Good morning. Philippine factories are picking up speed, but the peso is heading the other way. Today, we look at stronger manufacturing, another currency record low, two Filipino sailors killed near Hormuz, corporate earnings holding steady, and the three big challenges that could shape the Philippines’ AI future.
Stay Sharp.
TOP STORIES
Two Filipino sailors killed as Hormuz tensions hit shipping
Two Filipino seafarers were killed after the Saudi-flagged tanker SIDR was attacked off Oman while heading toward the Strait of Hormuz.
What happened: The DMW said 16 Filipinos were onboard when the vessel was hit by unknown projectiles, sparking a fire the crew managed to contain. The other 14 Filipino seafarers are safe, while the victims’ remains have been brought to Oman. Saudi Arabia attributed the attack to Iran.
The bigger picture: The DMW remains on red alert as Hormuz stays a high-risk area. Since February 28, 31 vessels carrying 421 Filipino seafarers have been attacked, with 268 already repatriated.
Around 3,000 Filipino seafarers are still in the Persian Gulf, though the DMW stressed they are not all currently in the Strait.
BUSINESS & INVESTMENT
Factory Activity Hits Near 10-Year High
Philippine manufacturing expanded at its fastest pace since December 2016, with the S&P Global PMI rising to 54.9 in August from 51.8 in July. Stronger new orders, recovering exports, and higher production boosted factory output, signaling improving business activity after a weak second quarter.
Rice Imports May Reach 5 Million MT
The Department of Agriculture expects rice imports to reach up to 5 million metric tons in 2026 as it prepares for El Niño, monsoon disruptions, and supply risks. The government said maintaining adequate stocks is essential to ensure food security and stabilize rice prices nationwide.
BSP Credits Anti-Scam Law for Stronger Protection
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas said the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act has strengthened the country's fight against digital financial fraud by improving coordination among banks, e-wallets, and regulators. The law enhances fraud prevention, account monitoring, and consumer protection as digital payments continue to grow.
Peso Hits Fourth Straight Record Low
The peso weakened for a fourth consecutive session, closing at a record ₱62.565 per US dollar. The decline reflected sustained demand for the greenback, elevated global oil prices, and inflation concerns, increasing import costs and adding pressure on businesses and consumers.
ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS & CULTURE
Alex Eala's Star Power Keeps Soaring
Forbes says Alex Eala could soon become one of the world's highest-paid female athletes, citing her surging endorsements, growing global profile, and continued success on the WTA Tour. (Read more)
Lea Salonga's Hollywood Star Awaits
Lea Salonga's Hollywood Walk of Fame star is officially ready for unveiling, marking a historic milestone as the first Filipina to receive the prestigious entertainment honor. (Read More)
GTA 6 Preview Breaks Netflix Records
Netflix's exclusive Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look became the platform's most-watched title of the week, drawing 31.1 million views worldwide in just four days. (Read More)
PESO MARKETS
Philippine Earnings Are Holding Up, But the Breakout Hasn’t Arrived
Philippine corporate earnings look steadier, but investors are still waiting for the next big move.
The big picture: Of 30 companies covered in AB Capital’s first-half 2026 roundup, 24, or 80%, delivered results broadly in line with estimates. Six came in below, while none materially beat expectations.
Combined earnings among companies in the roundup rose 8.3% year on year to ₱502.9 billion.
Banks remained the anchor, with earnings reaching ₱112.9 billion, up 1.3%. Gaming grew 16.7%, while consumer earnings rose 4.1%.
The laggards: Property fell 6.9%, while telecom slipped 1.0%.
What next: AB Capital says the market remains a stock-picker’s environment, with investors looking for companies whose earnings can accelerate in the second half.
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.
TECH
The 3 biggest problems facing AI adoption in the Philippines
What are the 4 most pressing issues for AI adoption in the Philippines and Southeast Asia? We’ve narrowed it down to the most immediate concerns that are already impacting our economy and society.
Geopolitical disinformation, deepfakes and other dirty tricks- It’s easier than ever to create spurious images or news reports that can be used to manipulate national sentiment. Russian efforts in Ukraine and Europe are already well known. In our own backyard, Chinese and North Korean hacker armies push propaganda and disruptive fake news to forward their political goals.
Labor upheaval and the need to upskill- According to a UNESCO report, BPOs must now race to retrain up and away from simple helpdesk functions, the training facilities and schools needed for this remains deficient or wanting. It seems the government response could use some collaboration with private industry leaders.
Connectivity shortfalls and data deserts - Internet costs in the Philippines are still higher than most Filipinos can afford, in fact they are among the highest in Asia. Real infrastructure gaps still plague far flung provinces, rendering them “data deserts”, devoid of even the most basic internet connectivity. How many people, particularly students, are being left behind?
HEALTH & SCIENCE
Click the headlines to read more of the articles
UP Visayas researchers developed “tahong patis,” a mussel-based fish sauce with lower salt and higher protein. The product could also provide additional income for mussel farmers.
Dyson’s new $499 CameraJet uses an AI-powered camera to scan between teeth while brushing. It automatically targets missed areas with mouthrinse, combining brushing and water flossing.
Australian researchers found the dugong population in the Gulf of Carpentaria fell from about 10,000 in 2007 to 5,000 in 2025, raising concerns over recovery.
QUICK HITS
🔒 DepEd to remove active shooter reenactments from future school safety drills. (Read more)
⚠️ DMW warns jobseekers against unauthorized recruiters for South Korea seasonal work opportunities. (Read more)
🚔 American man and Filipina wife found shot dead inside Negros Oriental home. (Read more)
🌧️ PAGASA expects two to three tropical cyclones to enter Philippine area this September. (Read more)
WORLD STORIES
Himalayas Face Severe Glacial Flood Risks
A UN official warned that millions across the Himalayas could face severe glacial flood risks. Researchers have identified potentially dangerous glacial lakes across Nepal, China, and India.
Iran Calls Wedding Deaths A ‘War Crime’
Iran accused the US of killing four people, including two children, at a wedding gathering. The US denied targeting civilians, saying it struck Iranian military targets.
Swiss Police Arrest Suspect After Deadly Rave Shooting
Swiss police arrested a 43-year-old man after a shooting at a rave in Aarau killed an Italian citizen and wounded five others. Investigations into the motive continue.
ATBP…
📝 Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s dog stars in new Tommy Hilfiger campaign. (Watch here)
📝 Stranded NLEX commuters buy food from nearby residents after eight-hour flood standstill. (Watch here)
📝 Convenience store vows legal action over hotdog tampering. (Read more)
WORTH YOUR TIME
Deep dives into the Filipino spirit and essential digital utilities.
Brave Browser | Data Saver | Block intrusive ads on local news sites while browsing faster and saving your mobile data. (Visit site: brave.com)
Radio Garden | Cure for Homesickness | Use the interactive globe to listen to live radio stations from your home province while abroad. (Visit site: radio.garden)
Historybook: The Bamboo Organs (Pre-Spanish)
While the Las Piñas organ is Spanish-era, ancient Filipinos used bamboo flutes (Suling) and nose flutes (Tongali) to create polyphonic music for courtship and harvest.
