Power Costs: Quezon province priest Fr. Warren Puno welcomed Meralco’s August rate cut but said it’s too small for real relief, urging long-term reforms for an affordable, clean, and fair power system. Budget Watch: The DBM submitted the 2027 national budget to Congress at P7.2T, with flood control funding back in the plan and education getting the biggest slice; lawmakers also flagged concerns over social spending priorities. Public Works & Flooding: Flood control spending was restored after being removed from this year’s budget, as DPWH gets a major allocation for resilience projects. Labor & Wages: A Pasig court TRO on the first tranche of the Metro Manila P85 minimum wage hike is being challenged, with lawmakers asking the Supreme Court to review it. Housing & Social Protection: SSS targets over P250B in benefits this year while expanding digital services, and Pag-IBIG reported a 24% jump in first-half net income to P41.35B. Politics & Accountability: COA auditor testimony in VP Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial questioned whether confidential funds were properly justified and used. Business & Markets: PSEi rebounded as investors looked for a less aggressive BSP stance; Jollibee posted record Q2 profit, while ACEN’s first-half earnings surged on stronger generation and sales.