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BDO launches sixth ASEAN Sustainability Bonds issue

Business

BDO Unibank, Inc. (“BDO” or the “Bank”) is set to issue Peso-denominated Fixed-Rate Sustainability Bonds with a minimum aggregate issue size of PHP5 billion (the “Bonds”). This marks the Bank’s second Sustainability Bond this year following a PHP 100 billion issue in January 2026. In aggregate, BDO has raised PHP 386.7 billion in Sustainability Bonds through five issuances since January 2022. The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has confirmed that the proposed issuance complies with the requirements set forth under the ASEAN Sustainability Bond Standards and the SEC ASEAN Sustainability Bond Circular. The proposed issuance will have a tenor of one-and-a-half (1.5) years and a coupon rate of 6.26% per annum. The minimum investment amount is PHP500,000, with additional increments in multiples of PHP100,000 thereafter. The offer period will run from July 9 to 21, 2026, while the issue, settlement, and listing date will be on July 28, 2026. The net proceeds of the proposed issuance will be used to finance and/or refinance eligible assets as defined in the Bank’s Sustainable Finance Framework, support the Bank’s lending activities, and diversify the Bank’s funding sources. BDO reserves the right to amend the terms and the timing of the issuance as it deems necessary. ING Bank N.V., Manila Branch (“ING”) is the Sole Arranger and Sustainability Coordinator of the proposed issuance, with BDO and ING as Selling Agents and BDO Capital & Investment Corporation as Financial Advisor. THE BONDS ARE SECURITIES EXEMPT FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SECTION 9.1(e) OF THE SECURITIES REGULATION CODE (“SRC”) AND AS SUCH WILL NOT BE REGISTERED UNDER THE SRC. THE FOREGOING IS FOR INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS, AN OFFER OR SOLICITATION OF ANY OFFER TO INVEST IN THE BONDS NOR AN OBLIGATION ON THE PART OF BDO TO ISSUE THE BONDS OR THE ARRANGER AND SELLING AGENTS TO ACCEPT ANY OFFER. THE ABOVE INFORMATION DOES NOT PURPORT TO BE COMPLETE OR EXHAUSTIVE. PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS SHOULD READ THE OFFERING CIRCULAR FOR THE OFFER IN ITS ENTIRETY.  THE BONDS WILL ONLY BE SOLD DURING THE OFFER PERIOD STATED ABOVE.  

SMC report shows P1.43T from 2025 revenues distributed across broader economy

Business

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) distributed P1.43 trillion—about 95% of the P1.5 trillion in total revenues it generated in 2025—back to suppliers, employees, investors, communities, and the government, the company disclosed in its latest Sustainability Report. The report showed that the vast majority of the total economic value generated by SMC’s Group-wide operations went back to supporting Philippine businesses, jobs, public revenues, and economic activity—underscoring the company’s contributions to the wider economy. Approximately P995 billion of total revenues went to suppliers and operating expenses, helping support businesses across SMC’s nationwide supply chain, and enabling them to sustain operations, generate income, and provide employment in their communities. Some P221 billion went to taxes and other government payments, helping fund public services, infrastructure, and social programs. Another P153 billion went to payments to providers of capital, including investors and shareholders. Meanwhile, P58 billion went to salaries and benefits for SMC’s employees, while P560 million was invested in community development programs. SMC reported P79.6 billion in core net income, which it said would support growth and further investments. SMC Chairman and CEO Ramon S. Ang said: “At San Miguel, creating value goes well beyond financial performance. Our job is not just to provide quality food and beverage products, and access to everyday necessities such as power, fuel and infrastructure. Our bigger mission is to help sustain our economy and create the conditions needed to ensure more Filipinos have jobs and opportunities that can uplift and sustainably improve their lives.” Apart from its financial performance, SMC also reported progress on infrastructure assets, environmental programs, workforce development, community initiatives and governance practices. Its operating footprint includes 5,710 MW of total energy capacity, 225 kilometers of expressways, fuel refining capacity of 180,000 barrels per day in Bataan, and annual cement production capacity of 17.5 million metric tons. On environmental initiatives, SMC has planted 8.14 million trees through various reforestation programs nationwide and saved 58 billion liters of water since 2017 through desalination, conservation, recycling, reuse and rainwater harvesting. It also reported removing 8.95 million tons of silt and waste from major rivers and river systems through its Better Rivers PH initiative, which it started in 2020. For social programs, SMC reached more than 200,000 individuals through volunteer programs nationwide. A total of 4,298 employee volunteers contributed 65,415 hours across about 600 activities. The report also showed that SMC’s workforce grew to 59,117 in 2025, with about 64% of employees based outside Metro Manila. Under governance, the company said all directors and officers underwent corporate governance training. It also completed climate risk assessments across all major operating assets, earned 282 internationally recognized certifications, recorded zero data breaches during the year, and screened nearly 200 suppliers for their ESG profile and performance.            

Turn everyday payments into everyday rewards with BDO Pay

Business

As more Filipinos embrace cashless transactions for shopping, dining, and paying bills, many are also looking for ways to get more value from their everyday spending. Digital payment apps are no longer just about convenience. They have also become a practical way to unlock discounts, earn rewards, and make daily expenses go further. BDO Pay helps users maximize every transaction by combining cashless payments, exclusive deals, and rewards in one app. Users can enjoy a variety of limited-time offers, including discounts of up to 35% at participating restaurants in SM Aura, complimentary treats at Classic Savory, eGift Card rewards for purchases at participating SM retail stores, and Rewards Peso Points when paying bills or buying mobile load. The app also allows users to pay directly from their BDO bank account or BDO Credit or Debit Card through Scan to Pay, eliminating the need to cash in. Rewards Peso Points and BDO Credit Card points can be redeemed for eGift Cards, converted to cash credits, or transferred to participating rewards programs. Whether paying for meals, shopping, utilities, or mobile load, BDO Pay makes everyday transactions simple, secure, and more rewarding. Download BDO Pay from the App Store, Google Play Store, or Huawei AppGallery to start enjoying exclusive rewards. Visit the BDO website for the complete promo mechanics and the list of participating merchants.

Globe recognized in Fortune Southeast Asia 500 for third consecutive year

Business

Globe has once again been recognized in Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 list, underscoring its continued role as one of the region’s leading companies amid a rapidly evolving digital economy. The company ranked No. 119 this year, marking its third consecutive year on the annual list following its recognition in 2024 and 2025. The recognition reflects Globe’s continued scale and contribution to one of the world’s fastest-growing digital economies. Compiled by Fortune, the Southeast Asia 500 ranks the region’s largest companies based on revenue. The list highlights organizations that play a significant role in driving economic growth, innovation, and development across Southeast Asia. For Globe, the recognition reflects its continued transformation beyond traditional telecommunications as it strengthens the digital infrastructure that powers the country’s increasingly connected economy. “This recognition reflects the trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our people as we continue transforming Globe into a more agile and technology-driven organization,” said Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe Telecom. “More importantly, it reinforces our responsibility to help build a digitally empowered Philippines by creating solutions that enable progress for individuals, businesses, and communities.” As artificial intelligence, cloud computing, digital payments, and other data-intensive technologies reshape how people live and work, Globe continues to invest in network modernization, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies to help ensure Filipinos and businesses have access to reliable, secure, and high-quality digital services. These investments support the growing digital needs of consumers and enterprises while helping strengthen the foundations of the country’s digital economy. The company is also advancing its transformation into a technology-driven organization by integrating artificial intelligence and automation across key areas of the business. These initiatives are enhancing customer experience, improving operational efficiency, and enabling smarter decision-making, while helping enterprises accelerate their own digital transformation through solutions spanning connectivity, cloud, cybersecurity, managed services, and digital platforms. As the Philippines competes in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, resilient infrastructure and future-ready technologies will play a greater role in driving long-term growth and competitiveness. Globe remains committed to building the networks, capabilities, and partnerships that will help Filipinos and Philippine businesses participate more fully in the opportunities of the digital economy.            

Driving Accessibility, Globe CEO Carl Cruz says No Single Technology Can Connect a Nation

Business

As new satellite providers explore opportunities in the Philippines and around the world, discussions about the future of telecommunications often focus on a single question: Will satellites replace traditional mobile networks? For Globe, the conversation is bigger than any one technology. As new connectivity solutions emerge, the company believes the focus should remain on expanding digital access, protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and ensuring that innovation benefits more Filipinos. Globe supports technology-neutral policies that encourage innovation while ensuring that all connectivity providers uphold high standards for service reliability, security and consumer protection, and fair competition. Achieving universal connectivity will require collaboration among industry players, regulators, technology providers, and policymakers, with the goal of ensuring every Filipino has access to reliable, secure, and accessible digital services. “No single technology can connect a nation,” said Carl Cruz, President and CEO of Globe Telecom. “The challenge is not deciding which technology wins. The challenge is ensuring every Filipino has access to reliable connectivity wherever they are. Mobile networks, fiber infrastructure, submarine cables, and satellite technologies each have a role to play in building a more connected, resilient, and inclusive Philippines. And this is exactly what we hope to fully achieve as we map out our footprint in the country.” As digital services become increasingly embedded in everyday life, connectivity ha s evolved into essential infrastructure. Education, healthcare, financial services, government transactions, and emergency response all depend on reliable digital access, making connectivity as critical to modern society as other basic utilities. For decades, mobile networks, fiber infrastructure, and submarine cables have formed the backbone of the Philippines’ digital ecosystem. These investments continue to provide the capacity, speed, and resilience needed to support millions of Filipinos, businesses, and communities every day. At the same time, satellite technology is opening new opportunities to reach areas where traditional network deployment remains challenging. Remote islands, geographically isolated communities, transportation corridors, and disaster-affected locations can benefit from satellite capabilities that extend the reach of existing networks and help strengthen connectivity where it is needed most. Rather than viewing satellite and terrestrial networks as competing technologies, Globe sees them as complementary components of a broader connectivity ecosystem. This approach is reflected in Globe’s efforts to build a multi-network platform that integrates mobile, fiber, wireless, submarine cable, and satellite technologies, including its partnership with Starlink to offer satellite-to-mobile capabilities that can help extend connectivity beyond the reach of traditional cellular infrastructure and provide additional resilience during emergencies and disaster response. Globe has already begun integrating satellite capabilities into its connectivity ecosystem. The company has also recently deployed satellite-based connectivity solutions during emergency response efforts in Mindanao, providing an additional layer of communications support in affected areas while network restoration activities were underway. This presents a significant opportunity for a country like the Philippines, where geography has long posed challenges to expanding connectivity. By combining multiple technologies, the industry can help close coverage gaps, strengthen network resilience, and bring digital opportunities to more communities across the country. For Globe, the future is not satellite versus mobile. It is about building a seamless connectivity ecosystem where technologies work together to ensure every Filipino can stay connected and participate fully in an increasingly digital world.                  

Integration of AirSWIFT into Cebgo Operations

Business

Cebu Pacific (CEB) advises AirSWIFT customers that effective July 1, 2026, all AirSWIFT flights will be operated by Cebgo. During this transition, there will be no changes in AirSWIFT’s flight schedules and services as flights to and from El Nido will continue as scheduled. Additionally, all T6 coded flights will be coded as DG flights as these will be operated by Cebgo. AirSWIFT currently operates flights between Clark and El Nido in northern Palawan, and between El Nido and other major tourist destinations in the country including Boracay, Bohol, Cebu, and Coron. CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations. CEB reminds passengers to book their flights directly through CEB’s official website, mobile app, and affiliated travel partners and agencies to avoid issues with booking and managing their flights.

Globe Business champions cybersecurity for SMEs with integrated GFiber Broadband

Business

  Free Vulnerability Assessment solution   As more businesses embrace digital operations and AI-driven tools, cybersecurity is becoming just as important as connectivity itself. For many small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the challenge is finding a way to grow securely in an environment where they face silent, invisible digital threats. This protection is vital because SMEs are the backbone of local communities, generating millions of jobs and driving national economic growth. Yet, as these businesses shift online, cyberattacks targeting them have surged by up to 325% because automated bots continuously scan the internet for unlocked digital doors, regardless of a company’s name or size. In the latest installment of The Blueprint by Globe, Globe Business highlights that GFiber Broadband plans now include Free Vulnerability Assessment Scan (VA) to help businesses build a more secure digital foundation. By combining high-speed connectivity with proactive cybersecurity directly into everyday internet connectivity, Globe Business is changing the paradigm. Cybersecurity should not be viewed as an expensive cost center, but should instead be embedded directly into an organization’s everyday business operations. This democratizes protection regardless of business size and digital maturity. This free protective service is bundled with GFiber Broadband plans starting at Plan 1299 and extending through Plans 1499, 1999, 2499, and 2999, with the number of bundled Vulnerability Assessment scans increasing with each plan tier. Each scan can save a business PHP 4,500, giving Filipino entrepreneurs immediate savings they can reinvest back into their operations. “No entrepreneur, regardless of their size, should have to risk their entire life’s work just because cybersecurity feels too expensive or too complicated,” said KD Dizon, Globe Chief Marketing Officer. “By embedding proactive protection directly into their everyday business connection, we are helping local enterprises move past the era of basic connectivity and transition toward intelligent resilience, ensuring that as their business scales, their protection scales with it.” The integrated Free VA Scan serves as a critical digital diagnostic tool, performing three essential functions for a business. First, it detects security vulnerabilities. It identifies weaknesses across the entire network, website, and devices to protect sensitive customer data before a breach can happen. Second, it minimizes costly downtime. It prevents operations from halting and sales from stopping due to malware infections or network disruptions. Third, it drives IT efficiency. By mapping out exact digital vulnerabilities, it eliminates the critical guesswork, allowing them to allocate their IT budgets precisely where they are needed most rather than wasting resources. The solution also supports businesses across different industries. For e-commerce and retail companies, it helps secure online transactions and customer payment data. Healthcare providers can better protect sensitive patient information, while financial institutions and legal firms can strengthen the security of confidential records, contracts and digital communications. Hotels, restaurants, and cafes can also help safeguard guest information, payment systems and online transactions while maintaining reliable connectivity. Through solutions that combine everyday business broadband with robust, built-in security, Globe Business continues to strengthen its role as a trusted partner in intelligent transformation, helping Philippine businesses build secure digital platforms to innovate, scale, and succeed safely in the digital economy.              

LANDBANK waives fees for online gov’t payments

Business

MANILA, Philippibes -In response to ongoing global economic pressures, LANDBANK is waiving its fees on select online government payments, enabling Filipinos to transact with government agencies more conveniently and at a lower cost. From 01 June 2026 to 31 December 2026, LANDBANK will implement zero fees on eligible person-to-government (P2G) transactions made via QRPh, as part of the Bank’s ongoing efforts to make everyday banking more affordable. LANDBANK’s move also supports the National Government’s whole-of-government response to rising costs and the global economic challenges, while expanding access to affordable financial services under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Program. The fee waiver covers transactions completed through three QRPh-enabled payment channels: (1) LANDBANK Link.BizPortal via QRPh option; (2) QRPh standees at participating government institutions; and (3) government agencies’ websites where LANDBANK Link.BizPortal via QRPh is selected as the payment mode. Eligible payments include fees to participating government institutions — such as select national government agencies (NGAs), government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs), local government units (LGUs), water districts, and state universities and colleges (SUCs) — supporting faster and more convenient payments for police clearance, real property taxes, business permits, apostille certificates, and other dues. Payment channels other than QRPh, as well as charges imposed by merchants or other service providers, if any, are not covered by the LANDBANK fee waiver and shall remain in effect. “LANDBANK’s zero convenience fees for online government payments provides convenient access to essential public transactions at no additional cost. Transacting with government agencies online is now more affordable. This initiative is part of our continuous efforts to bring government services closer to the people,” said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chair Frederick D. Go. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz said that the initiative aims to make government transactions more convenient and affordable amid economic challenges, while promoting greater digital banking adoption. “LANDBANK is waiving fees for online government payments to make services more accessible, while bringing more Filipinos into the digital financial ecosystem. This supports our broader goal of advancing financial inclusion and delivering services that are more responsive to the needs of the public,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. The rollout of free government payment services complements LANDBANK’s efforts to lower transaction costs, including the recent reduction of InstaPay transfer fees from ₱15 to ₱8, effective 21 May 2026. As the country’s leading government bank, LANDBANK continues to drive a more inclusive and cash-lite economy by making digital transactions simpler, more accessible, and more affordable for all.

LANDBANK cuts transfer fees to ₱8 to ease everyday banking costs

Business

LANDBANK has reduced its InstaPay transfer fee for person-to-person (P2P) transactions from ₱15 to ₱8, reinforcing its commitment to make digital financial services more affordable and accessible for Filipinos. Effective 21 May 2026, the lower fee applies to P2P fund transfers conducted via the LANDBANK Mobile Banking App and iAccess. To further benefit customers, the Bank is also offering one free InstaPay transfer per day for transactions amounting to ₱1,000 and below. The move aims to ease the cost of everyday financial transactions while encouraging broader adoption of secure, fast, and cashless payment channels. The initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to expand access to affordable financial services and accelerate digitalization to support inclusive economic growth. “Reducing digital transaction costs is a crucial step in bringing more Filipinos into the formal financial system. By making fund transfers more affordable, LANDBANK is helping empower individuals, families, and small businesses to participate more actively in the digital economy,” said Finance Secretary and LANDBANK Chair Frederick D. Go. LANDBANK President and CEO Lynette V. Ortiz underscored the Bank’s focus on delivering inclusive and cost-efficient digital solutions. “LANDBANK remains committed to advancing financial inclusion by making digital banking more affordable and accessible. By lowering transaction fees, we are enabling more Filipinos to use secure and convenient digital channels for their everyday financial transactions,” said LANDBANK President and CEO Ortiz. Soon, LANDBANK will roll out zero LANDBANK fees for person-to-government (P2G) payment services for select government transactions, making it easier, faster, and more affordable for Filipinos to settle taxes, fees, and other public dues online. As the country’s leading government bank, LANDBANK continues to champion a more inclusive and cash-lite economy by delivering innovative, accessible, and cost-efficient digital financial solutions to the public.            

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