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The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is moving into the last phase of its merger with Robinsons Bank, with a final system update scheduled to unify operations and deliver a more streamlined banking experience for all customers.

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel JS IKAZUCHI docked at the Port of Davao to reinforce longstanding friendship and growing cooperation between Japan and the Philippines. Its crew held meetings with Philippine Navy officials, including Naval Force Eastern Mindanao chief Commodore Ireneo D. Battung, to highlight joint efforts for regional stability and maritime security.

Saudi Arabia-based ACWA Power has signed a lease agreement with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) for a 500-hectare site in New Clark City, paving the way for a utility-scale solar and battery storage project that could attract up to USD200 million in investments and supply clean power to emerging industries in Central Luzon.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expanded market monitoring nationwide to strictly enforce the P50 per kilogram price ceiling for imported rice with 5 percent broken grains. In a statement Tuesday, the agency reported that compliance has steadily improved since the measure took effect, reaching 47.42 percent in the latest round of simultaneous inspections across Metro Manila and other regions. The increase is credited to more frequent checks and stronger presence of law enforcement in public markets.

VietJet Air plans to launch direct flights between Cebu and Ho Chi Minh City in the fourth quarter of 2026, giving the Philippines its first nonstop air link between Cebu and Vietnam’s commercial capital and strengthening tourism, trade, and investment flows between the two Southeast Asian economies.