The Department of Transportation (DOTr) recently revealed that 28 Japanese firms have shown interest in bidding for the contract to operate and maintain the North-South Commuter Railway System. During the last leg of the government’s market sounding activity in Japan, DOTr Undersecretary for railways Timothy John Batan said the project was warmly received by several firms, including big names in …

GMR Group of India expressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr its “firm commitment” to help develop the Sangley Aerocity and the Sangley Point International Airport (SPIA) in Cavite and explore investment opportunities in Laoag, Siargao and Bohol regional gateways. This development “signals a strong partnership aimed at decongesting the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and bolstering regional connectivity,” sad the …

Coastal waters off the Siquijor municipality of Enrique Villanueva was recently designated as the Bitaug Marine Protected Area (MPA). Covering 149.46 hectares of coastal waters, the Bitaug MPA is the largest in Siquijor, accounting for nearly a third of the island province’s total MPA coverage. The MPA designation has been in the process since 2007, now achieved after participatory planning …

The Philippines’ balance of payments (BOP), which accounts for the transactions of the country with the rest of the world, registered a surplus of US$359 million in August 2025. This is higher than the US$88 million surplus recorded in August 2024. The BOP surplus reflected the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) net income from its investments abroad. This surplus helped …

Global superstar, actor, and philanthropist Nick Jonas has teamed up with leading watch and accessories brand FOSSIL for a bold and nostalgic new collection, launching August 20, 2025. Each limited-edition timepiece blends Jonas’ passion for watch collecting, his distinct personal style and Fossil’s decades-long design heritage to deliver styles that are both timeless and distinctly modern—all while reinvigorating customers’ love …

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), headed by Chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto, held a Responsableng Panonood seminar for members and officers of the Rotary Club of Quezon City and the Rotary Club of Marikina West on Monday, September 15, 2025, at Club Filipino, San Juan City. The RP seminar highlighted the Agency’s commitment and dedication to …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued new regulations on large value cash transactions to reduce money laundering and other risks linked to the use of cash. Under Circular No. 1218 series of 2025, issued on 18 September 2025, large value transactions above ₱500,000.00 (or its equivalent in foreign currency) must be conducted through traceable channels such as checks, …

Hundreds of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) volunteers will join cleanup drives at 15 sites across the country this weekend to mark International Coastal Cleanup Day, in line with the company’s ongoing initiative to clear rivers and waterways of waste. SMC’s Team Malasakit employee-volunteers are targeting to conduct 55 coastal cleanups in all, following last year’s record collection of 36.3 metric …

Global insights firm TransUnion projects faster credit expansion in the Philippines as steady economic growth and easing inflation create a favorable borrowing environment. The economy grew 5.5% year-on-year in Q2 2025, driven by strong household spending, agriculture rebound, and inflation easing to 1.4%. With the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas cutting policy rates to 5%, borrowing conditions are becoming more supportive. …

Eight new hybrid RTGs boost capacity, improve efficiency, and support ICTSI’s drive toward sustainable port operations. International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has added eight hybrid rubber- tired gantries (RTGs) to its flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), expanding capacity, improving operational efficiency, and advancing its sustainability goals. Built by Japan’s Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd., the RTGs feature …