Happy weekend! The government’s ₱7.2-trillion budget plan leads today’s issue, alongside weaker foreign investment, a major PPP push, new SSS microloans, Kanlaon ashfall, and robots learning to feel. Settle in for the stories shaping your money, your country, and the wider world today, plus a quick trip to 1570.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet has approved the proposed 2027 national budget after a final review at Malacañang. The spending plan is expected to reach ₱7.2 trillion, around 6% higher than this year’s ₱6.793-trillion budget.

Why it matters: The budget will fund government programs in infrastructure, education, health care, and other services that directly affect Filipinos. It is also designed to support economic growth and prepare the country for risks such as high oil prices, a possible severe El Niño, and rising public debt.

The catch: The final amount and full details have not yet been released.

Bottom line: Marcos must submit the proposal to Congress within one month after his July 27 State of the Nation Address.

The government is shifting from debt-funded projects to public-private partnerships (PPPs), with 251 projects worth over ₱3 trillion in the pipeline. Two flagship projects totaling ₱334.7 billion, including the ₱229-billion NSCR and ₱105.7-billion school program, are targeted for award this year to accelerate infrastructure development.

Gov’t Lowers 2026 Tax Revenue Target

The government trimmed its 2026 tax revenue target to ₱4.442 trillion from ₱4.473 trillion after lowering its economic growth forecast. The BIR’s goal was cut to ₱3.393 trillion, while the BOC’s target increased to ₱1.011 trillion, reflecting stronger customs collections despite global economic headwinds.

PH Foreign Investment Hits Near Decade Low

Philippine net FDI inflows plunged 58.8% to $250 million in April, the lowest monthly level in nearly 10 years, as global uncertainty weakened investor confidence. Four-month inflows also fell 26.5% to $1.968  billion, mainly due to weaker debt investments, despite stronger equity placements from Japan, the US, and Singapore.

SSS Eyes Microloan Market with Fintech Partner

The SSS signed a partnership with Silicon Valley-based Standard Economics to launch a microloan program for its 42.7 million members. The initiative targets the Philippines’ ₱36.9-billion microfinance market, which serves 2 million borrowers, expanding access to small, unsecured loans for low-income Filipinos and microentrepreneurs.

BTS’ hit “Swim” faces a copyright lawsuit from three American songwriters alleging copied elements, while Big Hit denies the claims and vows to fight through legal proceedings. (Read more)

Pinay Polo Star Wins MVP in Malaysia

Filipina Nicole Eusebio-Fulgencio earned MVP honors after leading the Global All-Stars in Malaysia, boosting Philippine women’s polo ahead of a possible all-women’s event at the SEA Games. (Read More)

Dolly De Leon Champions Filipino Stories in Hollywood

Dolly De Leon said authentic Filipino stories should take center stage globally as her Hollywood career grows, highlighted by major roles in “Avatar” and DreamWorks’ “Forgotten Island.” (Read More)

Robotics firm 1X introduced upgraded hands for its Neo humanoid robot. The new design senses touch, detects slipping objects, and is waterproof, helping Neo perform household tasks more naturally and safely. (Read more)

China Tests Sea-Based System For Reusable Rocket Recovery

China successfully recovered a Long March 10B rocket booster using a sea platform net, marking its first orbital-class retrieval test as it advances reusable rocket technology. (Read more)

Mobile Game Invites Players To Recover Lost Revolutionary War Treasures 

The mobile game “June’s Journey” launched a virtual treasure hunt featuring missing Revolutionary War artifacts, hoping players can help uncover historical items lost for centuries. (Read more)

Robot Mimicking World Leaders Unveiled At AI Summit

A Swiss humanoid robot called Robert was showcased at an AI summit, using a digital face to mimic leaders and display human-like expressions during interactions. (Read more)

Scientists Search for Clues of Possible Alien Megastructures

Researchers identified red dwarfs and white dwarfs as possible places to find Dyson spheres, hypothetical alien structures that could be detected through unusual infrared signals.

Ebola Outbreak In Congo Becomes Fastest-Growing Ever

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed 600 people, with health officials warning cases are rising faster than response efforts can contain the virus.

Exoplanet Survives Its Star’s Death, Scientists Study Its Fate

Astronomers studied WD 1856 b, a Jupiter-like planet that survived its host star’s collapse into a white dwarf, offering clues about planetary survival after stellar deaths.

Zoo Breeds Rare Lizards To Save Endangered Species

Guatemalan conservationists are breeding endangered Guatemalan beaded lizards in captivity, aiming to restore wild populations threatened by habitat loss and illegal pet trade.

🌋 Kanlaon Volcano’s eruption caused ashfall across Negros and Cebu, canceling 23 flights at Mactan-Cebu International Airport. (Read more)

🐟 Three resort employees in Quezon were arrested for allegedly stealing and butchering a P7-million arapaima fish. (Read more)

💰 President Marcos approved the proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program after the DBM presented the budget plan during a Cabinet meeting. (Read more)

⚓ DFA marks 10 years of the South China Sea arbitral ruling, reaffirming its legal importance in Philippine maritime policy. (Read more)

⚖️ Sandiganbayan upholds graft case against Senator Jinggoy Estrada, denying his motion to reconsider charges under anti-graft law. (Read more)

Dozens of Santas, Mrs. Clauses and elves gathered in Denmark for the annual World Santa Claus Congress, celebrating Christmas traditions months before the holiday season.

LGBTQ+ Cruise Ship Denied Entry By Egypt After Turkey

The Scarlet Lady cruise ship carrying 2,000 LGBTQ+ passengers was refused entry by Egypt days after Turkey blocked its visit, forcing the ship to change ports.

China Missile Test Sends Message To Us, Experts Say

China’s submarine-launched ballistic missile test in the South Pacific showcased its nuclear capabilities, with experts saying the move was aimed at demonstrating military strength to the US.

📝 ‘Cringe’ or creative? Alleged AI scenes in Coco Martin’s ‘Sigabo’ ignite online debate. (Watch here)

📝 Kathryn Bernardo’s wax figure draws praise for striking resemblance. (Watch here)

📝 Kai Montinola sings Filipino version of Moana theme song for Disney fans. (Watch here)

📝 Baguio students calmly perform earthquake drill response during magnitude 4.5 quake. (Watch here)