Business

THE transition from a scholar to a legal professional is rarely a straight path. More often, it is a test of endurance.  For Atty. Jermagne A. Ceria, passing the 2025 Bar Exam was not just a personal milestone, but the culmination of a decade-long journey fueled by a “never-say-die” spirit and the unwavering support of SM Foundation. Jermagne’s story begins …

International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI)’s wholly owned subsidiary Victoria International Container Terminal Ltd. (VICT) has signed a 26-year extension of its contract to operate and manage the Webb Dock East terminal at the Port of Melbourne. Port of Melbourneand VICT announced the extension today, which will see VICT continue to operate and manage the terminal until 2066.   This …

FIRST Metro Securities Brokerage Corporation (FirstMetroSec) continues to strengthen its already robust digital trading ecosystem as it prepares investors for increasingly dynamic market conditions, reinforcing its long-term commitment to technology-driven investing. As market participation grows and trading activity becomes more fast-paced, FirstMetroSec has continued to invest in platform enhancements that improve speed, visibility, and the overall trading experience.  Recent upgrades …

NINOY Aquino International Airport (NAIA) recorded its highest monthly passenger traffic on record in January 2026, extending the momentum from its strongest year to date. New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the private operator of NAIA, said 4.96 million passengers passed through the airport during the month, exceeding the 4.86 million recorded in December 2025 and making January the busiest month …

East West Banking Corporation (EastWest Bank) expects low- to mid-teen growth in assets and loans this year, building on strong performance in 2025. While full-year results for last year are yet to be released, the bank reported that as of end-October, net income rose 14 percent to ₱6.6 billion, revenues grew 16 percent to ₱37.3 billion, and consumer lending increased …

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) on Thursday said its monetary easing cycle is “nearing its end,” as domestic demand is expected to improve following a series of policy rate cuts since 2024. January inflation rose to 2 percent from 1.8 percent in December 2025, remaining at the lower end of the government’s 2–4 percent target and within the BSP’s …

The Philippine government’s total liabilities reached ₱17.71 trillion at the end of 2025, up 10.3 percent from ₱16.05 trillion at the close of 2024, as authorities emphasized that the debt portfolio remains resilient with the bulk sourced domestically. Data from the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr) showed domestic creditors accounted for 68.4 percent of the total, or ₱12.12 trillion, while …

Security Bank Corporation (PSE: SECB) has partnered with the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA) to provide foreign and returning Filipino retirees applying for the Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) with priority banking, exclusive Time Deposit rates, and enhanced account services. Under the partnership, SRRV applicants can open Security Bank accounts as part of the SRRV process and enjoy premium onboarding support, …

TAGUM, Davao del Norte. The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) held a stakeholders’ dialogue here on Wednesday to hear directly from GSIS members, pensioners and local government partners on how to make transactions faster, simpler and more responsive, and to turn feedback into specific service improvements. “We came to Tagum with one clear purpose: to listen to you, and to learn …

SM Foundation (SMFI) received a Silver Anvil Award under the PR Tools, Multimedia category from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines for its #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online campaign. The initiative strengthened SM Foundation’s digital presence and translated online engagement into tangible social impact.  Through strategic storytelling on Facebook, SMFI grew its online community to more than one million followers and …