AI & Cybersecurity: BIR and Ayala signed an MOA to build “Terry,” an AI-powered tax assistant to help tax staff retrieve and cross-check rules and issuances, while Meta pledged to remove harmful AI deepfakes and share subscriber/traffic data with Philippine authorities when threats to children are identified. Markets & FX: The peso hit a new record low of ₱62.265 per dollar as the BSP raised rates to 5%, and the PSEi slid below 6,000 amid growth worries and MSCI rebalancing. Inflation & Costs: BSP expects August inflation to stay at 5.5%–6.5%, and the CAB lifted allowable fuel surcharges from Sept. 1, likely pushing early-September airfares higher. Trade & Industry: The trade deficit widened to $5.97B in July as electronics exports rose but imports of components kept piling up; ICTSI agreed to buy a port and cargo operator across Mozambique, Namibia and South Africa. Energy & Infrastructure: DOE and PNOC moved to speed offshore wind land/permit processing; ACEN and Yanara secured a P2.3B loan for a Pangasinan solar farm. Governance & Justice: Ombudsman actions targeted alleged unfinished road projects (P80.61M) and a separate ₱77M “non-existent” flood control project, while it also questioned Sen. Loren Legarda’s extended medical leave amid an investigation. Public Services & Social Support: PCSO reported ₱97.84B in contributions to the national government (2022–first semester 2026), and DepEd is set to strengthen its ARAL reading program after strong first-year gains.