Good morning. Borrowing in the Philippines could soon become more expensive as the BSP weighs another rate increase despite weaker economic growth. We also cover a remarkably fast humanoid robot, new discoveries about bacteria and brain aging, and the businesses, technologies, and stories shaping life across the Philippines today.

Stay Sharp.

The big picture: The BSP could raise interest rates again on August 27 as inflation remains high and the peso weakens.

By the numbers: Nineteen of 24 economists expect a third consecutive quarter-point increase, taking the benchmark rate from 4.75% to 5%. Five predict a pause.

Why now: July inflation stood at 6.2%, above the BSP’s 2% to 4% target. The peso recently weakened to ₱61.995 per dollar, while international reserves slipped to $103.3 billion.

The catch: Economic growth slowed to 2.3% last quarter. Higher rates could make loans more expensive while further weakening spending and investment.

What’s next: Some economists expect rates to eventually reach 5.25%, while others believe additional tightening could unnecessarily deepen the slowdown.

Messaging app activity in the Philippines rose 19% in 2025, while interactions through mobile messaging platforms surged 139%, reflecting growing consumer preference for conversational commerce. Businesses are increasingly using chat channels for customer engagement, sales, and support as digital communication becomes central to commerce.

Marcos Pushes Critical Minerals Development

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 122, establishing a unified national policy framework to develop the Philippines' critical minerals industry. The measure promotes value-added processing, attracts investments, strengthens downstream industries, and supports responsible mining to boost competitiveness and economic growth.

PhilCare, Hi-Precision Launch Health Plans

PhilCare and Hi-Precision Diagnostics partnered to introduce integrated health plans combining HMO coverage with diagnostic services. The collaboration aims to make preventive healthcare more accessible through affordable packages, giving members easier access to laboratory tests, consultations, and comprehensive medical services across the country.

Brazil Expands Footprint in PH Meat Market

Brazil is strengthening its position in the Philippine meat market as demand for imported protein grows. Increased exports of beef, pork, and poultry are helping diversify supply, support food security, and stabilize local prices, reinforcing Brazil's role as one of the Philippines' key agricultural trading partners.

The ringleader behind the hacking and attempted theft of BTS member Jungkook's personal information and assets was sentenced to 20 years in prison, ending a high-profile cybercrime case. (Read more)

Angeline Quinto Debuts Anniversary Anthem

Angeline Quinto premiered her new single "Sooper Dooper Star" during her 15th anniversary concert, marking the milestone celebration with fresh music and a special performance for longtime fans. (Read More)

PH Swimmers Finish SEA Open With Bronze Surge

The Philippines closed the 4th Southeast Asia Open Water Championships with two bronze medals in Boracay, boosting the team's overall campaign through strong late performances. (Read More)

Chinese humanoid robot Tiangong Ultra ran 100 meters in 9.39 seconds at the World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, beating Usain Bolt’s 9.58-second record set in 2009.(Read more)

DPWH Eyes Modern Tech to Prevent Landslides

The DPWH plans to use modern technologies and stronger methods to address landslides in the Cordillera. The agency included funding for these projects in its 2027 budget. (Read more)

Light-Powered Nanorobots Hunt and Collect Bacteria

Researchers at the University of Würzburg developed tiny robots powered by light that can navigate liquids, collect bacteria, and move them to selected locations, potentially enabling precise manipulation of microbes. (Read more)

OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Experience for Teens

OpenAI is rolling out a ChatGPT experience with added safety protections for teens, including break reminders, Quiet Hours, Study Hours, and safeguards against harmful or inappropriate content. (Read more)

Some Earth Microbes Could Survive on the Moon

A NASA-led study found some Earth fungi and bacteria could survive for weeks or months under certain lunar conditions, raising concerns about contamination during future missions.

China to Hunt for Lunar Ice With Chang’e-7 Mission

China is set to launch Chang’e-7 to the Moon’s south pole to search for frozen water in permanently shadowed craters. The mission will deploy a rover and a hopping probe to explore the Moon’s steep and dark terrain.

Japanese Researchers Find Bacteria That Can Reduce ‘Forever Chemicals’ 

Researchers at Kobe University found river bacteria capable of reducing PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in contaminated sediment. The strains also lowered PFAS concentrations in industrial landfill leachate, researchers said.

Speaking Multiple Languages May Slow Brain Aging, Says Study

A study found that multilingual people may have younger-looking brains, with those speaking four languages showing the strongest effect. Earlier learning and greater fluency were linked to healthier brain aging.

🦺 A proposed P802 million 2027 budget will fund over 2,000 guidance counselors to strengthen student mental health and school safety. (Read more)

📱PHLPost warned the public against smishing scams using fake parcel delivery texts and urged verification through official communication channels only. (Read more)

🌊  A collapsed flood control project in Occidental Mindoro submerged communities and rice fields, prompting investigations and emergency response for affected residents. (Read more)

🚔 A former overseas Filipino worker was shot dead inside a vehicle in Negros, with police investigating the motive and identifying suspects. (Read more)

👮 13 NCR Highway Patrol Group personnel, including their regional chief, were relieved pending investigation over an uncoordinated Bulacan Customs raid confrontation. (Read more)

A 17-year-old girl was killed and three others injured after an 18-year-old man attacked students with a sword at a school in Fagersta, Sweden. The suspect was arrested.

Iranian Women Resist Renewed Hijab Crackdown

Many Iranian women continue appearing in public without headscarves despite renewed pressure from hardliners. Authorities have closed businesses and warned of enforcement, but widespread defiance persists.

Harvard To Pay $53 Million Over Stolen And Sold Body Parts

Harvard Medical School will pay $53 million to settle lawsuits from families whose donated remains were allegedly stolen and sold by former morgue manager Cedric Lodge between 2018 and 2023.

📝 MrBeast’s $500,000 escape challenge ends with 100 cops catching his team. (Watch here)

📝 Meet Nanay Sitti Obeso, keeper of the Tausug Pangalay tradition. (Watch here)

📝 Reporters’ flood coverage moments leave Filipinos amused. (Watch here)

📝 Cardona criticized for ‘aqua training’ joke tied to Ateneo drowning tragedy. (Read more)