FIVE THINGS TO KNOW…

Short explainers published throughout the day.

1:18 PM7-minute read

ABOUT THE NEW SWS POVERTY NUMBERS

Self-rated poverty and food poverty declined in June, but the figures also show how many Filipino families remain under pressure and why lower household budgets do not necessarily mean life became cheaper.

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2:02 PM11-minute read

ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY ACT

House Bill No. 9965 would bar children below 13 from having social media accounts, require parental consent for users aged 13 to 17, regulate platform algorithms, and impose fines reaching P50 million. It is still being deliberated in the House.

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12:02 PM7-minute read

ABOUT THE SEALED BIR BOX

Marcos authorized the BIR to comply with the Senate subpoena. That did not open the records to the public or prove the unexplained-wealth allegation.

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MCT READER PULSE · MCT-PULSE-2026-006

MCT READER SURVEY

After Gilas Pilipinas’ wins over Jordan and Iran, how confident are you that the team will qualify for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup?Matapos ang mga panalo ng Gilas Pilipinas laban sa Jordan at Iran, gaano ka kumpiyansa na makakapasok ang koponan sa 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup?

Gilas improved to 4–4 after beating Jordan and Iran, but the Philippines remains fifth in Group E with four games left. This survey asks about readers’ confidence; qualification has not yet been secured.

Read where Gilas stands before answering.

This is an informal survey of verified MCT readers who choose to participate. It is not nationally representative.

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