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Cebu is set to become a major hub for world-class entertainment as SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime) prepares to open the SM Seaside Cebu Arena next month. The venue, the company’s second arena in the Philippines, is designed to host concerts, sports events, and large-scale gatherings.

A tandem of former Vice President Leni Robredo and Senator Raffy Tulfo leads a potential matchup against Vice President Sara Duterte and Senator Imee Marcos, according to the March 2026 OCTA Research survey, though the race remains statistically close. Robredo–Tulfo secured 44 percent support, driven by NCR, Luzon, and Visayas voters, while Duterte–Marcos followed at 40 percent, buoyed by strong Mindanao backing. Sixteen percent remain undecided, keeping the outcome fluid. The March 19–25 survey of 1,200 respondents has a plus/minus 3-point margin of error, placing both tandems within overlapping statistical ranges, underscoring a tightly contested and regionally polarized race.

JG Summit Holdings Inc., the listed flagship investment holding company of the Gokongwei Group, posted a 7-percent increase in first-quarter revenues to P99.9 billion, driven by record passenger traffic at Cebu Pacific, steady demand for branded food products, and resilient contributions from its property and investment portfolio despite mounting economic headwinds.

Shell Pilipinas Corp. booked P108 million in core earnings for the first quarter as surging oil prices, peso weakness, and intensifying geopolitical tensions disrupted energy markets and squeezed margins toward the end of the period.

DoubleDragon Corp. is moving ahead with its takeover of MerryMart Consumer Corp. after securing regulatory clearance, tightening its hold on the retail sector as it accelerates its transition into a diversified investment holding company.