Quezon City, Philippines — In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and emphasized by Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go with the Social Security Commission, the Social Security System (SSS) has successfully credited its annual cash gift to pensioners – the 13th month pension – in two batches on the first week of December 2025, ensuring additional financial support during the holiday season. The first batch, released on 1 December 2025, covered around 2.13 million pensioners with a total amount of P10.5-B credited to their accounts. The second batch, credited on 4 December 2025, covered around 1.53 million pensioners, amounting to P8.3-B. In total, P18.8-B was distributed to around 3.66 million pensioners. SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. de Claro said the annual cash gift is part of SSS’ commitment to support its pensioners during the holiday season. “This is our way of giving back to our pensioners who have contributed to the System during their productive years. We hope this additional benefit brings joy and relief to them and their families this Christmas,” de Claro said. This year’s 13th month pension is higher for pensioners as of 31 August 2025 following the implementation of the Pension Reform Program starting September 2025. Under this reform program, retirement and disability pensioners received a 10% increase, while survivorship pensioners received a 5% increase, ensuring greater financial security for beneficiaries. The 13th month pension is automatically credited to the accounts of all SSS pensioners receiving retirement, disability, and survivorship pensions. SSS reminds pensioners to ensure their bank account details are updated to avoid delays in crediting. SSS assures the public of its continuous commitment to prudent stewardship of members’ funds. For 2024, the Commission on Audit (COA) issued an unmodified opinion, affirming the System’s fund integrity, overall financial soundness and adherence to good financial governance, even as specific audit observations are being addressed through established corrective measures.

  Manila, Philippines  – Leading Philippine fiber internet and technology services provider Converge ICT Solutions Inc. is pushing forward in its evolution into a technology company as its corporate and large enterprise unit, Converge Global Business Group (GBG), relocates its operations from the Reliance IT Center in Pasig City, to a world-class, state-of-the-art facility in Asian Century Center in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City. This strategic move is a pivotal step in the company’s continuous growth, signifying an accelerated transition from a purely telco provider to a future-forward techco. The relocation strengthens the company’s position in the highly competitive local large enterprise market and formalizes its serious commitment to aggressively expand its services across the broader Southeast Asia technology landscape. “BGC was strategically chosen for its strong advantages – including its reputation as a central business hub, close to where potential clients may be located – and at the same time, for its environment of growth and competition. BGC is where the young, talented workforce of multinational companies are congregating and exchanging ideas.  We want to expose our own tech-savvy employees to that habitat and imbibe a ‘global’ mindset when dealing with partners,” said Converge Co-Founder and President Maria Grace Uy. The decision to place the Global Business Group’s headquarters in this premier business district firmly positions Converge at the very heart of commerce. This central location will significantly enhance collaboration, driving faster innovation and comprehensive digital enablement for enterprise partners. “This is an exciting new chapter in the transformation of Converge,” added Grace Jarin-Castillo, Converge Global Business Group’s newly minted Sales & Marketing Head. “By moving closer to the center of business in BGC, we are strategically positioned to better serve and connect with our clients in showcasing digital infrastructure and technology solutions, deepening engagements with our ecosystem of customers and partners. This modern, innovative hub also serves to empower our employees by providing a highly-connected professional environment conducive to growth and excellence.” The move to BGC is more than a change of address; it is a clear declaration of the company’s commitment to the country’s digital future. Converge stands at the cusp of a new era, dedicated to setting global standards for client service and delivering transformative solutions. This relocation powerfully underscores the company’s readiness to propel the nation’s infrastructure and innovation forward, moving boldly from fiber to future. ABOUT CONVERGE GLOBAL BUSINESS GROUP Converge Global Business is the international & enterprise business unit of  Converge Information and Communications Technology Solutions, Inc. (PSE: CNVRG). Converge is the fastest-growing broadband service and technology provider in the Philippines. It is the first to operate an end-to-end pure fiber internet network in the country, delivering simple, fast, and reliable connectivity to Filipinos across all major islands. In addition to connectivity services, Converge offers integrated data center, enterprise and network solutions. With more than 889,000 kilometers of fiber optic assets nationwide, Converge operates one of the most extensive fiber networks in the Philippines. Strengthening its global reach, Converge is a key partner in international subsea cable systems such as the Bifrost and SEA-H2X, enhancing transpacific and intra-Asia connectivity. These strategic investments fortify the Philippines’ position as a digital hub, providing businesses and consumers with faster, more resilient, and low-latency connections to the world. Through its world-class infrastructure, Converge delivers amazing digital experiences for residential, enterprise, and wholesale customers.

PARAÑAQUE CITY, Philippines—Agents of the Bureau of Immigration’s (BI) fugitive search unit (FSU) arrested a Chinese man wanted in his home country for running online gambling websites. The arrest is in line with the policy of the Ferdinand ‘Bong Bong’ Marcos, Jr. administration to ban all online gaming activities in the country. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado shared that FSU agents arrested Wu Huifu, 38 and Li Yong, 48 in Brgy. Tambo, Parañaque City, evening of December 2. The agency received official information from the Chinese government that Wu is wanted by authorities. He is reportedly the subject of an arrest warrant issued by the Binzhou Public Security Bureau on January 2025 for illegally running casinos. Wu and his accomplices allegedly established multiple overseas online gambling platforms and enticed Chinese nationals through online advertising. They illicitly profited by implementing excessive withdrawal requirements and manipulating gambling conditions to extend playtime and increase wagering frequency, ultimately causing participants to exhaust their funds. Their operation involved victimizing around 500,000 players and exceeded CNY 8.6 million in proceeds. Li, on the other hand, is said to be an assistant of Wu and also faces an arrest warrant from Chinese authorities. Wu previously worked in a POGO company in the Philippines, but failed to leave upon the banning of the industry last year, prompting Philippine immigration to include him in its derogatory database. Viado said the arrest shows the strong cooperation between the BI and its counterparts in ensuring the removal of remnant POGO operations in the country. “We will not allow POGO operations to take root in our country again. If you are involved in illegal gaming, we will find you, arrest you, and remove you from the Philippines,” he warned. (BI)

In light of recent news reports citing the list of most complained-about government agencies based on January to August 2025 data presented by the Anti Red Tape Authority (ARTA) to the Senate during budget deliberations, the Social Security System (SSS) wishes to assure the public that its management takes these matters seriously and is committed to continuous improvement in service delivery. “SSS is currently coordinating with the Anti-Red Tape Authority to validate the reported data involving 244 complaints.  From our own monitoring of ARTA referrals, all complaints received during the period covered were addressed and resolved within ARTA standards as our resolution rate is at 99.3%.  For the period covered by ARTA presentation to the Senate, SSS tracked a total of about 474,000 emails working diligently until they are all resolved within ARTA standards,” SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph Montes De Claro said. “Most complaints are about our service delivery, followed by matters concerning our loan programs, and then about contributions matters.  Service delivery complaints were mainly about queuing at the branches and repeat visits to SSS branch for a benefit claim.  Loan programs complaints were about salary loan and calamity loan programs – both were enhanced this year featuring lower interest rates – mainly on difficulty as regards calamity loan applications and challenges on loan eligibility requirements and procedures.  Contributions complaints were mainly about non-remittance by employers and long wait time for manual verification,” De Claro explained. As far back as June 2021, the SSS created a Committee on Anti Red Tape (CART) with effective receiving of complaints and feedback as a major function and responsibility.  Such complaints and feedback are received by SSS via hotline, corporate email, postal mail, referrals from various government entities including ARTA, and through SSS Branches.  We also monitor news reports and social media for SSS-related matters and issue Press Releases or Statements to keep our stakeholders informed. “We value transparency and accountability in all our operations. While we recognize the importance of these reports, we want to assure our members that every concern raised through our channels is being acted upon until resolved. Our partnership with ARTA reflects our commitment to improving processes and delivering efficient services,” De Claro added. The SSS remains steadfast in its mission to provide fast, efficient, and transparent services to its members. We continue to implement reforms and digital innovations to minimize bureaucratic delays and enhance customer experience. For inquiries or feedback, members may contact the SSS through hotline 1455, email usssaptayo@sss.gov.ph, and our branches.  See us also through our website (www.sss.gov.ph) or our social media accounts (Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, Viber, X, and Youtube) under the MYSSSPH handle for latest announcements and instructional material on SSS programs.  

TAGUIG CITY, Philippines—The Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported the arrest of a Chinese fugitive wanted for financial fraud case in China, in line with the President’s directive to intensify law enforcement cooperation and ensure that the Philippines does not become a refuge for foreign criminals. The fugitive, identified as He Hui, 37, was arrested evening of November 24 at the Southern Police District headquarters in Taguig City. The operation was carried out by operatives of the BI Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) in close coordination with the District Special Operations Unit of the Southern Police District, following an official communication received last week from Chinese authorities requesting He’s arrest and deportation. He is the subject of a warrant of criminal detention issued in 2023, by the Qingxin District Branch of the Qingyuan Public Security Bureau in China for credit card fraud. According to reports from Chinese authorities, the case began in 2016, when the victim reported unauthorized transactions on her credit card, resulting in an overdraft of around RMB 89,700. The bank later pursued legal action, and investigations showed that the victim had entrusted her card to He to process its cancellation and had not used it afterward, establishing his alleged involvement. Prior to the BI operation, He was arrested by Parañaque police on November 19 for robbery and extortion. Records show that he has been here since 2024, and is in possession of a working visa and permit. “This is a serious financial crime that victimized an innocent individual and caused substantial monetary loss,” said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. The BI Chief then commended the swift action taken by operatives and law enforcement units, noting that this demonstrates the country’s strong commitment to regional cooperation and public safety. He faces a deportation case for undesirability, and will remain under the custody of the Southern Police District pending the resolution of his local cases.

Miles, Music, and a Massive Turnout: 2025 RnR Manila Welcomes Its Biggest Race to Date   MANILA, Philippines — The 2025 AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Manila officially opened Run Week today with the launch of the AIA Health & Wellness Expo at Robinsons Place Manila, marking the start of five days of festivities leading into the biggest and loudest Rock ‘n’ Roll Running event! This year’s race sets a new milestone with the more runners, more music, more entertainment and more features than ever to take on the streets of Manila on Saturday, November 29, starting at the historic KM 0 in Rizal Park. Bringing to life its 2025 theme – Miles, Music, Medals, Memories and Manila – Rock ’n’ Roll Manila continues to redefine what a running event can be: a cultural celebration, a high- energy street festival, and an athletic challenge rolled into one. MILES: A World-Class, Fully Closed, Measured Course Runners will take on a fast, fully closed nighttime course measured by AIMS and World Athletics, making it ideal for personal best attempts. Categories include the ASICS Marathon, the Pilipinas Live Half Marathon, the AIA 10KM, AIA 5KM, and the AIA 1KM Kids Run. The course is designed for athletes of all levels, from serious competitors to fun runners looking to experience Manila like never before. MANILA: A Scenic, Historic, and Festive Night Run   This year’s route showcases Manila’s most iconic landmarks like Roxas Boulevard, Intramuros, the National Museum, Manila City Hall, Luneta, Chinatown, and more, all illuminated by festive holiday lights. The capital’s unique mix of heritage architecture and modern nightlife creates a striking backdrop for thousands of runners and spectators. MUSIC: ENTERTAINMENT ZONES TRIPLE TO 30, FEATURING HEADLINE ACT THE ITCHYWORMS Music remains the signature heartbeat of Rock ’n’ Roll Manila, and this year, the experience is bigger than ever. The number of entertainment zones has expanded dramatically from 12 last year to 30 entertainment spots across the course! Runners will experience a nonstop soundtrack of rock, pop, dance, and Filipino favorites performed by local bands, DJs, drumlines, cheer squads, and cultural groups. This year’s festival at the Quirino Grandstand is headlined by the country’s most beloved bands, The Itchyworms, Basti Artadi, Gracenote and Reujen Lista & the Trinidad Band. DJ Marc Marasigan will pump the start line, along with ten Nissan music stations on the course. MEDALS: Bigger, Heavier, and Designed for Collectors The 2025 finisher medals continue to uphold the event’s tradition of oversized, highly detailed, collector-grade race pieces. Whether completing a single distance or earning multiple medals through the Remix Challenge, runners can expect designs made for display and celebration. MEMORIES: A Celebration of Community and Culture With over 8,000 runners, hundreds of supporters, and a city transformed into a nighttime playground, AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Manila presented by ASICS promises an unforgettable blend of athletic achievement and Filipino festivity. From the entertainment zones to the sponsor activations and the post-race festival, the event delivers a full sensory experience built around community and celebration. Run Week continues with the Expo & Kit Claiming from November 24 to 27 at Robinsons Place Manila, followed by the opening of the Festival Area on November 28 at Quirino Grandstand. The #RNRManila begins at 12:01 AM on November 29, with other categories throughout the morning. With expanded entertainment zones, heavier medals, an iconic city course, and a record- breaking field of runners, the 2025 AIA Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Manila presented by ASICS is set to deliver an unforgettable night of miles, music, medals, memories, and Manila. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series Manila is proudly supported by Title Sponsor AIA Philippines; Presenting Sponsor ASICS; Category Sponsors: ASICS – 42KM Category Sponsor, Pilipinas Live – 21KM Category Sponsor, AIA – 10KM Category Sponsor, AIA – 1KM Category Sponsor; Venue Partners: City of Manila, Manila Sports Council, DTCAM; National Agency Partners: Tourism Promotions Board Philippines, National Parks Development Committee, MMDA, Rizal Park, Intramuros Administration, Philippine National Police, Philippine Sport Commission, Philippine Red Cross, PSSLAI, TIEZA; Accredited By: World Athletics with AIMS, Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association; Official Nutrition Partners: Amlan, GU Energy, ION+; Official Logistics & Courier Partner: 2GO; Official Automobile Partner: Nissan; Official Sports Photography Partner: Sportograf, Official Finisher Meals Provider: Century Tuna, Birch Tree Adult Boost; Birch Tree Fortified; Sponsor: Sante; Media Sponsors: Manila Bulletin, Tempo, One Sports+, Cignal TV; Exhibitors: AIA, ASICS, RLC Residences, DermPlus, White Flower, Nissan, Pilipinas Live, Amlan, 2GO, RNR Store, Federal Land, Key Coffee, Booster C, Salt + Fin, Sante, SkinTec, Bose; Loot Bag & Marketing Partners: Anytime Fitness, Aveeno, Bactidol Birch Tree Adult Boost, Birch Tree Fortified, Booster C, Bravo, Carefree, Centrum, Century Tuna, Cobra Rise, Coros, C-Vitt, Delicous Special Noodles, DermPlus, GenWell, Great Lengths, GU, Ion, Keratin Plus, Key Coffee, Listerine, Milcu, Milo, Modess, Mueller, Neutrogena, Robitussin, Cheese Ring, Snacku, Tempura, Regent, Salonpas, SkinTec, Sunplay, Super Milk, White Flower. Organized & Produced By: Sunrise Events Inc, Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series, IRONMAN    

CAMP CRAME, Quezon City, Philippines – The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group -Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit together with territorial police units arrested a college dean fugitive in Barangay Magaslong, Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, on November 20 The arrest was virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for two counts of Murder issued by Shariff Aguak Maguindanao court on October 11, 2023. No bail was recommended. A report that reached PMGen Robert AA Morico II, the Acting Director of CIDG stated that the arrested accused “Sarip”, male, 33 years old, Dean of College in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur is listed Number 8 Regional Most Wanted Person in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. As a backgrounder, on August 16, 2023 at around 8:30am, the suspect and 21 other co-accused allegedly perpetrated an explosion targeting a group of barangay officials led by Jun “Datumanot” Silongan, incumbent Barangay Captain of Brgy. Pendeten, Datu Salibo, Maguindanao Del Sur. Accordingly, the barangay officials were traversing a trail – on foot in an uninhabited farmland in Sitio Patawali, Brgy. Ganta, Sharif Saydona, Maguindanao Del Sur when an explosion occurred – that caused the instantaneous death of Brgy. Captain Jun Silongan, and seriously wounding Brgy. Kagawad Salik Katua and 8 others. Unfortunately, Kagawad Katua succumbed to the injury. Out of the 22 accused, “Sarip” is the third to be captured by the CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit, following the arrests of Brgy. Captain “Nasser” on November 5, 2025 and Municipal Councilor “Allan” on October 11, 2025. The CIDG’s intensified manhunt operation is in compliance with the focused program thrust of the Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police, POLICE LIEUTENANT GENERAL JOSE MELENCIO C NARTATEZ JR. “I commend PCOL Christopher M Bermudez, Regional Chief of CIDG Regional Field Unit–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, the CIDG Maguindanao Provincial Field Unit led by its Provincial Officer, PCPT Norman N Marcos, and the joint operating teams for capturing this fugitive. He is the 3rd of 22 accused. This underscores your commitment to account all of them. With his arrest, we have helped the victims and their families attain the justice they deserve. Maraming salamat sa inyo,” stated PMGEN Morico II. Rest assured that the CIDG remains steadfast in hunting down criminals, wanted persons and fugitives across the country. The CIDG is relentless, the CIDG means business, PMGEN Morico II added.

A night full of energy. BDO endorsers Belle Mariano and Piolo Pascual (left photo)—who play Geri and Tupe Facundo in ‘Meet, Greet & Bye’ pumped up the crowd with a fun groufie inside a packed Cinema 2 at SM Megamall—a clear sign of the excitement around the film and its partnership with BDO. The cheers grew even louder when JK Labajo (right photo), who plays Leo Facundo, made a surprise appearance to greet the audience. Joining the Facundos onstage were BDO leaders Dave Khodr and Genie T. Gloria, making the world premiere a celebration shared by fans, partners, and the wider BDO community. MANILA, Philippines — BDO Pay, by BDO Unibank, brought the energy to the world premiere of Meet, Greet & Bye at SM Megamall’s Cinema 2, turning the event into a celebration for fans, partners, and the wider BDO community. Stars Belle Mariano and Piolo Pascual, who play Geri and Tupe Facundo, energized the audience with a fun groupie, while JK Labajo, portraying Leo Facundo, made a surprise appearance to greet attendees. BDO leaders Dave Khodr and Genie T. Gloria joined the cast onstage, sharing the excitement with the crowd. Celebrating the Filipino family. Roy L. Villareal, Senior Vice President of BDO Digital Banking, opened the program by highlighting how meaningful it is for BDO to support a movie that honors Filipino families. He shared that, much like the film, BDO remains committed to bringing its products and services closer to every Filipino household—wherever they may be.   Villareal, highlighted the significance of supporting a film that celebrates Filipino families. “Like this story, BDO is committed to bringing our products and services closer to every Filipino household,” he said. Genie T. Gloria, Senior Vice President and Head of BDO Remittance, together with the Digital Customer Experience team, emphasized the premiere’s success. Their collaboration demonstrates BDO’s ongoing mission to make banking easier and more accessible, especially for OFWs and their families worldwide.                                    

Globe continues to explore new ways to keep every Filipino connected, wherever they are, by expanding its testing of Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN) or satellite-powered mobile services. Through partnerships with global Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite providers, Globe is testing Direct-to-Cellular (D2C) or Satellite-to-Phone (Sat2Phone) technology, which enables ordinary mobile phones to directly connect to deployed satellites without additional equipment. These ongoing trials reflect Globe’s proactive push to bring next-generation connectivity to remote and hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that even communities beyond the reach of traditional cell towers can stay connected. Globe has already achieved several milestones in this field, including the first satellite SMS and voice service trials in the Philippines and successful demonstrations of Sat2Phone capabilities. The current round of tests builds on these efforts, now using advanced NTN technology (3GPP Pre-release 17) to prepare for the future rollout of commercial satellite-to-phone services. Recently, Globe completed a live pilot trial with Lynk Global, marking another step toward making satellite-powered mobile connectivity a reality for Filipinos. The test successfully demonstrated voice call functionality using Lynk’s satellite network showing strong potential for broader deployment in the near term. “At Globe, innovation is at the heart of what we do,” said Gerhard Tan, Senior Director and Head of Technology Strategy and Innovation. “By exploring satellite-to-phone connectivity, we’re making sure that no Filipino is left behind, especially those in geographically challenged areas where traditional networks are difficult to build. This technology brings us closer to truly universal connectivity.” Beyond everyday communication, Globe sees NTN technology as a vital tool for disaster response and emergency communications, where quick and reliable connectivity can make a difference in saving lives. Guided by Alagang Globe, the company continues to invest in innovations that care for people and communities where it builds a more inclusive, resilient, and digitally empowered Philippines.