Good morning! Metro Manila has 80,000 unsold condos, yet buying a home remains difficult for many Filipinos. Meanwhile, factory activity is shrinking, the country’s nuclear power ambitions face delays, and police investigate disturbing evidence allegedly linked to Meghan Markle’s father. Plus, robots are getting smarter, even in farming.
Stay Sharp.
TOP STORIES
PNP Finds Child Abuse Material in Devices Linked to Meghan Markle’s Father
What happened: Philippine police confirmed finding child sexual abuse material on digital devices allegedly linked to Thomas Markle Sr., the estranged father of Meghan Markle.
Zoom in: The devices, turned over by Markle’s son, contained images and videos involving minors. Mexican authorities also searched a storage unit previously rented by Markle, recovering computer equipment for examination.
Why it matters: Investigators have not established who owned the devices, produced the recordings, or whether any offences occurred in the Philippines. Markle has strongly denied the allegations.
What’s next: The PNP is continuing its forensic examination to determine responsibility and whether Philippine laws were violated. No decision on criminal charges has been announced.
BUSINESS & INVESTMENT
Philippine Factory Slump Deepens as PMI Falls to 49.1
Philippine manufacturing activity contracted further in October as weak domestic and overseas sales and El Niño-related heat weighed on factories. S&P Global’s Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 49.1 from 49.6 in September, marking a second consecutive month below the 50-point expansion threshold. Weak orders and production signal continued challenges for manufacturers.
Philippines’ 2032 Nuclear Power Target Faces Delays
The Philippines’ goal of generating nuclear power by 2032 faces delays as technology, construction and regulatory requirements remain unresolved. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the timeline may be too optimistic, while the Department of Energy’s draft tender rules point to power delivery in 2038. The initial target is 1,200 megawatts of nuclear capacity.
ERC Orders 13 Power Firms to Explain Outages Behind Supply Concerns
The Energy Regulatory Commission issued 24 show-cause orders against 13 power generation companies over excessive unplanned outages affecting electricity reliability. The orders, dated October 14, cover generating units that exceeded allowable outage limits. The ERC is awaiting verified explanations and may impose penalties if violations are established, amid recurring supply concerns in Visayas and Mindanao.
UnionBank CEO Ana Maria Delgado Joins Forbes Asia’s 20 Power Businesswomen
UnionBank President and CEO Ana Maria Aboitiz Delgado was named among Forbes Asia’s 20 Power Businesswomen for 2026, recognizing influential female leaders across the region. Delgado became CEO in January 2025 after joining the bank in 2003. UnionBank reported ₱9.9 billion in net income for the first nine months of 2026, up 53% year on year.
ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS & CULTURE
Ate Gay’s Career Dream Ended on Its Expected Start Date
Filipino comedian Ate Gay, whose real name was Gil Morales, died on November 3, 2026, the same date he had planned to begin his entertainment career in 1995. (Read more)
Spanish Footballer Dies After Goalkeeper Collision
Tenerife striker Jesús de Miguel, 30, died after colliding with FC Andorra goalkeeper Jesús Owono during a Spanish second-division match. The game was abandoned following the incident. (Read More)
FEU Eliminates UE From Final Four Contention
Far Eastern University defeated University of the East, 94-83, in UAAP Season 89, eliminating UE from Final Four contention. FEU improved to 6-4, while UE remained winless at 0-10. (Read More)
PESO MARKETS
Metro Manila’s 80,000 Unsold Condos Signal a Housing Market Still Struggling
What happened: Metro Manila still has around 80,000 unsold condominium units as of the third quarter of 2026, according to Colliers data cited by AB Capital Securities.
Zoom in: New project launches plunged 72%, while net take-up fell 67% in the first nine months. Around 9,000 condo units were cancelled, largely reflecting affordability and financing difficulties.
Why it matters: Despite the large supply, homeownership remains difficult. Mortgage rates near 7.8% and high property prices continue to limit buyers. Vacancy in the Bay Area has reached 57.7%.
What’s next: Another 7,600 units are expected to be completed in the fourth quarter. AB Capital estimates unsold inventory could decline to 73,000 by 2028 if demand gradually improves and developers control new launches.
In collaboration with AB Capital Securities. This section is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Please conduct your own research or consult a licensed professional before making investment decisions.
TECH
EYOU Robot and South Korea's Daedong Group Partner to Develop Agricultural Robots
The Chinese robotics firm and South Korean agricultural machinery leader form a joint venture to manufacture specialized robot joint modules and actuators, paving the way for advanced farming humanoids. (Read More)
Spider-Like Robot Showcases Future of Shipyard Welding
A spider-like robot that climbs steel walls using magnetic feet was unveiled at 2026 RoboWorld in South Korea, showcasing its potential for welding and shipyard operations. (Read More)
Olympus Cosmetic Group Deploys AI Med Consult Across Aesthetic Practice Network
The surgeon-led aesthetic platform integrates advanced artificial intelligence tools to streamline patient consultations, elevate clinical workflows,and optimize management procedures. (Read More)
Tiny Imposed Muscle Magnets Provide Amputees With Natural Prosthetic Hand Feedback
Researchers at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies demonstrate a breakthrough myokinetic interface using tiny implanted muscle magnets that successfully restore natural movement sensations and kinesthetic feedback for prosthetic hand users. (Read More)
HEALTH & SCIENCE
Click the headlines to read more of the articles
Scientists discovered a new bioluminescent species, Corallizoanthus aureus, inside underwater caves near Japan. Its green glow peaks at 515.4 nanometres when disturbed, potentially serving as a defense mechanism.
King's College London researchers discover that KCL-286—a small-molecule treatment originally created for spinal cord injuries—effectively targets early pathological drivers of the neurodegenerative condition in preclinical trials.
US Firm Varda Space Industries Pioneers Commercial Drug Manufacturing in Earth Orbit
The aerospace startup successfully produces pharmaceutical crystals in microgravity conditions, harnessing unique orbital environments to develop advanced medicines not easily replicable on the ground.
Psychologists suggest that using paper calendars may support memory, reflection, and planning through handwriting and tactile engagement, activating more brain networks than typing on digital devices.
QUICK HITS
🌳 The DENR opened 144,000 hectares of forestland in Davao for investment, potentially allowing businesses to develop projects under land-use agreements. (Read more)
🇵🇭 Filipino-rooted candidates won seats in Northern Mariana Islands elections, highlighting the participation of people with Philippine heritage in local politics. (Read more)
🚨A lending company manager was shot dead in Iloilo while carrying ₱300,000 cash, which reportedly remained untouched after the attack. (Read more)
⚖️ The Ombudsman suspended eight DPWH personnel for six months pending investigation into alleged anomalous flood-control projects in Surigao del Norte. (Read more)
🚔 Authorities seized 200 kilograms of shabu worth ₱1.36 billion from an unclaimed Laos-origin shipment at Manila North Harbor on November 4. (Read more)
WORLD STORIES
Democrats Take Control of US Congress in Midterm Elections
Democrats won control of both the US Senate and House of Representatives in the 2026 midterm elections, limiting President Donald Trump's party's influence for the remainder of his presidency.
Korea Begins Delivering the World's First Legged Robot Built for Explosive Atmospheres
The specialized ANYmal X quadruped robot ships to industrial leaders in the oil, gas, and chemical sectors, featuring rigorous explosion-proof certifications and advanced autonomous inspection capabilities.
Chinese Billionaire and Executives Surge Following Major New Stock Market Debut
Financial markets react strongly as new public offerings mint fresh wealth and drive high-profile stock debuts across international exchange hubs.
ATBP…
📝 Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping fuels fan excitement with star-studded cast, soundtrack, and theatrical release. (Watch here)
📝 Baby dancer steals the spotlight as he hilariously copies his father marcos’ dance moves. (Watch here)
📝 Pinoy seeks refund of P8,000 after ATM mishap in Makati. (Read more)
📝 ‘KMJS’ apologizes to Pio Fadul’s family over Halloween feature. (Read more)
WORTH YOUR TIME
Survive the Metro Manila rush with real-time transit data and routes.
Sakay.ph | Navigation | The "Waze for Commuters"—it provides precise jeepney, bus, train, and even ferry routes. (Visit site: sakay.ph)
GrabExpress | Logistics | The fastest way to send a document or small package across town when you can't leave your desk. (Visit site: grab.com/ph)
Historybook: The Sacred Crocodiles
Crocodiles were called Nono (Grandfather). Tagalogs would offer them food and prayers before crossing a river, believing they were the enforcers of the river spirits.
