Good morning.

This Saturday issue came together just as the US-Iran truce story started moving again a few hours ago, so yes, your coffee comes with geopolitics. Closer to home, we’re also watching possible fuel swings, weak consumer confidence, GCash IPO buzz, PhilHealth payouts, and Filipino wins in tech too.

Stay Sharp.

Big picture: The US hit Iranian missile, drone storage, and coastal radar sites after Iran allegedly struck the Singapore-flagged cargo ship Ever Lovely with a one-way drone near the Strait of Hormuz. No crew members were reported hurt, but the timing is dangerous.

Why it matters: The strike tests a fragile US-Iran ceasefire signed on June 17, which included a 60-day promise to keep commercial ships moving safely through one of the world’s most important oil and gas routes. In the Philippines, Jetti Petroleum said gasoline could rise by up to ₱1.50 per liter next week, showing how fast Middle East tension can reach local pumps.

The catch: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard denied the US version, accused Washington and Israel of breaking commitments, and warned of a wider response if attacks continue.

Bottom line: One ship attack may now decide whether the truce survives.

Filipino consumer confidence plunged to -42.0% in the second quarter from -15.8%, marking its steepest decline since the pandemic. The BSP said rising inflation fears, corruption concerns, and limited government support drove pessimism, while families cut spending plans, savings, and borrowing as inflation expectations climbed to 3.3%.

EastWest Launches Easier Retirement Investing

EastWest introduced new PERA investment products, allowing Filipinos to start saving for retirement with as little as ₱2,000. The bank combines digital account access, professionally managed funds, and tax incentives to encourage long-term financial planning, including higher contribution limits for overseas Filipino workers.

PhilHealth Targets Record ₱400B Benefit Payout

PhilHealth expects to pay ₱378 billion to ₱400 billion in health benefits this year, a record high, as it expands coverage without raising premiums. Benefit payouts have surged from ₱119 billion in 2023 to ₱295 billion in 2025, with larger healthcare packages now being pushed for paying members.

GCash IPO May Reshape PSEi Rules

GCash parent Mynt’s planned IPO could prompt the Philippine Stock Exchange to revise its benchmark index rules. With only a 12.5% public float, Mynt falls below the current 20% PSEi requirement. Analysts say relaxing the rule could also allow more large companies into the index, broadening investor participation and market liquidity.

Filipinos celebrated Dolly De Leon’s debut in Netflix’s Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2, where she plays twins Lo and Li, adding another major international role to her growing Hollywood career. (Read more)

Eala, Venus Williams Team Up at Bad Homburg

Alex Eala and tennis legend Venus Williams begin their Bad Homburg Open doubles campaign. The partnership comes after Eala’s singles exit and serves as her final tournament before Wimbledon. (Read More)

‘Toy Story 5’ stays on top as ‘Supergirl’ and ‘Jackass’ debut

Toy Story 5 is projected to dominate theaters again with up to $90 million, while Supergirl targets a $50 million debut and Jackass: Best and Last eyes $10 million. (Read More)

Batangas State University aerospace engineering students earned third place in the sixth Kibo Robot Programming Challenge, programming NASA’s Astrobee aboard the International Space Station for their second consecutive international podium finish. (Read more)

Cotabato Regional and Medical Center launched robotic-assisted surgeries, becoming Bangsamoro's first public hospital with the technology, providing qualified patients advanced minimally invasive procedures at no additional cost under PhilHealth. (Read more)

Sony will discontinue sales of its Aibo robot dog in Japan once current stock runs out, while continuing support services. The company said the Aibo business will continue with future products. (Read more)

Scientists developed a flexible AI-powered skin patch that analyzes health data directly on the body, delivering near-instant medical insights while accurately detecting heart conditions without relying on remote servers. (Read more)

Marcos Inspects Building Set to Become Southeast Asia’s Largest Dialysis Center 

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected the National Kidney and Transplant Institute Legacy Building in Quezon City, set to become Southeast Asia’s largest dialysis center, expected to serve CKD patients by 2028. 

Scientists Detect First Evidence of Black Hole Event Horizon “Fingerprints”

Scientists detected possible “fingerprints” of a black hole’s event horizon using gravitational wave data from a black hole merger, offering new insights into space-time and extreme cosmic physics.

WHO to Start Ebola Treatment Trials in Congo 

The WHO will begin trials of two Ebola treatments in the Democratic Republic of Congo next week, aiming to test if they reduce deaths and improve patient survival. 

Scientists Study Brazilian Sisters Over 100 for Longevity Clues 

Researchers are studying three Brazilian sisters aged over 100 to understand genetic factors behind longevity, aiming to identify traits that help people stay healthy and active at old age. 

🎮 GoreBox developer declines Senate hearing invitation as lawmakers investigate the Tacloban school shooting and the game’s alleged influence. (Read more)

⚽ DILG said Tab Baldwin allegedly knew five Ateneo players could not swim during Aurora training where two students later died. (Read more)

🔍 Police recovered a caliber .38 gun and kitchen knife from two students during inspection at Aparri school in Cagayan. (Read more)

⛽ Fuel prices may rise or fall next week as oil market swings between supply gains and demand pressures globally. (Read more)

🏫 Manila plans to ban juvenile delinquents from city colleges after bullying, weapons, and violence incidents in public schools. (Read more)

A shopping center in Moscow plans to open an indoor fishing pond where visitors can catch fish for points, creating a themed attraction designed for entertainment inside the mall.

Pakistan to Abolish Tax on Sanitary Products

Pakistan plans to remove taxes on sanitary products, including sanitary pads and contraceptives, after campaigners argued the charges worsened period poverty and limited access to essential women’s health items. 

Missing Giraffe Sparks Search In Texas 

A giraffe named Gracie escaped from a ranch in Texas and has been missing for nearly two weeks. Authorities and owners are using helicopters and offering a reward.

📝 Lans joins Kuya Kim in ‘Dami Mong Alam’ weekend trivia segment launch (Read more)

📝 Wonder Girls’ ‘Nobody’ Turns 17, Nostalgic First K-pop Billboard Hot 100 Entry (Watch here)

📝 Zoo visitor expresses concern over animal welfare conditions (Watch here)

📝 Student in Leyte goes viral for performing in wheelchair during cheerdance competition (Watch here)