SEC Seeks Comments on Revised Rules for Online Lending Platforms
The Philippines Securities and Exchange Commission has reopened its public consultation on a revised set of rules for online lending platforms, moving toward lifting the moratorium on new digital lender registrations. The updated circular refines definitions, capital requirements, licensing, business plans, operational standards, and consumer‑protection measures. It adopts a more streamlined, disclosure‑focused approach intended to reduce compliance burdens while strengthening oversight. Stakeholders have until June 15 to submit comments through an online portal.
Lopez Majority: Piki Agreed to P50-B Premium in Prime Hydro Deal
First Gen Corp. announced a P75‑billion ($1.35 billion) investment in Prime Infrastructure Capital’s hydropower assets, with Federico “Piki” Lopez reportedly agreeing to a P50‑billion ($900 million) transaction premium. The premium, paid to Prime, has become a flashpoint in the ongoing dispute among...
Globe to Expand Lucena Network with Campus Cell Site
Globe Telecom announced a partnership with Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation to install an on‑campus cell site in Lucena City, expanding mobile coverage for the university and surrounding communities. The project builds on Globe’s earlier school‑based network efforts, such as...
AboitizPower Monitors Facilities After Mindanao Earthquake
Aboitiz Power Corp. is closely monitoring its Mindanao assets after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Sarangani. Generation facilities remained largely operational, with only a brief outage at Therma South in Davao that was restored by early afternoon. Hydropower units experienced...
The ‘Nothing Is Impossible’ Mindset: Your Essential Insurance Policy in an Era of Unprecedented Disruption
The article warns that AI breakthroughs, geopolitical realignment, and supply‑chain turbulence are converging into a perfect storm that renders traditional business playbooks obsolete. To survive, leaders must adopt a “Nothing is Impossible” mindset—setting a single breakthrough goal, visualizing success daily,...
SEC Cuts Red Tape for Securities Deals
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the 2026 Revised Guidelines for Master Securities Lending Agreements, handing pre‑clearance and review duties to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). The new framework cuts the registration timeline for securities borrowing and lending...
Aboitiz Group Envisions Worker-Centered Central Business District in Batangas
Aboitiz Economic Estates is transforming its 1,100‑hectare LIMA Estate in Batangas into a worker‑centered central business district anchored by manufacturing. The estate now hosts about 130 multinational firms, employs roughly 75,000 workers and plans to reach 100,000 jobs within three...
Bank Lending Posts Fastest Growth in 9 Months in April
Bank lending in the Philippines surged 11.4% year‑on‑year in April, reaching PHP14.8 trillion (about $264 billion), the fastest pace in nine months. The jump was driven mainly by business borrowing, with sector loans climbing 10.7% to PHP12.5 trillion ($223 billion). Household credit also remained...
Factory Output Hit 4-Yr High in April
Philippine manufacturing output surged 12% year‑on‑year in April, the strongest pace in over four years, largely propelled by a 52.7% jump in coke and refined petroleum production amid the Middle East conflict. The surge contrasts sharply with the S&P Global...
ACEN Unit Seals P2.9-B Loan for Energy Storage Asset
ACEN Corp., the Ayala‑group energy platform, secured a ₱2.9 billion (≈$52 million) loan from Bank of the Philippine Islands to fund a 140 MWh battery storage system at its Palauig Solar 1 project in Zambales. The storage asset will support the existing 50 MW solar...
SEC Warns vs ‘Supreme Money’ Quacks
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued a public advisory warning that several online lending platforms, including the “Supreme Money‑Cash Loans App” on Google Play, are falsely using the name and branding of Supreme Money Lending Corp. The regulator...
PAL Deploys New A350-1000 to Toronto
Philippine Airlines (PAL) has placed its second Airbus A350‑1000 on the Manila‑Toronto route, beginning service on June 5. The aircraft operates three times weekly outbound and returns on alternate days, expanding PAL’s long‑haul fleet to 382 seats per flight. Configured with...
Inflation Slows to 6.8% in May
Philippine inflation eased to 6.8% in May, down from 7.2% in April, slipping below the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 7.1‑7.9% forecast and the Inquirer’s median estimate of 7.7%. The slowdown was driven by softer transport and food prices, as well...
Diesel Prices Seen Climbing Next Week on Middle East Uncertainty
Diesel prices in the Philippines are projected to rise by June 9, with estimates of a P4‑P4.50 per liter increase (about $0.07‑$0.08). The hike stems from heightened geopolitical risk in the Middle East, where stalled peace negotiations and Iran’s threats to...
AirAsia Pays Dues, Avoids Exit From Gov’t Airports
AirAsia Philippines paid roughly $5 million to settle ₱271.94 million in overdue airport fees, averting a CAAP order that would have forced the carrier out of government‑run airports. The payment was made two days before the June 6 deadline, satisfying charges for navigation, landing,...
Ayala Land Expands Energy-Efficiency Push
Ayala Land Inc. is rolling out energy‑efficiency measures across more than 350 Philippine properties, joining the Department of Energy’s ONE (Oras Natin sa Efficiency) campaign that encourages a one‑hour weekly power‑saving period. The developer manages roughly one million megawatt‑hours of...
More EV Charging Projects Pushed
The Philippines’ Department of Energy is drafting a joint administrative order with the Interior, Public Works, and Anti‑Red Tape Authority to cut EV‑charging station approval times from six months to three. The reform aims to accelerate the rollout of charging...
Beyond Reliable and Fast Internet: PLDT Home Champions Safer Digital Spaces for Filipinos
PLDT Home’s Online Alerto, launched in October 2022, has grown into a 77,000‑member Facebook community that educates Filipinos on safe internet practices. The initiative supplements PLDT’s fast‑speed connectivity with digital‑citizenship content, live sessions featuring public figures, and on‑ground campus tours....
PH Manufacturing Regained Ground in May
Philippine manufacturing rebounded in May as the S&P Global PMI rose to 50.8, moving back into expansion territory after a dip to 48.3 in April. The uptick was fueled primarily by stronger domestic demand, while export orders fell sharply, marking...
BSWM Launches Digital Platform to Boost Farm Yields
The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) in the Philippines has launched FertMap, an online, georeferenced platform that consolidates soil data and provides crop‑specific fertilizer recommendations. The free service helps farmers choose optimal planting periods, select suitable crops, and...
PH Manufacturing Activity Rebounds in May
Philippine manufacturing rebounded in May as the S&P Global Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 50.8 from 48.3 in April, signaling the first modest expansion in months. The uptick was driven by a resurgence in new orders and stronger domestic demand,...
Japanese Health-Tech Firm Eyeing PH Factory
Japanese health‑tech maker Tanita Corp. is evaluating the Philippines as the site for its third factory, a export‑focused plant that would handle processing, assembly and inspection of weighing scales, body‑composition analyzers and other wellness devices. The DTI estimates the venture...
Arthaland Raises Sondris Prices by 5%
Arthaland Corp. announced a 5% price hike for all units in its upcoming Makati condominium, Sondris, effective March. The adjustment reflects higher construction and development costs as the P12 billion (~$216 million) project prepares to break ground in June. Sondris, a 252‑unit...
PAL Expands Long-Haul Fleet with New Airbus A350-1000
Philippine Airlines took delivery of its second Airbus A350‑1000, expanding a nine‑aircraft order that will see four more this year and three additional jets in 2027. The ultra‑long‑range aircraft seats 382 passengers across three cabins and is powered by Rolls‑Royce...
The South’s Growth Equation
Metro South Manila and the broader Calabarzon region are emerging as a high‑growth corridor, underpinned by more than ₱1 trillion (≈$18 billion) in public and private infrastructure spending. New expressways such as Calax, Skyway 3 and the C5 South Link have dramatically improved...
SEC Warns Public Against Surge in Online Loan Scams
The Philippine Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has issued a warning about a sharp rise in online loan scams, noting an increase in complaints involving fraudsters posing as banks or government officials. Scammers use platforms like Telegram to create fake...
DHL Express Banks on SMEs to Drive 2026 Growth
DHL Express Philippines is leaning on small and medium enterprises to fuel shipment growth, aiming for double‑digit volume increases in 2026. SMEs already represent 27.5% of the carrier’s local shipments, while enterprise customers hold 45.4%. The firm highlighted its inclusion...
BSP Gains Room to Further Hike Policy Rate – Nomura
Nomura Global Markets Research says the Philippines' rebound in government spending in April gives the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) more leeway to raise rates amid war‑driven inflation. April spending jumped 11.1% to about ₱505.4 billion (≈$9.1 billion), producing a ₱31.4 billion (≈$565 million)...
Cheaper Power Deals in Visayas Cushion Rising Electricity Costs
Primelectric Holdings’ distribution utilities in the Visayas region announced new electricity rates that are the lowest recorded for May 2026. Bohol Light Company reduced its price by ₱2.0068 per kilowatt‑hour (about $0.036), More Electric & Power Corp cut rates by...
Another Asian Power Crisis—It’s Time to Energize Renewables
The latest Middle East conflict has exposed Asia‑Pacific’s heavy reliance on imported oil, prompting urgent calls for a rapid shift to renewables and smarter grid infrastructure. Around 60% of the region’s oil comes from the Gulf, driving rationing, inflation and...
BSP Tightens Rules on Bank Group Credit Risk
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas issued Circular No. 1233, tightening how banks can offset credit risk from intragroup guarantees by requiring a credit‑risk‑weighted cap instead of a flat 100% limit. The new rule forces banks to apply the guarantor’s risk weight...
Filinvest Land Sells P4.1B Worth of Property
Filinvest Land Inc. trimmed its unsold residential inventory by ₱4.1 bn (about $75 m) in Q1, driven by a record ₱1.7 bn ($31 m) of ready‑for‑occupancy sales. The inventory pull‑through boosted cash flow and cut carrying costs, helping the developer post ₱6.31 bn ($115 m) in...
FILRT Brings in Global Tenant Gatestone
Filinvest REIT Corp. (FILRT) announced that global digital‑transformation firm Gatestone & Co. has signed a lease for nearly 3,500 sq m of office space on the sixth and seventh floors of Filinvest Three in Northgate Cyberzone, Alabang. The lease, which began operations...
DTI Moves to Regulate Solar Panel Systems
The Philippines' Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is drafting rules that would require manufacturers and importers of solar‑panel systems to obtain government certification before selling in the local market. The proposed order covers photovoltaic modules, inverters, batteries, charge controllers...
BSP Relaxes UITF Stock Exposure Limits
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has issued Circular No. 1234, raising the single‑issuer exposure limit for Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) from 15% to 20% of assets. Equity‑index tracking UITFs may exceed this ceiling when the benchmark assigns a larger weight...
HSBC Sets $4-B Wager on Southeast Asian Energy Transition
HSBC has launched a $4 billion Sustainability and Transition Credit Facility to fund mainland Chinese clean‑technology firms expanding overseas, with the Philippines singled out as a primary destination. The initiative dovetails with the Philippines’ goal of reaching 35% renewable electricity by...
EV Perks Scheme Hurdles Incentives Board
The Philippine Fiscal Incentives Review Board approved the Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy (Evis), clearing the way for a rollout before President Marcos Jr.'s July State of the Nation Address. The scheme, which will cover passenger and commercial EVs, demands a...
Possible Surprise Rate Move to Cool Inflation – BSP Chief
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr. warned the central bank may be “behind the curve” on inflation and hinted at a possible off‑cycle rate hike before the June 18 Monetary Board meeting. April inflation jumped to 7.2% year‑over‑year, the...
BSP to Finally Enforce Tighter Capital Buffer Rules on Banks
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) issued Circular No. 1235, activating the counter‑cyclical capital buffer (CCyB) even during normal credit growth. Banks must now hold a positive neutral capital buffer, which can be raised up to 2.5% based on systemic risk....
Landbank Q1 Profit Slips to P12B
State‑run Land Bank of the Philippines reported a 9% decline in first‑quarter 2026 net profit, falling to ₱12.05 billion (about $219 million) from ₱13.3 billion a year earlier. Despite the earnings dip, the bank reduced its InstaPay person‑to‑person transfer fee from ₱15 to...
Sparse Charging Stations Slowing Filipinos’ Shift to EV
A Deloitte study shows the Philippines’ EV shift is hampered by a thin charging network, with only about 1,600 accredited stations for 113 million people. Forty‑eight percent of respondents cite the lack of public chargers as their top concern, while range...
Vivant Allots P67B for Power, Water Expansion
Cebu‑based Vivant Corp. announced a US$1.2 billion capital plan through 2030 to fund power and water infrastructure, allocating roughly US$1.08 billion for new energy projects and US$126 million for desalination and wastewater expansion. The company aims to lift its generation capacity from 471 MW...
ACEN, Norwegian Firm Eye Floating Solar Parks
Ayala‑led ACEN Corp. and Norway’s Ocean Sun have signed a non‑binding MoU to roll out large‑scale floating solar farms on freshwater reservoirs across Asia. Ocean Sun will supply its patented floating‑panel technology while ACEN‑Silverwolf, a joint venture with Silverwolf Capital,...
China Bank Savings Earnings Jumped 11.5%
China Bank Savings posted an 11.5% rise in Q1 2026 net income to PHP 631.2 million (≈$11.4 million). Net interest income surged 20.4% to PHP 2.8 billion (≈$51 million) as loan growth accelerated. Total assets reached PHP 217.3 billion (≈$4.0 billion) with deposits up 12% to PHP 191.4 billion (≈$3.5 billion). The bank’s...
BSP Boosts Sustainability Reporting Rules
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will require banks to adopt the Philippine Financial Reporting Standards S1 and S2 for sustainability disclosures, aligning with International Sustainability Standards Board guidelines. A draft circular sets a phased rollout, with publicly listed tier‑1 banks above...
Megaworld to Open 6 New Hotels by 2029
Megaworld Corp. announced plans to open six new hotels across the Philippines by 2029, adding nearly 2,000 rooms to its portfolio. The projects span Pasig, Pampanga, Laguna, Palawan and Bacolod, including the 31‑story ArcoVia Hotel, two beachfront resorts in Palawan,...
7-Eleven Sees Boost From Inflation-Hit Consumers
Philippine Seven Corp., the 7‑Eleven licensee, reports that inflation‑pressured shoppers are gravitating toward cheaper ready‑to‑eat meals and beverages, fueling same‑store sales growth. The chain’s Crunch Time fried‑chicken offering now reaches roughly 3,000 stores, with a goal of 3,500 by year‑end. PSC...
3 Women Leaders Help Shape Philippine Energy Shift
Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGEN) is spotlighting three women who are reshaping the Philippines’ energy landscape. Control‑room engineer Cristine Albarando is the sole female engineer at the Cebu thermal plant, while Jennylene Baluyot manages the 55‑MW Bulacan solar park, making real‑time...
BOC Sets 3-Year Validity of Broker Registration for Accountability
The Philippine Bureau of Customs has introduced a three‑year validity period for customs broker registrations under its Client Profile Registration System. The change, announced in a May 13 memorandum signed by Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, requires brokers to maintain active registration or...
SEAOIL Provides Php2.6M in Fuel Savings for Grab, MOVE IT Partners
SEAOIL’s partnership with Grab and MOVE IT generated roughly ₱2.6 million (about $47,000) in direct fuel savings for transport partners between March and April 2026. The collaboration, powered by SEAOIL’s PriceLOCQ app, offered discounts of up to ₱8.73 per litre (≈ $0.16) and...