Coal & Power Security: The DOE is drafting rules to force stalled coal projects to either build or surrender permits to unlock up to 5 GW of delayed capacity, as grids tighten and aging plants derate. Visayas Grid Strain: NGCP flagged another Visayas red alert for Aug. 31, citing unavailability of major coal plants and lower Mindanao imports. Renewables Deals: First Gen signed a 25 MW geothermal supply deal with Alliance Global facilities across Metro Manila, Iloilo and Davao, while Meralco PowerGen signaled interest in a proposed coal-blending terminal. Energy Governance Watch: A Pax Silica plan drew fire for lacking details, as DENR said Pax Silica’s environmental impact assessment is not yet assessed. Disaster & Infrastructure: Heavy monsoon rains left 8.4 million affected and triggered calamity declarations; Tarlac declared a state of calamity after two bridge collapses. DPWH officials faced scrutiny after a maintenance chief was sacked for delayed calamity response, and lawmakers warned of possible DPWH budget “insertions” in the 2027 GAB. Currency & Inflation: The peso hit a record low near ₱62.265/$, with manufacturers warning of cost-push inflation; August inflation is seen easing but still above target. Industry & Investment: IFC approved up to $170M for YCO Cloud’s data center expansion; Security Bank outlined a three-year push into wealth, entrepreneur, and corporate banking. Labor & Logistics: DHL warehouse workers in Laguna stayed on strike as management moves to shut a site and end jobs, with union groups alleging anti-bargaining tactics. Agri Supply Risks: Hog repopulation delays are worrying local producers, while biodiesel blend policy may rise to B5 once CME prices stabilize. Tourism & Media: DOT-North America partnered with DreamWorks’ “Forgotten Island” for a Philippines travel sweepstakes; Jollibee won eight honors at the Philippine Quill Awards.