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Most Filipinos continue to have a negative sentiment toward China, with 64 percent saying they distrust the country amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea, an OCTA Research group survey showed.

Results of the July 4 to 11 survey released on Wednesday showed that only 14 percent of the respondents trust China, down three points from the 17 percent obtained in the first quarter of 2026.

Those who distrust China increased from 55 percent to 64 percent, while undecided respondents went down from 28 percent to 21 percent.

A majority of respondents across geographic areas and socio-economic classes also distrust the emerging Asian superpower.

‘Conducted during the week marking the 10th anniversary of the arbitral ruling, the survey indicates a renewed national shift toward distrust,’ OCTA said.

‘The July 2026 findings suggest that public opinion toward China is closely linked to developments in the West Philippine Sea and the broader information environment surrounding the dispute,’ it added.

The survey results were released just days after Philippine Navy personnel were assaulted by members of the China Coast Guard in Ayungin Shoal.

President Marcos met with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan on Tuesday to discuss the incident.

According to OCTA, the latest poll reversed a two-year decline in Filipinos’ distrust toward China.

Data showed that distrust in Beijing reached a record-high 95 percent in June and August 2024, before dropping to 85 percent in July 2025, 60 percent in December 2025 and 55 percent in March 2026.

‘One of the study’s most important implications is that Filipino public opinion toward China remains highly responsive when the West Philippine Sea becomes the focus of sustained national attention,’ the survey firm said.

‘The findings suggest that government transparency efforts, civil society engagement and responsible media reporting collectively contribute to keeping the public informed about developments affecting Philippine sovereignty and maritime security,’ it added.

Forty-eight distribution utilities (DUs), or local energy providers in the Philippines, charge consumers higher electricity rates than the record-high national average rate of P12.43 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in June, according to a study by an energy advocacy group.

The Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) gathered and analyzed the data through its electricity rate monitoring platform, PRESYO-PH, which records and ranks distribution utilities every month based on the actual price their customers pay per kWh.

The group’s analysis followed the Department of Energy’s announcement on Monday, July 20, that the Philippines now has the most expensive power rates in Southeast Asia. The country has already surpassed Singapore’s P0.09 per kWh, which used to be the highest in the region.

ICSC said, however, that the national average rate does not reflect the reality faced by most Filipino consumers, as higher residential charges from DUs indicate that most households are paying more for electricity than the benchmark.

DUs with above-average rates

ICSC records the electricity rates of 116 DUs in the Philippines. Ten of these are off-grid, while 106 are on-grid.

On-grid DUs are connected to a main transmission network and can draw or supply electricity without local battery storage. Off-grid DUs, on the other hand, operate in remote areas and islands independently of the main transmission network.

Generally, on-grid DUs are expected to charge less because they are more cost-effective than off-grid DUs, which are heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, local generation and battery storage to meet consumer demand.

However, out of the 106 on-grid DUs, nearly half, or 48, charge their customers electricity rates higher than the national average in June.

TARELCO I in Tarlac has the lowest rate among those above the national average at P12.45 per kWh, while Southern Leyte’s SOLECO charges P16.57 per kWh, the highest.

Meralco, the largest private energy company in the country, ranks ninth, charging its customers P14.48 per kWh.

Generation charge

This July, consumers are facing higher electricity charges.

Meralco alone, which holds 80% of the market share, announced on July 10 an upward adjustment of P0.3428 per kWh, bringing the overall rate to P14.8261.

This translates to an increase of P69 in the electricity bills of households consuming 200 kWh.

ICSC said generation charges consistently make up the largest portion of what consumers pay for electricity. Based on its data, generation charges account for at least 46% of the rate mix of distribution utilities, while other costs make up the rest.

The group said this indicates the country’s need to reduce its dependence on imported fuels. According to the US International Trade Administration, liquefied natural gas, a critical transition fuel in the Philippines, accounts for 22% of the country’s power generation in 2026, resulting in increased imports that make up 46% of the natural gas feedstock.

The group further emphasized that, beyond that, diversifying the country’s power mix by using indigenous renewable energy resources is also highly needed.

‘Beyond reducing exposure to imported fuel price volatility, a more diversified power mix can strengthen the country’s long-term economic competitiveness, enhance resilience to external shocks, and improve the well-being of Filipino consumers,’ ICSC’s study read.

Reigning NCAA champion Letran turned it on late to thwart the gritty Enderun Colleges, 21-25, 25-21, 25-14, 14-25, 15-4, and complete the Final Four cast in the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Judiel Nitura and Reeza Abayon joined forces down the stretch, igniting a 5-0 start en route to a dominant finish as the Lady Knights capped their campaign at 2-3 to catch the last semis bus.

Letran will take on the top-ranked UST, while NCAA runner-up St. Benilde and Australia’s Southern Storm Melbourne clash in the other semis pairing Friday.

‘Ang sinasabi ko lang sa kanila na kung ano ang itinuturo ni coach ‘yun ang dapat gawin at sundin namin. Nag-adjust kami paunti-unti kaya nakuha namin ang panalo,’ said playmaker Hizki Flores, who stabilized Letran’s offense in the decider to finish with 16 sets.

Abayon paced the Lady Knights with 17 points on 15 hits while Nitura added 14 markers, including three in Letran’s 10-3 runaway in the fifth set.

Althea Botor (14) led the way while Jasmine Salvani and Ederlyn Alba had eight and seven points, respectively, for the Lady Titans, who wrapped up their run at 1-4.

erun and Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club of Vietnam will battle in the classification match also Friday before the Final Four.

A sharper-than-expected minimum wage increase and renewed pressure from a weaker peso and volatile oil prices could keep Philippine inflation elevated for longer, complicating the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP)’s efforts to bring price growth back within target.

In a report, GlobalSource Partners country analyst Diwa Guinigundo said the simultaneous domestic and external inflation shocks could reinforce each other, creating a ‘more complicated policy environment’ for the central bank.

‘These could delay the return of inflation to target, underscoring the importance of maintaining credible monetary policy and keeping inflation expectations well anchored,’ Guinigundo said.

The National Capital Region’s approved minimum wage adjustment reached about 12 percent, twice the six-percent increase assumed in the BSP’s baseline projections.

The P85 daily increase will be implemented in two stages, with P60 taking effect on July 25 and the remaining P25 in January 2027.

The adjustment carries broader economic implications as Metro Manila accounts for the largest share of the country’s output and formal employment, according to Guinigundo.

Based on the BSP’s preliminary estimates, every additional peso in the minimum wage raises inflation by about 0.0047 percentage point. This means the full P85 increase ‘could add roughly 0.4 percentage points to inflation’ through direct or first-round effects alone.

Guinigundo said the bigger risk would come from possible second-round effects, including wage adjustments in other regions, higher production and transport expenses and increases in food and service prices.

Price pressures could become more persistent should households and businesses begin expecting inflation to remain high, prompting workers to demand higher wages and companies to pass additional labor costs on to consumers.

Meanwhile, external developments could add another layer of inflationary pressure.

BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, has projected that the peso could weaken to between P61 and P63 against the dollar. Although the effect of currency depreciation on inflation has declined, a sustained peso decline would still increase the local cost of imported fuel and food.

The country is particularly vulnerable to oil price shocks as more than 95 percent of its petroleum requirements are imported. Any prolonged disruption to oil supply could quickly translate into higher fuel, transportation and production costs, eventually feeding into consumer prices.

‘Should these shocks intensify or prove more prolonged than currently anticipated, the return of inflation to the BSP’s target range could be pushed even further into the future,’ Guinigundo said.

The former BSP deputy governor said monetary policy would likely remain cautious as the BSP balances the need to support economic activity with its primary mandate of maintaining price stability.

However, he said monetary policy alone would not be enough to address the country’s inflation problem.

‘Policy coherence, not monetary policy alone,’ he said, would determine how quickly inflation returns to low and stable levels, with the government also needing to strengthen energy security, improve food supply and raise productivity.

The Philippine National Police recently reported a 20.6-percent decline in the country’s crime rate for the second quarter of 2026 – an encouraging development that reflects the hard work of law enforcement agencies and their partners in maintaining peace and order.

At the same time, several high-profile incidents have understandably drawn significant public attention. Reports involving minors in violent crimes, including stabbing incidents, as well as the killings of motorcycle taxi riders in Caloocan and Cavite, have raised concerns about safety and security. These cases serve as a reminder that progress in public safety is an ongoing effort. Even as crime rates move in a positive direction, every serious incident has a real impact on victims, families and communities. This can also influence public perception – quite strongly if I may say.

A photo of a motorcycle taxi rider wearing a helmet with the message, ‘Buntis po ang asawa ko. Huwag niyo po sana akong saktan,’ quickly went viral on social media following reports of a rider’s killing. The image resonated with many people because it reflected broader anxieties about personal safety and the uncertainties of everyday life.

The decline in crime rates is encouraging- it represents progress and shows that many initiatives to improve public safety produce results. At the same time, the government certainly has their work cut out for them. The challenge now is to ensure that these gains are consistently felt by ordinary citizens in their daily lives, whether they are commuting to work, operating a business, sending their children to school or returning home during the late hours of the evening.

In today’s digital age, public perception is influenced not just by actual incidents on the ground but also by the speed and reach of information online. Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness, but it can also amplify fear through disinformation, misinformation and production and amplification of rage-bait content designed to provoke emotional reactions and maximize engagement.

While vigilance is important, it is equally important for the public to be discerning consumers of information and to verify facts before drawing conclusions or sharing content that may unnecessarily heighten anxiety.

Beyond public safety, there is also an important economic factor to this situation. As we know, businesses thrive in environments that are stable, secure and predictable. When a country or a community is perceived to be safe, investors are more confident about expanding operations, opening new facilities and ultimately creating jobs. This benefits not only businesses but also ordinary Filipinos who will be able to have more employment and livelihood opportunities and stronger local economies. Improvements in peace and order therefore translate into not only safer neighborhoods but also into better economic opportunities.

Singapore, for example, has built a global reputation for safety, stability and good governance, helping it become one of Asia’s leading economic hubs. The lesson is clear: when people and businesses feel secure, investments and growth often follow. Conversely, persistent misperceptions can discourage business expansion and limit job creation.

As the country continues to make progress in public safety, it is equally important to promote fact-based discourse so that confidence is built on reality and allow more opportunities, investments and economic growth to benefit Filipinos. This is why perception matters almost as much as reality.

The goal should then be to align improving crime statistics with a corresponding sense of security among the public. This requires continued transparency from authorities, prompt action on reported crimes and effective communication that helps communities understand both the challenges and the progress being made.

Of course, maintaining safe and secure cities is not the responsibility of law enforcement alone. We all have important roles to play in promoting peace and order- families, schools, local governments, businesses, civil society groups and individual citizens alike. Respect for the law, responsible citizenship and active community involvement contribute significantly to safer neighborhoods.

On the part of law enforcement, sustained police visibility and responsive policing can help reinforce public confidence. These efforts should be complemented by practical measures from local government units and barangays, such as ensuring that streetlights are operational, CCTV systems are functioning and public spaces are properly maintained and monitored.

Another issue that deserves attention is the growing visibility of youth involvement in violent incidents. Addressing this challenge requires a broader social response. Parents, educators, community leaders and policymakers must work together to provide young people with guidance, support systems and opportunities that steer them away from violence and criminal activity.

As we continue working together to strengthen public safety, promote responsible and fact-based discussions, we create an environment where businesses can invest and create jobs and we move closer to the kind of communities Filipinos aspire for. I long for the day when people can enjoy a morning walk without worry, when parents can send their children to school with complete peace of mind and when workers can travel safely at any hour of the day or night. This is the future that Filipino families deserve and look forward to: one that is secure, stable and filled with opportunity. In the end, success is measured both by lower crime rates as well as the peace of mind and better quality of life enjoyed by every Filipino.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued a clarification on the application of creditable withholding tax (CWT) to top withholding agents (TWA) amid transactions involving manufacturers and direct importers of covered goods intended for wholesale.

The BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) 79-2026 answering frequently asked questions on the 0.5-percent CWT for covered wholesale purchases, explains when the preferential rate applies and identifies documentary requirements needed to establish a supplier’s status.

The circular also outlines corrective measures when the wrong withholding tax rate has been used.

‘Through these clarifications, the BIR seeks to provide greater certainty for taxpayers while ensuring the proper and consistent application of withholding tax rules,’ the agency said in a statement.

Under the circular, the BIR explained that the 0.5-percent CWT rate applies if the supplier is either a manufacturer or a direct importer of the covered goods. It is not required that the supplier be both.

The agency said a local manufacturer that produces and sells the specified goods, even without import activity and a direct importer that brings in such goods for sale in the Philippines are subject to the preferential rate, provided the goods are covered and intended for wholesale.

It also explains how the phrase ‘intended for wholesale’ should be interpreted, as the 0.5-percent CWT is imposed on gross payments to manufacturers and direct importers of certain goods intended for wholesale.

The BIR explains that this phrase refers to the ‘nature of the sale as ordinarily undertaken by the manufacturer or direct importer in the regular course of its business, where the goods are sold primarily for resale, distribution or further commercial disposition and not for final consumption by the end-user.’

In addition, the RMC said motor vehicles imported or manufactured in completely knocked down (CKD) units are also subject to the 0.5-percent CWT.

BIR said CKD is defined as ‘completely knocked down parts and components, including sub-parts/parts and sub-assemblies/assemblies of motor vehicles for assembly into a complete unit.’

Purchases of this will be slapped with the 0.5-percent CTW, the BIR said ‘provided that the sale of such goods is made in the ordinary course of the seller’s trade or business.’

The circular likewise prescribes appropriate corrective measures when taxpayers or withholding agents apply an incorrect withholding tax rate.

These clarifications would help streamline compliance, reduce disputes and support more efficient tax administration, the BIR said.

Mobile digital-bank MariBank is now officially a digital bank, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.

In its circular dated July 22, the BSP’s Monetary Board said that it approved the request of MariBank to upgrade its banking license from a rural bank to a digital bank.

The BSP announced that the Securities and Exchange Commission approved its amended articles of incorporation and bylaws for a digital banking license on June 16.

This was followed by the Bangko Sentral governor issuing the official certificate of authority to operate on July 8, 2026, according to the BSP.

With its launch, MariBank became the seventh institution to receive a digital banking license in the Philippines.

This positions the bank alongside six other licensed entities: UNO Digital Bank, UnionDigital Bank, GoTyme Bank, Tonik Digital Bank, Maya Bank and Overseas Filipino Bank, which serves as the digital subsidiary of the state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines.

For the first time in the preseason league’s history, the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers are champions of the FilOil EcoOil Preseason Cup.

This after JRU blasted off against the reigning NCAA champions San Beda Red Lions, 74-67, Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

The Heavy Bombers kept the Red Lions at bay with huge plays down the stretch to complete a two-game sweep in the championship round.

Eventual Finals Most Valuable Player Lawrence Mangubat finished the game with 27 points, three rebounds, three assists and a steal, while Jahmir Eligado had 10 markers and nine boards in the title-clinching Game 2.

JRU led by 11, 56-45, after a layup by Eligado with 7:36 remaining.

But an 8-1 run, capped by a 3-pointer by Zedjay Etulle, closed the gap, 53-57, with 5:31 left.

Mangubat, though, hit a trey of his own and followed it up with a baseline jumper to keep their opponents at arm’s length, 62-53.

A pair of free throws by Lawrence Hawkins and a deuce by Sean Torculas off the steal, made it a five-point deficit anew, 57-62.

But both teams traded triples as San Beda kept in step with the Heavy Bombers.

With less than 40 seconds left and with the Red Lions trailing by six, 64-70, after a split from the line by Dom Sarigumba, San Beda forced a steal.

Dan Marcelo, however, was blocked by Chris Hubilla, and the rock hit Marcelo on the way out.

And while San Beda continued to pound on the door, clutch free throws by Mangubat down the stretch, as well as a clutch rebound by Ivan Panapanaan that led to the dagger freebies by Mangubat, iced the game.

The game was tight through the half, with JRU leading by just one, 29-28, after the first 20 minutes of play.

But the Heavy Bombers dropped a 23-12 third quarter to break the game wide open, 52-40, heading to the fourth.

Allan Laurenaria and Jay Garupil finished with nine points each, while Chris Hubilla had eight points, eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block.

Zedjay Etulle had 14 points and four rebounds for San Beda, while Torculas had 13 markers, seven boards and three dimes.

This is the first title of JRU in the tournament.

The Heavy Bombers last made the finals back in the first season of the competition, finishing as the runners-up to the La Salle Green Archers.

Sen. Rodante Marcoleta pleaded not guilty to the charge of plunder after his camp withdrew his motion to junk the case.

He entered the plea during a hearing at the Sandiganbayan’s Third Division yesterday.

Former congressman Michael Defensor also pleaded not guilty to violating Presidential Decree 46 before the anti-graft court’s Fourth Division. The charge stemmed from the P30 million he gave to Marcoleta ostensibly for the latter’s campaign for the Senate.

The court granted the request of Marcoleta’s lawyers to no longer pursue their motion to quash the information on the plunder charge and manifested that they consulted such decision with him.

Marcoleta confirmed he ‘voluntarily’ arrived at the decision and ‘without forced intimidation,’ according to the order read aloud by Sandiganbayan Third Division chairman Associate Justice Karl Miranda.

He and his co-accused Joseph Espiritu also entered their not guilty pleas for the case of violation of Presidential Decree 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts and private individuals from offering such.

Before the hearing was adjourned, Marcoleta’s camp asked the court to set on an earlier schedule the marking of evidence fixed from July 28 to 30 and the pre-trial on Aug. 10. They appealed for earlier schedules due to ‘humanitarian consideration’ and for the ‘speedy disposition’ of their cases.

Miranda declared both schedules were already the ‘earliest possible dates.’

The court has ordered both the prosecution and camps of Marcoleta and his three co-accused to appear in the marking of evidence from July 28 to 30 at 2 p.m. and in the pretrial on Aug. 10 at 8:30 am.

Defensor and Marcoleta ‘waived’ their right to be informed about the cases against them, according to their lawyers.

Fourth Division chairman Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi scheduled the marking of evidence on Aug. 6 at 1:30 p.m. and the pretrial on Aug. 12.

Marcoleta, Espiritu, Defensor and fellow co-accused Aristotle Viray are currently held at the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas district.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE)’s new trading engine is set to go live by November as part of a broader effort to modernize and improve the local stock market.

The PSE has invested P241.03 million for the new trading engine and another P45.83 million for its back office.

The PSE is upgrading its trading engine to ensure that the infrastructure is in place for efficient, expanded trading.

In terms of capacity and capabilities, the new trading engine is more than equipped to handle the potential growth in transactions of the local market.

The system can facilitate five million orders and 450,000 trades and run an 11-hour trading session.

Further, it has the capacity for a maximum of 10,000 securities, 15 million client trading accounts, 1,000 brokers and 1,200 market data connections.

In May last year, the PSE announced the official execution of an agreement to adopt Nasdaq Eqlipse, a strategic move aimed at significantly enhancing its market infrastructure and integrating advanced technology in its new trading platform.

The PSE’s adoption of Nasdaq Eqlipse Trading was part of a significant expansion of its technology partnership with Nasdaq.

The transition is designed to future-proof the PSE’s current capabilities and facilitate the introduction of new financial instruments, such as derivatives.

To promote greater market efficiency and liquidity, the trading platform is engineered to standardize order execution by implementing a single lot size.

It likewise allows PSE to develop and launch new market data products, offering investors improved investment insights and enhancing market transparency.