Reuters

Security Bank has entered a strategic partnership with Juan Accounting Software, the country's only fully localized accounting and tax compliance platform, to provide enhanced financial tools to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The collaboration is designed to accelerate financial digitization among small businesses and boost operational efficiency.

Japan, the Philippines' third-largest trading partner, saw its economy contract by 0.2 percent year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025, according to revised government data released recently. While the updated figure marks an improvement from the earlier 0.7 percent decline estimate, it highlights a reversal from the 2.2 percent growth logged in 4Q 2024 and marks the first annual contraction in a year.

HTI expands land bank with Antipolo acquisition Corporate Listed firm Haus Talk Inc. (HTI) has finalized the acquisition of the former National Steel property in Antipolo, Rizal, marking a major strategic expansion of its land portfolio. The deal reinforced its presence in the affordable housing segment and advanced its vision as a leading provider of “value for money” residential developments in the country. The newly acquired site will serve as the location of HTI’s next flagship residential and commercial project, slated to begin in the fourth quarter this year. The development is projected to deliver around 1,500 housing units and generate estimated revenues of ₱4.9 billion, making it one of the company's most significant investments to date. Benchmarking the design against its successful The Granary community in Biñan, Laguna, HTI plans to integrate residential units with commercial spaces, aligning with its mixed-use development strategy. “This acquisition underscores Haus Talk Inc.'s aggressive strategy to bolster our land bank and solidify our position as a dominant force in the affordable housing sector,” said Ma. Rachel D. Madlambayan, HTI president & CEO. Located in Antipolo, the project capitalizes on the area’s blend of urban accessibility and provincial charm—features increasingly in demand among homebuyers. The transaction is seen as a milestone in HTI’s growth strategy, further consolidating its market position amid rising demand for affordable housing and enhancing shareholder value through long-term revenue generation. HTI’s move also reaffirms its commitment to addressing the Philippines’ housing backlog through scalable, high-impact developments in prime areas.

Emperador Inc., a major player in the global whisky market and controlled by tycoon Andrew Tan, is investing P4 billion this year, with the lion’s share earmarked for bolstering its whisky portfolio — a strategic move aligned with rising demand worldwide for premium spirits.