Senior executives of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp. (SMBC) and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) met recently to discuss market conditions, business priorities, and opportunities arising from closer economic ties between the Philippines and Japan.

Philippine banks could see their bad-loan ratio rise to as high as 7 percent from 5.6 percent as inflation squeezes household incomes, credit growth weakens, and riskier unsecured loans come under pressure, S&P Global Ratings said.

The Department of Tourism is facing a P6.02-billion funding gap for 28 infrastructure projects after the Department of Public Works and Highways shifted responsibility for financing new and continuing tourism projects to the DOT, but the proposed funding was not included in the 2027 national budget.

Shell Energy Philippines Inc. (SEPH) has entered a second 15-year power supply agreement with Greenlight Renewables Holdings Inc. via its unit San Isidro Solar Power Corp., securing an additional 120 megawatts peak (MWp) from the second phase of the San Isidro solar power project in Leyte. Announced Tuesday, the new deal follows an earlier 15-year agreement for the project’s first phase, bringing the total solar capacity SEPH will source from Greenlight Renewables to 240 MWp.

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. contributed P9.05 billion to customs collections at the Port of Batangas in the first seven months of 2026, ranking among the port’s top three importers and accounting for more than 6.3 percent of its total collections.

Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) is expanding its Bohol footprint with a 5.6-hectare residential project in Tagbilaran City, adding a third site as the Visayas-Mindanao developer taps rising housing demand in one of the region’s fastest-growing markets.

DENR Secretary Juan Miguel “Mitch” Cuna is boosting local governments’ capacity against rising climate threats—including floods, landslides, and wildfires—by expanding use of the Provincial Climate Risk Diagnostic (PCRD) Tool. Designed for evidence-based planning aligned with national climate goals, the tool helps provinces assess hazards, vulnerability, and risks to communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems, while guiding priority investments and long-term strategies up to 2050. Flexible for all data readiness levels, it also supports nature-based solutions like mangrove restoration.

ABS-CBN Corp. is seeking shareholder approval for a P4.5-billion capital increase and a two-seat board expansion, reshaping its corporate structure as two new directors are nominated to join the company’s governing body.

Corals may have found an unlikely ally in the fight against climate change: bacteria.