Manila Standard Business

29/10/2025

Smart, Maya team up to offer zero-fee load, data access

MANILA, Philippines—Smart Communications Inc. and digital financial services firm Maya have announced a partnership to ease the cost of connectivity and expand access to financial services for millions of Filipinos.

The collaboration introduces two key benefits for Smart and TNT subscribers using the Maya app. Users can now purchase mobile load with zero convenience fees.

The Maya app is now zero-rated for Smart users, allowing them to access its services for money management, transfers, savings and bill payments without consuming mobile data.

“This collaboration goes beyond promos—it’s about breaking barriers to digital access,” said Lloyd Manaloto, first vice president for corporate marketing and strategy at Smart.

https://manilastandard.net/business/314661721/smart-maya-team-up-to-offer-zero-fee-load-data-access.html

29/10/2025

SM Prime pegs interest rates for P17-billion bond offering

Integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) has set the interest rates for its P17-billion peso-denominated fixed rate bond offering, with proceeds aimed at supporting expansion and development projects.

The offering has a base offer of up to P12 billion with an oversubscription option for another P5 billion. The offer period is scheduled to run from Nov. 3 to 7, 2025.

The bonds are structured in three series. Series AB bonds, due 2030, carry an interest rate of 5.9096 percent, while Series AC bonds, due 2032, will have 6.0858 percent. Series AD bonds, due 2035, are set at 6.2855 percent.

The Series AB, AC and AD bonds have been rated PRS Aaa by the Philippine Rating Services Corp. (PhilRatings), its highest rating, reflecting minimal credit risk and an extremely strong capacity for the issuer to meet its financial commitment.

Integrated property developer SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPH) has set the interest rates for its P17-billion peso-denominated fixed rate bond offering, with

29/10/2025

BingoPlus Foundation delivers P6-million aid to Cebu quake victims

BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., delivered P6 million in aid to some 56,000 residents in northern Cebu, following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake on Sept. 30.

The relief, funded by DigiPlus Interactive and BingoPlus, targeted six municipalities and was distributed across a phased approach from Oct. 5 to 23.

Distribution efforts were complicated by aftershocks—including a magnitude 5.8 tremor on Oct. 13—as well as heavy rains, infrastructural damage and impassable roads that made accessing far-flung areas difficult.

https://manilastandard.net/business/314661618/bingoplus-foundation-delivers-p6-million-aid-to-cebu-quake-victims.html

29/10/2025

GCash denies dark web data breach, assures customers funds are safe

MANILA, Philippines—Mobile wallet GCash said Wednesday all customer accounts and funds remain secure, as it denied reports of a data breach after a post on a dark web forum falsely claimed to sell user data.

The mobile wallet, led by Globe Telecom’s fintech unit, assured the public there has been “no breach, no leaks, and no compromise in its systems,” following an assessment by both the company and the government’s Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC).

GCash assures customers their funds and data are safe, denying a widely reported data breach after a dark web post claiming to sell user information was taken down. Philippine government agencies, including the DICT and CICC, confirm the leak was fake and involved recycled data.

29/10/2025

PCPPI brings fresh flavors to Oktoberfest and holiday celebrations
Estimated reading time: 1 minute and 11 seconds
From Oktoberfest nights to holiday parties, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) is bringing bold, refreshing flavors to every toast with its exciting line-up of alcoholic beverages: Hard Dew, Saero, and Soonhari.
Designed to suit every kind of celebration, these drinks offer vibrant tastes that make each moment memorable—whether it’s an intimate get-together, a lively night out, or a full-blown Oktoberfest celebration.
Hard Dew reimagines the iconic Mountain Dew with a refreshing kick of alcohol, perfect for thrill-seekers craving something new. Saero is the first-of-its kind zero-sugar soju from Korea, introduced to meet the growing demand of health-conscious consumers. Meanwhile, Soonhari delivers PCPPI’s take on the beloved Korean soju experience, available in a range of sweet and fruity flavors best enjoyed when shared.

From Oktoberfest nights to holiday parties, Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc. (PCPPI) is bringing bold, refreshing flavors to every toast with its

07/10/2025

PH medicine security gets a boost on assurances of enhanced public-private partnership

The Philippines’ post-pandemic vulnerability to medicine shortages is getting targeted attention through concrete commitments from Congress, regulatory agencies, and industry leaders to strengthen domestic pharmaceutical capacity and reduce import dependence.

In a recent public forum hosted by the Philippine Chamber of Pharmaceutical Industries (PCPI), focused on the theme “Ensuring Medicine Security; Strengthening the Philippine Pharma Industry,” key stakeholders outlined specific reforms and partnerships that could reshape the country’s approach to medicine security.

Rep. Ciriaco Gato, chairman of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Health, spoke about a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach to address systemic industry barriers.

“We in Congress are cognizant of the numerous concerns that plague the local pharma industry. Regulatory bottlenecks, the prevalence of counterfeits, the high cost of production, reliance on and apparent bias for imports are among issues that must be addressed in the exercise of Congress’ legislative oversight powers,” Gato said.

“We at the Committee on Health and other relevant committees commit ourselves to reviewing executive issuances that restrict or even prohibit the local pharma industry from effectively functioning in the delivery of medicines that will satisfy the health needs of the population.”

In the same forum, Department of Trade and Industry-Board of Investments (DTI-BOI) executive director Corazon Dichosa presented market data highlighting both opportunity and structural imbalance. The local pharmaceutical industry is valued at $4.5 billion with projected 4.1 percent annual growth until 2029, yet remains critically dependent on imports with government statistics showing only 46 manufacturers compared to 650 importers. Philippine export of medicines to other countries is virtually nonexistent.

Medicine security became a pressing issue during the COVID pandemic when countries restricted exports to prioritize domestic needs. Despite this wake-up call, significant strides to promote local pharmaceutical manufacturing had been limited until these recent commitments.

For his part, Food and Drug Administration (FDA) director general Paolo Teston framed medicine security as both a public health imperative and national resilience strategy, drawing lessons from recent global health crises.

“Medicine security is not only a public health concern but a matter of national resilience. We have learned from recent global health crises that ensuring access to safe, effective and affordable medicines are as critical as safeguarding our food supply or securing our borders,” Teston said.

https://manilastandard.net/business/314652138/ph-medicine-security-gets-a-boost-on-assurances-of-enhanced-public-private-partnership.html

11/09/2025

Ten companies from the Philippines makes it to Time magazine's 2025 'World's Best Companies' list.

10/09/2025

Unemployment rate in the Philippines climbed to 5.3% in July 2025.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reports the country's unemployment rate climbed to 5.3% in July 2025, with 2.59 million jobless Filipinos. Learn more about the latest labor force data, including employment, underemployment, and sector-specific trends.

10/09/2025

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon uncovers 3 'ghost' flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro province.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has found three non-existent flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro, prompting an investigation into officials and contractors.

10/09/2025

The Philippines ranks No. 64 out of 69 economies in 2025 Global Talent Ranking.

The Philippines has fallen to 64th in the 2025 World Talent Ranking, its fourth consecutive drop. A new report highlights how the country's low education spending is a primary factor, with poor rankings in investment, appeal, and readiness.

08/09/2025

Shaping a confident tomorrow for Filipino youth

Allianz PNB Life is strengthening its commitment to youth empowerment through the global ! Program, in partnership with SOS Children’s Villages Pilipinas.

The initiative offers workplace visits, career coaching, and financial literacy sessions, giving young people practical experience, essential skills, and the confidence to pursue future careers. By promoting independence and resilience, Allianz mentors help prepare participants to build brighter futures.

For Allianz, ! is more than corporate social responsibility. It reflects the company’s belief that financial security and personal growth must go hand in hand. Through lessons on savings, debt management, and the importance of protection, the program equips young people with knowledge they can carry with them for life.

https://manilastandard.net/business/314639620/shaping-a-confident-tomorrow-for-filipino-youth.html

08/09/2025

Globe celebrates 10 years of GDay with bigger rewards and experiences

Globe marks the 10th year of its annual GDay celebration this September with more rewards, surprises, and meaningful experiences for customers.

“What began as a simple thank-you has grown into a nationwide movement. This GDay, we’re celebrating in ways that recognize our customers’ passions and everyday wins,” said Globe vice president and head of Feel Valued Tribe Bianca Wong.

Globe is rolling out GDay Pop-Up Booths in Cebu, Davao, Bacolod, Naga, Tuguegarao, and CDO, turning familiar spaces into hubs of promos, rewards, and giveaways. Online, the GlobeOne app will feature daily surprise gifts, vouchers, lifestyle perks, and bigger prizes.

Globe marks the 10th year of its annual GDay celebration this September with more rewards, surprises, and meaningful experiences for customers. “What