Energy Costs: Visayan Electric warned of another power-rate jump in May 2026 to P12.88 per kWh, blaming global fuel prices and a thinner Visayas grid supply—while the editorial flags this as a symptom of deeper capacity problems, even as the Interruptible Load Program is used to prevent brownouts. ASEAN Momentum: In Dili, ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn backed Timor-Leste’s push to host the 2029 ASEAN Summit, highlighting the new International Convention Centre as a connectivity and investment platform. Regional Diplomacy: Timor-Leste also marked its 24th National Day/Independence Restoration anniversary, with international messages and renewed ties—while the UAE began building a female student residence for 300 low-income university students. Health & Safety Watch: Globally, Japan’s health authorities issued fresh warnings over Amgen’s Tavneos after deaths linked to the autoimmune drug, underscoring how safety scrutiny can quickly reshape access.