Business

Crystal Bridges Holdings Corp., a holding firm owned by the family of retailer Lucio Co, has earmarked more than P6.7 billion for the initial phase of its rehabilitation and expansion program for Primewater Infrastructure Corp., following the completion of its acquisition of the water utility in May. The investment will fund infrastructure upgrades and service improvements across the company’s network …

By DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN Unknown to ordinary Filipinos in the country, the ubiquitous SM logo is making waves in China.  In fact, the highly diversified conglomerate that started from selling shoes and retail merchandising in Quiapo and founded by Henry Sy Sr. has been dominating Fujian province in China’s south, particularly Jinjiang and Xiamen. The dominant Filipino brand in malls …

The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s electronic tax clearance system (eTCS) is now available nationwide. The bureau said last week that the eTCS is now available to taxpayers registered under Revenue Regions Nos. 1 to 19, pursuant to Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 76-2026. The web-based system enables taxpayers to conveniently apply for, pay and download their Tax Clearance Certificate online. The …

The Philippine ocean-based industries reached over PHP1 trillion last year, accounting for almost 4 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said. Data released Thursday showed that the country’s ocean economy went up by 5.3 percent to PHP1.08 trillion in 2025 from PHP1.02 trillion in 2024. The gross value added of ocean-based activities contributed …

Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) have forged a strategic partnership, formalized via a Memorandum of Understanding on July 20, 2026, at the LANDBANK Plaza in Manila, to revolutionize MSME financing through artificial intelligence. Led by LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz and DICT Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda, the …

SM Foundation (SMFI) turned over newly rehabilitated learning facilities to Jugan Elementary School in Consolacion and Marcelo B. Fernan – Polambato Elementary School in Bogo City, Cebu. The initiative reflects the Foundation’s commitment to providing learning environments that empower students to develop their skills with confidence while giving teachers spaces that support meaningful learning every day.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is encouraging banks to diversify their financial products as the regulator pushes lower transaction fees to accelerate digital payments and expand financial inclusion. BSP Deputy Governor Mamerto Tangonan said banks should develop more competitive savings, credit, insurance, and investment products to attract more customers as digital banking becomes more affordable and accessible. The call …

MariBank has officially obtained a digital banking license from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), becoming the country’s seventh licensed digital bank and marking its transition from a rural bank to a full-fledged digital banking institution. The regulatory approval allows MariBank to expand its digital financial services and reach more customers nationwide as demand for online banking continues to grow. …

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is exploring the use of stablecoin technology to make money transfers faster, cheaper, and more efficient as part of its continuing digital transformation strategy. BPI President and Chief Executive Officer TG Limcaoco said the bank is studying stablecoin-based payment rails to improve the movement of funds while maintaining the security and reliability expected …

For many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), success is no longer measured solely by the amount of money sent home but by the lasting financial security they are able to build for their families through education, homeownership, investments, and retirement planning. Highlighting this shift, BDO Unibank reaffirmed its commitment to helping OFWs achieve long-term financial goals during a thanksgiving event in …