Budget Oversight: Sen. Panfilo Lacson says he’ll review “questionable” lump-sum infrastructure items in the proposed 2027 P7.2T national budget, warning some amounts are listed without clear implementation plans. Public Finance: Finance Secretary Frederick Go flags that next year’s budget is already heavily eaten by the National Tax Allotment to LGUs and rising debt interest, leaving less room for productive spending. Local Governance Funding: Executive Secretary Ralph Recto backs higher LGU support, citing a projected 2027 NTA near P1.4T and expanded Local Government Support Fund. Digital Safety: Marcos urges parents and government to tackle harmful online content for children, while CitizenWatch warns against “state parenting” that shifts accountability away from families. Cybersecurity: Baguio City’s BUILDPass building-permit system was taken offline after a reported ransomware incident, and digital advocates want a serious probe. AI Data Center Backlash: In Oton, Iloilo, a Norwegian proponent walked out of a public consultation after residents pressed questions on water use for a proposed AI data center. Health Leadership: Malacañang confirms two DOH undersecretaries resigned amid Ombudsman complaints. Security in BARMM: AFP and OPAPRU call for restraint after an ambush hit BARMM interim chief minister Abdulraof Macacua’s convoy; Comelec also orders PNP/AFP to identify perpetrators. Agribusiness: Batac City, Ilocos Norte distributes foliar fertilizer to 555 farmers to sustain high-value crops amid rising input costs. Fisheries & Food: Hog raisers in South Cotabato complain farmgate pig prices have fallen by at least 20%, squeezing margins. Electric Mobility: CarBEV breaks ground on Pasay’s first fully electric power station to support BEV operations. Tech & Business Events: WordCamp Philippines 2026 heads to Iloilo City end-August, spotlighting regional digital growth. Crime & Fraud: A Filipino fugitive tied to a $650M fraud Ponzi scheme lands on the FBI Most Wanted list.