Happy Saturday! The Philippine economy is losing momentum, but there are bright spots worth watching. Exports are rising, agriculture is growing, and fuel prices could ease next week. We also cover Enrique Razon’s rise to the top, fresh AI developments, science surprises, entertainment news, and stories for your weekend read.
Stay Sharp.
TOP STORIES
The Philippine Economy’s Slowdown Is Getting Harder to Ignore
The big picture: Philippine GDP grew just 2.3% in Q2 2026, down from 2.8% in Q1. PSA said that, excluding the pandemic years, it was the weakest quarterly growth since late 2009.
What dragged growth: Investment fell 9.2% as construction weakened, while household spending grew only 2.8% amid higher prices and softer domestic demand.
Some bright spots: Exports jumped 12.2%, helped by electronics, semiconductors and AI-related demand. Agriculture grew 2.7%, while services expanded 4.5%.
The government’s view: Malacañang called the slowdown “temporary,” expecting faster infrastructure spending and stronger exports to support a recovery.
What’s next: The economy needs about 4.4% growth in the second half to reach the government’s 3.5% full-year target.
BUSINESS & INVESTMENT
Enrique Razon Becomes Philippines’ Richest
Ports and casino billionaire Enrique Razon Jr. topped the 2026 Forbes Philippines’ 50 Richest list with a record $21.8 billion fortune after gaining $10.3 billion in a year. He overtook the Sy siblings as strong growth in International Container Terminal Services fueled his wealth despite broader declines among the country's richest families. (We also created a reel about Razon’s ICTSI becoming the first company to hit a ₱2-trillion market cap on the PSE, here is the link.)
PH Debt-to-GDP Hits 22-Year High
The Philippines’ debt-to-GDP ratio climbed to 66% in the second quarter, its highest since 2004, as slower 2.3% economic growth and rising government borrowings pushed outstanding debt to ₱19.07 trillion. Economists said debt remains manageable but warned stronger growth and fiscal discipline are needed to ease long-term pressures.
Fuel Prices Seen Dropping Up to ₱5
Motorists could see gasoline and diesel prices fall by up to ₱5 per liter next week as easing Middle East tensions, lower global oil prices, and a stronger peso reduce import costs. The Department of Energy will confirm the adjustments on Aug. 10, with oil firms implementing them the following day.
PH Agriculture Posts Strongest Growth in 10 Years
The agriculture sector grew 2.7% in the second quarter, its strongest performance in a decade, driven by higher public and private investments, better irrigation, favorable weather, and stronger government support for farmers. The Department of Agriculture also reported the country’s highest food sufficiency rate in the first half of 2026.
ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS & CULTURE
Kris Aquino Returns With Netflix Role
Kris Aquino is back in the spotlight as Netflix Philippines' C.H.I.K.A. (Chief Head of Insight and Kontent Analysis), marking her first major on-screen project in years. (Read more)
Kit Connor Becomes MCU’s New Cyclops
Heartstopper star Kit Connor has officially been cast as Cyclops in Marvel Studios' upcoming X-Men movie, launching a new era of mutants in the MCU. (Read More)
UAAP Bans Tab Baldwin for Life
The UAAP permanently banned former Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin from league activities, while confirming the Ateneo Blue Eagles remain eligible to compete in Season 89. (Read More)
TECH
AI Detects Hidden Health Risks in Sleep Studies
Artificial intelligence analyzed sleep study data and found hidden health patterns linked to future health risks. Researchers said AI may help doctors identify conditions beyond sleep apnea. (Read more)
AI Agents Fake Identities in Security Test
AI models from Anthropic and OpenAI used fake identities and targeted real people during security tests. Researchers said the incident raised concerns over AI safety and regulation. (Read more)
Smart Ring Monitors Health Through Sweat
Researchers developed a smart ring that analyzes sweat to track glucose, alcohol, and other biomarkers. The device may provide deeper health insights than traditional wearable technology. (Read more)
Chinese AI Model Escapes Security Testing
Kimi K3, an AI model from China’s Moonshot AI, accessed the internet during security tests. Researchers said the incident highlighted challenges in controlling advanced AI systems. (Read more)
HEALTH & SCIENCE
Click the headlines to read more of the articles
A discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage crashed into the Moon after drifting in space. Scientists are studying the impact to learn more about lunar surfaces and debris.
A 30-million-year-old fossil revealed an early dog species that could climb trees. Researchers said the discovery provides new insights into the evolution and abilities of ancient canines.
Researchers found that a protein from American bullfrogs helped protect mice from deadly saxitoxin poisoning. The discovery may lead to future treatments for shellfish poisoning in humans.
Researchers found that upright posture may boost feelings of pride and improve decision-making. The study suggests workplace ergonomics can influence emotional well-being and risk-taking behavior.
QUICK HITS
🌧️ Zambales and Benguet recorded the country’s highest 24-hour rainfall as Tropical Depression Maymay and the southwest monsoon intensified. (Read more)
🏫 DepEd Davao apologized after students heckled President Marcos during his visit, saying disciplinary measures were imposed and respect remains a core value. (Read more)
🚔 Ten former bodyguards linked to the “Maleta Boys” were arrested after failing to post bail for multiple perjury charges. (Read more)
⚖️ Philippine authorities confirmed they will review the United States' formal extradition request for Apollo Quiboloy under existing legal procedures and treaty obligations. (Read more)
✈️ Immigration confirmed Senator Loren Legarda and Representative Leandro Leviste separately left the Philippines on August 2. (Read more)
WORLD STORIES
Spain Records Largest Wildfire
A massive wildfire in Spain burned an area nearly the size of New York City, forcing evacuations and destroying homes. NASA reported the blaze as the country’s largest recorded fire.
Teen Gunman Kills Five Teachers in Thailand
A 14-year-old gunman killed five teachers at a school in Nonthaburi, Thailand, before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot. More than 30 people were injured in the attack.
90,000 Rubber Ducks Race in Chicago River
Thousands of rubber ducks floated on the Chicago River for the annual Ducky Derby fundraiser. The event raised money to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes and programs.
ATBP…
📝 Cyclists face “Bra-Maxxing” debate over Tour De France performance gains. (Read more)
📝 ‘Cocomelon: The Movie’ drops first trailer ahead of February premiere. (Watch more)
📝 Dog in Southern Leyte gains online attention due to its unusual appearance. (Read more)
📝 A ₱10 regulatory fee is now being collected from passengers at Catarman Airport. (Read more)
WORTH YOUR TIME
Actionable investment strategies for the modern Filipino investor.
EastWest PERA Fund | Investing | A tax-exempt retirement account (PERA) that allows Filipinos to invest for the long term with professional management. (Visit site: eastwestbanker.com)
REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts) | Passive Income | Buy shares of income-generating real estate (like Ayala or Robinsons malls) for long-term growth and dividends. (Visit site: pse.com.ph)
GSave (via GCash) | Savings | A high-interest digital savings account that remains insulated from market fluctuations—great for beginners. (Open via: GCash App)
Historybook: The Diwata of the Woods
Before "Enkanto," there were Diwatas. These weren't just fairies; they were powerful ancestral spirits who owned specific trees or rocks. You had to ask permission (Tabi-tabi) before passing.
