Good morning. The peso is hovering dangerously close to ₱63 per dollar, while Grab is making a massive bet on Southeast Asia’s lending market. Also today: Philippine and US authorities deepen cooperation against online child exploitation, lawmakers eye higher taxes on sugary drinks, and Alex Eala stays committed to the Asian Games.

Stay Sharp.

What happened: The Philippine National Police and US Homeland Security Investigations are strengthening cooperation against human trafficking and online sexual abuse of Filipino children.

The partnership will focus on real-time intelligence sharing, investigative cooperation, offender profiling, and monitoring networks operating across borders.

Why it matters: Trafficking and online child exploitation increasingly involve criminal networks operating across countries. This can require authorities in different jurisdictions to exchange information and coordinate enforcement efforts.

By the numbers: The PNP Women and Children Protection Center said 20 people were arrested for online sexual abuse and exploitation of children from Jan. 1 to Aug. 16, 2026.

What’s next: The PNP says it will intensify monitoring and work with foreign agencies to identify offenders and disrupt transnational networks.

Philippine lawmakers are pushing higher excise taxes on sweetened beverages as health officials report rising obesity rates. The current tax of ₱6 per liter for drinks using caloric or noncaloric sweeteners could rise to ₱9-₱20, while the ₱12 tax on high-fructose corn syrup drinks could reach ₱18-₱40.

Peso Hovers Near ₱63

The Philippine peso remained near the ₱63-per-dollar level after reaching a record intraday low of ₱62.925 on Tuesday. It closed at ₱62.835, slightly stronger than Monday’s ₱62.86 record low. The currency’s weakness has pressured Philippine stocks and raised concerns about inflation, particularly as elevated oil prices increase import costs.

Young Workers Told To Start Somewhere

Young Filipinos entering the workforce are being encouraged to gain experience instead of waiting indefinitely for an ideal job, according to an HR expert cited by ABS-CBN News. The advice focuses on using early opportunities to build skills and workplace experience, which can help young workers develop their careers over time.

Grab Bets $1.49B on Atome

Grab plans to acquire a 60% stake in Atome Financial for $1.49 billion as it expands consumer lending across Southeast Asia. Atome operates in five markets, including the Philippines, and has 25 million cumulative transacted users. Grab also plans to acquire the remaining 40% about two years after closing.

Alex Eala remains committed to competing for the Philippines at the Asian Games despite a pending WTA exemption to skip the mandatory China Open and avoid possible penalties and fines. (Read more)

Ed Sheeran Tour Loses Four Opening Acts

Finneas, Aaron Rowe, Beoga, and Lukas Graham quit Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after Macklemore was dropped following pro-Palestinian remarks, while Sheeran publicly denied involvement in the decision to remove Macklemore. (Read More)

IV of Spades, SB19, Dionela Win Big

IV of Spades won Album and Song of the Year, while SB19 earned three awards and Dionela took four at the 39th Awit Awards in Pasay City on September 15. (Read More)

The ultimate homecoming anthem is back. For over 30 years, Gary Valenciano’s “Babalik Ka Rin” has been the unofficial soundtrack for millions of Overseas Filipino Workers. Now, Gary V has stepped back into the studio to re-record the iconic track exclusively for Sendwave’s Between Here and Home campaign.

Sending money to loved ones back home carries a massive amount of emotional weight. To honor those everyday sacrifices, Sendwave released a powerful new music video featuring authentic OFW stories and real airport reunions.

You can watch the music video⁠ on Sendwave’s YouTube channel.

If you’re sending money to your loved ones in the Philippines, download Sendwave here and use promo code PESOWEEKLY on your first transfer.

The code is valid for eligible first-time Sendwave users sending from the US, Canada, UK, and Europe. To receive the $20 credit, users must complete a successful first qualifying transfer of at least $20 using the code. T&Cs apply.

The viral ’80s AI trend lets users turn photos into retro-style images, but experts warn that sharing personal photos with AI tools may raise privacy and environmental concerns. (Read More)

Former Google DeepMind Researcher Warns AI Could Pose Extreme Risks

A former Google DeepMind researcher has warned that rapidly advancing AI could pose severe risks to humanity, adding to growing concerns among researchers about the technology’s future. (Read More)

AI Analysis Finds Potentially Overlooked Symptoms in Weight-Loss Drug Users

Researchers analyzed 400,000 Reddit posts and found reports of menstrual changes, chills, hot flashes, and fatigue among users of several weight-loss drugs, though causation remains unconfirmed.(Read More)

Humanoid Robots Compete in World Robot Games

Zoomlion’s humanoid robots competed in the standing high jump, 100-meter sprint, and standing long jump at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, testing their movement and stability. (Read More)

Aurora Diners Discover Mysterious Glowing Salted Eggs

A group in Baler, Aurora was left stunned when their snack of salted eggs mysteriously glowed in the dark. Experts warn against eating them due to possible microbial contamination.

Astrophysicists Suggest Venus Swallowed Ancient Moon

New astrophysical research proposes that Venus may have once possessed a moon that it ultimately absorbed, offering fresh insights into the planet’s unique evolutionary history and slow rotation.

Researchers Uncover Electricity-Generating Flexible Diamonds

Researchers found that ultrathin, flexible diamond membranes can produce a piezoelectric effect when deformed, overturning century-old assumptions and opening doors to advanced medical implants and tiny energy systems.

Morning Coffee Significantly Boosts Daily Mood

Health experts reveal that enjoying a morning cup of coffee can significantly enhance your mood and mental alertness, providing a natural psychological lift before you start your daily tasks.

🏛️ Malacañang appointed blogger Rey Joseph “RJ” Nieto as assistant secretary in the Office of the Cabinet Secretary under Marcos administration. (Read more)

🇷🇺 An expert said 14 Filipinos were illegally recruited to serve in Russia’s military, raising concerns over illegal recruitment and exploitation. (Read more)

⚡ DOE backed ERC’s regional electricity price cap, which could halve August WESM rates in Visayas and Mindanao amid supply problems. (Read more)

🗳️ Four Maguindanao del Norte parliamentary district representatives were formally proclaimed after the first BARMM parliamentary elections held on September 14.  (Read more)

⚖️ Former President Rodrigo Duterte attended the ICC status conference for the first time, as judges discussed trial preparations and scheduling. (Read more)

American officials implemented new travel restrictions targeting specific South African citizens following disputed claims regarding racial discrimination against minority populations.

Colombia, Brazil Record Highest Numbers of Environmental Activist Killings

A Global Witness report documented at least 124 environmental activists killed worldwide in 2025, with Colombia recording 39 deaths, Brazil 26, and the Philippines 12.

Japan Centenarian Population Crosses Milestone 

Government data revealed that the total number of people aged 100 or older in Japan has officially surpassed 100,000 for the first time.

📝 Traveler compares Bataan highway barriers to a real-life ‘Mario Kart’ course. (Watch here)

📝 Ina Raymundo’s AI-generated family photos spark jokes over water consumption. (Read more)

📝 Viral potato corner hack reveals rumored fries and powder used by staff for homemade cravings. (Read more)

📝 DreamWorks’ Forgotten Island trailer highlights the Philippines, sparking pride among Filipino fans worldwide. (Read more)