Good morning, It’s August 15.

PesoWeekly readers — Friday’s here, but the news cycle isn’t clocking out. Today, we break down the Trump–Putin face-off in Alaska that could reshape Ukraine’s map, and the ₱100B flood control scandal exposing how corruption is drowning disaster defenses. In business, K-pop powerhouses gear up for a China market revival, while AI promises a 1.8TPesos  boost to the Philippine economy. We’ve got Boracay’s 1.3M tourist milestone, the country’s first “CyberKnife” cancer treatment center, and your ultimate guide to negotiating a higher salary. Plus, powerful human stories: WWII’s lost children finding family and identity eight decades later.

And a quick note — we’ve received a flood of writer and journalist applications in the past few days (thank you!). If you messaged us and haven’t heard back yet, we’re still going through every single one to make sure we give them all the attention they deserve.

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Melvz

Context
The Philippines is drowning—not just in floodwaters, but in corruption. Between July 2022 and May 2025, ₱545 billion was budgeted for flood control. Nearly ₱100 billion of that went to just 15 contractors. Many projects were overpriced, duplicated, or never built at all. Reports suggest up to 60% of funds were lost to kickbacks before a single shovel hit the ground.

Zoom In
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a full review of all flood control projects and launched the “Sumbong sa Pangulo” site for citizens to report failed or ghost projects. The Department of Budget and Management has already cut ₱71.7 billion from future allocations.

Key Allegations from Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong:

Why It Matters
This isn’t just about money—it’s about lives. Failed infrastructure leaves cities vulnerable to deadly flooding, cripples local economies, and deepens public distrust in government. Magalong warns that unless citizens speak up, the cycle will continue.

Bigger Picture
Major contractors often have deep political ties, making accountability tough. Reform advocates say procurement transparency, community monitoring, and civic pressure are critical to break the cycle.

Bottom Line
Billions are flowing into pockets instead of flood barriers. Without systemic reform and public outrage, the Philippines will keep paying for projects that only exist on paper—while floods keep sweeping communities away.

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The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has given e-wallet platforms 48 hours to remove in-app links to online gambling sites, calling it a step to protect users from a “growing menace.” Senators Alan Peter Cayetano and Joel Villanueva slammed the grace period, saying removal should be immediate. BSP says the delay gives time for technical fixes and for users to withdraw funds. Most senators at the hearing pushed for a total ban on online gambling, while PAGCOR argued for stricter regulation instead, citing P70B in expected revenues this year. GCash and other platforms say they will comply with the BSP order.

Independent restaurants face steep rent, tough competition, and the pandemic’s lingering effects. For many, survival meant going online. Platforms like foodpanda became a lifeline, letting small eateries reach customers beyond their neighborhoods even office workers or travelers who’d never step inside their shops. Makati’s Hummus Elijah, island-born Spotted Pig, and Nolita Joes all grew their following this way. Beyond deliveries, foodpanda offers marketing tools and financing programs to help mom-and-pop stores compete with big brands. The result? More MSMEs are turning modest dreams into thriving businesses proving that in today’s food scene, clicks matter as much as cooks.

Draco Builders owners Nicole Martinez-Syjuco and husband Miguel Syjuco were arrested at NAIA Terminal 3 over a ₱200M estafa case tied to three major Mindanao projects. NBI says the couple collected over 95% of payments but left projects unfinished and refused to refund advances for another unstarted job. The arrest warrants, issued in Davao Occidental, came after allegations of misappropriation and deceit. Once celebrated in design circles—Tatler Asia even featured Nicole’s famed “glass house”—the Syjucos built a reputation for bold, unconventional business moves. Now, they face a very different spotlight as their legal battle begins.

Boracay welcomed 1,342,981 visitors from January to July 2025, up 3.86% from last year. Foreign arrivals hit 226,864—14% higher year-on-year—while domestic tourists topped 1.09M, an 8% rise. The summer months of April to June brought in over half a million locals alone. Though still below pre-pandemic highs, the island is on track for 2M visitors by year-end. Adding to the buzz, UK travel site Big 7 ranked White Beach 10th among the world’s best, praising its powdery sand, palm-lined shores, and stunning sunsets—cementing Boracay’s spot as one of the Philippines’ top tourism draws.

Cebu Pacific is ramping up domestic flights ahead of the Christmas travel rush. From Clark, El Nido will see 18 weekly flights and Coron 17, while Cebu–Calbayog gets more trips for Eastern Visayas travelers. Manila departures will also increase for Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Dumaguete, GenSan, Iloilo, Pagadian, Puerto Princesa, and Zamboanga. CEB president Xander Lao says the goal is to give “every Juan” more chances to reunite with loved ones or take a break. The budget carrier now flies to 37 local and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the UAE.

In the Philippines, talking about money can feel awkward. Cultural norms often discourage open salary discussions, but failing to negotiate means leaving potential income—and long-term career gains—on the table. The key is preparation, timing, and tact.

Know Your Worth
Before stepping into negotiations, research industry benchmarks using tools like Michael Page’s Salary Guide or Robert Walters’ reports. Factor in your skills, certifications, and track record of results. Bring proof—specific achievements that directly benefit the employer.

Why It Matters
A well-executed negotiation can boost your annual pay by 15–25% when moving to a new role—far above the usual 5–10% annual bump. Over years, that’s hundreds of thousands of pesos in additional earnings and benefits.

Philippine-Specific Tips
Face-to-face discussions are more effective than email. Stay diplomatic, express gratitude for the offer, and frame your ask as a win-win for both sides. If rejected, ask for feedback and explore non-cash incentives.

Bottom Line
Negotiating isn’t confrontational—it’s professional self-advocacy. In a market where talent is in demand, knowing your value and communicating it respectfully can set the tone for a stronger career trajectory.

Context
On Friday, Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin will meet one-on-one at a US Army base in Anchorage — their first face-to-face in six years — in a bid to “set the table” for ending the war in Ukraine. Officially, it’s a feel-out session. Unofficially, it’s a high-wire act with global consequences.

Putin’s Terms vs. Ukraine’s Red Lines
Putin arrives with clear demands: full control of four Ukrainian regions he’s claimed since 2022, plus Kyiv’s permanent neutrality. Trump, who once promised to end the war on “day one,” has hinted at a future “land swap” — an idea President Volodymyr Zelensky flatly rejects. For Ukraine and its European allies, the fear is that a closed-door meeting could yield a deal over their heads, granting Russia territory in exchange for peace.

Flashback: Why the Format Raises Eyebrows
The summit will be behind closed doors, without senior advisers present — echoing their 2018 Helsinki meeting, where Trump publicly sided with Putin over US intelligence on election interference. Critics warn this gives Putin space to shape the narrative, knowing Trump prizes the optics of a handshake as much as the fine print.

What’s at Stake

Why It Matters
For Putin, it’s a chance to lock in battlefield gains and step back onto the global stage. For Trump, it’s an opportunity to fulfill a campaign promise and reinforce his “master negotiator” image. For Ukraine, it’s a meeting they wish wasn’t happening one that could shape the war’s endgame without them in the room.

Hybe, the label behind BTS, posted record Q2 revenue of $510M, up 10% year-on-year, with operating profit surging 29% on strong concert and merchandise sales. Analysts see even faster growth ahead, boosted by global demand and potential gains from easing China-South Korea tensions. China’s informal K-pop ban since 2016 hurt sales, but signs of a thaw — including visa-free entry for Chinese group tourists in September are rekindling hopes. Tencent Music’s 9.4% stake in SM Entertainment and JYP’s China-focused projects add momentum. A full reopening could spark a multiyear boom, with Hybe and SM poised to lead the charge.

After 82 years, Jose Villafuerte finally found the Japanese father he never met. Born during Japan’s WWII occupation of the Philippines, Villafuerte grew up bullied for his heritage and searching for answers. In August, DNA tests confirmed his link to Ginjiro Takei, whose grave he visited in Japan along with newly found half-siblings. He’s now applying for a Japanese passport. Villafuerte is one of about 3,000 Nikkei-jin in the Philippines — but only around 100 are still alive. A Japan-based group has been racing to reconnect families before time runs out, giving survivors long-overdue closure to a painful piece of history.

Cambridge researchers say the common cuff method for measuring blood pressure may underestimate systolic pressure, missing up to 30% of high blood pressure cases. Their study found that when the cuff cuts off blood flow, low pressure in the lower arm delays the artery’s reopening, leading to inaccurate readings. The fix? Simple tweaks like raising the arm before measurement could make results more accurate without new devices. Future monitors might also adjust for factors like age and BMI. The team hopes to test the method in clinical trials to help improve diagnosis and treatment for millions.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile has released its first images using the largest astronomical camera ever built, capturing millions of galaxies, Milky Way stars, and thousands of asteroids in just 10 hours of test scans. Over the next decade, its 8.4-meter Simonyi Survey Telescope will create an ultra-high-definition time-lapse of the Southern Hemisphere’s sky, producing 500 petabytes of data. UK scientists — the project’s second-largest international contributor will help process the massive dataset, unlocking discoveries from supernovae to faint dwarf galaxies. Full science operations for the Legacy Survey of Space and Time are set to begin in late 2025.

The Philippines is set to get its first AI-powered CyberKnife cancer treatment facility, after the DTI’s Board of Investments approved Asian Hospital Inc.’s ₱334M project in Muntinlupa. The US FDA-approved system uses robotic precision to target tumors — cancerous or not — with sub-millimeter accuracy, slashing treatment sessions from weeks to just one to five. Designed for sensitive areas like the brain, spine, and lungs, it will also serve pediatric patients under PhilHealth’s No Balance Billing program. Opening in August 2025, the facility aims to make cutting-edge care accessible while tackling cancer, the country’s second leading cause of death.

AI adoption could boost the Philippine economy by ₱1.8T ($31B), or 7% of gross value added, according to Google Philippines and consulting firm Public First. The 2025 Economic Opportunity Report says AI can raise worker productivity by ₱110K a year, save three hours of admin work weekly, and lift wages by 6%. Wholesale/retail, finance, and public administration stand to gain the most, while agriculture could add ₱120B by 2035 through AI-driven tools. Half of Filipinos already use AI weekly, and 87% want to learn new skills with it — signaling both economic potential and the need for rapid upskilling.

The Philippine music industry hit ₱5.1B in recorded music revenues last year, up 17.9% from 2023, making it Southeast Asia’s second-fastest grower, per IFPI. Streaming led the charge, generating ₱4.6B — 91.6% of total sales — with usage up nearly 20%. Physical formats like CDs and vinyl kept shrinking, while downloads dipped 4.2%. New tech-driven streams, from sync rights to gaming, jumped over 50%, and performance rights more than doubled. IPOPHL says stronger copyright protection and digital adoption will help Filipino artists like TJ Monterde, Dilaw, Dionela, and BINI compete globally as streaming reshapes the industry.

The Philippines is pitching Subic Bay as a future shipyard for US warships, as Washington looks to boost its fleet over the next 30 years. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez said the former Hanjin shipyard, now Agila Subic, is already operational and could fit the bill. US-based Cerberus owns the site, which will employ 4,000 workers by 2025. Talks also cover building ammo and drone plants. With 60 US firms in town for a business mission, both sides say stronger economic ties mean stronger defense ties and a bigger role for the Philippines in America’s security plans..

The Philippines is pushing Washington to spare its semiconductor industry from a planned 100% US tariff on imported chips. Ambassador Jose Manuel Romualdez called the move “very disturbing,” warning it could freeze billion-dollar investments like Texas Instruments’ local operations. Manila is lobbying with US trade groups and chipmakers, who also want the tariff scrapped. Talks are also underway to cut Trump’s 19% reciprocal tariff on Philippine goods. While ASEAN trade could benefit, Romualdez says US investments here are vital for both economies. His pitch: a stronger Philippine economy means a stronger, more reliable US ally in the Indo-Pacific.

The Ombudsman has found former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia guilty of misconduct over a 2024 desilting project in the protected Mananga River. Garcia had issued a special permit to remove sand and gravel during an El Niño-induced water crisis, saying it was for dredging. But investigators said the work lacked proper environmental clearance and violated the Water Code. Instead of a suspension, Garcia who’s no longer in office must pay a ₱1.2M fine. Her lawyers accepted the decision but questioned its timing, vowing to appeal. Garcia insists her two-decade public service record remains “unblemished” and will fight to clear her name.

The Philippine Air Force has received five more S-70i Black Hawk helicopters, bringing its total to 30. The new units, from Polish maker PZL Mielec, are part of a ₱32B, 32-unit deal signed in 2022. PAF chief LtGen. Arthur Cordura called the Black Hawk the “face of the PAF,” vital for troop transport, disaster relief, and territorial defense. Upgrades are planned, including auxiliary fuel tanks to extend range for missions in the West Philippine Sea. Ten more units are set to arrive later this year, with the final seven expected by mid-2026 under the military’s modernization program.

Malacañang is defending President Marcos’ proposed ₱4.5B confidential and intelligence funds (CIF) for 2026, despite calls from watchdogs to scrap such allocations for civilian offices. The amount is nearly half of the ₱10.77B total CIF in the proposed ₱6.79T budget, and is four times larger than the allocation for the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. Palace officials say the president needs it for national security, stressing CIFs are “not bad if spent properly.” Critics, including ex-Finance Undersecretary Cielo Magno, argue the money should go to actual intelligence agencies. Marcos’ CIF level has remained unchanged since his first year in office.

1. A Question of Heroes – Nick Joaquin
National Artist Nick Joaquin reexamines iconic figures like Jose Rizal and Andres Bonifacio, revealing their contradictions and complexities. A sharp challenge to the overly polished hero stories taught in schools.

2. History of the Filipino People – Teodoro A. Agoncillo & Milagros C. Guerrero
A staple in Philippine history education, this comprehensive text offers a nationalist lens from pre-colonial times to the post-war period, breaking away from purely colonial narratives.

3. The Philippines: A Past Revisited – Renato Constantino
A thought-provoking, nationalist take on history that centers mass movements and the fight against foreign domination. Constantino’s work challenges readers to rethink accepted accounts.

4. The Hispanization of the Philippines: Spanish Aims and Filipino Responses – John Leddy Phelan
An academic deep dive into the Spanish colonial period, detailing both colonial strategies and Filipino responses—adaptation, resistance, and survival.

5. The First Filipino: A Biography of Jose Rizal – Leon Ma. Guerrero
A richly detailed biography of Rizal, tracing his travels, influences, and revolutionary ideas. Guerrero’s work is essential for understanding the man beyond the national myth.