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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

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).

Marcos-Putin Talks to Focus on Energy Security

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this week is expected to spotlight energy and food security as the Philippines seeks to diversify strategic partnerships amid persistent geopolitical tensions and volatile global commodity markets.

Corporate

SEC approves Global One Hotel Group rental pool program

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has approved Global One Hotel Group Inc.’s rental pool program under its streamlined SEC RENT guidelines, which ease registration for real estate investment contracts.

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.

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.

Banking & Insurance

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Corporate Bulletins

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.

AEV makes Fortune Southeast Asia 500 List for third straight year

Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) has been named to the 2026 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 — its third consecutive year on the list of the region’s largest companies by revenue. Its affiliate, UnionBank, also made the ranking.

Social Responsibility & Sustainability

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.

McDonald’s Philippines rolls out 10,000 meals for earthquake-hit Southern Mindanao

McDonald’s Philippines has activated its Kindness Kitchen program to provide no less than 10,000 hot meals to communities severely affected by the recent earthquake in Southern Mindanao. Working hand-in-hand with local government units, the company aims to deliver nourishing food to families in impacted areas as part of its immediate relief efforts.

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

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.

DTI closes loopholes, tighten cement quality rules

The government is tightening its grip on cement quality control, rolling out stricter certification requirements aimed at preventing substandard imports from reaching construction sites before passing mandatory inspections.

DTI, Leonio explore transformative Central Luzon estate 

Central Luzon could soon add another major investment magnet to its growing economic landscape as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) explores collaboration opportunities with Leonio Land Holdings, Inc. (LLHI) for a proposed Dual-Zone Eco-Innovation Estate that aims to blend industrial development, technological innovation, and sustainable tourism.

Environment

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Technology

Globe calls for vigilance amid rising telecom infrastructure theft in South Luzon

Globe recorded 216 theft incidents involving cables, batteries, generators, fuel, and other equipment across Laguna, Cavite, Oriental Mindoro, and Albay in just one year ended April this year. Laguna, the telecommunications company said,  had the most cases at 67, followed by Cavite with 46; Albay saw a more than fourfold jump in incidents in 2026.

Asticom joins Workday Partner Program to bring global HR and finance tech to PH

Asticom Holding Co. Inc. has joined the Workday Partner Program, making Workday’s Human Capital Management (HCM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions available to businesses in the Philippines.

AI recruitment tools redefine Philippines hiring landscape 

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming recruitment in the Philippines, changing how companies find talent and how job seekers position themselves in an increasingly competitive labor market.

Toyota drives digital shift with data partnership 

Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. (TMP) is taking a significant step in its digital transformation journey by moving away from the traditional model of owning and maintaining data center infrastructure and embracing a colocation-based approach through a partnership with VITRO Inc.

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.