Happy Saturday! Foreign investors are eyeing the Luzon Economic Corridor, CREATE MORE is drawing major commitments, and Pag-IBIG has expanded its housing options. We also look at AI advice that destroyed a farmer’s crop, WiFi that can identify people, BINI’s global moment, and the science stories worth sharing this weekend.

Stay Sharp.

The big picture: Beverage makers are urging the government to rethink higher taxes on sweetened drinks under the proposed ProGRESS bill.

The numbers: Taxes would rise from ₱6 to ₱20 per liter for drinks using sweeteners, and from ₱12 to ₱40 for those using high-fructose corn syrup. Rates would increase 5% yearly.

The trade-off: The package would raise the income tax-exempt threshold to ₱350,000, partly funded by higher drink taxes and new levies on ice cream and similar products.

Industry’s case: Beverage makers warn higher costs could reach consumers. Nestlé Philippines, whose brands include Milo, Nestea and Nescafé, said it is open to health-focused policy, but wants scientific evidence, consultation and an affordability review.

Why it matters: Nearly five million adults have diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation. Nestlé’s nutrition lead said policymakers should examine the Filipino diet, not sugar alone.

What’s next: The proposal still faces legislative review and stakeholder consultations.

More than 600 foreign investors, financiers, and business leaders will visit the Philippines in September to explore opportunities in the Luzon Economic Corridor. The investment forum aims to attract funding for infrastructure, logistics, energy, and manufacturing projects that could accelerate regional economic growth.

CREATE MORE Attracts ₱932B Investments

The CREATE MORE Act has generated ₱932 billion in committed investments across 895 approved projects, according to government data. Officials said the enhanced tax incentives are helping attract more high-value investments, expand manufacturing, create jobs, and strengthen the country's competitiveness.

Pag-IBIG Expands Housing with Ayala Units

Pag-IBIG Fund signed a partnership with Amaia Land and Avida Land to give members more affordable housing options. Qualified borrowers can finance selected homes through Pag-IBIG housing loans of up to ₱10 million, with the partners also exploring special rates on eligible properties.

PH Lifts Ban on Japanese Meat Imports

The Department of Agriculture lifted the temporary import ban on canned pork products and poultry from Japan after animal health authorities confirmed the products are safe. The move restores trade, supports food supply, and expands sourcing options while maintaining strict biosecurity safeguards.

BINI trended worldwide after its Summer Sonic debut in Osaka, earning global praise as the P-pop girl group showcased Filipino talent on one of Japan's biggest music festival stages. (Read more)

Alex Eala Inspires New Tennis Generation

Alex Eala's historic WTA breakthrough is fueling a tennis boom in the Philippines, with more young athletes taking up the sport and aspiring to follow her path. (Read More)

KATSEYE Stands United for Sophia, Manon

KATSEYE publicly voiced support for members Sophia Laforteza and Manon Bannerman during their The Tonight Show appearance, urging fans to prioritize compassion as both continue focusing on their health and well-being. (Read More)

A Chinese farmer lost 25 acres of sesame crops after following AI-generated pesticide advice. Experts said the recommended herbicide damaged the seedlings, highlighting risks of trusting AI without verification. (Read more)

WiFi Can Identify People With Near-Perfect Accuracy

Researchers found ordinary WiFi signals can identify people without cameras or special equipment. Tests involving 197 participants achieved nearly 100% accuracy, raising concerns about privacy and surveillance. (Read more)

HONOR Launches AI-Powered Robot Phone With Built-In Gimbal

HONOR launched its Robot Phone in China, featuring a motorized three-axis gimbal, dual 200MP cameras, and AI tracking. The phone can automatically pan and tilt to follow subjects. (Read more)

Robot Helps Teen With Cerebral Palsy Walk For The First Time

A 15-year-old girl with cerebral palsy walked 812 steps using a robotic exoskeleton during a UK trial. Her family hopes the technology becomes available to children nationwide. (Read more)

Sheep’s Wool Could Help Regrow Damaged Bone

Scientists found that keratin from sheep’s wool helped damaged bones regenerate in animals. The material produced more organized tissue, showing potential for future regenerative medicine and new bone treatments.

Partial Solar Eclipse Wows Crowds Over Prague Castle

Hundreds of locals and tourists gathered at a Prague park to watch the partial solar eclipse. The Moon covered 86% of the Sun, creating a stunning view behind Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral.

Young Octopuses Slap Territorial Fish In Underwater Fights

A study found young Brazilian reef octopuses respond differently to fish depending on their behavior. Territorial fish triggered defensive slaps, while nonterritorial fish often followed octopuses as they hunted.

Scientists Find 689 Fungal Species Deep Beneath Michigan

Researchers found 689 fungal species, including 13 potentially new to science, living 1,640 feet underground in Michigan. The discovery suggests deep Earth ecosystems may be richer than previously believed.

⚖️ Duterte’s legal team argued a sitting vice president cannot face criminal prosecution while in office, urging courts to hear immunity arguments first. (Read more)

🏛️ Malacañang confirmed the dismissal of two senior DICT officials but did not publicly disclose reasons behind their termination. (Read more)

🚨 Former beauty queen and five Russians rescured from an alleged human trafficking ring during a Makati police operation. (Read more)

🏫 DepEd will initially release ₱19 million to repair schools damaged by recent typhoons and monsoon rains before larger funding follows. (Read more)

🚔 Authorities arrested 10 Chinese and four Filipinos during a raid on an alleged substandard steel manufacturing plant in Davao City. (Read more)

Israeli forces ordered Palestinian families in Qusra, West Bank, to leave their homes during an operation targeting Israeli settlers who had besieged three Palestinian houses, cutting off water and electricity.

US Aid Cuts Linked to Rising Maternal and Infant Deaths in Nepal

Reduced U.S. funding has disrupted maternal healthcare, nutrition, and outreach programs in Nepal, contributing to pregnancy complications, newborn deaths, and fewer prenatal checkups.

North Korea Threatens Response to US-South Korea Military Drills

North Korea warned of unspecified strong measures against upcoming U.S.-South Korea military drills, calling them provocative and dangerous, while experts expect possible missile tests in response.

📝 Young Philippine serpent eagle rescued in kidapawan undergoes rehabilitation. (Read more)

📝 Pastry chef creates stunning 500-kilogram wedding cake after four months. (Watch here)

📝 Palaw’an banwa rises up to six stories using living trees as foundation.(Read more)

📝 Gordon Ramsay unexpectedly promotes Forgotten Island during MasterChef challenge episode. (Watch here)