Philippines files WPS maritime claim with UN as geopolitical tensions rise

The Philippines filed an official nautical chart with the United Nations on July 29, formally establishing its maritime entitlements around Scarborough Shoal under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (via Manila Times). The chart, "Bajo de Masinloc and Approach," was presented by Ambassador Enrique Manalo and prepared by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority using internationally recognized standards. The filing creates a permanent legal record claiming a 12-nautical-mile territorial sea and 24-nautical-mile contiguous zone. China immediately denounced the move, calling it illegal and null.

Lacson alleges 33% kickback scheme on DPWH Taguig projects. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson claimed Department of Public Works and Highways infrastructure projects in Taguig involved kickback schemes reaching as high as 33% per contract, forcing contractors to deliver substandard or nonexistent work (via GMA News Online). Lacson said the evidence is documented with contract IDs and money trails already submitted to the Ombudsman. He alleged four slope protection projects used identical geotagged photographs as proof of completion despite being separate contracts.

COA auditors to testify on Sara's confidential fund spending. The Office of the Ombudsman will hear from Commission on Audit auditors regarding how Vice President Sara Duterte's office spent millions in confidential funds (via Manila Times). The prosecution phase of the impeachment case advances as documents surface detailing fund allocation.

Tropical Depression Luis developed from a low-pressure area on August 1 evening and became the Philippines' 12th tropical cyclone of 2026 (via GMA News Online). The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 over Polillo Islands, eastern Camarines Norte, and northern Catanduanes. Luis is moving westward over the Philippine Sea with maximum sustained winds of 55 km/h and gusts up to 70 km/h, forecast to intensify into a tropical storm within 24 hours.

Super Typhoon Dolphin poses potential Philippine entry threat. PAGASA said it is not ruling out the possibility of Super Typhoon Dolphin entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility, though uncertainty remains about its track (via GMA News Online). The agency is monitoring the system's movement closely as it approaches the region.

Cybersecurity has become a national concern requiring coordinated action between government, law enforcement, businesses, and consumers, according to the Bank of the Philippine Islands (via Newsbytes.ph). Rising digital threats demand urgent alignment as 70% of Philippine businesses may be inadequately investing in IT security despite escalating cyber risks.

Whizkey launches managed IT services in Philippines. Whizkey Technology Services Inc. entered the country's managed IT services market on August 1, founded by the owners of Global Sapphire Filipinas, a systems integrator operating locally for over two decades (via Newsbytes.ph). The company offers data center modernization, virtualization, multi-site networking, cybersecurity, cloud systems, and database solutions led by CEO Mary Ann Palad.

BYD expands electrified vehicle options. Chinese automaker BYD expanded its Philippine lineup with battery-electric and hybrid options including the Atto 2 and Seal 5 DM-i, introducing competitive pricing for electrified transportation (via Newsbytes.ph).

Google expands Gemini Spark AI agent to Asia-Pacific. Google rolled out its Gemini Spark AI agent to the Asia-Pacific region, bringing AI-powered automation tools closer to Philippine users and businesses (via Newsbytes.ph).

Katrina Llegado won the Miss Supranational 2026 crown, delivering the Philippines its second title from the pageant (via GMA News Online). Miss Supranational 2013 Mutya Datul praised Llegado's achievement, celebrating the Filipino talent that captured the international stage.

DOLE tightens rules on children in entertainment. The Department of Labor and Employment issued formal guidelines regulating children under 15 years working in entertainment, establishing clearer protections and standards for minors in the industry (via GMA News Online).

Philippine tennis champion Alex Eala delivered a stunning semifinal performance, dismantling world No. 3 Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2 to advance to the Mubadala DC Open final in Washington on August 2 (via Philstar.com). Eala capitalized on Osaka's error-filled play, winning with clinical efficiency in her third consecutive straight-set victory of the tournament. The 28th-ranked Filipino now faces top-seeded Jessica Pegula in the championship match, booking her first WTA 500 final and her biggest hard-court success to date (via Sports Inquirer).