The Securities and Exchange Commission is bringing all existing rules for foundations together into one complete set of guidelines, designed to make compliance simpler and strengthen supervision across the sector. Issued as a draft memorandum circular, this omnibus framework addresses longstanding challenges where requirements were scattered across separate laws, orders, and agency issuances, making them hard to track and follow. The new unified set will serve as one up-to-date reference covering everything from organization setup to regular reporting and ongoing compliance, including all necessary forms, templates, instructions, and procedures.

The Philippines saw its net financial obligations to foreign lenders and investors expand to $65.6 billion as of end-June 2026, equivalent to 13.4 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). It is a reflection of what the country owns abroad versus what it owes to foreign entities. Preliminary balance sheet figures show this liability expanded from $55.0 billion, or 11.2 percent of GDP, recorded at the end of March 2026.

ASEAN tourism ministers are looking to regional travelers and emerging destinations to help sustain tourism activity as volatile energy prices threaten to raise transport costs and weigh on long-haul travel demand.

Yuchengco-led PetroWind Energy Inc. has signed a Renewable Energy Payment Agreement (REPA) with state-run National Transmission Corp. (TransCo), locking in guaranteed pricing for its 13.56-megawatt Nabas Wind Power Project Phase 2 in Aklan. This follows the project securing its Green Energy Auction tariff in 2022, plus a provisional operating permit from the Energy Regulatory Commission in May 2026 and a formal tariff endorsement from the Department of Energy in July 2026.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) confirmed Wednesday that the North-South Commuter Railway Extension (NSCR-Ex) remains on schedule to launch partial operations on the first 28-kilometer stretch from Valenzuela to Malolos by the end of 2027. The update came as Executive Secretary Ralph Recto, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan, and Assistant Secretary for Right of Way Acquisition Irish Calaguas inspected the project on September 29, 2026.

The government is expanding an existing economic zone in Cavite, opening an additional 1.46 hectares for companies seeking sites to establish or expand operations in the province.

Manila Water is calling on customers to join its October desludging schedule, advancing responsible wastewater management, community health, and cleaner local waterways.

The Philippines is punching above its weight in innovation, delivering relatively strong results despite weaker underlying inputs, according to the 2026 Global Innovation Index (GII).

Batang Matatag is expanding to 44 schools in Pasig as the child health initiative marks its fifth year, bringing health education on gut health and everyday hygiene to more school communities.