Monday, July 27, 2026

Senator Panfilo Lacson unveiled new evidence of double billing and multiple appropriations for single infrastructure projects in Taguig, pointing to systematic looting of public money (via Manila Times).

Vice President's trial enters third week. The impeachment case against VP Sara Duterte entered its third week as prosecutors called for focus on evidence and respect for the process, amid continuing political tensions surrounding her recent UK remarks (via Daily Tribune).

Workers oppose Pax Silica land grab fears. Labor groups pressed concerns that the proposed tech and industrial zone in New Clark City could worsen existing land disputes and labor issues for farming communities, calling for stricter safeguards (via Interaksyon).

The Philippines and Chile completed negotiations for their first-ever Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, making it the country's maiden free trade accord with a Latin American nation and unlocking new export and investment channels (via Philippine News Agency).

US tariff shadow lingers. The US trade representative flagged that 34.28 percent of Philippine exports valued at roughly $6.25 billion may face a new 12.5 percent duty over forced-labor compliance concerns, though Malacañang rejected the assessment, citing strong anti-trafficking policies (via BusinessWorld).

Sarangani saw two fatalities from sudden flash floods as the southwest monsoon dumped heavy rain across the Mindanao region and the Visayas, overwhelming riverbanks and catching residents off guard (via Inquirer).

Batac City shelters 800 families. Nearly 800 families in Batac City received government assistance after floodwaters forced evacuations, with local authorities providing temporary shelter and relief goods as water levels slowly receded (via Inquirer).

Outlook stays unsettled. The southwest monsoon is forecast to persist through the rest of July, with scattered thunderstorms expected across the central and southern regions, though Typhoon Kiyapo has exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility (via PAGASA).

The completed Philippines-Chile trade agreement represents a strategic economic win, creating pathways to South American markets and signaling Manila's commitment to trade diversification beyond US and Asian routes (via PNA).

Pax Silica zone raises concerns. The proposed Golden Node tech and industrial complex in New Clark City is drawing scrutiny from labor advocates over land rights and employment protections, forcing officials to address workforce integration and community safeguards (via Interaksyon).

The peso is forecast to hover around P61.65 per dollar on July 27, continuing its slide toward record lows as Middle East tensions and elevated crude keep investors cautious and the dollar bid strong (via exchange rates agencies).

Stock market stays flat. The PSEi remains anchored near the 6,280 level, with trading staying thin as profit-taking and foreign outflows keep momentum muted and buyers sidelined (via PSE Market Report).

Oil companies are set to roll out fresh increases on July 28, with diesel expected to climb P6 to P6.50 per liter and gasoline by P5.50 to P6, as Brent crude hovers near $100 and supply concerns from the Strait of Hormuz keep pressure on global markets (via Philstar).

Alex Eala drew defending Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen of China in her first-round singles match at the Mubadala Citi DC Open on July 27, a rematch against the player who denied her gold at the 2023 Asian Games semifinal (via Philstar).

Venus partnership called off. The reported doubles pairing between Eala and 42-year-old Venus Williams did not materialize, with the Filipina focusing solely on singles as she ramps up her North American hardcourt campaign ahead of the US Open (via ESPN).

NLEX stays unbeaten. The Road Warriors defeated San Miguel 110-96 on July 26 to extend their perfect run to 4-0 in the PBA Governors' Cup, with Dequan Jones scoring 27 points and seizing the Group A lead (via Manila Bulletin).

ABS-CBN launched three new primetime series on July 27: Coco Martin's Sigabo airing at 8 p.m., Someone Someday starring Kathryn Bernardo, James Reid, and Maja Salvador at 8:45 p.m., and A Secret in Prague with Enrique Gil and Andrea Brillantes at 9:30 p.m. on TV5 (via Lion Heart TV).

TiktoClock marks four years. The ABS-CBN noontime show celebrated its 4th anniversary with a "Four The Win" special, drawing audience participation and celebrity guests (via GMA Entertainment).

Voice Kids gets new coaches. Dingdong Dantes expressed enthusiasm over Yeng Constantino and Gloc-9 joining The Voice Kids, signaling a creative refresh for the talent competition (via GMA Entertainment).

July's dining radar features an influx of new openings, with renowned chefs bringing specialized menus and Filipino-inspired dishes to Metro Manila venues, ranging from fine-dining tasting menus to casual fusion concepts (via Tatler Asia).

Coffee festival brews up. The Manila Coffee Festival 2026 returned as a three-way collaboration with Coffee Expo Manila and the Biyaya Sustainable Living Festival, bringing together local roasters, culture, and conscious commerce (via Interaksyon).

The Private Sector Advisory Council is pushing the Pax Silica initiative, a proposed 4,000-acre tech and industrial zone in New Clark City designed as a magnet for tens of billions in semiconductor and advanced manufacturing investment, though labor groups are raising land and employment safeguard concerns (via Manila Times).