Good morning. Filipinos moved more than ₱16 trillion through InstaPay and PESONet in just six months, showing how quickly cashless payments are becoming part of daily life. We also unpack the coming fuel price shock, SM Prime’s China strategy, mosquito-hunting drones, nuclear science partnerships, and the stories worth knowing today.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: Filipinos transferred ₱16.09 trillion through InstaPay and PESONet in the first half of 2026, up 44.6% from a year earlier, according to BSP data.

By the numbers: Transaction volume jumped 166.5% to 4.2 billion. InstaPay handled 4.14 billion transfers worth ₱7.98 trillion, while PESONet processed 64 million transactions valued at ₱8.11 trillion.

Why it matters: InstaPay powers smaller, real-time transfers of up to ₱50,000, while PESONet is commonly used for larger payments. Together, they show how quickly money is moving away from cash and checks.

What’s next: Growth could accelerate after new BSP pricing rules took effect on July 4. Eleven major banks were offering free person-to-person transfers by July 15, while other providers cut fees as well.

SM Prime is shifting its China strategy to focus on Fujian province, strengthening its presence through malls, offices, and its first overseas hotel in Xiamen. The move aims to build a long-term regional stronghold while bringing retail innovations and new consumer concepts back to the Philippines.

Fuel Price Shock Looms

Motorists and businesses are preparing for another major fuel price increase, with diesel expected to rise by ₱10 to ₱11 per liter, gasoline by ₱3 to ₱4, and kerosene by ₱11 to ₱12. The projected hikes, driven by renewed Middle East tensions, are expected to raise transport and logistics costs and put additional pressure on household budgets.

ERP Flexibility Takes Center Stage

Philippine companies are reassessing ERP strategies as SAP’s 2027 support deadline approaches, with growing interest in alternatives that reduce migration costs and preserve flexibility. Industry experts say delaying costly upgrades could free resources for AI, automation, and digital transformation while allowing businesses to modernize at their own pace.

DOLE Expands ‘Trabaho Agad’

The Department of Labor and Employment said nearly 38% of applicants were hired through its “Trabaho Agad” job fairs, supporting the government’s employment drive. DOLE plans more job fairs this year, including in calamity-hit areas, while strengthening protections for gig workers and encouraging investments that generate more local jobs.

Gwendoline Meliz Soriano of Baguio and Sasha-Juli Belle Lacuna of Tarlac captured the Binibining Pilipinas 2026 International and Globe crowns during the pageant’s coronation night. (Read more)

Ivana Giveaway Sparks Fresh Backlash

Ivana Alawi’s gambling-linked phone giveaway drew renewed criticism as finance influencers condemned gambling promotions, warning about their growing social impact and calling for stronger public awareness. (Read More)

Annie Ramirez Reigns Again in Asia

Annie Ramirez defended her Asian Ju-Jitsu Championship title in Kazakhstan, capturing her third continental gold and leading the Philippines to a third-place finish in the medal standings. (Read More)

A US startup tested AI-powered micro-drones designed to identify and shoot flying insects in mid-air. Developers aim to use drone swarms as a cheaper, chemical-free way to reduce mosquito populations. (Read more)

Scientists Create Tiny Scuba Suits for Cyborg Cockroaches

Scientists developed miniature scuba suits for remote-controlled cockroaches, allowing them to move underwater for over three hours. Researchers hope the insect cyborgs can assist in disaster response and search missions. (Read more)

New York School to Introduce Humanoid Robot in Classrooms

A New York school district will introduce a humanoid robot named Sally this fall to support classroom instruction. Officials said the AI-powered robot will assist teachers, not replace them. (Read more)

Scientists Develop Nearly Invisible Spinning Drone

Researchers created a spinning drone that becomes difficult for people to see while flying. The lightweight aircraft uses computational design and rapid rotation, with potential applications in wildlife observation and surveillance. (Read more)

CHED Eyes France, UK Partnerships for Nuclear Science

CHED is exploring partnerships with institutions in France and the United Kingdom to strengthen nuclear science education, research, and deep-tech innovation through academic exchanges, training, and international collaboration for Philippine universities. 

India Launches First Hydrogen-Powered Train in Clean Energy Push

India unveiled its first locally built hydrogen-powered train, marking a step toward cleaner transportation. The zero-emission locomotive will operate in Haryana as part of the country’s sustainability goals.

New Monkey Species With Orange Lips Discovered in Dr Congo Forest

Scientists confirmed a new monkey species, known as Likweli, in the forests of DR Congo. The rare black-furred primate has unique pinkish-orange lips and was identified through genetic studies and field research.

South Africa to Send Rooibos Seeds Into Space for Research

South Africa will send rooibos seeds to the International Space Station in October to study plant growth and resilience. The experiment aims to explore future agriculture while highlighting Africa’s indigenous crops.

🏍️ Six motorcycle riders were disqualified from obtaining driver’s licenses after authorities caught them drag racing in Bacolod City. (Read more)

⚖️ Prosecutors argued the Constitution authorizes subpoenas for Vice President Sara Duterte's financial records, saying they are essential to determine the truth. (Read more)

🏉 The Philippine Men’s Volcanoes beat Malaysia 39–18, completed an unbeaten campaign, and defended their Unions Cup rugby title in Thailand.(Read more)

🚦 An intoxicated MMDA traffic enforcer was caught driving through the EDSA Busway and now faces possible dismissal, penalties, and fines. (Read more)

👮 The PNP will deploy over 20,000 officers in Quezon City to secure President Marcos’ fifth SONA on July 27. (Read more)

🚢 Four Philippine-registered vessels carrying 81 Filipino seafarers safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid regional tensions. (Read more)

Katsuobushi, a traditional Japanese dried tuna product, undergoes months of smoking, fermentation, and drying. The wood-hard delicacy is a key ingredient in dashi soup stock and Japanese cuisine.

China Landslide Kills 8 as Rescuers Search for Missing Residents

Rescue teams are searching for survivors after a rain-triggered landslide in Chongqing, China killed at least eight people. The disaster buried homes, displaced residents, and left dozens missing amid unstable conditions.

Trump Threatens Canada With Tariffs Over Wildfire Smoke Crisis

US President Donald Trump warned of higher tariffs on Canada, blaming its wildfire management for smoke affecting parts of the United States. Canadian officials defended their response and called for cooperation.

📝 92-year-old senior appeals after being left out of rice assistance distribution. (Watch here)

📝 Philippines condemns Chinese media video portraying Filipinos as monkeys. (Watch here)

📝 Philippine eagle Sawaga-Dalwangan dies during rehabilitation in Davao City rescue center. (Read more)

📝 Modern balangay boat becomes centerpiece of 2026 ASEAN Summit logo in Manila. (Read more)