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The Philippines and Vietnam have launched a new tourism partnership aimed at boosting visitor arrivals, expanding air links, and capitalizing on the growing travel demand between two of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

PLDT Enterprise has expanded its partnership with Xeleqt Technology Innovations, Inc. to deliver scalable, reliable wireless connectivity supporting the company’s growing AI-IoT ecosystem. The collaboration highlights how strong digital infrastructure drives business transformation, better efficiency, and data-led innovation.

The Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division on Monday ordered the arrest of Senator Jose “Jinggoy" Estrada on plunder charges over alleged P573 million kickbacks from unauthorized insertions in the 2025 infrastructure budget, deepening a political storm gripping the Senate. The warrant came just days after Estrada posted bail in a separate graft case involving flood-control projects. His potential detention, coupled with the continued absence of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, could leave the Senate split 11-11 between majority and minority blocs, further complicating leadership battles and preparations for Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial.

State-run Land Bank of the Philippines is eliminating convenience fees on select online government payments until the end of 2026, a move aimed at lowering transaction costs for Filipinos while accelerating the shift toward digital public services.

The government has moved to eliminate long-standing confusion over local taxation for investment-registered firms, with a new joint circular expected to streamline compliance, improve policy consistency, and strengthen the Philippines’ appeal to investors.