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The BIR is bringing AI into tax administration, with Ayala Corp. developing “Terry the Tax AI Assistant” at no cost to the government.

How it works: Terry will help BIR personnel search, cross-reference, and analyze tax regulations, rulings, issuances, and other official materials. Its responses will include citations from a searchable database of BIR references.

Why it matters: Faster research could give revenue officers more time to interpret rules, resolve difficult cases, and carry out reforms. It could also help the BIR provide quicker and more consistent service to taxpayers.

But humans remain in charge. BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said AI can assemble the basis for decisions, but final judgment and responsibility will remain with officials.

The peso weakened beyond the ₱62-per-dollar level for the first time, reflecting strong demand for the US dollar, elevated global oil prices, and inflation concerns. A weaker peso raises import costs, particularly for fuel and food, adding pressure on consumer prices and business operating expenses.

BSP Sees August Inflation at 5.5%-6.5%

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas projects August inflation between 5.5% and 6.5%, driven by higher rice, vegetable, fruit, fish, and fuel prices. Lower meat prices, reduced electricity rates, and peso appreciation are expected to partly offset these pressures ahead of the official inflation release on September 4.

ACEN, Yanara Secure ₱2.3B Solar Funding

ACEN and Yanara Renewable Energy secured ₱2.3 billion in financing to develop a solar power plant in Pangasinan. The project supports the Philippines' renewable energy expansion, boosting clean electricity generation while helping strengthen energy security and attract more investments into the country's green infrastructure.

Great Deals Targets ₱20B H2 Sales

E-commerce enabler Great Deals aims to generate ₱20 billion in second-half sales by expanding its AI-powered commerce platform. The company is using artificial intelligence to improve inventory management, marketing, and customer engagement, helping brand partners boost online sales and operate more efficiently amid growing digital demand.

Alex Gonzaga and husband Mikee Morada welcomed their first child, a baby boy, marking a joyful milestone after the couple's years-long journey to parenthood. (Read more)

Gilas Stuns Jordan in Overtime Thriller

Gilas Pilipinas erased an 18-point deficit to edge Jordan, 82-81, in overtime, boosting its FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers campaign behind a clutch comeback and Kai Sotto's decisive defensive stop (Read More)

Optimus Prime Voice Falls Silent

Peter Cullen, the legendary voice behind Optimus Prime and Eeyore, has died at 85, ending a remarkable career that shaped generations of animation and film fans. (Read More)

Robotic pizza makers are struggling as companies shut down and machines fail. Despite setbacks, developers continue improving the technology, hoping automation can make pizza faster and more consistent. (Read more)

Tiny Vibrations Could Make Aircraft More Fuel Efficient

Researchers at the University of Colorado developed microscopic vibrating materials that may reduce aircraft turbulence and drag, potentially improving fuel efficiency without changing the plane’s external shape. (Read more)

Hugging Face Unveils Tiny Robot That Can Learn, Walk And Skate

Hugging Face and Pollen Robotics unveiled Microduck, a $399 open-source robot designed for physical AI research. The 25-centimeter robot can walk, skate, grab objects, and learn behaviors. (Read more)

China’s Humanoid Robots Could Become Soldiers Within 10 Years

A Chinese robotics developer says humanoid robot soldiers could be possible within five to 10 years. The technology is rapidly advancing, with robots showing improved speed, strength, and agility. (Read more)

Hiker Spots Rare “Fried Eggs” Worm in Aurora

A hiker encountered a rare “fried eggs” worm while climbing Mt. Magdalenas in Aurora. The endemic Philippine earthworm has distinctive markings and is harmless, though mildly irritating when threatened.

Philippines Records Highest Estimated Adolescent HIV Incidence in ASEAN

The Philippines recorded ASEAN’s highest estimated HIV incidence among adolescents aged 15 to 19 in 2025, rising sharply from 2000, according to newly released UNICEF data.

1,000 Volunteers Bury Underwear Across Switzerland to Test Soil Health 

More than 1,000 volunteers buried cotton underwear across Switzerland to measure soil activity. Researchers found gardens had the fastest decomposition, while lawns showed the least biological activity.

Scientists Create White Strawberries With a Single Gene Edit

Scientists used CRISPR to disable one dominant gene copy controlling strawberry color, turning normally red fruit white. The breakthrough could improve precision breeding in complex crops.

🔍 Search operations for three missing Aeta residents in Zambales were suspended due to dangerous weather conditions and will resume when conditions improve. (Read more)

🛡️ DILG clarified a security guard was charged for alleged negligence, not as the gunman, in the Ateneo de Zamboanga shooting. (Read more)

🦟 Bohol declared a dengue outbreak after rising infections, prompting intensified mosquito control, public awareness campaigns, and strengthened hospital preparedness. (Read more)

🚒 Over 200 Bureau of Fire Protection personnel are under investigation over an alleged “slot-for-sale” recruitment scheme. (Read more)

🏥 The Philippines recorded 5,486 leptospirosis cases from January to August 2026, down 23 percent year-on-year, while the DOH remains on alert. (Read more)

A British patient successfully had a brain tumor removed with real-time AI assistance. The technology helped surgeons identify hidden blood vessels and nerves, allowing safer and more precise tumor removal.

Husband Who Caught Wife’s Affair With Robot Vacuum Sentenced to Prison

A Taiwanese husband used a robot vacuum to secretly record his wife with another man. He won $15,000 in damages but was later sentenced to five months in prison for violating her privacy.

Indian Teen Spends Five Years in Pond to Ease Painful Skin Condition

A 16-year-old Indian boy has reportedly spent five years in a pond to ease painful skin symptoms. Doctors in Mumbai are now working to diagnose and treat his condition. 

📝 Alex Eala reacts to content creator’s playful proposal. (Watch here)

📝 Paulo Avelino jokes about going MIA for upcoming game releases. (Read more)

📝 Siamese cat Lily comes home with charcoal after surprising family with quirky “pasalubong”. (Watch here)

📝 Nearly 1,800 volunteers pull Hirosaki Castle back toward its original home. (Read more)