Good morning! Remember when onions cost more than meat? Six firms now face a record ₱1.76-billion fine. Meanwhile, the peso is hovering near ₱63 per dollar, and Philippine chipmakers are eyeing the AI boom. Plus, Gwyneth Paltrow discovers tortang talong, and scientists build a robot that swims and hops.

Stay Sharp.

What happened: The Philippine Competition Commission fined six firms and several officers a record ₱1.76 billion for operating an illegal onion market-allocation scheme.

The PCC found they coordinated imports, storage, and distribution of red and yellow onions. Together, they controlled nearly 50% of approved onion import clearances in 2020 and 2021.

How it worked: One firm allegedly used other importers’ credentials to secure permits, coordinate shipments, and route onions through linked cold-storage facilities before nationwide distribution.

Why it matters: The investigation followed the 2022 onion crisis, when retail prices reached ₱800 per kilo.

The ₱1.76-billion penalty is the PCC’s largest ever. Possible criminal cases may also be referred to the Department of Justice.

The Philippine peso may continue trading near ₱63.10 against the US dollar as currency markets weigh global economic developments and expectations for US interest rates. The peso closed at ₱63.06 on October 15, after hitting an intraday record low of ₱63.15. A weaker currency raises costs for imported goods and dollar-priced obligations.

Viber Expands Beyond Messaging in the Philippines

Rakuten Viber plans to expand its Philippine services as user engagement grows, with monthly active users expected to rise 16.5% year on year. Viber Plus subscribers increased 34.3%, while Viber Dating users grew 96.9%. The company is also preparing Viber Pay, which awaits final regulatory approval before its Philippine launch.

Climate Investment Faces Growing Pressure

Climate investment faces mounting pressure from Middle East conflict, trade tensions and government budget constraints, even as global temperatures and sea levels reach record highs. The Philippines, chair of the 2026 ASEAN Leaders Summit, has an opportunity to push climate financing higher on the regional agenda. Funding remains essential for adaptation and disaster resilience.

PH Chipmakers Look to AI-Driven Growth

The Philippines could attract more semiconductor investment as artificial intelligence and advanced computing boost global chip demand, according to a FedEx report developed with Frost & Sullivan. Asia-Pacific accounts for about 58% of global semiconductor revenue, while more than 2,000 data centers are projected worldwide from 2026 to 2035. The country’s established assembly and testing sector offers room to move into higher-value activities.

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Gwyneth Paltrow Gives Tortang Talong a Twist

Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow prepared Filipino tortang talong in an Instagram video, topping the eggplant-and-egg dish with garlicky turkey crumbles and homemade banana ketchup, drawing attention from Filipino fans. (Read More)

TXT’s Soobin Returns to the Philippines for Diving

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Tesla demonstrated its redesigned Roadster performing airborne maneuvers in Texas on October 15. The company targets production in 2028, but everyday flying-car transportation remains unavailable to consumers. (Read More)

US Develops Robot Dogs and Autonomous Weapons for Modern Warfare

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Scientists Create Tiny Robot That Hops and Swims

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WHO Warns El Niño Could Increase Health Risks in the Philippines

The WHO warns that El Niño could worsen heat-related illnesses, dengue, malnutrition, and water shortages in the Philippines, urging authorities to strengthen disease monitoring and healthcare preparedness.

Archaeologists Discover 1,200-Year-Old Hairless Dog Mummies in Peru

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Magic Mushroom Compound Reduces Aggression In Fish

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Scientists Discover 99-Million-Year-Old Insect With Unique Flexible Mouthparts

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🚘 The Bureau of Customs accepted ₱7.05-million offers for four Maserati Levante SUVs, pending Department of Finance approval before the government finalizes the sale. (Read more)

🚨 A 13-year-old child actor in Quezon City was reportedly stabbed eight times by a 15-year-old neighbor, according to ABS-CBN News. (Read more)

🇨🇳 China’s embassy challenged Philippine lawmakers to declare Ambassador Jing Quan persona non grata, escalating a diplomatic dispute over his remarks. (Read more)

🔥 A fire razed an ice cream manufacturing plant under construction in Batangas on Sunday, October 18, damaging the developing facility. (Read more)

🌉 A hanging bridge in Barangay Talitay, Datu Montawal, collapsed as Pulangi River floodwaters surged, cutting residents’ access to town proper. (Read more)

Egypt has pledged necessary support to Saudi Arabia amid ongoing Houthi attacks. Parliament postponed voting on authorizing military assistance, allowing lawmakers more time to discuss the proposed intervention.

Pope Leo Begins Gradual Return to Duties After Lung Cancer Surgery

Pope Leo appeared publicly for the first time after lung cancer surgery, thanking supporters for their prayers. He plans to gradually resume duties while preparing for November's South American trip.

Indonesia Fires Trigger Highest Haze Alert in Southern ASEAN

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📝 A newborn baby in Egypt wins hearts online with remarkably calm expression after birth. (Watch here)

📝 Filipino father found asleep on his motorcycle outside home after overnight fiesta celebration. (Watch here)

📝 Vet raises concern over missing cats cared for by Pasay restaurant chain. (Read more)

📝 Sandara Park excitedly discovers Filipino fast food in Singapore (Read more)