South China Sea Tensions: US Sec. of State Marco Rubio told Asian allies Washington won’t abandon them as he called China’s South China Sea actions “disturbing,” after fresh incidents near Scarborough Shoal and Second Thomas Shoal. Philippine Diplomacy: China Coast Guard again drove away Philippine vessels near Huangyan Dao, while Manila protested and kept dialogue open. Middle East Pressure: With Iran-backed Houthis targeting Red Sea shipping, oil prices surged and Rubio warned Iran’s “price will rise nightly,” as ASEAN security talks in Manila focused on the Strait of Hormuz. OFW Support: The Philippines will open a new OFW Lounge at Clark airport to improve the pre-departure experience. Disaster Risk: PAGASA and OCD warned that Tropical Depression Kiyapo could bring flooding and landslides risk to thousands of barangays. Local Governance & Safety: Quezon City and Manila will suspend classes for Marcos’ SONA on July 27; PNP approved SONA rally permits and said it will penalize police over alleged harassment of photojournalists. Education & Justice: DepEd issued guidelines for Gas-Tuklas financial aid for student-athletes and coaches; DOJ will roll out an anti-bullying policy for prosecutors. Economy & Energy: Marcos inspected Malampaya Phase 4 to extend gas supply; DBM identified P22.79B in savings to fund expanded Uplift assistance for vulnerable sectors.