QUEZON CITY, Philippines — The Social Security System (SSS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and Non-Disclosure Agreement with Standard Economics on July 3 to support the development and implementation of the SSS Micro Loan Program, also known as SSS LoanLite, a proposed digital microloan facility designed to provide members with faster, safer, and more affordable access to short-term financial assistance. The initiative is intended to help SSS members access financial support with greater speed, security, and convenience, while strengthening the infrastructure used to assess, distribute, and service financial assistance at scale. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro and Standard Economics President and Chief Executive Officer Evan Stanley Jones inked the MOU to formalize the partnership and leverage the company’s Economic Superintelligence platform. “Standard Economics is honored to support SSS in its mission to serve Filipino workers and their families,” said Evan. “Our goal is to provide modern financial infrastructure that helps institutions deliver support faster, safer, and more efficiently. We believe everyday, people deserve access to financial products that are trusted, high quality, and built around their needs.” Standard Economics’ Economic Superintelligence platform combines secure financial infrastructure with advanced intelligence systems for identity, AI risk assessment, AI underwriting, payments, AI fraud prevention, and data security. The platform is designed to help governments and institutions move, allocate, and manage money at population scale while improving the member experience. De Claro thanked Standard Economics for partnering with SSS to fulfill its mission of serving the Filipino people. “Your organization may be relatively new to the industry, but it shows a great promise through its innovations that enable faster loan disbursement, lower transaction costs, greater financial inclusion, automated processes and real-time monitoring,” he said. “By leveraging blockchain technology and digital payments, you have the potential to be a true game changer.” He noted that the partnership supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.‘s vision of positioning the Philippines as open for business in terms of investments, further reinforced by the country’s recent classification by the World Bank as an upper middle-income economy. He also highlighted Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission Chairperson Frederick D. Go’s vision of using technology to deliver faster services with lower fees for loan borrowers, adding that he is proud that, through SSS’ partnership with Standard Economics, the institution will leverage AI to strengthen security controls and improve advanced audit capabilities in support of the SSS LoanLite Program. Standard Economics said the Philippines is an important market for its broader mission of expanding access to modern financial services. The company is building financial infrastructure to give everyday people a pathway to economic security, open participation in the modern economy, and long-term wealth creation.

The 2016 Arbitral Award on the South China Sea (SCS)/ West Philippine Sea (WPS) continues to be an issue that hounds the Philippines and China despite 10 years having passed. Some sectors say that it has affected the centuries long relations between the neighboring countries. Questions still lay unanswered without anyone seeing a win-win solution at this time to keep the peace and keep the relationship that goes beyond the “sea”. Undeniable is the existence of economic ties as well as people-to-people exchanges between both nations with even a lot of Filipinos having Chinese blood flowing in their veins. This not to mention the visible features that resembles the dominant physical traits of the Chinese among the Filipinos. The culture is as well intertwined with each other and the value for strong family ties observed and nurtured, alive in each group of people. Short of saying, it means Filipinos and the Chinese are one and the same. So should the sea row be enough to let go of the ties? Prof. Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, Geopolitical Analyst and Secretary General of the Philippines-China Understanding (APCU) said, “I recognize an equally important fact that the ruling did not decide who owns the islands, rocks, reefs, shoals, or other features in the South China Sea. It did not also settle questions of territorial sovereignty,” she said. The professor said that what the ruling resolved were issues of maritime entitlements under UNCLOS which distinction matters because legal clarity must not be exaggerated into political slogans or used to mislead the public. Absent the determination of ownership, defending the award does not have to resort to beating the drums of war. “It does not mean using the ruling as a license for provocation or militarization or allowing the Philippines to become a frontline pawn in the strategic rivalry between bigger powers. The Award should be used as a shield of law, not as a sword of reckless adventurism.” Both nations are lovers for peace which is a proven trait present in both people. Each of the country’s history are marked with struggles and a lot of challenges and each history showed they never conquered a nation for survival. She said that the Philippines must recognize geopolitical reality and must be realistic that “legal victory” alone will not enforce itself. “We need wisdom, consistency, diplomacy, prudence, credible defense, regional cooperation, and a foreign policy anchored in Filipino interests — not in emotional rhetorics, blind nationalism, or foreign-scripted confrontation,” the professor urged. She urged Philippines’ leaders to have a clear position which is principled, and sober to uphold and defend the Philippines’ maritime rights and entitlements under UNCLOS, protect Filipino fishermen, preserve peace, and keep diplomatic channels open for peaceful negotiations and settlement of the dispute. “We must neither recklessly push the country toward conflict, nor gamble our people’s future in a conflict we cannot control.” The Philippines must stand by the law, speak with dignity, negotiate peacefully with confidence and open-mindedness, keeping in mind the country’s national interests, and refuse to be used by any country, whether by the United States or any other major power. The South China Sea dispute should never be reduced to a squabble among claimant states but should be viewed and treated as a regional common resource where everyone tangibly benefits from its resources. Former Malaysian Foreign Minister and Secretary-General of the National Vision Party Saifuddin Abdul Rahim in a statement carried by Asia Television News on June 24, 2026 said that the Philippines’ recent repeated raising of the topic of the South China Sea arbitration ruling at multiple international and ASEAN occasions created geopolitical frictions and regional tensions and provided an opportunity for external forces to intervene in the South China Sea affairs. Saifuddin shared that their country protested when the Philippines submitted an extension of its continental shelf claim to the United Nations Continental Shelf Commission (CLCS) in 2024. “At that time, the Philippines claimed that its continental shelf in the South China Sea should be further extended, but Malaysia immediately raised a formal protest, firmly opposing the relevant application, citing that the continental shelf area proposed by the Philippines was based on the Sabah coastline baseline, and Sabah is a territory with undisputed sovereignty belonging to Malaysia. ” Amid protest, Malaysia avoids making statements that might create tension. “Regarding sensitive issues such as sovereignty, they should be handled through the existing bilateral and multilateral diplomatic channels rather than through public statements or confrontations. He said, “Making grandiose declarations usually doesn’t achieve anything.” Amid the issues surrounding WPS/SCS, the 10 years spent throwing with strained relationship could have been used to propel progress, collaborate for development and other matters beneficial to each of the two nations. The “sea” is not the entirety of the relationship but just like one black pebble in a mountain of white stones. Hopes for the return of the pearl-like relation is still a reality waiting to happen in the Philippines-China connection. (Contributed materials)            

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) has been recognized by the Philippine Business Coalition for Women Empowerment (PBCWE) for advancing diversity and inclusion, making it the first and only local carrier to be assessed for its gender equality and workplace inclusion efforts. The award, conferred on June 30, follows the successful completion of 17 initiatives under the Gender Equality Assessment, Results and Strategies (GEARS) framework, spanning leadership accountability, flexible work arrangements, workplace safety, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion. “We take pride in being the first and only local carrier to have our workplace practices independently assessed under the GEARS framework, but we don’t aspire to simply be first. Our focus is on building a workplace where everyone can grow and succeed. That means continuing to strengthen our programs, listening to our people, and sustaining the progress we’ve made so inclusion remains part of how we work every day,” said Felix Lopez, CEB Chief Human Resources Officer. Among CEB’s diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are the extension of healthcare benefits for employees’ same-sex and common-law partners, along with mandatory DEI training for leaders and new hires. Backing these efforts is the Juan CEB Community (JCC), the airline’s employee resource group championing inclusion for women, LGBTQIA+ employees, solo parents, and persons with disabilities. This commitment extends beyond CEB’s own workforce. In June 2026, the airline welcomed three Deaf student interns from De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde’s School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies (SDEAS) through its FLY Internship Program, with employees first taking part in a Deaf Awareness Session to build understanding of Deaf culture and inclusive communication ahead of their arrival. CEB also highlighted progress in gender representation, with women now making up 54% of its management workforce — a growth trend that extends to technical and operational roles as well, including among pilots. PBCWE is an independent business coalition that helps organizations strengthen gender equality and workplace inclusion by benchmarking their policies and practices against international standards through the GEARS framework.

In June 2024, Cebu Pacific commenced legal proceedings in the High Court of Malaya at Kuala Lumpur against MOVE for passing off, seeking to restrain MOVE from using the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademarks and from distributing, offering for sale, or selling flight tickets bearing the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademarks without Cebu Pacific’s authorization. Cebu Pacific has never authorized MOVE to use the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademarks or to distribute or sell its flight tickets through the platform. The High Court allowed Cebu Pacific’s claim against MOVE. In particular: The High Court held that MOVE is liable for passing-off; Cebu Pacific successfully obtained, among other reliefs, an injunction restraining MOVE from using the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademarks and from distributing, offering for sale or selling Cebu Pacific flights through its travel booking platform.  In other words, MOVE is not entitled to use the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademarks or to distribute, offer for sale, or sell Cebu Pacific flights bearing those trademarks without Cebu Pacific’s authorization; The High Court also held that the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO Trademarks are well-known trademarks. The High Court further ordered MOVE to pay RM120,000 in costs to Cebu Pacific. The Court also awarded damages to Cebu Pacific, the quantum of which will be assessed in separate proceedings. Cebu Pacific remains supportive of travel platforms and partners that use the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademarks and distribute, offer to sell or sell airline tickets bearing the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademarks, provided that they do so with Cebu Pacific’s proper authorization. The airline also reminds passengers that booking directly with Cebu Pacific remains the best way to access the airline’s lowest fares and latest promos, manage bookings easily, receive direct flight notifications, and enjoy a smoother customer experience.      

Denmark and the Philippines will launch a pilot project introducing modern midwater trawl technology to Philippine waters, which will contribute to the country’s food security. Signed by the Department of Agriculture- Philippines Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR Philippines) and the Embassy, through the support of the Danish Fish Technology Cluster, the Partnership Agreement marks a new phase in bilateral cooperation as the two countries celebrate 80 years of diplomatic relations. The technical cooperation will facilitate the: Increased local fish supply through optimized pelagic fishing Implementation of sustainable methods to reduce bycatch, minimize habitat impact, and lower carbon emissions in fishing Conduct of hydro-acoustic surveys and biomass mapping in the West Philippine Sea and Pacific Seaboard for science-based policy and resource management Through the partnership, we are proud to bridge Danish technological expertise with the Philippines’ commitment to a more productive fisheries sector and sustainable marine resource management.  

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB) marked 25 years of serving Hong Kong by honoring five outstanding Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), whose contributions have made a meaningful impact on the Filipino community abroad. The airline presented the CEB Values Awards during the Philippine Tourism Festival organized by the OFW group Philippine Alliance. The awards honor individuals who embody the airline’s core values of Trust, Integrity, Courage, Service, and Best of Filipino Spirit. “Over the past 25 years, Hong Kong has been an important part of Cebu Pacific’s international network and story. More importantly, it has been home to generations of OFWs whose hard work and dedication continue to inspire us,” said Candice Iyog, CEB Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. “Through the CEB Values Awards, we recognize individuals who embody the values we aspire to live by as an airline. This is the second time the carrier has held the awards in Hong Kong. Each awardee received a roundtrip international ticket with a 20kg baggage allowance, while three additional roundtrip international tickets were raffled off to OFWs attending the festival, giving more overseas Filipinos the opportunity to reunite with loved ones or explore the airline’s international network. Hong Kong has been part of CEB’s network since 2001 and remains one of its key international destinations, serving OFWs alongside a growing number of leisure and business travelers. CEB flies to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East, continuing to make air travel more accessible while connecting Filipinos wherever they are in the world.        

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Social Security System (SSS) announced that its Pension Booster Program, also known as the Voluntary Provident Fund, continues to deliver strong financial performance in 2026, posting an average return on investment (ROI) of 6.2 percent from January to May this year despite prevailing economic challenges. The program remains a reliable retirement savings option for Filipino workers. While slightly lower than the previous year’s performance due to changes in interest rates implemented by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the return remains competitive and continues to exceed market benchmark rates. Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission ex-officio Chair Frederick D. Go said the program reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening retirement security. “The continued strong performance of the SSS Pension Booster underscores our commitment to protecting the financial future of Filipino workers. Through prudent management of members’ funds, we are helping build a more secure and dignified retirement for every Filipino,” Go said. SSS noted that the 2026 performance follows the 6.83 percent return in 2025, surpassing the prevailing 91-day treasury bill rate which has a year-to-date average of approximately 4.77 percent. In 2025, contributions rose to 21.8 percent to P699 million from P574 million in 2024, reflecting growing member confidence in the program. To maximize members’ earnings, SSS waived the one percent management fee on the total balance of Pension Booster accounts from 2025 to 2028, allowing members to fully enjoy investment gains. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the program reflects prudent investment management and long-term value creation. He added that members may now conveniently monitor the monthly compounding growth of their Pension Booster savings through their My.SSS accounts, allowing them to track the progress of their retirement funds and make more informed decisions in planning for their future. “The strong performance of the Pension Booster demonstrates disciplined and professionally managed savings. We remain committed to providing members greater financial security during retirement,” de Claro said. The Pension Booster is open to all SSS members to build additional savings for their retirement. It allows individuals to save starting at P500, with no maximum contribution limit. Contributions are pooled and invested in government securities, corporate bonds, fixed-income instruments, equities, and money market instruments, with tax-free earnings credited proportionately to members’ accounts. De Claro urged members to start early and stay invested longer to maximize returns, citing the benefits of compound growth. “Planning and saving for retirement should begin early. The longer the members stay invested, the greater their potential returns,” he said. Interested SSS members may enroll in the Pension Booster Program online through their My.SSS account.

Manila, Philippines —The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines, in partnership with SM Mall of Asia, invites the public to a free musical celebration featuring the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC) Band on June 28, 5:00 p.m., at the SM Mall of Asia Sky Amphitheater in Pasay City. The performance is part of the United States’ “Freedom 250” campaign, which commemorates the 250th anniversary of American independence and highlights the enduring friendship between the United States and the Philippines as both nations mark 80 years of diplomatic relations and 75 years of the Mutual Defense Treaty in 2026. Joining the MARFORPAC Band onstage are the Armed Forces of the Philippines Band and performers from the World Championship of Performing Arts for an evening celebrating cultural heritage, musical excellence, and shared history. “At its heart, Freedom 250 is more than a milestone—it is a moment to honor what America stands for and the ideals that have shaped it across generations.  Through the music of the MARFORPAC Band, that story is told without words, carried by the artistry, discipline, and goodwill that U.S. military musicians have brought to stages around the world.  We are proud to share that experience here, as a reflection of the deep and enduring bond between our two nations,” said U.S. Embassy Deputy Director of Public Engagement Chad Kinnear.   The MARFORPAC Band is comprised of 39 Marines, with 10 members visiting the Philippines as part of the brass ensemble.  The Marines serve as both fully trained riflemen and professional musicians, bringing high-energy jazz and contemporary music to audiences across the Indo-Pacific, including Hawaii, Tonga, Fiji, China, Australia, New Zealand, Guadalcanal, Iwo To (formerly known as Iwo Jima), and American Samoa. “They are not only musicians—they are Marines.  Every one of them completed the same recruit training as every other Marine who has ever served under our flag.  They earned the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor.  Music is how they serve—and in every note they play, they carry the values of this Corps: honor, courage, and commitment. The Marine Corps is America’s Naval Expeditionary Force in Readiness—deployed by air, land, and sea to defend the United States and its allies wherever the mission demands.  We recruit America’s best, forge them into Marines, and return quality citizens to the communities that raised them,” said U.S. Marine Chief Warrant Officer 2 Aaron Carpenter, who also serves as the band’s director. During their visit to the Philippines, the band members will also conduct music workshops for students at the Philippine High School for the Arts and the University of the East.  The tour will culminate at the U.S. Embassy’s annual Independence Day reception, held as part of the “Freedom 250” campaign celebrating America’s founding principles, dynamism, innovation, and global leadership. Through performances and meaningful community engagement across the Indo-Pacific, U.S. Marine Corps musicians build stronger connections through the power of music while demonstrating professionalism, boosting morale, and advancing cultural diplomacy.  

More overseas Filipino workers are preparing for life after overseas work by exploring opportunities to save, invest, and build sustainable sources of income. During the recent OFW Kabuhayan Expo 2026, BDO Unibank and its partner Xoom joined other organizations in promoting financial preparedness among migrant workers. “We want to help OFWs make the most of every remittance—not only to support their families today, but also to build lasting opportunities for the future,” said BDO senior vice president and remittance head Genie Gloria.