Ombudsman investigates Legarda family's alleged solar energy network

The Office of the Ombudsman initiated a preliminary investigation into Senator Loren Legarda, her son Batangas Rep. Leandro Leviste, and former Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi over the alleged "Legarda-Leviste Solar Energy Network." Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said the office will examine how the respondents allegedly conspired to secure exclusive government rights over the country's solar resources through legislative and regulatory maneuvering, resulting in more than P10.44 billion in unpaid debts after several projects were not developed as promised (via Manila Times).

Cardinal questions Pax Silica benefits to Filipinos. Caloocan Bishop Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David raised concerns about whether the government's AI hub project would genuinely benefit Filipinos or primarily serve external interests. He asked: "Will Pax Silica help build Filipino scientific capability, technological innovation, and industrial resilience?" The cardinal emphasized the need for transparency, technology transfer, and meaningful Filipino participation in the initiative, grounding his concerns in papal teachings on human dignity and international fraternity (via GMA News Online).

Kia Philippines rolled out a hybrid-exclusive Sportage lineup featuring a 1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid powertrain paired with a 1.49-kWh lithium-ion battery, generating 235 PS and 367 Nm of torque. The EX model starts at ₱1.898 million (introductory price through July 31, regular ₱1.978 million), while the SX variant is priced at ₱2.098 million. Both models include a 12.3-inch LCD infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus an eight-year hybrid battery warranty covering up to 160,000 kilometers (via Newsbytes.ph).

The Philippine Stock Exchange index slid 1.1 percent to close at 6,236.44 on July 31 as investors cashed out ahead of inflation and GDP data releases, along with the PSEi's rebalancing next week. Services led the retreat while miners and industrials managed gains, with losers outnumbering gainers 93 to 88. Market analysts attributed the decline partly to uncertainty over Metro Manila's wage hike following a court injunction and positioning adjustments ahead of the index rebalancing. The peso, meanwhile, was forecast near P61.19 per dollar as global crude prices and Middle East tensions kept the dollar bid strong.

The Philippine Space Agency is preparing to observe Philippine Space Week from August 8 to 14 under the theme "Navigating Tomorrow," commemorating the 2019 passage of the Philippine Space Act. A public exhibit opening August 9 at Quantum Skyview in Gateway Mall 2 will feature Philippine space assets and scientific demonstrations, introducing an eight-member crew participating in an analog spaceflight simulation in Batangas in September. The week will also launch OpenDronePH, an open-access platform for drone operators, and unveil updates on MULA, the Philippines' high-resolution Earth observation satellite. Three national competitions will engage the public: the GeoGuhit GPS challenge, a poster contest on space agriculture for primary students, and an essay competition for law students on astronaut welfare frameworks. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently announced plans for a 2027 liquid-fueled sounding rocket test launch in Cagayan, positioning the province as the nation's future spaceport (via Manila Times).

Philippine tennis star Alex Eala advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open in Washington after defeating defending champion Leylah Fernandez of Canada 6-1, 7-6 in the round of 16. Eala now faces Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, the world No. 10 and recent Italian Open winner, in Saturday morning's quarterfinal match. Despite being ranked 28th globally and considered an underdog, Eala holds a 1-0 head-to-head advantage over Svitolina, having won their previous encounter at the Berlin Open in June with a decisive 6-3, 6-4 victory (via Manila Times).