Good morning. It’s Monday, Dec 22.

If you’re reading this while checking your bank app, waiting for bonuses, or wondering why everything suddenly feels more expensive, you’re not alone. This week, we break down what’s actually happening behind the headlines: why the peso might hit 60, where your 13th month pay really goes, how AI is quietly reshaping jobs, and why cities are cracking down on gambling ads. We also cover year-end payouts, market moves, and the decisions that affect your money long after the holidays are over.

Grab your coffee. Let’s make sense of it before the year ends and the spending begins.

Stay sharp,
Team PesoWeekly

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Big picture: The Supreme Court of the Philippines ruled that banks can be ordered to reveal limited account holder information in cybercrime investigations. Bank deposits remain confidential, but basic identifying data can be disclosed when backed by a court-issued warrant under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

What happened: The case stemmed from a scam where a victim was tricked into sharing an email and one-time password, allowing ₱10,000 to be transferred to an account at EastWest Rural Bank. The Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group sought a warrant to identify the account holder behind the transaction. EastWest argued this violated bank secrecy laws and said banks should not fall under cybercrime disclosure rules.

How the court ruled: The SC rejected those claims. It said the Bank Secrecy Law protects deposit amounts and financial details, not basic identity information. The court also ruled that banks qualify as “service providers” because digital banking apps, emails, and online platforms rely on computer systems covered by the cybercrime law.

Why it matters: The ruling strengthens law enforcement’s ability to track online scams, which often rely on mule accounts. For customers, it signals that privacy still applies, but anonymity ends when accounts are used for cybercrime.

PSEi: 5,920.87
BSP Rates: 4.50% (borrowing) | 4.00% (deposit) | 5.00% (lending)
🌐 Global Markets
Bitcoin: $88,358
Gold: $4,352.17

💱 Exchange Rates (PHP per 1 unit)

🇺🇸 USD: ₱58.50
🇬🇧 GBP: ₱78.24
🇸🇦 SAR: ₱15.62
🇯🇵 JPY: ₱0.3708
🇪🇺 EUR: ₱68.76
Note: Exchange rates may vary slightly depending on provider.

Finance chief Frederick D. Go urged the Maharlika Investment Corp. to focus on energy projects to lower electricity costs and boost industry. While power plants do not hire many workers directly, Go said cheaper and stable power attracts factories, logistics firms, and agri processors that create jobs. He added Maharlika should avoid playing it safe with bonds and instead back projects that drive growth, a key priority of the Ferdinand Marcos Jr. administration.

The peso may weaken to P60:$1 by end-Q1 next year, according to ANZ Research. The firm cites weak growth, soft investor confidence, and more rate cuts as risks. The peso recently hit record lows despite OFW remittances. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has cut rates to 4.5%, with Governor Eli Remolona Jr. saying another cut next year is still possible if data stays weak.

GMA Network is shifting its international TV channels to cloud-based distribution, dropping satellites for software. The network partnered with Synamedia and local firm Telered Technologies and Services Corp. to stream channels like GMA Pinoy TV globally. GMA says the move cuts costs, simplifies operations, and improves efficiency. Despite softer quarterly revenue, profits rose sharply this year, helping support the digital shift.

Philippine stocks fell as traders took profits ahead of key US data. The Philippine Stock Exchange Index dropped 0.78% to 6,031, tracking weaker Wall Street leads. Investors stayed cautious while waiting for US inflation numbers that could shape the outlook of the Federal Reserve. With no fresh local triggers, most sectors ended in the red, though foreign selling eased compared with the previous session.

The Philippines’ balance of payments gap widened to $4.8B in the first 11 months, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. November looked better, with the deficit shrinking to $225M, but it was not enough to offset earlier losses. The BSP says strong imports, weaker exports, and higher debt payments are driving the gap. Foreign reserves remain solid at $111B, enough to cover over seven months of imports.

The problem: Your 13th month pay hits. You feel rich. Three days later, it is gone. Gifts, food, bills, online carts, and “deserve ko ’to” moments eat it fast. This happens because the money arrives all at once, and your brain treats it like a bonus, not income.

What actually drains it:

A smarter reset that works:

The upgrade move for the new year:
You feel refreshed. Use that energy. Instead of another gadget, invest part of your 13th month in a skill. A short course, certification, or tool that makes you more valuable at work can raise your pay or open better jobs.

Bottom line: Spend some, save some, but let at least one part of your 13th month pay make your next year easier.

Big picture: Australia’s new under-16 social media ban targets platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, but online gaming platforms were left untouched. Critics say that gap ignores where many teens actually spend their time. At Australia’s only public gaming disorder clinic in Perth, doctors treat hundreds of patients addicted to online games, some playing up to 10 hours a day.

Why gaming matters: Psychiatrist Daniela Vecchio says gaming and social media are deeply linked. Platforms like Discord and Roblox mix gaming, chat, and livestreams, exposing kids to bullying, explicit content, and predators. Australia’s Federal Police have warned these chat spaces can enable grooming and radicalisation.

The data: Gaming disorder is now recognised by the World Health Organization. A Macquarie University study estimates 2.8% of Australian children are affected, though experts think the real number is higher. Meanwhile, gaming was excluded from the ban because its “primary purpose” is not social interaction.

So what: Critics argue the law is too blunt. Internet researcher Tama Leaver says regulation should be age-based and risk-based, not platform-based. The government says the ban will evolve, but families already waiting for help say the damage is happening faster than policy can keep up.

The US Justice Department released thousands of files linked to Jeffrey Epstein, naming many famous figures but not President Donald Trump. The documents include photos and references to people like former President Bill Clinton and other global celebrities, though none are accused of crimes. Many pages were heavily blacked out, angering both parties in Congress. Trump has denied wrongdoing and says he knew nothing about Epstein’s crimes. The US Justice Department says more files are still under review.

Bank of Japan just lifted interest rates to 0.75%, the highest level in 30 years. That may sound small, but it matters beyond Japan. For decades, cheap yen fueled global investing as traders borrowed in Japan and invested elsewhere. Higher rates weaken that trade. If investors pull money back home, global stocks and bonds can feel it. Analysts at HSBC warn US borrowing costs could rise over time. While the Federal Reserve is cutting rates, Japan is moving the other way. Markets are watching closely.

Cybercrime reports in the Philippines fell sharply in 2025, according to Department of Information and Communications Technology. Recorded cases dropped to 8,987, down 38% from last year’s 14,529. Data from the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center show online libel topped the list, followed by illegal access and online fraud. DICT chief Henry Aguda said filed cases and convictions point to stronger enforcement.

Citi has rolled out new AI tools for employees in the Philippines to boost speed and productivity. Citi Philippines says the tools help with tasks like document summaries, answering questions, and automating routine work. CEO Paul Favila calls it a game changer that lets teams focus on higher value work. Over 180,000 Citi staff worldwide already use the tools.

TikTok has signed a deal to spin off its US business into a new company backed by mostly American investors. CEO Shou Chew told staff the move helps secure TikTok’s future in the US. The deal follows a US law requiring separation from ByteDance. Investors include Oracle and Silver Lake, with approval still pending.

SoftBank Group is racing to raise $22.5B to meet its funding promise to OpenAI by year end. Led by Masayoshi Son, the firm sold its Nvidia stake and part of T-Mobile to raise cash. SoftBank may also borrow against Arm Holdings shares. The money is critical as OpenAI ramps up costly AI data center projects.

AI was cited in nearly 55,000 US layoffs this year, according to Challenger. Big names led the cuts. Amazon cut 14,000 roles to double down on AI. Microsoft slashed about 15,000 jobs. Salesforce trimmed 4,000 support roles as AI took over tasks. Critics say AI is partly an excuse after pandemic overhiring.

The Cebu City Council has approved a citywide ban on gambling advertisements, covering billboards, print, events, and online platforms. The move aims to curb problem gambling and protect young people from constant exposure. Councilor Joel Garganera said ads have normalized gambling and strained household finances. Enforcement will involve city offices and police units. The ban follows national actions by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to limit gambling promotion nationwide.

The Department of Education has begun releasing year-end incentives for about 1 million employees, following orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. Teachers and staff will receive ₱20,000 in service incentives and ₱5,000 in productivity pay, with part released this December. Non-teaching staff also qualify for a ₱10,000 CNA bonus, while contract workers get up to ₱7,000. Education chief Sonny Angara said the payouts recognize educators’ work nationwide.

The Davao City Government turned over ₱77M worth of vehicles to the Davao City Police Office to boost patrols and response time. The fleet includes 35 pickup trucks and response vans now assigned across police stations and mobile units. Acting director Mannan C. Muarip said the vehicles will strengthen visibility and public safety. The DCPO also received 600 raincoats from a private firm to support officers during bad weather.

The Iloilo City Government approved nearly ₱120M in extra funding to release year-end incentives before Christmas. The move clears ₱20,000 Service Recognition Incentives for over 2,200 regular staff and up to ₱7,000 in gratuity pay for job-order workers. Budget chief Viminale Capulso said offices are rushing paperwork after the late approval by the Sangguniang Panlungsod. City officials say teams may work overtime to ensure workers get the cash before December 25.

Police say digital checks on devices owned by Sherra de Juan show signs of emotional distress before she went missing. The Quezon City Police District said her search history included queries about deadly medications and overdosing. Investigators noted pressures tied to family health issues and an upcoming wedding, though relatives dispute claims of financial trouble. De Juan was last seen on December 10 in North Fairview. Her fiancé continues to appeal for help and has offered a cash reward for leads.

Scientists at King's College London found that theobromine, a natural compound in dark chocolate, is linked to signs of slower aging. In a study published in Aging, people with higher theobromine levels had a younger biological age than their actual age. The research looked at DNA changes and blood markers. Professor Jordana Bell says this does not mean eat more chocolate, but it may help explain how food affects aging.

Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute created a new construction material that absorbs CO2 instead of releasing it. Published in Matter, the material uses enzymes to turn carbon dioxide into solid minerals. It sets in just hours, not weeks like concrete. Led by Nima Rahbar, the team says one cubic meter stores 6 kg of CO2  while regular concrete emits 330 kg.

Scientists found fossils in Qatar showing that ancient sea cows were shaping ocean life 21 million years ago. Researchers from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and Qatar Museums identified a new species after studying hundreds of bones. Published in PeerJ, the study shows these animals fed on seagrass much like today’s dugongs. Lead researcher Nick Pyenson says sea cows have been ecosystem builders for millions of years.

WhatsApp – A fast, mobile-first messaging app commonly used for work chats, client updates, and quick coordination, especially among remote teams in the Philippines. Link Here.

Slack – The go-to workplace messaging platform for freelancers and professionals collaborating with global teams. Link Here.

Clockify – A free time-tracking tool with unlimited users, perfect for freelancers who need to log hours and bill clients accurately. Link Here.

LastPass – A secure password manager that stores and autofills logins, helping remote workers manage multiple client accounts safely. Link Here.

Zapier – An automation tool that connects apps to handle repetitive tasks automatically, saving time for virtual assistants and small business owners.
Link Here.