GCash, the Philippines’ top mobile wallet, is expanding its digital financial offerings by integrating Circle’s USDC, a fully reserved digital dollar. The move provides millions of GCash users with seamless access to a stable digital asset for transactions, savings, and remittances through the app’s GCrypto feature. USDC is backed 1:1 by cash and cash-equivalent assets […]

The Philippine insurance industry reported robust performance in 2024, with double-digit growth across key metrics, according to year-end data from the Department of Finance (DOF). Benefit payouts rose 18.97% to P160.33 billion ($2.86 billion), driven by an increase in claims. Net income climbed 15.88% to P56.29 billion (US$1 billion), marking the third consecutive year of […]

The Philippine construction industry presented contrasting trends at the start of the year, with a significant drop in building permits but strong growth in construction value and floor area, according to preliminary data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). Approved building permits fell sharply by 14.6% year-on-year to just 12,526 in January 2025, continuing […]

Toxics watchdog BAN Toxics is warning parents and children against buying a Roblox-inspired toy found to contain dangerous levels of lead and other hazardous chemicals. In a recent market monitoring activity, the group purchased a mini-action figure from a Quezon City street vendor and tested it using an XRF analyzer. Results showed lead levels up […]

In the age of social media, where outrage spreads faster than facts, it is all too easy to misinterpret statements and vilify individuals without fully understanding their context or intent. Such is the case with the recent uproar surrounding the president of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), Dr. […]

Former president Rodrigo Duterte spoke candidly during his journey to The Hague, acknowledging the legal challenges he faces related to his controversial war on drugs, which has led to an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC). “I’m about to land sa Hague, galing ako Dubai nag-stopover. It’s a long haul; it’s a […]

Former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested on Tuesday, March 11, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport following an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for alleged crimes against humanity related to his controversial “war on drugs.” The 79-year-old Duterte, who arrived in Manila from Hong Kong, was taken into custody after Philippine […]

A reporter asked Christopher Ah, president of the Filipino-Chinese Bakery Association, Inc. (FCBAI), for his thoughts on Rhian Ramos baking without a hairnet and wearing a bikini at Bakery Fair 2025. “Bawal po kasi sa World Trade, bawal ang bikini shorts. Dapat naka-business attire,” Ah explained on Wednesday during a press conference held at Oriental […]

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Jakarta (HKETO Jakarta) hosted a business seminar and luncheon in Manila on February 14, spotlighting the role of fintech and logistics in strengthening economic ties between Hong Kong and the Philippines. The event, titled “Building a Stronger Future: The Synergistic Power of Fintech and Logistics,” also celebrated […]

Former presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo dismissed a sedition complaint filed against his erstwhile boss as “foolish,” claiming ex-president Rodrigo Duterte’s controversial remark about killing senators was simply a joke. “Ano ba itong bansa natin? Hindi ka na pwedeng magbiro?” Panelo asked. “Magbibiro ka lang, pa-file-an ka na ng kaso. Wala ba tayong demokrasya?” Panelo […]