AGP Executive Report

GIDA Schools Act: President Marcos signed RA 12321 to upgrade “last mile” and geographically isolated and disadvantaged public schools, mandating classrooms, electricity, clean water, roads, and internet; the law takes effect after publication (Aug. 6). SONA Watch: Ahead of Marcos’ 5th SONA on July 27, lawmakers and groups are pushing for results—education continuity, anti-graft reforms, and faster economic action—while consumer groups plan a “Sona ng Sambayanan” focused on power bills and cost-of-living strain. Power & Energy: Senate Resolution No. 535 seeks an inquiry into electricity price hikes; DoE is drafting terms for GEA-7 offering 2,020 MW of Mindanao solar and run-of-river hydro, plus a separate natural gas auction targeted for Q4. Labor: NCR’s first tranche of the P85 daily wage hike took effect July 25, benefiting about 1.1M workers, with the second tranche set for Jan. 20, 2027. Agri-Food: DA says higher budgets are driving farm output gains and pushes solar irrigation to blunt El Niño impacts; PCA flags a P1.26B funding gap for coconut replanting. Industry & Trade: PEZA approved 22 projects in Central Visayas in the first seven months, lifting nationwide approvals to P151.9B; PH also moves on trade with Chile. Defense & Tech: Teodoro orders expansion of AFP direct commissioning to recruit more tech specialists, including for cyber operations. Local Culture & Innovation: UP researchers developed ROAM, a Filipino-made air quality monitor; Cotabato’s Blaan weaving gets renewed attention as craft preservation meets new futures.

Defense Modernization: DND chief Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. orders AFP to expand its Direct Commission Program to pull in more specialists in cyber, AI, engineering, aviation, comms, and R&D—aimed at building a more technologically capable force. Labor & Wages: NCR’s first tranche of the P85 daily minimum wage hike took effect July 25, lifting pay by P60 for non-agri and by P60/P718 for covered agriculture, service, retail, and small manufacturing firms; a second tranche follows Jan. 20, 2027. Trade Shock for Exporters: US imposes a 12.5% tariff on Philippine exports under forced-labor rules; Philippine exporters in Cebu urge government talks with USTR and better compliance systems to protect SMEs and jobs. Agriculture Pressure Ahead of SONA: Farmers’ groups and lawmakers say Marcos’ fifth SONA must translate promises into real agrarian reform and food security results as rice yields lag and import dependence rises. Anti-Graft Case: The Ombudsman files 14 graft counts vs Uswag Ilonggo Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr. over alleged conflict-of-interest ties to DPWH-linked contracts. Environment & Trade Compliance: Customs in Subic prevents unloading of suspected US e-waste containers, placing them on “retain on board” status under a precautionary approach. Blue Crab Export Update: Agriculture chief Tiu Laurel says the Philippines is on track to resume US blue crab exports after being allowed to reapply for market access, with a dolphin protection monitoring task force in place. Power Rates Watch: Lawmakers and regulators continue pushing for audits and accountability as electricity costs and pass-through charges remain under scrutiny.

Ombudsman vs Lawmaker: The Office of the Ombudsman filed 14 graft counts before the Sandiganbayan against Uswag Ilonggo Rep. James “Jojo” Ang Jr., alleging he had a stake in a construction firm that won P214M in DPWH contracts and received nearly P199M while he was in Congress. Trade & Cost Pressures: The US imposed new forced-labor Section 301 tariffs on 60 economies, with analysts warning Asia-Pacific exporters could face slower trade and job impacts. Energy & Wages: Metro Manila’s first tranche of the P85 daily wage hike took effect July 25, while fuel retailers warned diesel and gasoline may rise again next week amid Middle East supply risks. Customs & Environment: In Subic Bay Freeport, authorities prevented three vans carrying alleged US e-waste from being unloaded, placing containers on “Retain on Board” status. Agribusiness: The Philippines is on track to resume blue crab exports to the US before yearend after the US allowed reapplication for market access, with dolphin-protection monitoring steps in place. Infrastructure: DPWH is fast-tracking a temporary bypass on the Bukidnon-Davao highway after a landslide cut access, aiming to reopen the route for light vehicles and buses within weeks. Housing Industry: CREBA held a Vis-Min housing conference pushing for sustainable, affordable, and inclusive homes as investments shift outside Metro Manila.

Minimum Wage Update: Metro Manila’s first tranche of the P85 daily wage hike took effect July 25, raising non-agri workers from P695 to P755 and smaller firms’ rates from P658 to P718, with a second tranche set for Jan. 20, 2027. Energy & Transport Costs: Local oil firms warn of another fuel price increase next week as Strait of Hormuz and wider Middle East risks keep supply concerns elevated. Power Sector Scrutiny: Sen. JV Ejercito urged a comprehensive EPIRA review after DOE said PH has the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia. Logistics Push for MSMEs: DTI expanded its Supply Chain and Logistics Center by adding nine partners to improve real-time logistics info and cut shipping costs for micro, small and medium enterprises. Cybercrime Crackdown: PNP, DICT and DTI move to intensify action vs fake QR codes used in online scams. Infrastructure & Safety: DPWH fast-tracks a temporary bypass on the Bukidnon–Davao highway after a landslide, while NBI said confiscated steel bars may have been used in the Angeles City building collapse. Trade & Industry: The Philippines completed CEPA talks with Chile, setting up a new Latin America trade deal. Education Access: Sen. Loren Legarda hailed the signing of the GIDA Schools Act to expand schooling for remote communities. Mining Opposition: Bishops in Samar urged LGUs to reject mining, warning exploration can lead to large-scale extraction.

Philippine Trade & Jobs: The US placed the Philippines in a 12.5% tariff bracket over alleged gaps in enforcing forced-labor safeguards, raising fears among exporters of weaker orders and job losses. Foreign Investment & Industry Zones: PEZA approved about ₱151.9B in investment pledges in the first seven months—up 67% year-on-year—backed by export-oriented manufacturing projects expected to create 26,047 direct jobs. Energy Costs & Grid Stability: Meralco is still buying expensive gas-fired power to keep Luzon stable after a DOE directive, underscoring how supply decisions can hit consumer rates. Currency & Inflation Pressure: The peso slid to a record low near ₱61.84 per US dollar as oil prices and US-Iran tensions stoked inflation fears. Infrastructure & Governance: DPWH-NCR warned the public about scammers posing as a district engineer to solicit money from contractors. Construction Safety: NBI initial findings in the Angeles City building collapse point to use of confiscated steel bars, with a fuller report expected on substandard materials. Education Access: Senator Loren Legarda hailed the signing of the GIDA Schools Act to expand schooling for remote, underserved communities. Maritime Disruptions: Tropical Storm Kiyapo triggered ferry cancellations in parts of Bohol, Masbate, Eastern Leyte and Samar as ports issued no-sail advisories. Mining & Rights: Human-rights groups condemned cyberlibel complaints filed by a mining firm against community leaders in Nueva Vizcaya, calling it harassment tied to opposition to “destructive corporate mining.”

Infrastructure Probe: Sen. Erwin Tulfo said the Senate blue ribbon committee may review Sen. Ping Lacson’s findings on alleged “ghost” Taguig public works, including possible “double appropriation” of two P100M slope-protection items under the 2025 GAA, with a possible resumption after Marcos’ SONA. South China Sea Diplomacy: Marcos spoke with US President Trump, who said he will raise PH concerns with China ahead of Xi’s next meeting; the Palace said the goal is to reset ties and prevent repeat Ayungin incidents. AI Supply-Chain Push: BCDA says the US-led Pax Silica hub could generate up to P180B in annual revenues and nearly 200,000 jobs, while critics question risks tied to the Luzon economic security zone. Energy & Agriculture: Marcos inaugurated Palawan’s Ibato-Iraan SRIP (P866.2M) to boost irrigation for 1,072 hectares; meanwhile, Negros Occidental deployed biocontrol fungi to curb red-striped soft scale insects in sugarcane. Digital Economy & IP: A consumer group urged Marcos to prioritize the Site Blocking Bill to speed up action against piracy sites. FMCG Deal: Wipro Consumer Care will buy TTK Healthcare’s Good Home and EVA brands for Rs 256 crore, expanding home and personal care. Security & Shipping Costs: Middle East tensions around Red Sea shipping pushed oil above $100, adding pressure to regional trade and energy costs.

Anti-Epal Enforcement: DSWD chief Rex Gatchalian said no public officials will be present during Social Pension payouts, warning agencies to follow the Anti-Epal rule or face program rollbacks. Education Infrastructure Push: Sen. Loren Legarda urged Congress to prioritize the 2027 budget for classroom construction and repairs, citing a projected classroom backlog of over 165,000 (and rising). Power Rate Oversight: Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian called for stronger ERC powers to audit not just distribution fees but also generation pass-through costs as fuel prices pressure electricity bills. Energy Security & Jobs: BCDA CEO Joshua Bingcang said the US-led Pax Silica hub could generate up to P180B yearly and nearly 200,000 jobs, while Makabayan lawmakers warned it may strain the grid and push rates higher. Middle East Shock to Livelihoods: DBM identified P22.79B in savings to fund expanded Uplift Assistance for farmers, workers, commuters and OFWs hit by the conflict. Disaster Readiness: House Speaker Bojie Dy urged a shift to proactive El Niño preparedness as drought and floods disrupt food and farm output. Local Flooding: Cebu City saw renewed habagat flooding in multiple barangays, blamed on long-standing drainage issues. Agribusiness Support: Taiwan-backed microfinancing is aiding garlic incubatees in Ilocos Norte, with grants for startups and product commercialization. Livestock Quarantine: Authorities intercepted 40 undocumented hogs entering Bohol from Cebu, citing missing ASF-negative tests and permits. ESG Recognition: Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards named 30 sustainability initiatives, with Gold and Grand Winner picks advancing Philippine ESG efforts.

PH-US Economic Security: President Marcos met US Sec. of State Marco Rubio in Malacañang, reaffirming ties and discussing the Pax Silica initiative, including a first Economic Security Zone in Clark and logistics/energy upgrades tied to the Luzon Economic Corridor. ESG & Water Resilience: Inquirer Group recognized 2026 Inquirer ESG Edge Impact Awards winners, spotlighting sustainability projects across environment, social, and governance; separately, Manila Water’s Clark unit rolled out an El Niño Mitigation Plan to protect supply amid dry conditions. Local Industry & Jobs: BARMM’s Talitay women and youth producers turned banana chips into a livelihood engine with support from MAfAR, FAO, and Australia. Transport Disruption: DOTr will provide free rides in select Metro Manila routes during Manibela’s two-day strike (July 22-23) as commuters brace for fare and oil-price pressures. South China Sea Legal Push: Former SC justice Antonio Carpio said China can’t block PH construction at Ayungin Shoal, citing the 2016 arbitral ruling and PH EEZ rights. Middle East Shipping Risk: Rubio warned ASEAN that Iran’s Strait of Hormuz toll demands would set a dangerous precedent, as US-Iran strikes and Red Sea disruptions keep oil risks elevated.

Infrastructure Watch: DOTr says a new stretch of SLEx Toll Road 4 will start operating before year-end, cutting travel from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Tiaong, Quezon from about 2 hours to 30 minutes once Package A to C opens, with full TR4 operations targeted by November–December. Energy & Cost Pressures: A think tank warns inflation may stay sticky as Metro Manila’s record P85 wage hike hits harder than expected while US-Iran tensions keep oil prices volatile and the peso weak. Power Rates Alarm: DOE flags June electricity rates as the highest in ASEAN, warning of another bill shock—especially if Middle East hostilities push energy costs higher. Transport Protest: Manibela announces a 2-day strike (July 22–23) over double-digit diesel and kerosene hikes, urging other PUV groups to join and calling out DOE for not policing oil firms. Finance & Markets: With revamped PSEi inclusion rules, analysts see Maynilad as a likely August replacement and say AboitizPower and Synergy Grid could qualify under new criteria by February next year. Cybersecurity: Maya and GCash warn ransomware, phishing, and AI-enabled social engineering are major threats, even as they roll out AI-based defenses. Agriculture & Fisheries: DA chief inspects a Bulan Fish Port ice plant in Sorsogon and plans to expand it into a five-hectare agro-marine industrial port by 2028 to cut post-harvest losses. Trade & Investment Push: Foreign investors urge Marcos to fast-track 12 key reforms ahead of his penultimate SONA, aiming to address structural gaps that slow investment inflows. Geopolitics With Local Impact: US Sec. of State Marco Rubio tells ASEAN Iran’s Strait of Hormuz control would set a dangerous precedent, as strikes continue and shipping risks feed back into energy and logistics costs.

Power & Transport Pressure: The DOE warned electricity bills may stay high as Middle East tensions lift fuel costs; consumer groups are weighing legal action vs DOE and ERC, while transport group Manibela staged a July 22-23 strike over diesel/kerosene double-digit hikes and the lack of fare relief. Wage & Tax Relief Push: DOLE said NCR’s P85 daily wage hike will proceed (first tranche July 25), and Sen. Loren Legarda filed the KITA Act to protect workers’ take-home pay from inflation and “unfair taxes.” Education-to-Workforce: PH and Australia launched the P1.6B EQUIP program to make senior high grads job-ready via DepEd and Tesda, with possible added Australian funding. Trade & Customs Enforcement: BOC seized over P23M in misdeclared frozen agri/food imports from China, flagging possible customs and food-safety violations. Cyber/Criminal Economy: A UNODC report said Southeast Asia’s criminal networks are using tech and AI to expand scams and child exploitation. Maritime & Diplomacy: ASEAN foreign ministers met in Manila amid US-Iran and South China Sea tensions, with US Sec. of State Marco Rubio condemning China’s “dangerous” actions. Impeachment Watch: House prosecutors said a Senate court order to subpoena VP Sara Duterte’s tax and bank records is a major step for the unexplained wealth case.

Fuel & Transport Shock: Diesel and kerosene prices jumped again, with DOE allowing hikes of up to ₱10.68/liter for diesel and ₱11.77/liter for kerosene, prompting Manibela to announce a two-day transport strike on July 22-23. Education-to-Workforce Push: DepEd and Tesda, with Australia, launched the ₱1.6B EQUIP program to make senior high school graduates more job-ready through industry-driven training. Impeachment & Governance: The Senate impeachment court cleared the way for subpoenas tied to VP Sara Duterte’s bank, tax, and AMLC records in the unexplained wealth case, a key step for House prosecutors. Customs & Food Safety: The Bureau of Customs seized over ₱23M in misdeclared frozen agri and food shipments from China, flagging possible violations of customs and food safety laws. Energy Costs & Consumer Pressure: A consumer coalition said electricity burdens are rising and is studying legal action vs DOE and ERC ahead of Marcos’ SONA. Manufacturing Compliance: NBI shut down a steel plant in Pampanga and arrested executives over alleged consumer and environmental violations, affecting about 300 workers. Digital Payments Security: BSP-backed SwiftGuard rolls out real-time fraud detection to help lenders meet stricter anti-scam rules. Waste & Local Services: Baguio approved higher garbage fees to fund its 10-year solid waste plan, with automatic increases every three years. Business Expansion: Wipro Consumer Care agreed to acquire Philippines-based S Brands Consumer Care to deepen its personal care footprint in Southeast Asia.

Fuel Shock Watch: Diesel prices in Koronadal City are set to jump by up to ₱10.68 per liter Tuesday, with gasoline and kerosene also rising—prompting long lines at pumps as motorists rush to beat the hike. Impeachment & Finance: The Senate impeachment court cleared the way for subpoenas covering VP Sara Duterte’s peso bank and tax records and AMLC-related documents, while excluding foreign-currency deposits under confidentiality rules. Waste & Compliance: Sen. Loren Legarda says recent dumpsite disasters exposed failures to enforce the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, calling non-compliant facilities “dump sites,” not sanitary landfills. Energy & Solar: Solaren flags real-time monitoring as the missing layer in Philippine commercial solar systems, arguing it can prevent hidden losses and improve returns. Social Protection (UPLIFT): DSWD-CAR started P2,000 cash payouts for 53,000+ beneficiaries under UPLIFT, with distribution tied to digital wallet registration for faster follow-through. Environment: Caritas Philippines warns of coral deaths after a wastewater spill in the Tañon Strait, stressing impacts on fisheries and coastal livelihoods. ASEAN Diplomacy: ASEAN foreign ministers meet in Manila with US-Iran tensions expected to dominate talks, alongside Myanmar conflict and South China Sea issues.

Fuel & Power Shock: Motorists in Koronadal queued up ahead of Tuesday’s big fuel adjustment as diesel jumps up to ₱10.68/l, gasoline up to ₱3.65/l, and kerosene up to ₱11.77/l, while the DOE flags rising residential power costs in parts of the Visayas and northern Luzon amid grid instability and outages. Energy Security & Industry Impact: Seipi warns recurring power interruptions in the Visayas are disrupting semiconductor and electronics production, threatening schedules and competitiveness. Cash Aid Security: With UPLIFT payouts reaching millions, the PNP orders heightened security at distribution sites for 3.5M 4Ps/WGP households, 2.5M CBMS-identified families, and 1.5M low-income SSS members. Impeachment Court Moves: The Senate impeachment court granted subpoenas for VP Sara Duterte’s bank, AMLC, and tax records (with limits on foreign-currency deposits unless consent is provided), rejecting claims of “fishing expedition.” Local Food Supply: Cebu says pork supply remains sufficient despite its ASF-linked ban on Negros hogs and pork products. Research to Market: DEPDev urges SUCs to commercialize research to spur jobs and industry growth. ASEAN Diplomacy: ASEAN foreign ministers meet in Manila with West Asia conflict, Myanmar, and South China Sea tensions high on the agenda.

Power & Cost Pressures: Visayan Electric raised July household rates to a record P14.90 per kWh, though ERC let it defer part of generation costs to soften the jump. Energy Security & Markets: Renewed US-Iran tensions are pushing oil prices back above $80/bbl, raising fears of higher fuel costs and weighing on the PSEi this week. Financial System Snapshot: BSP data show Philippine financial system resources hit a record ₱37.64T in May, up nearly 10% YoY, supported by bank lending and assets. Sovereign Wealth Watch: Maharlika Investment Corp targets ₱25B in 2026 deployment and says performance is on track despite an international ranking. Gaming Crackdown: PAGCOR ordered casinos to tighten safeguards against money laundering and terrorism financing, citing elevated sector risk. Trade & Industry Deals: The Philippines is aiming to wrap EU and Chile FTA talks this year, with agriculture issues still being worked out. Logistics & Infrastructure: USTDA-linked projects align with US Indo-Pacific security priorities, including the SCMB cargo railway feasibility work. Retail Expansion: 7-Eleven operator Philippine Seven plans to keep expanding in VisMin, opening about 500 stores in 2026. Tech & Manufacturing in Clark: Inari Amertron eyes a third Clark facility to boost AI/data-center chip output and add 600 jobs. Food Security & Social Support: Malacañang said Marcos’ free rice program has reached 7 million families nationwide. Agriculture Under Strain: NIA ordered strict irrigation rationing in Ifugao’s Hapid system amid dry spell impacts.

Rice Relief & Local Sourcing: Malacañang says 7 million Filipino families have benefited from Marcos’ free rice program, with Executive Secretary Ralph Recto citing purchases from local farmers and support for agriculture. Power Costs Watch: Visayan Electric secured ERC approval to defer part of July generation costs, cutting the projected rate impact to P14.90/kWh from earlier higher levels. Fisheries Infrastructure: DA inspected the ₱132.18M Malalag Municipal Fish Port in Davao del Sur, with Phase 2 under construction for a Feb. 12, 2027 completion. Circular Economy Deal: PETValue and Republic Cement sealed a Zero Waste to Landfill partnership in Cavite, using PET recycling plus cement co-processing to divert residual plastics from landfills. OFW Protection Push: A group is developing a mobile app to digitize OFW recruitment and reduce fraud, covering pre- and post-deployment steps. Fisheries Tech Collaboration: BFAR and the British Embassy will co-host SAFET 2026 in Cebu (Sept. 8-10) to advance sustainable fisheries and emerging technologies. Maritime Safety: DFA reported 81 Filipino seafarers on four vessels safely exited the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing US-Iran tensions. Climate-Smart Farming: Japan’s Creattura is exploring alternate wetting and drying rice tech in Isabela to cut water use, emissions, and enable carbon credits. Energy Security & Diplomacy: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Manila for ASEAN ministerial meetings and Indo-Pacific talks (July 19-23). SEA Games Probe: NBI said it will continue its investigation into alleged 2019 SEA Games hosting irregularities despite renewed insults from Sen. Alan Cayetano.

Social Protection Rollout: DSWD will start this week the expanded Uplift cash aid for 3.5M 4Ps/WGP households (P2,000 one-time) plus 2.5M CBMS-identified poor/near-poor and 1.5M low-income SSS members (P2,000 monthly for six months, July–Dec), using Land Bank/GCash for 4Ps and manual payouts for WGP. Maritime Safety: DFA said four Philippine-registered vessels with 81 Filipino seafarers have safely exited the Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran tensions, with UN/IMO evacuation support already covering 136 vessels and about 2,900 seafarers. Fisheries & Food Security: Pamalakaya welcomed Iloilo and Negros Occidental moves to protect municipal waters—pushing exclusive rights for small fishers and a proposed ban on commercial fishing in provincial municipal waters. Energy Transition Finance: Landbank approved P4.05B financing for Citicore Renewable Energy’s two embedded solar-plus-battery projects in Pampanga and Nueva Ecija to cut system losses and help utilities meet clean energy targets. Agriculture Updates: BFAR opened a P5M seaweed culture lab in Pangasinan to boost seaweed propagules output; PhilRice highlighted high-zinc rice yields in Ilocos Norte as a nutrition-supporting alternative. Trade & Prices Watch: DTI said no petitions for price hikes on basic goods have been received, even as fuel-price adjustments loom.