Good morning.

Today’s issue follows the money: PH banks crossed ₱30T in assets, borrowers are feeling the squeeze, the peso faces fresh pressure, and consumers are trading down.

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Big picture: Philippine banks are still getting bigger, but the fine print is getting louder. BSP data showed banking sector assets reached ₱30.12T as of end-April, up 11.9% from a year earlier, helped by loans, investments, deposits, and other assets.

Yes, but: Credit stress is also rising. The industry’s nonperforming loan ratio climbed to 3.37% in April, the highest since August last year, as bad loans reached ₱579.9B.

Why it matters: Analysts said this is not yet a crisis. But higher inflation, oil prices, operating costs, and global uncertainty are testing households and businesses. Banks still have buffers, but if bad loans keep rising, the growth story gets less shiny.

MUFG warned the Philippine peso could weaken to as low as ₱64.50 per US dollar if Middle East tensions escalate and oil prices surge again. While the bank still expects the peso to strengthen toward ₱61 under its base case, higher inflation risks, global shocks, and tighter US monetary policy could pressure the currency.

Philippines Risks New US Tariffs

The Philippines could face additional US tariffs of up to 12.5% after a US investigation found it lacks an effective ban on imports made with forced labor. While key exports such as semiconductors, bananas, and nickel are exempt, the proposed duties could affect other Philippine goods if no agreement is reached.

AirAsia PH Faces Shutdown Risk

AirAsia Philippines has three days to settle ₱271.94 million in unpaid airport and navigation fees or face a cease-and-desist order from aviation regulators. If implemented, the shutdown would initially affect operations at several CAAP-managed airports, with other airlines potentially providing rescue flights for stranded passengers.

DA Eyes Bigger Ube Investment

The Department of Agriculture is proposing a ₱93 million budget for ube research and development in 2027, up from ₱17 million this year. The initiative aims to improve planting materials, protect regional ube identities through geographic indications, and support growing global demand for Philippine ube and related products.

Anna Kendrick will direct Netflix’s adaptation of the bestselling LGBTQ novel “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” bringing the beloved Hollywood romance story from BookTok fame to the big screen. (Read more)

Kaye Abad Honors Cancer Survivors with Message of Faith

Kaye Abad marked Cancer Survivors Month by sharing a heartfelt message of hope, faith, and resilience, honoring survivors and reflecting on her own cancer journey and recovery. (Read More)

Gilas U-18 Women dominate Vietnam in SEABA opener

The Philippines opened its FIBA U-18 Women’s SEABA qualifiers with a 93-42 win over Vietnam, powered by strong defense and balanced scoring from multiple players. (Read more)

Big picture: Philippine consumption is slowing, but AB Capital says the consumer has not “broken” yet. The shift is more defensive: shoppers are still buying, but choosing cheaper staples, smaller baskets, and stores closer to home.

By the numbers: FMCG growth stayed positive at 6%, but volume rose only 2–3%. Inflation hit 7.2% in April, while NIQ estimates ₱1 today is worth just 73 centavos versus 2018.

Why it matters: AB Capital’s equity view favors PGOLD, CNPF, and SEVN, which are tied to value retail, pantry demand, and convenience shopping. It is more cautious on JFC, RRHI, and WLCON as oil, freight, FX, fertilizer, labor, and logistics costs squeeze margins.

In collaboration with AB Capital Securities. This section is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please conduct your own research or consult a licensed professional before making investment decisions.

Researchers from Ateneo de Manila University identified the San Bernardino, San Juanico, and Cebu straits as promising tidal energy sites. The study says these waterways could help improve energy security and support renewable electricity generation. (Read more)

Taiwan showcased three robot patrol dogs that could be deployed on its South China Sea islands. The robots can perform surveillance, reconnaissance, and armed patrols as Taiwan strengthens security amid growing Chinese activity nearby. (Read more)

Microsoft introduced Scout, an AI agent that can manage emails, schedules, messages, and workplace tasks through Teams. The tool is being tested with select users and aims to automate routine office work while employees are offline. (Read more)

A New Hampshire couple is using a caregiving robot to assist with daily tasks like medication reminders and exercise. The technology helps ease caregiver shortages and supports independent living for people with disabilities. (Read more)

Philippines, Japan Sign New Space Cooperation Agreement

The Philippines and Japan signed a joint declaration to expand cooperation in space technology, exploration, and satellite programs. The agreement strengthens collaboration in disaster monitoring, research, education, and future space missions..

Cancer Researchers Highlight New Treatment Advances

Researchers at a major cancer conference presented promising advances in pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancer treatments. Early studies also suggested weight-loss drugs may help slow cancer progression, though more testing is needed.

Astronomers Find Strong Evidence of Magnetic Fields on Exoplanets

Astronomers detected signs of magnetic fields on seven distant gas giant exoplanets by studying their atmospheric winds. The discovery could improve understanding of planetary evolution and factors that help planets retain their atmospheres.

Brain Scans Reveal Two Distinct Forms of Autism

Researchers analyzed brain scans of nearly 1,000 people and identified two autism subtypes: one with increased brain connectivity and another with reduced connectivity, offering clues for more personalized future treatments.

⚖️ Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing faces uncertainty as Tulfo and Cayetano issue conflicting orders over schedule and leadership dispute. (Read more)

📊 PRC reports 3,004 out of 9,745 passed the May 2026 CPA board exam, with UP Diliman’s James Al Alcayde Serondo topping the list. (Read more)

🤖 Davao City showcased AI humanoid robots in council session as part of plans to integrate robotics into public services and governance. (Read more)

🎓 DepEd and CHED launched a ₱103.32-million scholarship program to support 720 aspiring teachers in completing degrees and earning licenses. (Read more)

🏗️ Angeles City building collapse death toll rises to 27 after two more bodies were recovered at the construction site in Pampanga. (Read more)

Two people were shot dead in Nanyuki, Kenya, during protests against a US plan to set up an Ebola isolation centre at a military base. The protests led to road blockages and police tear gas, while officials have yet to confirm details of the deaths.

Scrabble Players Gather in Bangkok for Championship

About 450 players from 30 countries competed in Bangkok’s Scrabble championship, where participants tested memory, strategy, and luck while vying for a $10,000 top prize in the tournament.

Zimbabwe E-Tricycle Crackdown Threatens Rural Women’s Livelihoods 

Rural women in eastern Zimbabwe are losing income after police began impounding e-tricycles for lacking licences and registration. The crackdown has made it harder for operators to work, with high fees and strict rules cutting their monthly earnings sharply.

📝 Araneta City kicks off Pride Month with its “Free to be HUE” mural. (Read more)

📝 Loose parakeet blamed for damaging cars in Scotland. (Watch here)

📝 TJ Monterde drops ‘Teka Lang’ MV featuring Heart and John loveteam charm. (Watch here)

📝 Coffee shop goes viral for serving drinks in chicken trough-style cups. (Read more)