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Germany backs swift completion of EU-PH trade deal

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier threw his weight behind the swift completion of the European Union-Philippines Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signaling stronger investor interest in the Philippines and deeper economic cooperation as global trade patterns continue to shift.

News Dispatch

Agriculture

DA to mass-produce natural fungus vs sugarcane pest

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is scaling up production of a naturally occurring fungus to fight the red‑striped soft scale insect (RSSI), a pest that can cut sugar content by nearly 50 percent. First seen in 2022, RSSI now ranks as a major threat to the Philippine sugar industry.

Farmer’s son turns coconut night climb into code

For generations, the work of a mananguete has depended on strong legs, steady hands and a willingness to climb towering coconut trees in the dead of night. For mechanical engineer Arniel “Maxi” Cunahap, it also became the inspiration for a patented invention that could transform one of Philippine agriculture’s most dangerous jobs.

Reopened Strait of Hormuz allows gov’t focus on El Niño preparations

The Department of Agriculture (DA) welcomes on Tuesday the expected reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a U.S.-Iran peace deal. This shipping route had been closed for over 100 days, pushing up costs for fuel, fertilizer, and transport worldwide.

DA intensifies hog repopulation for food security

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is stepping up efforts to rebuild the country’s hog population while keeping pork supplies steady and prices stable, balancing industry recovery and food security amid the ongoing threat of African Swine Fever (ASF).

Corporate

SEC fines HC Consumer Finance for unfair debt collection

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has fined HC Consumer Finance Philippines Inc. for violating debt collection rules.

SEC clears A Brown’s up to P12-B bond program

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved A Brown Co. Inc.’s shelf registration for up to P12 billion in fixed-rate bonds, and cleared its initial offering under the program.

PhilPlans strengthens memorial care networth with accredited mortuaries

When facing loss, Filipino families require not just service providers, but trusted guidance, assurance, and compassionate support — a commitment at the heart of PhilPlans’ partnership with leading accredited mortuaries across the country.

BPI BanKo, Jollibee Group Foundation step up support for onion farmers 

BPI Direct BanKo, Inc. (BanKo) and Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) have expanded their partnership to provide accessible, sustainable financing to Filipino onion farmers under the Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program.

Banking & Insurance

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Corporate Bulletins

PhilPlans strengthens memorial care networth with accredited mortuaries

When facing loss, Filipino families require not just service providers, but trusted guidance, assurance, and compassionate support — a commitment at the heart of PhilPlans’ partnership with leading accredited mortuaries across the country.

SM Investments, bank units make Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for third straight year

SM Investments Corporation, parent of the SM Group, along with its banking units BDO Unibank and China Bank, have been named to the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list for the third year running.

DigiPlus climbs to top half of Fortune SEA 500

Gaming firm DigiPlus Interactive Corp. has made the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 list for the third year running, moving up eight places to rank 215th — placing it in the top half of the rankings.

Salmon, SM Appliance Center team up for in-store product loans

Leading fintech firm Salmon has partnered with SM Appliance Center to offer product loans directly inside SM Appliance branches nationwide, bringing flexible financing at the point of purchase.

Social Responsibility & Sustainability

BPI BanKo, Jollibee Group Foundation step up support for onion farmers 

BPI Direct BanKo, Inc. (BanKo) and Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) have expanded their partnership to provide accessible, sustainable financing to Filipino onion farmers under the Foundation’s Farmer Entrepreneurship Program.

From fry boxes to fuel, McDonald’s recycles

What happens to plastic waste after the last burger is served and the dining tables are cleared? McDonald’s Philippines wants the answer to be something more productive than a trip to the landfill.

Foundations collaborate to bring financial education to PSHS

The Bank of the Philippine Islands Foundation (BPIF) and the Philippine Science High School Foundation Inc. (PSHSFI) have signed an agreement to launch the FinEd Unboxed program across the PSHS community. Formalized at the PSHS Main Campus, this makes PSHS BPIF’s third partner school for 2026.

GSIS launches new STEM subsidy program for members’ children

This June, the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will roll out the GSIS Subsidy for STEM Program (GSSP), a new educational aid for qualified children of active GSIS members taking up Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics courses. The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s goal to expand quality education and build a skilled, future-ready Filipino workforce.

Markets

Markets brace for twin central bank signals

Philippine financial markets are heading into a pivotal week, with investors largely keeping their powder dry ahead of policy decisions from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the US Federal Reserve that could shape the direction of stocks, bonds and the peso in the weeks ahead.

Easing inflation gives markets room to breath

After months of relentless pressure, Philippine financial markets may finally be getting some breathing space.

SEC centralizes SBL admin functions with PSE to speed up processing, cut costs

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has streamlined the country’s securities borrowing and lending framework by assigning all administrative functions to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), aiming to create a more efficient and integrated short selling market.

Rookie PH opens new stores, unveils school deals

Rookie PH is accelerating its expansion in Metro Manila, opening two new stores and rolling out back-to-school promotions as it seeks to bring global kids’ fashion brands closer to Filipino families ahead of the new school year.

Travel

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Energy

Philippines forges deal for green aviation fuel

The Philippines is positioning itself for a larger role in the global clean energy transition after the Board of Investments (BOI) and the Island Skies Alliance (ISA) forged a partnership to accelerate the development of a domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry.

First Gen independent directors reaffirm support for Prime Infra’s pumped-storage hydro projects

First Gen independent directors reaffirm support for Prime Infra’s pumped-storage hydro projects Energy The independent directors of First Gen Corp. have reiterated their backing for the company’s investment in two pumped-storage hydroelectric (PSH) projects developed by Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc. (Prime Infra). In a statement, the directors said they fully complied with their fiduciary duties, applying independent and objective judgment when reviewing the 600-megawatt Wawa PSH in Rizal and the 1,400-MW Pakil PSH in Laguna. After a thorough assessment, they concluded both projects will bring clear benefits to First Gen and its shareholders. Based on detailed financial reviews, the directors expressed confidence that the estimated P16 billion in annual earnings from First Gen’s 33 percent stake in the facilities is well-supported. Beyond financial returns, the 2,000-MW combined capacity will strengthen the country’s power supply security and lower dependence on imported fossil fuels. As clean, renewable facilities with zero emissions, the projects will also help the Philippines cut carbon output. The directors noted the government has recognized both as Energy Projects of National Significance, with benefits extending to consumers and other stakeholders. At the time of investment, Prime Infra had already advanced key milestones—including financial closing, securing permits, signing supply agreements, and starting construction—at its own cost. These steps reduced typical large-infrastructure risks, justifying the valuation and premium paid, which follows standard mergers and acquisitions practice. They also explained that the requested Change of Management Control clause is common in major energy infrastructure deals, designed to ensure the projects are run by parties with proven technical and operational capability. The agreed valuation of P61.87 billion for the 33 percent stake was deemed fair and reasonable, reflecting the years of work and resources Prime Infra invested to de-risk and develop the projects. “We stand firmly behind our decision to support both projects, which received unanimous approval from the entire First Gen board,” the directors said.

ACEN affiliate to buy up to 49% stake in Indian solar

ACEN Corp. has announced its affiliate, Unlimited Renewables Holdings, signed agreements to acquire as much as 49 percent of Tejorupa Renewables India Project Private Limited, through partner Diamond India Renewables One B.V. (DIRO).

NGCP cuts transmission rates for June bills, average down 9.33%

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) announced on Monday lower overall transmission rates that will appear in consumers’ June 2026 electricity bills.

Transport & Communications

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Property

Housing aid ramps up after Mindanao quake

The government has rolled out emergency housing assistance for families displaced by the powerful 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao, with shelter agencies mobilizing cash aid, repair materials, and temporary housing support as recovery efforts gather pace.

SM Prime’s Pico Terraces gains buyer momentum

SM Leisure Resort Residences (SM LRR), a unit of SM Prime Holdings Inc., is on track to complete and turn over Balea Suites, the second residential tower at Pico Terraces within the Hamilo Coast estate in Batangas, by the fourth quarter of 2027, as demand for resort-style secondary homes continues to gain traction among affluent buyers.

Megaworld eyes Mindanao growth as ZAMBOECOZONE expands agritourism

Property and hospitality giant Megaworld is exploring expansion opportunities within the Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (ZAMBOECOZONE), signaling growing investor interest in emerging growth corridors outside the country’s traditional urban centers.

Metro Manila warehouse supply tightens as land values climb

The supply of warehouses in Metro Manila is coming under increasing pressure as soaring land values drive the conversion of industrial properties into higher-yield residential and commercial developments, according to property consultancy Colliers.

Environment

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Technology

DICT targets digital safety law by Q3 2026; proposes age limit, stricter platform rules

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is looking to have Congress pass a comprehensive digital safety law by the third quarter of 2026. The proposed measure includes a recommended minimum age of 16 for using social media platforms.

PLDT Home, Meralco, MSpectrum team up for smart, sustainable Filipino homes

PLDT Home, power distributor Meralco, and solar solutions provider MSpectrum have formed a strategic alliance to help Filipino families build smarter, better‑connected, and more sustainable homes — while helping manage rising electricity expenses.

Philippine Blockchain Week 2026 set for Manila; Top local & global leaders to shape future of digital finance

The Philippine Blockchain Week (PBW) 2026 returns to the capital from June 19 to 21, bringing together over 15,000 participants to explore how distributed ledger technology is reshaping finance, business, regulation, and creative industries across the country and beyond.

Mynt says to offer 12% stake in planned  IPO

Mynt, the operator of financial super app GCash, has taken a major step toward what could become one of the Philippine market’s largest technology listings after securing board and shareholder approvals for a proposed initial public offering.

Health & Science

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Opinion

Ghosts of 1949 haunt today’s Senate

The Philippine Senate has a remarkable talent for proving that history never really leaves the chamber. It merely changes surnames.

Silent senators forfeit democracy’s mantle

The Senate has been regarded as the last bastion of democratic dissent—a chamber where statesmen stood their ground, challenged power, and refused to let their voices be drowned out by political pressure or executive overreach. It was where difficult questions were asked, unpopular truths were spoken, and silence was treated not as a virtue but as a surrender.

Senate descends to institutional absurdity

If anyone still believed the Philippine Senate had reached rock bottom, the May 25 session suggested there was, in fact, a trapdoor beneath the floor.

Senate power shift risks Estrada-style backlash

The sudden leadership shake-up in the Senate ahead of the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Dutertel may yet prove a poisoned chalice—a glittering prize that offers control today but threatens political liability tomorrow.

Sports & Entertainment

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Exclusive

Visayas roots, Singapore routes: Top Line redraws its map

Singapore is no longer just a distant dot on Top Line Business Development Corp.’s growth chart. It has become a very literal marker of how far the company has travelled in 12 years, from a Visayas-based real estate developer to an emerging energy player now thinking in global supply routes.

Sunlight Air chooses precision over size aloft

In an aviation industry often driven by scale and speed, Sunlight Air is taking a more measured route. The boutique carrier is building its business around efficiency, discipline, and destination depth, convinced that smarter operations can deliver both commercial returns and environmental gains.

PSAC urges stronger funding for Philippines startups 

The Private Sector Advisory Council is raising a clear warning. In a recent meeting with the Department of Trade and Industry, PSAC said the Philippine startup scene is slipping behind Southeast Asian peers, not for lack of ideas but for lack of capital that actually moves.

Tariffs rattle, AI thrives: Gruppo EMS builds ahead 

Amid escalating US-China trade tensions and renewed tariff uncertainty from Washington, EMS Group of Companies is expanding production, accelerating its push into artificial intelligence hardware, and positioning the Philippines as an increasingly strategic alternative manufacturing base for global electronics firms.