Good Morning.

It’s Monday. A fresh start, even if the to-do list already feels long. Show up, do the work that needs doing, and be thankful for a new day. In this issue: the flood control probe, a Filipino founder who beat global giants, and sharp reads across business, tech, and culture. Do not skip ATBP at the bottom for Fulbright 2027 grants and free UP Open University courses.

Stay sharp,
Team PesoWeekly

Big picture: The Senate’s Senate Blue Ribbon Committee resumes its flood control probe today, reopening one of the messiest corruption stories tied to public infrastructure. At the center is former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan, accused of submitting wrong map coordinates that made hundreds of projects appear “ghost” or nonexistent. Bonoan has returned to the Philippines ahead of the hearing and is now under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order.

Why it matters: Senate chair Panfilo Lacson says the data errors may have distorted official reports sent to Malacañang, raising questions about accountability inside the Department of Public Works and Highways. Lawmakers are also reviewing the so-called Cabral Files, documents that could point to how projects were inserted into the national budget.

What to watch: With witnesses, refunds, and possible charges piling up, the probe tests whether the government under Ferdinand Marcos Jr. can deliver results before the next rainy season arrives.

The setup: In the early 1980s, Cecilio Kwok Pedro lost his core business when global toothpaste brands ditched aluminum tubes for plastic. At 33, his factory shut down.

The pivot: Instead of chasing his old clients, Pedro moved up the value chain. He used his leftover tubes, industry know-how, and local insight to launch Hapee, a Filipino-made toothpaste priced far below foreign brands but with comparable quality.

The strategy: Compete where giants were weakest. He focused on price-sensitive households, sachets and small tubes, and national pride instead of big ad budgets.

The edge: Pedro built Lamoiyan with a clear mission, hiring and empowering the hearing impaired. It created loyalty inside the factory and trust outside.

The lesson: You do not beat giants by copying them. You win by choosing a small, winnable fight and owning it fully.

ASEAN–BAC chair Jose Ma. “Joey” Concepcion III said hosting ASEAN 2026 lets the Philippines show reform, accountability, and openness to global business after corruption issues. The chairship turnover on Jan. 29 at Malacañang signals strong government and private sector cooperation ahead of major regional talks.

The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the country’s largest Filipino-Chinese business group, welcomed the Philippines’ decision to allow Chinese nationals visa-free entry for 14 days. It said the move could boost tourism, attract high-spending visitors, and support small businesses nationwide.

President Marcos led the unveiling of Philippine Airlines’ first Airbus A350-1000 in Pasay, pledging to modernize aviation. He said the aircraft will boost connectivity, tourism, and trade. The plane, PAL’s largest, will serve long-haul routes and expands the airline’s 82-aircraft fleet.

Ant International said Philippine digital wallets are now connected to Alipay+, allowing QR payments across Southeast Asia. The move supports easier cross-border payments, stronger security, and regional payment standards, as digital transactions grow faster than traditional banking in the Philippines.

Rabiya Mateo revealed she was diagnosed with depression and anxiety last year, shared her struggles with daily life, and urged followers to stop bullying while emphasizing the importance of mental health. (Read More)

Alex Eala will make her Australian Open main draw debut, drawing confidence from recent wins and fan support. The rising WTA top-50 player aims to make a strong impression against tough opponents.(Watch here)

The new season follows Benedict and servant Sophie Baek in a forbidden love story, exploring class, romance, and social issues, and premieres on Netflix January 29. (Read More)

OpenAI will test showing sponsored ads in ChatGPT replies for free US adults, using conversation context, while offering a new $8 Go plan and excluding paid, under-18, and sensitive-topic chats. (Read More)

UK startup Oshen deployed C-Star robots for NOAA near the US Virgin Islands, with three surviving Hurricane Humberto and collecting data through a Category 5 storm successfully. (Read more)

Anthropic’s Claude Cowork adapts Claude Code’s AI agents for non-coders, letting users analyze files, run tasks, and automate work, signaling a shift from chatbots to action-taking AI tools. (Read more)

The DICT plans to require verified accounts on all social media platforms to curb trolls and AI bots, boost accountability, and make tracking cybercrimes easier, with a department order eyed next week. (Read more)

Scientists found iodine-129 levels in the West Philippine Sea up to 1.7 times higher than elsewhere, traced to the Yellow Sea, but researchers say it poses no health risk currently.

A global review found bamboo shoots may improve blood sugar, gut health, and inflammation, offering nutrition and sustainability potential, but researchers say proper preparation and more human studies are needed.

A US virologist reported making antibodies after drinking beer infused with vaccine yeast, but experts warn the unapproved, self-tested approach raises safety, ethics, and public trust concerns.

A study found that playing video games more than 10 hours a week was linked to poorer diet, disrupted sleep, and higher body weight among students, suggesting excessive gaming may push aside healthy daily habits.

Barzaga may face extended House suspension and multiple libel cases after controversial posts and alleged bribery claims against lawmakers. (Read more)

Pope Leo XIV urged the faithful to serve the marginalized during the Santo Niño feast, calling for a grace-filled life and unity in Christ. (Read more)

Cebu City ends Binaliw landfill search after 10 days, recovering the last missing person, officials say, closing rescue operations. (Read more)

Tropical Storm Ada causes landslides and floods in Catanduanes. Authorities are clearing debris, warning drivers, and evacuating people from risky areas. (Read more)

Engineers develop microchip devices creating tiny earthquake-like vibrations. It could make phones and wireless devices smaller, faster, and more efficient. (Read more)

Trump threatens tariffs on eight countries over Greenland takeover, sparking protests and EU emergency talks. Leaders call the move wrong and unacceptable, citing security and territorial concerns.

Rescuers in Indonesia are searching for an ATR 42-500 fisheries surveillance plane that went missing with 11 people near Mount Bulusaraung, South Sulawesi, as bad weather hampers operations.

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei said thousands died during December protests, blaming US President Donald Trump for encouraging demonstrators, while vowing consequences for “rioters” and calling for national unity.

📝 Sinulog Festival 2026 draws 5.2 million crowd, marking one of Cebu’s largest gatherings.

📝 Asia’s first portal sculpture opens in Manila, linking Filipinos to live global cities.

📝 Filipino nurses bring Sinulog prayers and festive rhythm to Sacramento, California. (Watch)

📝 Filipinos can now apply for Fulbright 2027 scholarships to study in the US with full grants.

📝 UP Open University opens 28 free online courses for learners nationwide this January to June.