Happy Saturday. The Philippines is putting ₱60 billion on the table to persuade automakers to build EVs locally. Today, we unpack who qualifies and what is at stake. Plus: exports hit a record, Manila turns to AI drones for flood warnings, and SB19 makes history at Chicago’s Lollapalooza music festival.

Stay Sharp.

The big picture: The government has launched a ₱60-billion incentive program to persuade automakers to manufacture electric vehicles and components in the Philippines.

Under Executive Order No. 121, up to four manufacturers may join, with each allowed to register two EV models. Support is capped at ₱15 billion per model and comes through tax payment certificates. Production incentives can reach 12% of a vehicle’s factory price, capped at ₱200,000 per unit.

The catch: Applicants must commit at least ₱5 billion in investment and bring locally made models to the domestic or export market within three years. Some incentives carry extra production requirements, including capacity of at least 10,000 units.

Mitsubishi has committed ₱7 billion to prepare for local hybrid production.

Philippine exports reached a record $8.8 billion, rising 24.1% as strong global demand for semiconductors boosted shipments. Semiconductor exports climbed 33.4% to $3.8 billion, while exports to the US increased 44.7%. The surge helped keep the trade deficit at a four-month low despite higher imports.

Business Confidence Rises in June

Business confidence improved in June as easing production costs, stronger consumer spending, and expectations of better economic activity lifted sentiment. Companies also expressed greater optimism for the months ahead, signaling confidence that demand and business conditions will continue improving despite ongoing global uncertainties and inflation-related challenges.

DOLE: Wage Hikes Already Paid Stay

The Department of Labor and Employment said employers cannot withdraw or reduce wage increases already paid before the court’s temporary restraining order on the NCR wage hike. The guidance protects workers who have received the adjustment while legal proceedings continue, ensuring previously granted pay increases remain valid.

Meralco Sinks as Reform Fears Grow

Meralco lost more than ₱123 billion in market value after investors reacted to proposed power sector reforms that could reshape electricity pricing and system loss charges. Uncertainty over potential changes to the EPIRA law weighed on sentiment, with investors awaiting Congress’ next steps before reassessing the utility’s outlook.

SB19 said they are "beyond proud" to represent the Philippines after becoming the first Filipino act to perform at Lollapalooza 2026, celebrating a historic milestone on one of the world's biggest music festival stages. (Read more)

Mercedes Cabral’s Cinemalaya Film Opens Festival

Mercedes Cabral’s “Enjoy Your Stay” will open the 2026 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival on August 6, putting the acclaimed actress and Filipino independent cinema in the spotlight once again. (Read More)

Tom Holland Says Fan-Driven Spider-Man Cut ‘Didn’t Work’

Tom Holland revealed he hated an early cut of Spider-Man: Brand New Day because it relied too heavily on test audience feedback. He said the creative team later trusted its original vision, resulting in a stronger final film. (Read More)

Manila plans to use AI-powered drones to predict flooding up to two hours before it happens. Officials said the technology could help communities evacuate earlier and improve disaster response efforts. (Read more)

Humanoid Robots Could Transform Farming

Researchers are exploring humanoid robots that can help with farming tasks like planting, harvesting, and pruning. Experts said the technology could work alongside farmers and improve efficiency in agricultural operations. (Read more)

Scientists Turn Plastic Waste Into Clean Hydrogen Fuel

Researchers developed a process that converts mixed plastic waste into high-purity hydrogen fuel. The method could support cleaner energy production while making plastic recycling more efficient without releasing carbon dioxide emissions. (Read more)

MIT Develops Faster Thinking Robots

MIT researchers created a technique that helps robots predict future movements, allowing smoother and quicker actions. The system improved robot speed and performance in tasks requiring fast reactions and precision. (Read more)

50 Melon-Headed Whales Spotted in Mindoro

Around 50 melon-headed whales were seen near San Jose, Occidental Mindoro. DENR said the rare sighting suggests a healthy marine habitat and reminded people to avoid disturbing the protected animals.

Rare Mindanao Bleeding Heart Pigeon Spotted

A rare Mindanao bleeding heart pigeon was documented at Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary in Davao Oriental. DENR said the sighting may indicate breeding activity of the endemic bird species.

Daily Multivitamins May Support Older Adults

A study suggests daily multivitamin use may help older adults maintain strength and independence. Researchers found users showed better functional health after three years, though further review is needed.

Shape-Shifting Drug Boosts Cancer Treatment

Researchers developed a shape-changing drug system that targets multiple cancer cells. Tests in mice showed improved tumor treatment outcomes, offering a possible new approach for fighting treatment-resistant cancers in the future.

⚖️ Senator Loren Legarda dismissed plunder and graft accusations as “utterly false and baseless,” vowing to clear her name amid the ongoing controversy. (Read more)

🏘️ Capas, Tarlac municipality is demanding more information about the proposed Pax Silica project, seeking transparency before deciding on its local impact. (Read more)

🚨 Burglars stole nearly ₱500,000 worth of jewelry and cash from a senior citizen couple’s home, prompting a police investigation. (Read more)

🛡️ The government reinforced disaster preparedness efforts, urging communities and local agencies to stay alert and improve coordination against natural hazards. (Read more)

⚖️ Senator Bong Revilla was released after posting ₱1 million bail, allowing him temporary freedom while legal proceedings continue.  (Read more)

Lettuce wrapped with Japanese actor Tatsuya Fujiwara’s face has gone viral online. The campaign aims to reduce food waste by encouraging shoppers to buy and consume more summer lettuce.

Hamas Agrees to  Draft Gaza Peace Plan

Hamas reportedly agreed to a draft peace plan involving disarmament and Gaza stabilization efforts. The proposal includes an international force overseeing security steps and supporting a transition process.

Uefa Threatens World Cup Boycott

Uefa members voted to boycott Fifa tournaments if plans to sell competition stakes to private investors proceed. Officials said major football events should remain focused on sport, not private investment.

📝 Cancer patient’s message moves Filipino restaurant in Singapore. (Read more)

📝 Filipino tricycle brings pinoy culture to USA. (Watch more)

📝 Spider-Man: Brand New Day sets record with biggest box office preview ever at $74.5M. (Read more)

📝 Eladio Santos keeps Ermita’s traditional portrait painting legacy alive through timeless Filipino artworks. (Watch more)