PesoWeekly #3: New Sections, Fresh Insights

Good Weekend!
Welcome to the 3rd Issue of PesoWeekly! 🚀

We’re still in our building phase — experimenting with different topics, figuring out what really brings value to you, our readers. For our News Section, we’ll highlight one main headline that hits close to home for Filipinos, whether it's from the Philippines or abroad.We’ll also have a News Flash: quick, punchy summaries of other important stories, so you stay informed without the information overload. (Don’t worry — we’ll drop the original links if you want to dive deeper.)

Thanks to your awesome suggestions, we’re introducing two new sections!

• Money Moves: Make smarter decisions about money, investing, and building your future.

• Tips and Tricks: Bite-sized hacks, tools, trivia, and charts to level up your everyday life.

Quick heads-up: we’re ironing out some tech hiccups. Some links might not work perfectly yet — blame it on our new domain and email setup. Please bear with us, and if you spot any broken links, give us a shout!

Lastly, PesoWeekly is built for you — and we want to hear from you. What topics do you want more of? What issues do you care about? Help us shape a newsletter that educates, empowers, and entertains. Please email us: [email protected]

Maraming salamat, and let’s keep building this together!

Markets
Here's the latest market update as of April 26, 2025:

PSEi: 6,268.75 ▲ +100.27 (+1.63%)
BSP Rates: 5.50% (borrowing) | 5.00% (deposit) | 6.00% (lending)

🌐 Global Markets

Bitcoin: $94,057.17 ▼ -0.83%
Gold: $3,334.95/oz ▼ -$30.90

💱 Exchange Rates (PHP per 1 unit)

🇺🇸 USD: ₱56.88
🇬🇧 GBP: ₱75.27
🇸🇦 SAR: ₱15.05
🇯🇵 JPY: ₱0.391
🇪🇺 EUR: ₱63.97
🇦🇪 AED: ₱15.30
Note: Exchange rates may vary slightly depending on provider.

HEADLINES
Gov’t Eyes Rice Subsidies Over Cash Aid (Ayuda)

The Philippine government is considering shifting from direct cash assistance ("ayuda") to rice subsidies, aiming to provide grains at ₱20 per kilogram. House Speaker Martin Romualdez announced on April 25 that this move could help Filipinos access affordable rice, aligning with President Marcos Jr.'s campaign promise.

Rice remains the centerpiece of every Filipino meal — but with retail prices still hovering between ₱36.04 and ₱54.61 per kilogram, even with inflation cooling to 1.8% in March, many households feel the pinch. By shifting ayuda to rice subsidies, the government could offer more direct, tangible relief.

Timing Check:
Some observers note that this major move comes just as the 2025 midterm elections draw closer. While officials present it as a fulfillment of long-standing promises rather than electioneering, the timing naturally invites questions about political motivations. After all, policies that put cheaper rice on the table could significantly influence public sentiment — election season or not.

Translation: Ayuda to bigas? Nako! pera na,naging bigas pa.

Oil Price Hike Ahead: Oil prices are expected to rise soon amid new US sanctions on Iran’s shipping network. (Read more)

Japan PM’s Visit: Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba will visit the Philippines starting April 27, focusing on regional diplomacy. (Read More)

Digital Nomad Visa: New Executive Order No. 86 signed by President Marcos will allow digital nomads to work in the Philippines legally. (Read More)

NEWS FLASH
Meralco Promises to "Look Into" Lowering Power Rates

Meralco chairman Manny Pangilinan says the company is searching for ways to cut electricity costs, after President Marcos recently urged energy firms to ease the burden on consumers. Pangilinan mentioned reviewing power supply deals and diversifying energy sources, but admitted it won't be easy (surprise, surprise). No firm timeline yet — just a lot of we'll see. Meanwhile, your kuryente bill continues to flex harder than your summer OOTD.

Translation: Meralco said they’ll “study” it. Translation of the translation: Wag umasa agad.

GCash Taps Mastercard for Tap-to-Pay

GCash just partnered with Mastercard to make tap-to-pay payments possible — no physical card needed. Through the app, users can now simply tap their phones on Mastercard-enabled terminals for contactless payments, similar to Apple Pay and Google Pay. Rollout starts this June, with QR code payments still available for those who prefer it old school. GCash says it’s all about making cashless even less hassle — a major flex as they aim to stay king in the Philippine e-wallet wars.

Translation: Your phone’s wallet just got fancier. Pa tap-tap nalang!

Ayala’s Healthcare Bet Wants to Bulk Up

AC Health, Ayala’s healthcare arm, is on a serious bulking program. After sealing its 100% buyout of pharmacy chain Generika, it now dreams of becoming a $2-billion (₱115B-ish) giant by 2030. The company plans to inject more cash into clinics, hospitals, and affordable medicines, banking on the Philippines' rising middle class and growing demand for healthcare. AC Health CEO Paolo Borromeo says they want to be “bigger, bolder, and braver” — As if ba nmn na hindi pa sila ang the biggest,boldest and bravest!

Translation: AC Health is loading up on whey protein (aka investments) to flex harder by 2030.

Cebu Teens Build AI for Trucking and Logistics

Meet Chek Technologies, a Cebu-based startup founded by teenagers that's aiming to modernize logistics in the Philippines. The team just launched an AI-driven platform that helps businesses track deliveries, manage fleets, and predict supply chain problems before they snowball. Their secret sauce? Machine learning and big dreams. The goal: make moving goods in the Philippines faster, cheaper, and less of a daily horror story for businesses. Someone tell LTO and customs — maybe they can use it too.

Translation: Cebu teens built tech that could solve traffic for trucks. Sana all ganito lahat inaasikaso ng mga kabataan!

Pope Francis Laid to Rest in Humble Ceremony

Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 at age 88, was laid to rest today in Rome’s Basilica of St. Mary Major, honoring his wish for a simple burial outside the Vatican. His funeral drew over 400,000 mourners to St. Peter’s Square, including world leaders like President Trump, Prince William, and President Marcos. Francis’s coffin—crafted from wood and lined with zinc—was transported in his beloved popemobile and greeted by marginalized individuals, reflecting his lifelong commitment to the poor. His tomb bears only the inscription “Franciscus” and is made from Ligurian marble, a nod to his Italian roots.

Translation: The Pope's final journey was as humble as his life—no grand displays, just a heartfelt farewell.

Tensions Rise Again Between India and Pakistan

Another flashpoint in Kashmir: a deadly militant attack in India’s Jammu and Kashmir region left several soldiers dead, and New Delhi is pointing fingers at Pakistan-based groups. Pakistan, as usual, denies involvement. The skirmish has reignited decades-old tensions between the two nuclear neighbours, just as both countries are navigating tough elections and economic struggles. World leaders are calling for calm, but if history’s any guide, this will stay messy for a while.

Translation: India and Pakistan’s "on again, off again" drama is back. Hindi ito teleserye — nuclear powers 'to.

OFW CORNER
aka Overtime Filipino Worker

OFW Corner: DMW Plans Bigger, Better Services at OFW Hospital

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is pushing to expand the services at the OFW Hospital in Pampanga. Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said they are looking into adding more medical specialties and making the hospital fully operational to better serve OFWs and their families. The goal: create a one-stop medical hub that truly caters to the unique needs of overseas workers.

How It Affects OFWs and Their Families

A stronger OFW Hospital means easier access to medical care — from basic checkups to more specialized treatments — at a facility designed specifically for OFWs. It could also cut medical costs since services would be subsidized or prioritized for active and returning OFWs and their dependents.

Tip.Even if you're currently abroad, keep your DMW and OWWA membership updated. Having active records can make you (and your family) eligible for faster hospital services once the upgrades are fully rolled out. Always good to be prepared — health is wealth, diba?

POEA Resumes EPS-Korean Language Test Registration for Aspiring Workers in South Korea

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) has announced the resumption of registration for the Employment Permit System (EPS) Korean Language Test (KLT), a crucial step for Filipinos seeking employment in South Korea's manufacturing sector. Registration will be held from April 6 to 8, 2025, in key locations including Cebu, Metro Manila, Davao, Pampanga, and Baguio. Notably, the application fee has been reduced from $30 to $17, and the passing score requirement has been lowered from 120 to 80 points. Applicants must be under 38 years old, possess at least one year of work experience, and have valid documentation such as a passport. ​Philippine Embassy Seoul

Impact on OFWs.This development opens new opportunities for Filipinos aiming to work abroad, particularly in South Korea's manufacturing industry. The reduced fees and relaxed scoring criteria make the process more accessible, potentially leading to increased employment prospects and financial stability for OFWs and their families.​

MONEY MOVES
 Is Pag-IBIG MP2 Worth It in 2025?

You're saving money and thinking, "Saan ko kaya pwede ilagay para safe pero kikita?" Enter: Pag-IBIG MP2.

MP2 is a voluntary savings program by Pag-IBIG that offers higher dividends than regular savings. In 2024, the MP2 dividend rate was a solid 6.05%—way better than most bank savings accounts na below 2% lang! Plus, it's government-backed, so it's low-risk.

Pero take note: you’ll need to lock in your money for 5 years. Meaning, hindi mo siya basta-basta magagalaw unless for special reasons like death or total disability (hopefully naman hindi mangyari!). Minimum savings? ₱500 only—perfect for beginners or those testing the waters.

Tip: Use MP2 for goals you don’t need agad, like house downpayment, future business capital, or even retirement. Set up auto-debit para tuloy-tuloy ang ipon kahit busy ka.

Fun stat: Over 1.5 million Filipinos already have MP2 accounts as of 2024—ikaw, kelan ka pa?

Should I Invest in a House Right Now?

You finally saved a six-digit amount, and people are saying, "Bili ka na ng bahay, sayang ang renta!" But is buying a house always the smartest move?

Owning a home can build wealth—property values in the Philippines rose 6.5% year-on-year in 2024 (BSP data). However, mortgage rates are creeping up. In early 2025, the average home loan rate hit 7%, compared to just 5.5% two years ago. Translation: you’ll be paying (higher monthly payments) over time, especially if your loan is variable-rate.

Plus, don't forget hidden costs: taxes, maintenance, insurance, and association dues can quietly drain your budget.

Actionable tip: Run the numbers. Make sure your mortgage + expenses stay under 30% of your monthly income, and lock in a fixed rate if you can. If you plan to stay for 5+ years and can comfortably afford it, buying may be worth it.

Pro tip: A higher interest rate = bigger total payments over time. Hindi biro 'yan.

HACKS & TRICKS

GCash Hack: Maximize Your GScore

Your GScore isn’t just a flex—it unlocks GCredit (instant loan), GGives (buy now, pay later), and higher savings limits!

How to boost it fast:
Use GCash for everyday bills and shopping (kahit small amounts)
Keep a healthy wallet balance (huwag laging ₱0 😅)
Use services like GSave, GCredit, and GInvest regularly
Takeaway: Treat your GCash like a mini-bank account—the more you trust it, the more it trusts you.

GCash Tip: Hunt for Hidden Vouchers

Before you check out using GCash, always visit the GLife or Voucher Center inside the app.
✨ You can find discounts like ₱50 off your next grocery payment or ₱100 cashback on Lazada shopping—pero madalas nakatago sila!
Pro Tip: Search "Promo" or "Deals" in GLife to catch limited-time offers.

Takeaway: Spend smarter, not harder—claim those hidden discounts like a true kuripot king/queen.

See GCash promos here.

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