Impeachment & Accountability: Day 21 of Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial saw former DepEd official Michael Poa testify as a hostile witness, saying he only learned about unusual confidential-fund receipt names during congressional hearings in 2024, while acknowledging he could face liability if Duterte is found guilty. Anti-Corruption Lawmaking: The Senate approved on final reading a bill barring relatives of public officials within the fourth civil degree from government contracts, aiming to close “potential avenues for corruption” in procurement. Budget & Health Impact: House and budget discussions are raising alarms over steep cuts to the DOH and PhilHealth for 2027, with officials warning delays to hospital expansion plans and reduced funding for facility upgrades. Economy Watch: The peso hit a fresh record low near 62.565 per dollar as Middle East tensions and oil-price risks spooked markets, while analysts pointed to a stronger US dollar and inflation worries. Tax & Power Bills: The BIR is preparing a VAT-removal circular on electricity “system loss” charges after an ERC resolution, targeting mid-September implementation. Local Governance & Services: DA and Pagasa signed a deal to set up an agrometeorological station in Bukidnon to provide localized weather data for farmers and disaster preparedness. Business & Markets: Globe kept open the option of listing its data center arm via a REIT as AI-driven demand tightens capacity, while Klook said holiday travel demand should stay resilient but with tighter, more local-focused spending.