Good Morning.

Happy Monday. New week, new push. Thank you for all the thoughtful replies and feedback from our last issue. We read them all and they keep us sharp. Behind the scenes, we are building better systems so we can cut the noise and deliver news that is relevant, useful, and worth your time. In the coming months, we will also collaborate with industry experts to give you insights that can help in real, everyday decisions. Let’s get into it

Stay sharp,
Team PesoWeekly

Big picture: Reports say some lawmakers are floating a possible impeachment complaint against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., with “betrayal of public trust” mentioned as a ground. Caloocan Rep. Edgar Erice says he was invited to endorse it, but declined, citing Supreme Court rules that require cases to pass the House Justice Committee first.

What’s driving it: Erice hinted the tension may be linked to the national budget, saying key projects were removed or changed over the past three years, an issue he has repeatedly raised.

Malacañang’s take: The Palace, through Malacañang Palace, dismissed the talk as political maneuvering and unsubstantiated, stressing the President’s focus on governance and respect for constitutional process.

Why it matters: With elections ahead, lawmakers appear cautious. Analysts note impeachment math is political, not just legal, and unity at the top is already under strain.

One smart move
Sia made unli-rice his growth hack, not a gimmick. He raised prices slightly before launching it, so customers felt they were winning while stores kept margins intact. Result: Mang Inasal owned “busog-sulit” in the Filipino mind, fast.​

One mistake they survived
He underpriced a premium-cost product, cheap menu, expensive to serve. That combo could have broken franchisees. He fixed it by steadily nudging prices up as demand and loyalty grew, restoring healthy unit economics before damage became fatal.​

One lesson to steal
Build like someone will buy you. Clean systems, strong store economics, clear category role, so Jollibee could plug Mang Inasal in and pay billions for it. Then be willing to exit while your curve is still rising, and use that capital for your next, bigger bet.

The peso hit a new record low of P59.355 against the dollar in Manila after the central bank signaled a possible February rate cut. Expectations of lower interest rates, weak growth, and global tensions pushed the currency lower, traders said.

Philippine government debt hit a record ₱17.65 trillion in November as borrowing continued to fund spending. Debt rose 9% year on year, beating the full-year target by ₱290 billion. Nearly 69% came from domestic loans, reflecting reliance on local markets to manage currency risk and keep interest payments at home.

Human admins accounted for 28.6% of Jobstreet job postings in 2025 as companies reopen offices and maintain operations. Hiring humans remains cost-effective compared to software, while engineering, education, and tech roles follow. Workers increasingly prioritize flexible hours and fair treatment, shaping how businesses manage talent and productivity.

EDAC Philippines Inc., a global electronics connector manufacturer, will open export-focused operations at the 120-hectare Filinvest Innovation Park in New Clark City, Tarlac, in early 2026. The project will create 90 jobs, use Peza incentives, and add to the country’s P150.5 billion manufacturing investments and $11.5 billion in exports.

Read the full guide →  Pag-IBIG Fund

Quezon City Science High School uses AI in classes, research, and robotics, stressing responsible use as President Marcos launched Project AGAP.AI during a school visit with education and city officials. (Read More)

Research shows AI boosts workplace productivity most when used in teams rather than replacing humans. It helps lower-skilled workers, highlights limits, creates training challenges, and underscores the need for organizational redesign. (Read more)

US regulators approved SpaceX to deploy 7,500 additional Starlink satellites, raising the total to 15,000. The move aims to improve internet speeds, expand mobile coverage, and increase competition, while approval for nearly 15,000 more satellites remains pending. (Read more)

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall supported Ofcom blocking X in the UK if it violates online safety laws. This follows political backlash after X’s AI chatbot Grok created non-consensual sexualized images, raising regulatory concerns. (Read more)

Scientists found Moema claudiae alive in a small seasonal pond in Bolivia after 20 years, confirming it survived habitat loss and showing the urgent need to protect fragile wetlands.

Jellyfish and sea anemones spend about one-third of the day asleep, even without brains. A new study suggests sleep evolved early in animal life to repair neurons, proving rest mattered long before complex nervous systems existed.

Researchers found arginine, a natural amino acid in saliva, reduces tooth-damaging acidity, weakens dental plaque, and shifts mouth bacteria toward a healthier balance, offering a simple way to prevent cavities.

A 12-week trial found that daily kimchi intake helped regulate immune responses, improved gut bacteria balance, and enhanced immune cell function, suggesting fermented foods may support overall metabolic and immune health.

The National Privacy Commission asked Jollibee Foods Corporation and Viber to explain a Christmas campaign after users complained about branded messages appearing in private chats, raising possible data privacy concerns under Philippine law. Read more

The Senate Blue Ribbon committee, led by Panfilo Lacson, resumes flood control hearings on January 19, focusing on alleged witness retractions, issuing subpoenas, and reviewing the so-called Cabral files tied to public works funds. Read more

Scottie Thompson powered Barangay Ginebra past San Miguel Beer, 105-91, with a career-high 35-point triple-double, erasing a big deficit to tie the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals, 2-2. Game 5 is Wednesday after rallying from an early 16-point hole at MOA. Read more

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology  (Philvocs) says Mayon Volcano showed higher seismic energy from tremors, but Alert Level 3 stays. No ground swelling was seen, and gas output stayed low. People must avoid the danger zone and be ready to evacuate if activity rises suddenly. Read more

Big picture: Protests across Iran have turned increasingly violent, with human rights groups reporting nearly 500 protesters killed as security forces crack down nationwide. Demonstrations that began over inflation are now openly calling for an end to clerical rule.

Escalation risk: The United States has warned Iran over the deaths, with Donald Trump saying Washington is “ready to help.” Iranian officials responded by warning any US strike would trigger retaliation against US and Israeli targets in the region.

Inside Iran: Internet shutdowns, mass arrests, and reports of live fire on crowds suggest the state is prioritizing control over dialogue, raising fears this unrest could spiral into a wider regional crisis.

📝 Sinulog 2026 kicks off Cebu’s most vibrant and colorful festival season.

📝 Stranger Things Conformity Gate theory fuels secret episode rumours.

📝 Philippines longest Traslacion in history ends after nearly 31 hours.

📝 At least 10 Catholic priests and a religious brother passed the 2025 Bar Exams.

📝 A 7-year-old girl wows TikTok with her pro-level singing of “Banal na Aso.” (Watch)