Good morning. Former rivals are finding common ground, but the money behind it is drawing questions. Malacañang says Marcos considers Robredo and local leaders allies as funding for LGUs could reach a record. The Philippines faces weaker growth, locally made EVs gain support, and AI reaches classrooms and daily tasks.

Stay Sharp.

Former political rivals may now be on the same side, at least when local development is involved.

Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. considers Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo and all local chief executives allies, regardless of political color. Palace press officer Claire Castro said criticism is welcome when it helps the administration but distinguished constructive critics from “obstructionists.”

Why it matters: The statement came as Castro defended the proposed ₱58.32 billion Local Government Support Fund for 2027, slightly above 2026’s ₱57.88 billion. She cited Robredo’s call to expand the fund and Naga’s ₱32 million rice assistance.

The big picture: While the Palace presents the fund as support for LGUs, watchdogs warn its rapid growth could encourage political patronage before the 2028 elections.

The Philippines continues to rank among the world's biggest snack consumers, with 95% of Filipinos eating morning or afternoon snacks and only 5% skipping them, one of the lowest skip rates globally. The trend highlights snacking's growing role in daily nutrition and consumer spending.

PH Growth Seen Among ASEAN's Weakest

Moody's Analytics expects the Philippine economy to post the second-weakest growth among the ASEAN-5 through 2027, citing persistently high inflation, elevated interest rates, and weaker consumer and business spending. Slower investment and domestic demand are expected to weigh on the country's economic recovery.

Government Pushes Locally Made EVs

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government will support the development of fully Filipino-made electric vehicles, including electric jeepneys and tricycles, to reduce dependence on imported fuel. The initiative aims to strengthen local manufacturing, create jobs, and accelerate the country's shift toward cleaner transportation.

SEC Defends Binance Sandbox Entry

The Securities and Exchange Commission clarified that Binance-linked participation in its regulatory sandbox does not constitute approval to operate in the Philippines. The sandbox allows controlled testing of financial innovations under regulatory oversight, while existing enforcement actions and licensing requirements remain fully in effect.

Country music legend Dolly Parton has died at 80, her family confirmed. The Grammy-winning singer leaves behind a decades-long legacy in music, film, philanthropy, and global entertainment. (Read more)

Team Falcons, ONIC Set Early MPL Pace

Team Falcons PH and ONIC PH opened MPL Philippines Season 18 with statement victories, defeating reigning contenders to emerge as the early teams to beat in the new season. (Read More)

Fyang Smith Faces Fresh Backlash

Fyang Smith drew renewed criticism after remarks during the Star Magic All-Star Games circulated online, sparking debate among fans and adding to her recent string of controversies. (Read More)

DepEd launched Project LIGTAS+, an AI-powered platform that provides localized hazard data to help schools make faster decisions on class suspensions and resumptions during emergencies. (Read more)

Robot Fish Scales Up for Different Waters

Researchers developed ScaFi, a robotic fish that can be built in different sizes, allowing scientists to explore shallow creeks, streams, and lakes while studying aquatic environments more safely. (Read more)

ChatGPT Can Now Handle Tasks Without Seeing Passwords

ChatGPT can complete tasks like booking flights, checking insurance, and rescheduling deliveries through a secure browser while keeping users’ login credentials hidden from the AI model. (Read more)

Vine-inspired app brings back six-second videos

Divine, a new app inspired by Vine, features six-second looping videos and has already attracted around 100,000 users while banning AI-generated content from its platform. (Read more)

NASA Prepares New Telescope to Study Universe

NASA is preparing to launch the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which will study dark matter, dark energy, gravity, and thousands of planets beyond our solar system.

Dolphins Use Sea Shells as Tools to Catch Fish

Researchers in Queensland recorded bottlenose dolphins using large sea shells to catch fish, with footage suggesting calves may learn this behavior by observing their mothers.

Study Shows Vaccine Works Without Refrigeration

A new experimental tetanus-diphtheria vaccine remained effective after a year at temperatures up to 30°C, potentially making vaccination easier in areas without reliable cold storage.

Implant May Help the Body Clock Recover From Jet Lag Faster

Scientists developed an experimental implant that releases leptin to help animals adjust faster to disrupted sleep schedules. Researchers say the treatment could someday benefit travelers and shift workers.

⚖️ Lachica said he is prepared to testify if summoned, insisting he will tell the truth before the impeachment court. (Read more)

🐐 Drunk man allegedly hacked and threw three goats in Camarines Sur, leaving the animals injured before authorities arrested him. (Read more)

🏛️ Escudero urged senator-judges to remain fair and neutral, while enforcing disclosure rules through the impeachment trial's two-strike policy. (Read more)

⚖️ Vice President Sara Duterte challenged prosecutors to prove impeachable offenses with evidence instead of relying on insults and accusations. (Read more)

🚔 A first-year college student in Cebu was arrested and charged after joking about having a bomb during a campus security inspection, violating the Anti-Bomb Joke Law. (Read more)

At least 31 people have died after a massive flash flood and mudslide hit Nepal and Tibet. About 400 travelers remain missing, including 291 foreign nationals.

Japan Introduces “Human Fridge” To Beat Extreme Heat

A phonebooth-sized cooling machine is helping Japanese workers recover from extreme heat. More than 300 units have been sold to construction sites, factories, and warehouses since April.

China Regulates AI Companions Over Fears They Could Replace Human Relationships

China has introduced rules restricting AI companions amid concerns they may foster emotional dependence, worsen loneliness, and discourage young people from pursuing marriage and family life.

📝 Massive dust cloud engulfs Senate complex as powerful winds sweep Pasay City. (Watch here)

📝 Twitch streamers witness breathtaking bear salmon hunt just feet away in Alaska.(Watch here)

📝 LTO pressed to act after delivery rider allegedly struck by drunk driver. (Read more)

📝 Aklan forestry students use leaves instead of paper for quiz. (Read more)