Category: Philippines

Business

Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala Meets Davao Leaders—Is a Major Ayala Partnership Next?

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — What could the Ayala Group be planning next in Mindanao? Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, the chief executive officer of ACMobility and one of the younger-generation leaders of the Ayala Group, recently met with local officials in Davao City to explore potential partnerships that could support the city's long-term development priorities. But while the meeting has sparked interest over the possibility of a larger Ayala presence or new initiatives in Davao, officials have

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Business

Razon’s Primelectric Eyes PEZA Ecozones—Could Dedicated Power Networks Finally Solve Investors’ Biggest Worry?

MANILA, Philippines — Enrique Razon-led Primelectric Holdings Inc. is moving to explore a potentially major expansion into Philippine economic zones, partnering with the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to study the development of dedicated electricity distribution systems for selected industrial and business hubs. The initiative could reshape how future PEZA ecozones prepare for investors, with reliable power infrastructure being considered even before companies commit to setting up f

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Philippines

Iloilo’s ₱92-Million Water Pipeline Is Coming Two Years Early — But the Bigger Supply Test Begins in 2027

ILOILO CITY — A new water line running more than five kilometers from Iloilo City into Oton may look like a project built primarily for one subdivision. The numbers suggest something much bigger. Metro Pacific Iloilo Water Inc. (MPIW) and Iloilo Southprime Developers Inc., operating as WeeComm, have signed an agreement to build a 5,137-meter transmission pipeline from the Mandurriao area to Emerald Estates in Barangay Cagbang, Oton. Panay News reported that the project will give Emerald Estat

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Philippines

Three Chinese Nationals Sentenced to Life Over P3.4-M Batangas Shabu Sale

BATANGAS, Philippines — A drug case that began with a buy-bust operation and a nearly two-hour pursuit in 2024 has ended with three Chinese nationals receiving life imprisonment after a Batangas court found them guilty of selling more than half a kilogram of shabu. The Tanauan City Regional Trial Court Branch 83 found A Ming, Yan Xing Xue and Ko Xiao Ya guilty beyond reasonable doubt of violating Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. The court ordered each defend

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Philippines

PH Navy Intercepts Over P100 Million in Smuggled Cigarettes in Western Mindanao—Here’s Where the Contraband Was Headed

ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Navy has intensified its campaign against maritime smuggling in Western Mindanao after separate sea operations led to the seizure of more than P100 million worth of undocumented cigarettes, according to reports from authorities and multiple news outlets. The operations targeted vessels moving through the waters around Sulu and the Zamboanga Peninsula, areas that authorities have repeatedly identified as vulnerable routes for the movement of illicit goods. Accord

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Business

Will the Peso Really Hit ₱65? PCCI’s Bryan Ang Says Christmas Dollars Could Change Everything

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine peso may be under intense pressure, but the currency is unlikely to plunge all the way to ₱65 against the US dollar, according to Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) official Bryan Ang, who believes a seasonal surge in overseas Filipino remittances and steady dollar earnings from the country's business process outsourcing industry could provide crucial support. Ang, PCCI vice president for trade and industry, said the approaching Christmas sea

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Philippines

Sara Duterte Says She Fears for Her Life—Now the PNP Is Stepping In

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is prepared to assess and verify Vice President Sara Duterte’s security concerns after she publicly expressed fear for her life and said she no longer trusted the police or the courts. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units would continue monitoring the situation involving Duterte and her immediate family and would examine any documents, reports or statements she submits concerning alleged threats. The deve

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Philippines

Omar Duterte Blasts Sara Arrest Warrant as ‘Political Harassment’—But What Happens Next Could Raise the Stakes

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City 2nd District Rep. Omar Duterte has condemned the arrest warrant issued against his aunt, Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it a “clear act of political harassment” as the Vice President’s legal and political battles continue to intensify. In a statement, Omar Duterte accused those in power of using government institutions to silence political opponents, saying he was deeply troubled by the developments surrounding the Vice President. His remarks came after a

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Philippines

Sara Duterte Says She Feared for Her Life—Now Malacañang Fires Back on the PNP’s Role

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang has defended the Philippine National Police (PNP) amid Vice President Sara Duterte's claims that she feared for her safety, insisting that law enforcers are carrying out their duties in accordance with the law and without political bias. The Palace's response came after Duterte raised concerns about her security following developments surrounding the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, where she appeared in connection with a grave threats case. Palace Press Offic

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Philippines

At Just 10, This Cebu Swimming Prodigy Is Already Making Waves—Now She’s Set for Her Biggest National Test Yet

CEBU CITY — At only 10 years old, Adrianna Erika Ching is already making a name for herself as one of Cebu’s promising young swimmers—and her latest breakthrough is taking her from regional competition to the national stage. The Grade 4 swimmer from Cebu City has continued to turn heads with a string of strong performances in 2026, highlighted by gold-medal finishes, international success and a standout showing in the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA). Her rise has been pa

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