Good Morning.

Happy weekend. This is your moment to slow down, recharge, and still pick up a few smart signals for the week ahead. Today’s issue looks at Marcos holding the diplomatic line with China, rising fuel prices, tighter tax audits, new loan plays, and small money habits that quietly build long-term stability.

Stay sharp,
Team PesoWeekly

What happened: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr firmly rejected calls to declare Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata, despite rising tensions between the Chinese embassy and Philippine officials over West Philippine Sea issues. Palace officials said the answer was a clear no, with no hesitation.

Why Malacañang is cautious: The Department of Foreign Affairs warned that declaring a diplomat persona non grata is a last-resort move that can trigger retaliation and further strain already fragile PH-China relations. Beijing has also responded with sharper rhetoric, a sign, analysts say, of strained diplomacy.

The twist: While the national government says no, the local government of Kalayaan, Palawan has declared the Chinese envoy persona non grata within its jurisdiction, citing diplomatic protocol violations. This highlights the growing gap between national restraint and local frustration.

Live on one paycheck. Build your life with the rest.

If you earn from one main job plus bonuses, side work, or variable income, treat only your base pay as “spendable.” That covers rent, food, bills, and small wants.

Everything extra follows a strict order:

1. Secure
Emergency fund and insurance first.

2. Strengthen
Pay down high-interest debt or invest long term.

3. Expand
Skills, tools, or networks that can increase future income.

Why this works: lifestyle stays stable while your financial base quietly grows. Most people raise spending when income rises. This strategy does the opposite. It builds freedom without cutting joy or turning money into a lecture.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue has resumed tax audits after a two-month suspension, targeting over ₱100 billion in collections. Officials said the move will help address 2025 revenue gaps, limit audits to one per taxpayer, strengthen transparency and oversight, and support the government’s ₱3.58-trillion revenue target for 2026.

When Maya turned profitable in 2025, the Pangilinan-backed fintech outlined plans to expand into home, auto, and salary loans in the Philippines. Loans remain the main growth driver, with outstanding balances reaching ₱27 billion and deposits ₱56.7 billion. The company is also adding insurance, investments, and may revive IPO plans.

Fuel prices are expected to increase in the first week of February, with diesel likely rising by ₱1.30 to ₱1.50 per liter and gasoline by ₱0.50 to ₱0.70, according to Jetti Petroleum. The hikes are driven by Middle East tensions, supply disruptions in Kazakhstan, and tighter global diesel supplies.

The Philippines is asking Japan to lower tariffs on its bananas while waiting to join the CPTPP. Current tariffs range from 8 to 18 percent. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said Japan responded positively, and the government is working to meet CPTPP rules for eventual zero-tariff access.

Michelle Dee and Rhian Ramos’ camp urged the public not to prejudge amid assault allegations by Ramos’ driver, denying the claims and calling the accusations a betrayal of trust. (Read More)

Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena claimed gold at the Cottbus meet with a 5.77m leap, sharing victory with Netherlands’ Menno Vloon in a historic first tie. (Read more)

LeBron James suggested his game against the Cavaliers could be his last in Cleveland, reflecting on his career, family presence, and uncertain future. The 41-year-old Lakers star struggled in the 129-99 loss while contemplating retirement and his ongoing battle with age and performance. (Read More)

A US jury convicted former Google engineer Linwei Ding of stealing AI trade secrets for two Chinese companies, facing up to decades in prison and millions in fines upon sentencing. (Read More)

Security researchers found AI toy maker Bondu left its web console unprotected, exposing nearly 50,000 chat logs between children and AI-powered stuffed toys to anyone with access. (Read more)

The Netherlands regulator launched an investigation into Roblox over risks to underage users, examining compliance with the EU Digital Services Act and whether safeguards, including age verification, adequately protect minors. (Read more)

Researchers at Virginia Tech launched a pilot study testing whether learning to DJ can help young adults manage ADHD symptoms, exploring music-making as a creative, movement-based supplement to traditional medication. (Read more)

HEALTH & SCIENCE
Click the headlines to read more of the articles

A Swedish study found AI-assisted mammograms detected 9% more breast cancers and lowered risky interval cancers by 12%, while helping reduce radiologists’ workload compared to standard scans.

A new study in Science finds genetics may account for about half of human lifespan, challenging the idea that lifestyle and environment are the main factors influencing how long people live.

At Northwestern University, surgeons used a custom-built artificial lung system to keep a 33-year-old man alive for 48 hours after his lungs were removed, allowing time for a double lung transplant.

Researchers say botulinum toxin, known for cosmetic use, could limit swelling, muscle injury, and tissue death from venom, potentially supporting antivenom and preventing long-term disability.

Bulacan officials and former Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. pleaded not guilty to graft charges over a P92.8-million nonexistent flood control project, surrendering luxury cars as a sign of cooperation. (Read more)

In Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental, a 36-year-old Filipina was stabbed 63 times by her American husband during a heated argument, leaving her unconscious; the suspect later surrendered to police. (Read more)

Some House members criticized the Supreme Court ruling on Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment, saying it limits Congress and threatens the separation of powers. (Read more)

Tourism Secretary Frasco assured Korean visitors of strengthened security, police training, and Korean-language support to restore confidence in Philippine tourism. (Read more)

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filed charges against Villar Land and family for alleged insider trading, market manipulation, and misleading financial disclosures to investors. (Read more)

China executed 11 members of the Ming family, a Myanmar-based crime syndicate involved in fraud, murder, and trafficking, ending their multibillion-dollar scam operations in the Kokang region.

Three thieves used pepper spray to seize suitcases holding $2.7 million near Ueno station, targeting a group delivering cash to currency exchange stations in central Tokyo.

Mark Anderson, 36, allegedly posed as an FBI agent at a New York jail to free Luigi Mangione, accused of killing healthcare executive Brian Thompson.

📝 Accidental tackle sparks laughter during ‘Bring Me’ game at Pangasinan youth event. (Watch)

📝 Spiders may owe their silk-spinning organs to a 400-million-year-old genetic accident.

📝 Physicists watch a superfluid freeze.

📝 Japan’s pandas return to China, ending 50-year tradition.

📝 Tilapia escapes from bucket, causing a stir in Oriental Mindoro. (Watch)