Good morning. It’s Monday, Sept. 29.

PesoWeekly readers let’s start the week strong. Be excellent in the small things today. The big wins follow. Thank you to everyone who keeps emailing us with ideas and kind words. We read every note. We are listening, so we’re adding new sections you asked for. Expect more practical advice for young professionals, smart takes on workplace psychology, and simple tools to help you level up.

In today’s issue, we break down the biggest stories, then give you clear steps you can use right away. Keep the feedback coming. PesoWeekly is built with you, for you. Let’s get to work.

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Big picture
Reports say Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson found around ₱100 billion in 2025 budget “insertions” tied to almost all senators, flagged as for-later-release. Insertions are not illegal by themselves, but amounts as high as an estimated ₱5–9 billion per lawmaker raise questions about planning, value for money, and who really steers public works.

New developments
Baguio City Mayor Benjie Magalong resigned as special adviser to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure, saying he wants to protect the probe’s integrity after conflict-of-interest chatter. The Palace said the ICI’s mandate stands beyond any one person. Meanwhile, the Senate inquiry is examining alleged ghost or substandard DPWH flood projects linked to the Discaya contractor network. The Anti-Money Laundering Council has reportedly frozen hundreds of related accounts. Conflict-of-interest questions also grew around Senator Rodante Marcoleta after Bilyonaryo reported his wife sits on the boards of Stronghold Insurance and Milestone Guaranty, which issued bonds to Discaya-connected firms. Marcoleta has denied being protective of the Discayas and has not responded to detailed conflict questions by Bilyonaryo.

Why it matters
If budget insertions turbocharge pork while probes face perceived conflicts, trust collapses and real projects stall. Flood control is a life-or-death service. Every peso lost to waste or favoritism means higher risk for communities already flooded.

• What to watch next: public release of all FLR insertions, clear recusals where conflicts exist, a DPWH project tracker with geotagged proof of work, and swift cases if evidence is solid.

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The US State Department flagged corruption as a top reason why American firms hesitate to invest in the Philippines. In its annual investment climate report, the US noted persistent bribery, red tape, and inefficiency especially in the Bureau of Customs and courts as major barriers. The Philippines ranked 114th out of 180 in Transparency International’s corruption index, a level it hasn’t escaped since 2019. While reforms like the CREATE MORE Act and PEZA’s transparent rules were praised, issues like poor infrastructure, high costs, and family-owned business dominance keep investment flows modest at $8.9 billion in 2024.

Philippine business confidence hit its lowest point since 2021, with the BSP’s latest survey showing a confidence index of 23.2% in Q3, down from 28.8% last quarter. Firms blamed weak demand during “ghost month,” bad weather, and global headwinds like US tariffs and geopolitical tensions. On the flip side, consumer sentiment improved to its best level in two years at -9.8%, lifted by new income streams and more working family members. Looking ahead, businesses still expect growth, though more modest, while both firms and households anticipate inflation to stay within the government’s 2–4% target range.

The Department of Transportation plans to launch bidding for the operations and maintenance of LRT-2 and MRT-3 by early 2026. For MRT-3, officials are pursuing a “dual track” accepting both solicited bids with ADB support and potential unsolicited proposals from private firms. The move follows the expiration of the MRT-3 build-lease-transfer deal last July, which transferred ownership and operations to the government. Analysts warn the dual-track approach could cause delays and confusion, noting solicited bids typically give government stronger control. For LRT-2, the DoTr is working with the IFC on a PPP plan to boost ridership and expansion.

The Social Security System (SSS) has teamed up with UnionBank to launch LoanLite, a digital micro-loan program designed to give members quick, affordable credit and steer them away from loan sharks. Members can borrow ₱5,000–₱20,000, payable within 15–90 days at 8% annual interest plus a service fee. SSS aims to grow its micro-loan portfolio to ₱40 billion in two years. Applications and approvals will be fully online, with funds credited directly to UnionBank accounts or MySSS cards—offering members a faster, safer alternative to informal lending.

For small business owners in the Philippines, artificial intelligence is becoming less of a buzzword and more of a survival tool. Take 18-year-old Amari Dimafeliz, who runs a 3D-printing business while studying engineering. Instead of hiring staff, he uses AI to check product quality, write marketing captions, and balance school with entrepreneurship. Experts say AI can help micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which make up 99% of PH businesses compete with big firms by automating tasks, forecasting demand, and improving security. Challenges remain, from weak internet to limited budgets, but AI could unlock trillions in value if adoption scales.

1) Positioning that gets you picked
Recruiters are customers. You are the product. Start with a clear title that matches real searches. “Finance Analyst, FP&A and Excel” beats “Numbers Ninja.” Open with a one-line value prop: who you help, what you do, proof you can deliver. Stack social proof. Metrics, internships, certifications, and small wins reduce hiring risk. Keep wording simple. Clean layout gets read.

2) The practical playbook

3) Distribution beats silence
Great profiles still need traffic. Join niche groups, comment with useful insights, and DM hiring managers with a short value note and one relevant work sample. Track what works. Measure profile views, replies, and interview invites. Keep what performs, cut what does not. You are not bragging. You are reducing buyer risk and making it easy to say yes.

A campaign rally for Tamil film star-turned-politician Vijay turned deadly in southern India on Saturday, when a crowd crush killed at least 40 people and injured more than 90. An estimated 25,000–30,000 supporters packed into Karur district to see the actor, who recently launched his own political party. Witnesses said ambulances struggled to reach the injured as the crowd swelled around Vijay’s campaign truck. Victims included children, women, and entire families. Vijay pledged to compensate victims’ families while the state government opened an inquiry. Police have filed a criminal case against party leaders as safety concerns mount.

Thailand’s prime minister says his government will propose a referendum on whether to revoke two long-standing agreements with Cambodia that define land and maritime boundaries. The move comes after deadly clashes in July left 48 dead and forced hundreds of thousands to flee—the worst fighting between the neighbors in over a decade. The agreements, signed in 2000 and 2001, once eased tensions but are now under fire from Thai critics who see them as outdated. Analysts warn scrapping them could leave a dangerous vacuum unless a new framework is agreed with Phnom Penh.

China is retooling its wartime propaganda for the TikTok generation. New films like Evil Unbound, a survival-game-style thriller about Japanese germ warfare-mix graphic violence with videogame tropes and even Squid Game-like challenges. The $270M-grossing movie is part of Beijing’s push to keep anti-Japan sentiment alive as WWII memories fade. Schools and companies are organizing group screenings, while AI-powered “microdramas” and time-travel plots hit smartphones to reach younger audiences. The strategy stirs patriotism, but critics warn that overly cartoonish portrayals risk trivializing real suffering. Still, in a China facing economic gloom, turning Japan into a villain remains a potent distraction.

The newly formed Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) says it won’t livestream its hearings—at least for now. Executive director Brian Keith Hosaka explained the early sessions are focused on building cases for criminal, civil, or administrative action, which will later be sent to proper agencies like the Ombudsman. Hosaka stressed the commission wants to avoid “trial by publicity” or being used for political leverage. Still, he said ICI will explore a solution that balances public calls for transparency with protecting individual rights, as it digs into alleged corruption in flood control and infrastructure projects.

Over 60 mayors under the Mayors for Good Governance (M4GG) declared support for Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong after his resignation from the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI). The group said Magalong “cannot be bought, bullied, or swayed,” citing his record in tackling corruption, regulating overdevelopment, and protecting Baguio’s environment. They also pointed to his national roles,leading the Mamasapano probe with independence and exposing the “ninja cops” scandal—as proof of his integrity. Magalong stepped down from the ICI following conflict-of-interest allegations over a ₱110M project in Baguio, which he denied. Malacañang has ordered a review of his advisory role.

No, OFW lounges aren’t shutting down, they’re getting bigger and better. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac and OWWA chief Patricia Caunan confirmed plans to expand lounges at NAIA and open new ones in Cebu, Clark, and Davao. The lounges, which have already served 1.5 million travelers since 2024, offer free meals, Wi-Fi, and dedicated services. Upgrades include e-card printing booths, more space, and even sleeping quarters with showers and massage chairs at NAIA Terminal 3 starting October 1. Officials say the improvements aim to give OFWs more comfort and protection, as promised by President Marcos in his 2024 SONA.

Relief is pouring into the Bicol Region after Tropical Cyclone Opong battered Masbate with two landfalls. The DSWD has sent over ₱38M in aid, including truckloads of food packs, while the DOH provided ₱1.4M worth of medicines and hygiene kits. The Coast Guard, Army, and police are helping clear roads, restore order, and deliver goods. Masbate Governor Richard Kho thanked President Marcos for the swift response but stressed urgent needs: food, shelter, medical supplies, and livelihood support for farmers who lost crops. As of the latest count, 9 dead, 15 injured, and nearly 99,000 displaced across the province.

The Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong is alerting OFWs about scam messages on WhatsApp, Viber, and Facebook that promise free groceries up to HK$5,000, eye checkups, and eyeglasses. These are fake. Scammers lure victims to share personal data, then open “stooge” bank or e-wallet accounts for money laundering and other crimes. What to do: Ignore random “free ayuda” offers, never share personal info or IDs, and verify posts via official channels. Report cases to Hong Kong Police’s Anti-Scam Helpline 18222. Need help from PH authorities in HK? Email the Consulate’s Assistance-To-Nationals Section at [email protected]. Stay cautious and double-check before you click.