Business

In a move to curb excessive gambling exposure in public spaces, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) has ordered the immediate removal of all billboards and out-of-home (OOH) advertisements promoting gambling. In a memorandum issued on July 7, PAGCOR directed all licensees, suppliers, system administrators, and gaming venue operators to dismantle gambling-related ad materials—including those displayed on trains, buses, …

The Philippine office leasing market maintained its robust momentum in the first half of 2025, with demand already reaching 67% of the full-year total recorded in 2024—despite the exit of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), real estate advisory firm Leechiu Property Consultants (LPC) reported last week. “Demand has been strong for the first half of the year. We believe it …

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its financing arm Small Business Corporation (SBCorp), has disbursed a total of P4.22 million in loans to 24 women entrepreneurs under the Women’s Enterprise Fund (WEF), aimed at empowering women-owned small businesses across the country. The initial batch of recipients will use the loans to start or expand their ventures, including variety …

The share of non-performing loans (NPLs) in the Philippine banking system slightly declined in May 2025, signaling early signs of improving credit conditions, according to data released Friday by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). The NPL ratio eased to 3.38% in May, down from 3.39% in April and notably lower than the 3.57% recorded in the same month last …

Net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows to the Philippines rose by 7.1% year-on-year in April 2025, reaching USD610 million from USD570 million a year earlier, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reported Thursday. The increase was driven primarily by higher investments in debt instruments by non-resident investors, which surged by 24.3% to USD522 million from USD420 million in April 2024. …

The FinTech Alliance Philippines has thrown its full support behind the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) enhanced regulatory framework aimed at promoting the responsible use of digital financial services in licensed online gaming platforms. In a statement, FinTech Alliance founding chair Lito Villanueva acknowledged the growing concerns from the public and various sectors about the potential social risks of online …

The Manila International Container Terminal (MICT), the flagship terminal of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI), recently deployed two fully electric terminal tractors— the first deployment of such equipment in a Philippine port. Christian Lozano, MICT chief executive officer, said the deployment is part of ongoing efforts to adopt more sustainable technologies:  “The testing of electric terminal tractors is another …

Sunshine Place in collaboration with its students (seniors, young adults & children) enrolled in its various art classes is mounting the eighth edition of Coloring Lives. Aptly named Coloring Lives, the annual exhibit is a fund-raising exhibit to benefit residents of a chosen institution. Proceeds of the exhibit will go a long way in making the lives of the beneficiaries …

Several primary care facilities in the provinces of Antique and Cebu received renovation support from BDO Foundation through the recommendation of BDO and BDO Network Bank branches. As part of its long-standing program, the foundation continues its mission to support public health workers and local government units in providing optimal patient care within an environment that is conducive to healing …

SM Malls attract people, but have you ever wondered why? Is it because SM Malls are everywhere? There is one in every city, even two or more in some cases, and at least one in every province, except for a few. But then the competition is also there, in the same vicinity, sometimes just across the street. No, it is …