Inflation Fight & Markets: The BSP raised its key rate by 25 bps to 5% as inflation cools but stays above target, pushing the peso to a fresh record low near ₱61.888:$1 and dragging the PSEi down toward the 6,000 level. Airfare Watch: The CAB set fuel surcharge Level 13 for Sept. 1–15, meaning higher allowable add-ons for domestic and international flights. Waste Management Push: DILG chief Jonvic Remulla wants amendments to the Local Government Code to shift garbage collection into regional, more efficient programs. Budget & Governance: Lawmakers and business groups are pressing for transparency in the 2027 P7.2-trillion budget, while concerns also swirl around funding for GOCCs and agencies like PCO and IBC-13. Disaster Resilience: Project NOAH got a P1-billion boost for better hazard mapping and equipment, but researchers say more support is needed to reach more LGUs. Renewables & Energy Security: PNB backed a solar-plus-battery project in Iloilo, while EastWest eyes about P9B via a stock rights offering to fund expansion. Local Economy & Food Prices: Monsoon rains hit Benguet vegetable farms hard, with large farm losses that can ripple into Metro Manila prices. Justice & Rights: A UN working group backed claims of arbitrary detention in a Tacloban case, renewing calls for releases. Education & Inclusion: PSA’s first Multidimensional Poverty Index shows 12.4% of households face multiple deprivations beyond income, highlighting gaps in health, education, housing, and jobs.