Today’s fifth SONA puts President Marcos’ corruption crackdown back under the spotlight as Filipinos wait for the “next chapter.” We also unpack a new youth startup loan fund, the Philippines’ first Latin American trade deal, market pressure from the Iran conflict, and NASA’s plan to fly across Saturn’s moon Titan.

Stay Sharp.

The big picture: President Marcos Jr. will deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address today, July 27, outlining his priorities for his final two years in office.

Why it matters: Surveys suggest Filipinos expect him to address the flood control corruption scandal. The Palace says at least 45 individuals face charges, including lawmakers, former DPWH officials and contractors. Freeze orders also cover billions of pesos in linked assets.

What to watch: Marcos has kept his agenda under wraps, saying only, “Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.” The speech comes as Faustino Dy III and Sherwin Gatchalian lead Congress’ two chambers, while the Senate conducts Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

One change: There will be no red carpet or celebrity participation in the program.

The Department of Trade and Industry launched the Youth Enterprise Fund, offering loans from ₱30,000 to ₱500,000 for entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30. The program aims to help young Filipinos overcome funding barriers, start businesses, create jobs, and strengthen the country’s growing small business sector.

Groups Challenge Pax Silica Project

Scientists and farm workers questioned BCDA’s proposed 1,620-hectare Pax Silica Economic Security Zone, warning it could displace farmers and Indigenous communities, strain water and energy resources, and threaten agriculture. BCDA maintains the project will create jobs, attract investments, and minimize environmental impacts through renewable energy and water management plans.

PH, Chile Seal First Latin America Trade Deal

The Philippines and Chile have completed negotiations for the PH-CL CEPA, the country’s first free trade agreement with a Latin American partner. The deal is expected to boost trade, investment, and digital cooperation while opening more opportunities for Filipino exporters, workers, farmers, consumers, and investors.

Iran Conflict Keeps PHL Shares Under Pressure

Philippine shares may stay under pressure this week as renewed U.S.-Iran hostilities push oil prices higher and keep inflation and currency risks elevated. The PSEi closed at 6,281.01 on Friday, while Brent crude surged on supply fears tied to the Middle East conflict.

Kim Atienza accepted a Catholic priest’s apology over controversial depression remarks, saying the exchange sparked an important conversation on mental health, compassion, and breaking harmful stigma. (Read more)

Ryan Gosling Revs Up as Marvel’s Ghost Rider

Ryan Gosling officially joins the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Ghost Rider, with Shawn Levy directing the standalone film set for 2028. The surprise Comic-Con announcement marks Gosling’s first superhero role. (Read More)

PH Weightlifting Team Eyes More Golds in Asia

World champions Albert Ian Delos Santos and Alexsandra Ann Diaz lead a 13-athlete Philippine squad to the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Uzbekistan, aiming to build on their record-breaking international success. (Read More)

NASA’s Dragonfly mission will send a car-sized nuclear-powered drone to Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, to study methane lakes, dunes, and search for possible signs of life. (Read more)

AI-generated Animal Videos Raise Concerns Over Online Authenticity

AI-made animal videos are changing how people view cute online content, as viewers become unsure whether heartwarming clips are real or digitally created. (Read more)

British Robotics Firm Humanoid Becomes Europe’s First Robotics Unicorn

UK-based Humanoid reached a $1.4 billion valuation, highlighting Europe’s growing robotics industry as the company aims to produce 150,000 humanoid robots by 2030. (Read more)

Teachers Criticize Humanoid Robot Program in New York School

Teachers and residents criticized Salamanca High School’s plan to introduce a humanoid robot and AI teaching assistant, calling the program inappropriate and culturally insensitive. (Read more)

Orcas Seen Blowing Sunfish Apart in Rare Underwater Behavior

Researchers documented killer whales appearing to explode a dead sunfish, offering new insights into orca behavior and suggesting the act may help break the fish into smaller pieces.

Study Suggests Humans Could Live Up To 190 Years

Researchers found that DNA mutations accumulating in cells may limit human lifespan, with a mathematical model suggesting people could potentially reach around 190 years without major diseases.

Frozen Optical Fiber Opens New Way To Store Light

Scientists developed a frozen-core optical fiber cooled to -196°C, revealing new methods to control light and sound interactions for future technologies in communication, sensors, and advanced devices.

New Walking Shark Species Discovered In Papua New Guinea

Researchers from Australia’s University of the Sunshine Coast identified a new walking shark species in Papua New Guinea, expanding knowledge of one of the ocean’s most unusual shark groups.

🏊 Boracay will host the 4th SEA Open Water Championships, attracting 200 swimmers and boosting sports tourism. (Read more)

⚡ Sen. Erwin Tulfo seeks probe into electricity price hikes, billing issues, and power interruptions to create consumer-friendly policies. (Read more)

🔌 Mindoro residents protest high electricity rates and frequent outages, demanding lower costs and transparency from ORMECO operations. (Read more)

📱 Groups oppose anti-disinformation bills, warning government takedown powers and penalties may threaten free speech and digital rights. (Read more)

👮 PNP deploys 20,000 officers for Marcos’ 2026 SONA, with security measures, protests, and traffic controls in Quezon City. (Read more)

Pet owners in Seoul are turning to tarot readings to interpret their animals’ emotions, with some seeking insights into their pets’ behavior and feelings through fortune-telling.

Rome Offers Free Cinema Screenings To Beat Summer Heat

Rome will provide free movie screenings in air-conditioned cinemas as part of a heat-relief program, offering residents a cool refuge during Europe’s intense summer temperatures.

Japan Finds Rare Earth Elements In Deep-Sea Mud

Japan discovered that deep-sea mud near a remote Pacific island contains a high share of rare earth elements, which are important materials for advanced technologies and industries.

📝 Free E-Book explains Philippine rights and claims in the West Philippine Sea. (Read more)

📝 Identical twins cast as Stabbington Brothers in Disney’s Live-Action Tangled Remake. (Watch here)

📝 Lottie Bie earns praise for supporting small TikTok live sellers. (Read more)

📝 Baby monkey punch celebrates first birthday. (Read more)