2% to 2.5% higher than last year’s record of 491,395 units, according to Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines.

What’s driving it: Growth is coming from electrified vehicles and workhorse models like multi-purpose vans and SUVs. EV sales already hit nearly 59,000 units last year, taking up about 12% of the market, helped by more hybrid and electric models entering showrooms.

What’s holding it back: Not all segments are winning. Pickup truck sales dropped sharply after new excise taxes, and passenger car sales fell more than 20% last year, with recovery tied to new model launches.

Why it matters: The industry is cautiously optimistic. Carmakers are pushing EVs, but long-term growth still depends on consumer confidence, tax policy, and government support for local manufacturing programs.

Big idea: Grab started with a very local problem. In 2011, two Malaysians built MyTeksi to fix unsafe, unreliable taxis using a simple booking app. That idea later became Grab.

Early grind: With just a small grant, the team trained taxi drivers one by one and worked through unclear transport rules. Growth was slow, but trust was built on the ground.

Regional move: Shifting HQ to Singapore unlocked capital and expansion across Southeast Asia, where taxi issues felt familiar.

Grab entered Manila in 2013 to solve problems Filipinos knew well. “Kontrata” fares, unsafe rides, brutal traffic. GPS booking and fare estimates made taxis predictable.

Why it matters: Grab scaled by earning everyday trust, then adding cars, food, and payments around real local needs.

The Securities and Exchange Commission will now strictly cap independent directors at 9 years per company, starting February 1. No extensions, no excuses. Directors who hit the limit are out for good, or companies risk ₱1M fines per year, plus monthly penalties.

SM Prime Holdings said it sees expansion opportunities this year despite a tough economic outlook, citing stronger retail sales from peso weakness and higher OFW remittances. Chairman Hans Sy said challenges create chances to gain market share, while the company closely watches government reforms, corruption issues, and support for renewable energy.

Visa applications from Filipinos rose 8% in 2025, according to VFS Global, as travel, work, and study plans rebounded. Demand for paid “visa at your doorstep” services jumped 62%, highlighting a growing reality: with a weak passport and longer waits, global travel is becoming a privilege for those who can pay extra.

The Philippines ended 2025 with record export earnings of $84.41 billion, but imports still climbed to $133.57 billion, the second-highest on record, PSA data showed. This left a $49.17 billion trade deficit, reflecting the country’s import-heavy growth model despite strong electronics exports.

June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel Beer was named Best Player of the Conference for the 13th time after the Season 50 Philippine Cup, earning 1,246 votes and averaging 16.5 points, 16.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. He beat Juan Gomez de Liaño, Calvin Abueva, Justine Baltazar, and Zav Lucero, and now focuses on helping San Miguel secure a 3-1 lead over TNT in the Finals. (Read More)

Kate Valdez fueled breakup rumors after liking TikTok comments accusing boyfriend Fumiya Sankai of cheating and being a red flag, unfollowing him on Instagram, and responding ‘Ask him’ when asked about the breakup. (Read more)

Team Liquid PH exited the M7 World Championship after losing 2-3 to Indonesia’s Alter Ego in Jakarta, ending their title bid. (Read More)

AXA Philippines introduced the “Mind Health Self-check,” a free digital tool that evaluates emotional well-being, provides scores, self-help tips, and access to counseling to support Filipinos’ mental health. (Read More)

HKUST scientists launched an AI model predicting thunderstorms and heavy rain up to four hours ahead, boosting accuracy over 15% and giving governments and businesses more time to prepare better. (Read more)

Engineers at MIT created a pill with a biodegradable antenna that signals when swallowed, helping doctors track treatment for patients with organ transplants, chronic infections, or neuropsychiatric conditions. (Read more)

Tuya introduced Aura, an AI-powered companion for cats and dogs that monitors behavior, offers play and emotional interaction, and sends real-time updates to help owners understand their pets’ wellbeing. (Read more)

Two Nipah cases in West Bengal led Thailand and Nepal to screen arrivals, with contacts traced and tested negative; the virus spreads from animals to humans and has no vaccine.

The American Psychiatric Association plans to rename the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, adding patient experiences, life context, and biological factors to improve mental health diagnoses.

New fossil research suggests some Ice Age kangaroos weighing over 200 kilograms retained bone and tendon structures for hopping, challenging the idea that large body size prevented efficient bouncing.

Purdue researchers found kaolinite clay in Jezero Crater, indicating Mars may have had humid, rain-heavy climates for millions of years, hinting at potentially life-friendly environments in the planet’s past.

The House committee approved bill 2778 granting P10,000 to students completing internships or OJT, easing training-related expenses and burdens. (Read more)

The government's PHP6.5B budget will cover 2.93 million farmers and fishers, raising crop loss payouts and including coconut farmers. (Read more)

Six Grade 12 students escape unharmed after homeowner fires at their car, sparking online outrage and safety discussions. (Read more)

Former Philippine president Rodrigo Duterte can attend ICC hearings over alleged crimes against humanity during his drug war. (Read more)

Authorities recovered 23 old Japanese bombs weighing 32 kilograms in Barangay Buhangin Proper, safely removing them from the area. (Read more)

A powerful winter storm across the US has caused at least 30 deaths, widespread flight cancellations, and more than 200 million people from Texas to New England under cold alerts, with sub-zero temperatures expected to continue.

Global Health Risks From Plastic Set to Double by 2040

Researchers warn that plastic production, use, and disposal could more than double health impacts by 2040, with greenhouse gases, air pollution, and toxic chemicals posing the greatest threats unless plastic creation is reduced.

Kim Keon Hee, wife of ex-president Yoon Suk Yeol, was sentenced to 20 months for accepting bribes from the Unification Church, amid broader scandals involving luxury gifts, stock schemes, and political interference.

📝 Hero dog Buknoy went viral after surviving a daring jump from a burning Makati building. (Watch)

📝 Camiguin goes global, named one of New York Times’ top 52 places to visit in 2026.

📝 Sad Year of the Horse plush goes viral in China for its upside-down expression.

📝 BSP launches a 100-peso Sinulog coin featuring Sto. Niño and festival symbols.

📝 Tourist mauled by rare snow leopard in China’s Xinjiang after approaching it for a photo.