Hello PW Readers!

Today we unpack VP Sara Duterte’s 2028 presidential bid and what it signals for the next political cycle. We also break down the ₱37 trillion financial system milestone, record OFW remittances, the stablecoin surge, and one uncomfortable question about whether the Filipino middle class is truly moving up.

Stay sharp.

Big picture: VP Sara Duterte officially announced she will run for president in 2028, framing her decision as a response to what she described as corruption, rising prices, weak healthcare, damaged infrastructure, crime, and an “unclear foreign policy.” She also apologized for backing Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022, saying many Filipinos continue to struggle.

Context check: Duterte is currently facing impeachment complaints over alleged confidential fund issues, which she has repeatedly dismissed as politically motivated. She claimed investigations into her offices were “scripted” and said attacks against her pushed her to announce early.

Political ripple: Marcos responded briefly through Palace officials: “Good luck.” In the Senate, some allies floated a possible Duterte–Imee Marcos tandem for 2028, though Marcos said she is not considering a vice presidential run.

Why it matters: The 2028 race has effectively begun. Alliances are shifting early. Scrutiny will follow.

The tension: Salaries have increased in recent years. So have taxes, rent, tuition, fuel, and groceries. Promotions come with higher titles, but not always higher buying power.

The reality check: Many young professionals earn more than their parents did at the same age. Yet owning a home feels further away. Savings feel thinner. One medical emergency can wipe out years of progress.

The uncomfortable thought: If income is rising but security is not, are we truly advancing as a country?

What does “moving up” really mean for Filipinos today?

The Philippine financial system’s resources climbed 8 percent to P36.9 trillion in 2025, with banks holding 83 percent or P30.7 trillion, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data. Big banks, thrift lenders, and digital banks posted strong gains, signaling steady credit flow and funding support for business expansion despite confidence risks.

Cash remittances rose 3.3 percent to a record $35.63 billion in 2025, equal to 7.3 percent of GDP, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. The US led inflows, followed by Singapore and Saudi Arabia, supporting consumption, the peso, and demand for Philippine assets including bonds issued by the Bureau of the Treasury.

The Department of Agriculture, backed by the World Bank, will launch the Philippines’ first agricultural co-insurance pool to widen coverage and attract private insurers. The $870 million program targets 750,000 farmers by 2030, using shared risk and subsidies to unlock lending and reduce sector losses.

Coins.ph reported a 327 percent jump in spot trading, reaching $500 million in monthly volume and a $50 million daily high, fueled by growing use of stablecoins like USDT and USDC. The trend shows rising demand for faster remittances and digital payments among businesses and consumers.

FEU Lady Tamaraws defeated UE Lady Warriors in straight sets, 25-20, 25-14, 25-14. FEU faces NU Lady Bulldogs Saturday, while UE seeks first win against Adamson Lady Falcons. (Read More)

Izzy Trazona shared a family photo with husband Alvin Aragon, saying their strength comes from faith despite criticism online. She acknowledged their family is far from perfect and thanked supporters for encouragement. (Read more)

Miley Cyrus will celebrate 20 years of Hannah Montana with a live-audience special on Disney+ Philippines, featuring iconic moments, interviews, never-before-seen footage, and a full streaming collection of the show and films. (Read More)

Senior high STEM students from San Jose National High School in Antipolo City developed SMOCAS, a prototype that monitors and reduces ammonia levels in comfort rooms after research showed foul odors were causing nausea among students. (Read More)

The US Trade and Development Agency approved $2.7 million in technical assistance for Meralco PowerGen to study US small modular reactor designs and draft an implementation roadmap for the Philippines’ first SMR nuclear power plant. (Read More)

Ford Motor said in Detroit it will adopt a 48-volt electrical system, first commercialized by Tesla’s Cybertruck, in its next-generation electric vehicles starting with a $30,000 pickup in 2027. (Read more)

Twin Health, a Silicon Valley startup, is using AI and wearable sensors to create digital twins that guide patients in managing diabetes and obesity as an alternative to costly GLP-1 drugs, with one Illinois user losing 100 pounds in under a year. (Read more)

Hillary Andales and Florence Basubas from the Philippines turned early fascination with the stars into careers in astrophysics and space biology, inspiring youth during the 33rd National Astronomy Week.

Researchers at The University of Osaka developed a “breathing” membrane that forms and blocks subnanometer pores, mimicking ion channels and enabling studies of ion transport and nanotechnology applications.

Research from Queen Mary University of London shows species turnover is slowing despite global warming, suggesting biodiversity loss is reducing ecosystems’ natural ability to self-renew and stay resilient.

Aesthetic doctor Vicki Belo advises people not to buy weight loss peptides or injections online, citing potential impurities, long-term health risks, and the importance of doctor guidance.

The Department of Agriculture formed the Coffee Industry Development Office to centralize funding, policy, and planning. Officials aim to boost aging farms, raise yields, and cut rising imports as local demand for coffee keeps growing. (Read more)

Catholic devotees lined up early at Quiapo Church for ashes, observing centuries-old traditions and preparing for 40 days of fasting, prayer, and sacrifice. (Read more)

Andrew Charles Beaumont, 48, was apprehended by police and Bureau of Immigration after his stay expired in November 2023. (Read more)

The Philippines and the United States pledged to defend freedom of navigation, strengthen defense ties, and deter aggression in Indo-Pacific. (Read more)

Muslims nationwide will start fasting and observing prayers as the holy month of Ramadan officially commences, NCMF confirms. (Read more)

Peru’s Congress voted 75 to 24 to remove President José Jerí over alleged unofficial meetings with Chinese businesspeople, triggering an investigation and marking the country’s eighth leadership change in less than a decade.

A giant robot honoring President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva marked the start of Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, as samba school Acadêmicos de Niterói showcased his life story, drawing criticism ahead of Brazil’s October general election.

A German man is on trial in Innsbruck, Austria, charged with gross negligent manslaughter after prosecutors said he left his girlfriend near the summit of Grossglockner in January 2025, where she froze to death.

📝 Philippine ube craze goes global, but farmers struggle with small farms and climate challenges. (Watch)

📝 Jollibee to bring compose coffee to Philippines, expanding presence in coffee and beverage market.

📝 PAL lets small dogs fly in-cabin on all domestic flights from Feb. 18.

📝 Shark filmed for first time in Antarctica’s deep sea.

📝 Stuff You Should Know podcast makes learning fun, explaining how things work in everyday life. (Listen)

Social & Cultural Awareness