BSP Considers Further 25-Basis-Point Rate Cut Amid Economic Developments

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Eli Remolona Jr. indicated on Tuesday that the central bank is contemplating an additional 25-basis-point cut in the key policy rate at its upcoming monetary policy meeting. He emphasized that such a move remains under active consideration as the Monetary Board reviews early second-quarter economic growth data alongside inflation figures for July. Remolona highlighted that recent clarifications on tariff matters have contributed positively to the outlook. Specifically, the US administration agreed to reduce tariffs on Philippine exports from a previously threatened 20 percent to 19 percent, while exempting various sectors from tariffs on goods imported from the Philippines, thereby moderating the overall economic impact. "The tariff situation has been clarified a bit, which is helpful," Remolona said, noting that despite the modest tariff changes, the BSP can sustain its accommodative monetary policy stance. He added, "We're not a large trading economy, so this limits the overall impact on us." Global economic growth has shown signs of deceleration, which could influence domestic economic conditions; however, decreases in oil prices are expected to support inflation management, the central bank chief remarked. The BSP’s Monetary Board has implemented two rate cuts this year after a brief pause in February, currently setting the benchmark interest rate at 5.25 percent. Governor Remolona previously suggested the possibility of up to two additional reductions before the end of 2025. The next Monetary Board meeting is scheduled for August 28, with subsequent meetings planned for October 9 and December 11. Following a first-quarter gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 5.4 percent—which lagged behind the initial target range of 6.0 to 8.0 percent and prompted a downward revision to 5.5-6.5 percent for the year—Remolona expressed optimism about an improvement in the second quarter. "We expect growth to be around 5.5 percent for April to June," he stated. The Philippine Statistics Authority is set to release preliminary second-quarter GDP data on August 7, while July inflation statistics will be reported on August 5.

Study Reveals Barriers Prevent Filipino Youth From Reporting Online Sexual Abuse Amid Global Crisis

A recent study highlights significant obstacles preventing Filipino children and youth from reporting incidents of online sexual abuse, despite widespread awareness of child protection services. The report, published in June 2025, reveals that while nine out of ten young Filipinos know where to seek help, only one-third actually do so due to fears of shame (78%), exposure of identity (65%), and lack of trust in adults or authorities (60%). Joe-Anna Abelinde, country director of research partner Terre des Hommes (TDH), emphasized the unexpected nature of these findings, stating, \"We initially thought children didn’t know who to reach out to, but the real issue lies in bridging the gap between awareness and reporting.\" She described the findings as a wake-up call for community outreach initiatives. The study reiterates the Philippines' position as a global epicenter of livestreamed child sexual abuse, citing previous estimates that two million Filipino children were victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation in 2021 alone. This extensive research, co-funded by the European Union’s Project CONEC and supported by TDH Netherlands, Philippines Against Child Trafficking, and other local NGOs, involved surveys of 896 young Filipinos aged 10 to 24 across Bohol, Cebu, and Taguig, alongside interviews with community members, corporate representatives, and government officials. Special attention was given to LGBTQ+ children, who face heightened risks and unique barriers. Sixty-five percent of respondents from this group admitted they avoid reporting abuse due to fear of being outed, despite 65% having experienced some form of online sexual abuse — significantly higher than their heterosexual counterparts. Abelinde noted, \"For LGBTQ+ youth, the difficulty is compounded by concerns over their identities being disclosed, making them less likely to come forward.\" The study also revealed that a vast majority of cases remain unreported; among 169 unreported incidents, 59% involved girls while 9% involved LGBTQ+ youth. The report attributes part of this to peer pressure among girls and a tendency for LGBTQ+ children to seek validation in online communities. Poverty exacerbates the problem, particularly amid the COVID-19 pandemic when many families lost their incomes. Abelinde remarked, \"Hunger became a primary driver of online sexual abuse images and livestreaming during the pandemic; some families viewed it as a necessary means to survive.\" She further dispelled misconceptions that abuse without physical contact is less harmful, stressing that \"psychological trauma inflicted by online abuse is profound and lasting.\" Complex family dynamics add to the difficulty in reporting, as abuse often occurs within families or is perpetrated by trusted community adults. Fear of blame and judgment, especially among LGBTQ+ youth, discourages disclosure to parents. Abelinde stressed the need for more nuanced laws addressing intrafamilial abuse and comprehensive survivor support. Highlighting legal challenges, Abelinde pointed out difficulties in prosecuting overseas perpetrators and platform operators due to jurisdictional limits. \"Online exploitation transcends borders, but our legal systems do not. This hampers efforts to identify offenders and eradicate abuse.\" The report advocates for a holistic, trauma-informed approach to child protection policies that actively recognize diverse gender identities, provide peer-based support models, and eliminate fear among victims seeking assistance. Abelinde concluded, \"OSAEC is rapidly evolving — shifting from platforms like Facebook and Twitter to TikTok and Telegram. Legislative responses must keep pace to effectively combat this issue.\" Reports of child abuse can be made through the Department of Social Welfare and Development hotline at 734-4216, the Commission on Human Rights Child Rights Center at 927-4033, and the Department of Justice Task Force on Child Protection at 523-8481 to 89. Local barangay councils for the protection of children also accept reports.

AFP Confirms Persistent Chinese Naval Presence in West Philippine Sea Despite Recent Weather Disruptions

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has confirmed an ongoing significant deployment of Chinese maritime forces in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), even after a temporary disruption caused by adverse weather conditions. Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad, AFP spokesperson for the West Philippine Sea, revealed in a weekly report covering July 21 to 27 that 23 Chinese vessels, comprising both China Coast Guard (CCG) and People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) ships, continue to operate within the country’s territorial waters. Trinidad provided a detailed breakdown of the vessels’ distribution: seven Chinese Coast Guard and seven PLAN ships are stationed at Bajo de Masinloc; four Coast Guard and two PLAN vessels at Ayungin Shoal; one PLAN ship at Sabina Shoal with no Coast Guard presence; and one Coast Guard and one PLAN ship at Pag-asa Island, summing to a total of 23 vessels. The spokesperson also noted that between July 19 and 21, harsh weather due to Typhoon Crising and a strengthened southwest monsoon forced Chinese maritime forces in Bajo de Masinloc to temporarily retreat to ensure their safety. Despite this, the AFP maintains vigilant surveillance over the area. Rear Adm. Trinidad emphasized the military’s steadfast dedication to safeguarding the Philippines’ sovereign rights and upholding freedom of navigation within the region amid ongoing tensions.

Bacolod City Imposes P1.68 Million Penalties on Garbage Hauler for Contract Violations

The City Government of Bacolod has levied penalties amounting to P1.68 million against its garbage collection contractor, IPM-Construction and Development Corp. (IPM-CDC), on July 29, 2025. According to City Legal Officer Karol Joseph Chiu, the sanctions stem from multiple breaches of the firm’s contract with the local government. Chiu explained that the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (Benro) served the official notice of violations to IPM-CDC. A significant infraction involved the company’s failure to provide the mandated global positioning system (GPS) access to the City Mayor’s Office, Benro, and the Management Information Technology and Computer Services (MITCS). Additionally, IPM-CDC fell short in delivering the required number of shredders as stipulated in the contract; only one shredder was supplied instead of the agreed three. "They have incurred penalties every month due to these lapses and are obligated to fulfill their contractual duties," Chiu stated, adding that Mayor Greg Gasataya has emphasized the importance of ensuring full compliance from the hauler. The city government also requested IPM-CDC submit their garbage collection route plan to improve transparency and monitoring. A meeting with IPM-CDC officials is scheduled for August 1, 2025, to discuss these issues further. Earlier, the City had extended IPM-CDC’s contract until December 31, 2025, valued at P303 million, covering collection, hauling, and disposal of municipal waste.

House Minority Lawmakers Renew Push for National Living Wage and Abolishment of Regional Wage Boards

House minority lawmakers have revived their campaign to create a unified national wage board and impose a standardized living wage of ₱1,200 for all private sector employees nationwide. This initiative follows the failure of the 19th Congress to pass a bill that would have raised minimum wages by ₱200 across the country. On July 30, the Makabayan bloc, represented by Rep. Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers Party-list) and Rep. Renee Co (Kabataan Party-list), filed House Bill 2599, which seeks to amend the Labor Code by eliminating regional wage boards and replacing them with a central National Wages and Productivity Board. The proposed law mandates a baseline minimum wage of ₱1,200 regardless of region, a figure based on the IBON Foundation’s estimation of a living wage adequate for a family of five to afford a decent standard of living. The bill emphasizes that the national minimum wage should be "sufficient for a worker to provide their family the basic and necessary expenditures that take into consideration all of their family's physiological, social and other needs, so as to enable them to live and maintain a decent standard of living beyond mere subsistence, with adequate allowance for social security." To enforce compliance, the measure proposes penalties ranging from ₱25,000 to ₱100,000 for employers who fail or refuse to pay the mandated wage. Employers would also be required to retroactively pay unpaid wages calculated by the number of working days the increment was withheld, pay ₱50,000 in moral damages to each affected employee, and double the amount of unpaid benefits. In severe cases, employers may face imprisonment of three to five years and suspension of business permits. The lawmakers criticized the existing regional wage boards, established in 1989 during President Cory Aquino’s administration, describing them as an "irrational system" that has obstructed the establishment of fair minimum wages nationwide. The regional wage boards set different minimum wages based on local cost of living assessments, leading to considerable disparities—for example, Metro Manila’s minimum wage stands at ₱695 for non-agricultural sectors, while wages in other regions remain significantly lower. Tinio and Co highlighted that many provinces with higher estimated living wage requirements still earn less than Metro Manila. They also pointed out that the wage boards have been slow to adjust wages in response to market changes. The bill’s explanatory note contends that the prices of basic goods, such as rice and galunggong, no longer vary significantly by region, challenging the rationale behind regional wage differentiation. Since 1989, minimum wages have risen by an average of ₱381, marking a 428% increase from the ₱89 recorded then—approximately five times higher. However, the cost of essential commodities has surged even more drastically; rice prices are now around seven times more expensive, and galunggong prices have increased tenfold. The bill stresses that while wage increases have been cautious and fragmented, the costs of living have escalated sharply across all regions without substantial government measures to mitigate the impact. Additional minority lawmakers have introduced similar bills advocating for "equal pay for equal work" policies and the elimination of regional wage boards. Alongside these efforts, some legislators have refiled the previously stalled ₱200 minimum wage increase bills as the 20th Congress convenes.

NAPOLCOM Suspends 12 Police Officers Amid Investigation into Missing Cockfighting Enthusiasts

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) has enforced a 90-day preventive suspension on a dozen police officers as part of its ongoing inquiry into the disappearance of several sabungeros, or cockfighting enthusiasts. Among those suspended are Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Jay Eliab Orapa, Police Major Mark Philip Simborio Almedilla, and Police Colonel Jacinto Rodriguez Malinao Jr. This disciplinary action follows a complaint-affidavit filed on July 14 by whistleblower Julie "Dondon" Patidongan, together with the families of the missing individuals, accusing certain police personnel of involvement in the disappearances. Efforts to obtain statements from Police Colonel Malinao have so far been unsuccessful, and attempts to contact the Philippine National Police for information on other officers implicated remain unanswered. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to resolve the case and bring clarity to the allegations.

Philippine Navy Approves PHP 218M Budget for 76mm Ammunition Procurement

The Philippine Navy (PN) has designated PHP 218 million for the purchase of 1,900 rounds of 76mm caliber high explosive detonating point (HEPD) ammunition, to equip the main guns on its fleet of modern warships. According to the bid bulletin published on the PN’s official website, the total approved budget for the acquisition amounts to PHP 218,842,103.30. The successful bidder must deliver the ammunition within 400 calendar days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed. This acquisition is funded under the General Appropriations Act of 2025, drawing from the PN Appropriation Funds designated for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE). Bids will be accepted and opened at 9 a.m. on August 7 at the PN Bids and Awards Committee located in Naval Station Jose Francisco within Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. The bidding session will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing participants to join physically or via video teleconference on the Zoom platform. Submissions exceeding the approved budget will be summarily disqualified during the bid opening process. A pre-bid conference was conducted on July 24 to address queries related to the project. The 76mm gun serves as the principal main gun system on all major PN warships, including the Jacinto-class patrol vessels, Gregorio del Pilar offshore patrol ships, Conrado Yap-class corvettes, Jose Rizal-guided missile frigates, and the Miguel Malvar-class frigates, which are currently being delivered. This gun system is valued for its rapid firing capability and versatility, as it supports a range of specialized ammunition types. It is also compact enough to be mounted on smaller warships. Separately, the PN is also allocating PHP 441.18 million for the purchase of 16,000 rounds of 35mm high explosive incendiary tracer (HEI-T) ammunition. This procurement follows comparable procedures and funding sources as the 76mm ammunition acquisition. The 35mm autocannon functions as a secondary gun system across the PN’s operational fleet.

Government and Community Unite for Coastal Clean-Up Drive in Barangay 2

On August 2, various government agencies joined forces with local volunteers to conduct a coastal clean-up initiative along the shores of Barangay 2. The event aimed to enhance environmental protection and support marine conservation efforts in the area. Participants included personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Mamburao District Jail, the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, representatives from the local government unit, and residents of the community. During the clean-up, volunteers focused on gathering non-biodegradable litter such as plastic bottles, food wrappers, and other debris contaminating the coastline. The collected waste underwent proper segregation before being turned over to the local waste management office for responsible disposal. Joefrie Anglo, BJMP Mimaropa Regional Information Officer and Jail Officer 3, highlighted the significance of the activity. He said, \"This effort reflects our agency’s dedication not only to our custodial responsibilities but also to environmental preservation and public safety initiatives. By working together, we hope to motivate more members of the community to actively participate in protecting our natural resources.\" The BJMP emphasized that the clean-up aligns with its guiding principle of \"Changing Lives, Building a Safer Nation,\" underscoring the critical role of inter-agency cooperation and civic engagement in fostering environmental stewardship.

Miyu Yamashita Triumphs at Women’s British Open, Marks Major Victory for Japan

PORTHCAWL, Wales – Miyu Yamashita emerged victorious at the Women’s British Open on Sunday, finishing 11-under par at Royal Porthcawl and capturing her inaugural LPGA Tour title. At 24 years old, Yamashita became the sixth Japanese female golfer to win a major championship, and the first to secure the Women’s British Open since Hinako Shibuno’s triumph in 2019. Yamashita, who has accumulated 13 titles on the Japanese golf circuit, made a full-scale leap into the U.S. professional golf tours earlier this year. Her remarkable performance in Wales highlights her rising status on the international stage and strengthens Japan’s presence in major women’s golf competitions. Reflecting on her achievement, Yamashita stated, \"Winning my first major and LPGA event is a dream come true. I am honored to follow in the footsteps of Japanese legends and look forward to more successes ahead.\" Her breakthrough victory not only marks a personal milestone but also underscores the growing impact of Japanese golfers in global women’s golf.

Fuel Prices Set to Rise Again in Early August, Impacting Motorists Nationwide

Motorists across the Philippines should prepare for another surge in fuel costs as major petroleum retailers have declared new price adjustments effective the first week of August. Seaoil and Shell Pilipinas separately disclosed that gasoline prices will increase by P1.90 per liter. Additionally, diesel prices are expected to climb by P1.20 per liter, while kerosene will see a P1.00 rise per liter. This adjustment represents the fourth straight week of price increases for both diesel and kerosene. Typically, oil companies announce these modifications every Monday, with the changes taking effect the following day. The continuing upward trend in fuel prices is poised to further strain consumers and transportation sectors reliant on petroleum products. A gas station worker was recently observed assisting a customer along Pearl Drive on Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City amid these rising costs, highlighting the everyday impact of fluctuating fuel prices.