Banking & Insurance

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest) turned in a ₱5.0‑billion net income for the first nine months of 2026, delivering solid profitability even as broader economic conditions grew more challenging, a performance that signals resilient core operations for investors and market watchers.

When an unexpected loss strikes, grieving families are often forced to make quick financial and logistical choices amid emotional distress—with only days to lock in funeral arrangements, coordinate with relatives, and gather funds for related costs. Pre‑planning, pre‑need provider PhilPlans says, is key to reducing this heavy burden for consumers, while also helping service providers deliver smoother, more predictable support during difficult periods.

BDO Unibank, Inc. reported a nine‑month 2026 net income of ₱63.6 billion, slightly higher than the ₱63.1 billion recorded in the same period of 2025, with a 13.1 percent return on equity reflecting the bank’s solid core business performance.

China Bank Savings (CBS) is expanding its home financing business through partnerships with three property developers, targeting growing residential markets in CALABARZON and Central Visayas as it seeks to widen access to homeownership.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has projected headline inflation for October to land between 7.1  percent and 8.1 percent, following a sharp pickup in consumer prices recorded by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last month.