Digital financial service provider Maya has become part of the THINKaMuna Pilipinas Council, joining efforts to combat financial scams and improve digital knowledge among Filipinos.

Brokerage firm Unicapital Securities Inc. has introduced UTrade WealthBasket, a new automated investing product that provides professionally managed stock portfolios.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has extended its reduced fees for securities registration for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) until December 31, 2026, to encourage businesses to raise funds through the capital market.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has been named among the Top 3 Most Improved Government Agencies by the Anti-Red Tape Authority (ARTA). The recognition was given during the Ease of Doing Business Month culminating activity, honoring agencies that delivered faster, more efficient and citizen-centered services from 2024 to 2025.

Energy firm ACEN Corp. has agreed to purchase additional shares worth P1 billion in its subsidiary Buendia Christiana Holdings Corp. (BCHC), as disclosed to the Philippine Stock Exchange.

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 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 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).

Bonifacio Global City is expected to retain its position as the country's strongest office market this year, with robust demand from the information technology and business process management (IT-BPM) sector helping shield the district from broader economic and geopolitical uncertainties.

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 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.

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.

As the Philippines pushes deeper into the digital economy, fintech firm eTap is betting that the future of financial inclusion will not be purely digital.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has proposed a dedicated mobile app giving seafarers direct access to emergency help, real-time security alerts, and government support while sailing in high-risk areas. Backed by the EU CRIMARIO initiative, the plan was presented at the 4th IORIS High-Level Meeting in Mombasa, Kenya, where regional authorities discussed better cooperation and information sharing.

Kaspersky has released the findings of a global study showing that 45.7 percent of adults have faced some form of technology-facilitated abuse over the past 12 months. However, only 32 percent of respondents correctly understand what this type of harm entails.

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.

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

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.

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.