The Ayala Corp. on Wednesday signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with leading Japanese firms Mitsubishi Corp., MUFG Bank, and KDDI Corp. in Tokyo to strengthen cooperation in smart cities, digital finance, marketing technology, and artificial intelligence-driven infrastructure, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines has elected Dr. Diana Edralin as its new president, making history as the first Filipina to lead the business chamber.

The Ayala Group has signed a cooperation deal with Thailand’s CP Axtra to improve Makro malls in Thailand, combining Ayala’s property expertise with CP Axtra’s retail network.

VITRO, BBIX PH forge powerful new connection Corporate bulletin VITRO Inc., the country’s leading data center provider, has teamed up with BBIX Philippines to create a direct link between BBIX and the VITRO Internet Exchange (VIX), strengthening the local digital ecosystem. This partnership allows faster, more efficient data traffic exchange. Businesses and users connected to either network will enjoy better routing, shorter delays, and easier access to local and global content and services. A 100G connection is already active at VITRO Makati 2, with plans to expand capacity as needed. VIX brings strong local reach, serving over 98 million internet users and hosting major companies and carriers. BBIX adds global expertise and access to worldwide cloud platforms, content providers, and tech services. Together, they combine local strength and global reach to improve internet performance nationwide. Officials from both firms noted the collaboration will deliver smoother online experiences, support the growing digital economy, and help bridge connectivity gaps across the Philippines. Both remain committed to upgrading infrastructure to meet rising demand for data and cloud services.

The Department of Energy (DOE) confirmed having signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Aboitiz Power Corp. and the National Power Corp. (NPC) to conduct comprehensive studies on potential nuclear power plant sites across the Philippines, including the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) will hold a public scoping on June 2, 2026, for a proposed coal mining project in Lingig, Surigao del Sur.

Steel manufacturing giant SteelAsia Manufacturing Corp. has hired 106 repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across its four mills as it ramps up plans to expand domestic steel production.

Primelectric Holdings Inc. is banking on cheaper power supply deals and market efficiencies to deliver the lowest electricity rates in the Visayas amid volatile global fuel prices.

Ayala Malls is repositioning its malls as multi-use community hubs with the launch of Our Common Place, an initiative that transforms retail environments into flexible spaces for work, rest, connection, and social support.

Filinvest Land, Inc. said its mall business continued to strengthen in the first quarter, with leasing revenues climbing 17 percent year-on-year to P744 million as higher tenant occupancy and stronger consumer traffic boosted recurring income.

Filinvest REIT Corp. (Filreit) has welcomed Gatestone and Co., a global customer experience and digital transformation company, as its newest international tenant.

Filinvest Land, Inc. strengthened its balance sheet in the first quarter of 2026 after cutting unsold residential inventory by P4.1 billion, highlighting the company’s push to improve capital efficiency amid a more selective property market.

Globe Telecom Inc., via 917Ventures’ Velocity program, has partnered with Netopia AI to validate Predikta — an AI tool that simulates audience behavior and forecasts campaign results before funds are spent.

The Philippines urged Asia-Pacific economies to keep markets open, strengthen supply chains, and accelerate cooperation on digital and green trade as global disruptions continue to affect shipping routes, logistics costs, and trade flows.

Artificial intelligence adoption is accelerating across the Philippine customer experience industry, fueling a sweeping transformation as the Contact Center Association of the Philippines officially rebranded into the Customer Xperience Association of the Philippines (CXAP).

Globe Telecom Inc. introduced a wide range of mobile, home, and enterprise solutions on Tuesday, designed to help Filipinos cope with economic challenges and rising expenses.

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.

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.

“Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every house divided against itself will not stand.” In the Lopez corporate universe, the verse now reads less like scripture and more like a live governance case file—complete with injunctions, contested boardrooms, and competing versions of who nearly switched off the lights.

Several things have changed over the past month. The global economy is now poised to face another severe slowdown and rising inflation as a result of the Middle East conflict. While the impact on countries may differ in magnitude, the oil supply shock will squeeze economic activity and raise prices significantly.