News & Stories

TV5 NETWORK, Inc. said ABS-CBN Corp.’s failure to meet its financial obligations under their content supply agreement has become a burden, prompting the company to terminate the deal. “T

V5 recognizes the value of ABS-CBN’s well-loved programs to our viewers. Howeve

r, their failure to meet their financial commitments to us has made it very difficult for us to compensate our own employees, talents, and partners who help deliver these programs to your homes,” TV5 Network said in a statement on Thursday. ABS-CBN

confirmed that it received the termination notice issued by TV5 for their five-year content supply agreement signed in 2023. The comp

any said it remains committed to resolving the dispute. “We have

sought additional time to resolve this matter and are working urgently within the 30-day period we have been given. While this

timeline is challenging given our current circumstances, we are committed to finding a way to fulfill our obligations — not only to TV5 but to all our partners and stakeholders,” ABS-CBN said. The company al

so denied that it deliberately withheld payments, saying such claims do not reflect its current financial situation. “Should this p

artnership be terminated, we will find ways to reach you, our audiences. Just as we overc

ame the initial difficulties after losing our franchise, we will not abandon our Kapamilya and will find ways to continue serving you,” it added. TV5 said the agree

MERALCO POWERGEN Corp.

(MGEN), the power generation arm of Manila Electric Co.

(Meralco), is exploring options to secure offtake for the capacity of its planned 1,200-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power project in Quezon province as early as next year.

Speaking to reporters last week, MGEN President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel V.

Rubio said the company has begun preparing to participate either in a competitive selection process (CSP) or in a baseload capacity auction.

“We’re coordinating with the DoE (Department of Energy) the best way to actually get this capacity,” Mr. Rubio

said. Under

current rules, power suppliers offer capacity through CSPs conducted by distribution utilities via a transparent, least-cost procurement mechanism. Auctio

ns, meanwhile, are market-based processes designed to secure offtake agreements for power supply. MGEN,

through its subsidiary Atimonan One Energy, Inc., plans to develop a 1,200-MW ultra-supercritical pulverized coal-fired power plant in Quezon. The Ph

CHINESE MILK TEA brand Chagee, which brought the premium tea bar experience to the Philippines, has introduced a concept store that is inclusive not just to humans.

It has opened its first-ever pet-friendly store in Southeast Asia — in Quezon City, Philippines. “C

hagee has become welcoming space where tea culture meets pet companionship. It’s

a community hub where people can connect with their loved ones,” said Christopher Tiong, Chagee country general manager, at the media preview on Dec. 2 in Eastwood, where the concept tea bar is located. “This st

ore carries that same spirit of thoughtful design, so that fur parents and fur babies alike can enjoy the space,” he added. Fueled by gr

owing pet ownership among Filipinos, Chagee’s mission “to craft moments of connection through high-quality tea” has expanded to include pets, not just their humans. PET-FRIENDLY FEATU

RES Chagee showed the press the pet-friendly features that can be found at the store. From the outside,

a playful giant cat installation adorning the rooftop greets those who enter, while the al fresco dining area is guarded by a dog sculpture. The safety, hygien

e, and comfort of both humans and animals are taken into consideration, with non-slip and durable flooring and air purifiers strategically situated around the store. Chagee also offers

free water served in specially designed bowls for pets. A novelty in this

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has released for public comment a draft memorandum circular proposing a tiered minimum public ownership framework for companies seeking to list shares on the stock exchange.

The draft circular, issued on Dec. 3, is open for comments until Dec.

23.

It seeks to establish a tiered approach to public ownership requirements based on the size of the issuer, balancing factors such as market liquidity, investor protection, capital formation, and market competitiveness.

“A tiered minimum public ownership framework provides a proportionate and market-aligned approach that preserves the long-term benefits of adequate public float while addressing potential constraints in demand absorption for large issuances, thereby supporting capital formation and encouraging more companies to pursue listing in the Philippines,” the circular said. In e

arlier statements, SEC Chairperson Francisco Ed. Lim

said the plan to implement a tiered minimum public float requirement was prompted by the limitations of the current 20% rule, which he described as a “one-size-fits-all” approach that does not account for differences in company market capitalization. Under th

e draft rules, companies planning to list on an exchange will be assigned to one of five tiers based on their expected market value at listing. Tier I c

ompanies with a market value of up to P500 million must maintain a minimum initial public float of 33%. Tier II

companies valued between P500 million and P1 billion must have at least 25% public float, but not less than P165 million in shares. Tier III

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte — The Paoay Sand Dunes are set to come alive again as the Himala sa Buhangin Arts and Music Festival returns for its 12th edition on Dec. 5 and 6. Kn

own as the country’s “only sand dunes festival,” it celebrates Ilokano creativity and culture, drawing thousands to one of Ilocos Norte’s most iconic landscapes. Kicking of

f the two-day event is Ben&Ben, one of the Philippines’ most popular bands, known for its heartfelt lyrics and genre-defying sound. On the festi

val’s second day, rising pop singer Maki will take the stage, joined by chart-topping rapper Hev Abi, promising a high-energy performance in the middle of the dunes. The festival’s

music lineup also features other well-known acts such as Indio I and Brownman Revival, alongside homegrown Ilokano talents Lvndrs, Magrus, Vintage Core, and Tape Monkeys. After dark, the

celebration continues with DJ sets from Gunna Lex, Nasty, Eric Manalo, and MC Travis, who will keep things going until dawn. Beyond music, th

e festival showcases Ilokano artistry through immersive installations. Bamboo structure

s inspired by bawang (garlic), sea-themed displays, and traditional fishing instruments called alat highlight the province’s coastal heritage, everyday life, and enduring connection between the people and the sea. Festivalgoers can

also enjoy a variety of activities, including obstacle courses, 4×4 test drives and races, cultural dance performances, and fire and belly dancing shows. The festivities con

clude with a sunset screening of the film The Fisher on the second day, offering a reflective moment amid the area’s dunes. Conceived by former G

GLOBE Telecom, Inc.’s ¥20-billion loan signals the telecommunications company’s improved debt servicing capacity and positions it to capture growth in 5G, according to a study by BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions. “The

loan provides liquidity to manage debt maturities while maintaining financial flexibility during this operational transition,” BMI said in a report dated Dec. 3. Last m

ont

h, Globe announced that it had signed a ¥20-billion (around P7.6 billion) term loan facility with Mizuho Bank, Ltd., a major Japanese commercial bank, to partially finance its capital expenditures (capex), debt refinancing, and other corporate requirements for the year. BMI said G

lobe is well-positioned to capture the expected growth in 5G adoption in the Philippines, noting that the company’s loan with Mizuho Bank reflects its transition from infrastructure deployment to revenue generation after its investments in 5G technology. For the thre

e months ending September 2025, Globe reported a 12.79% drop in attributable net income to P5.25 billion from P6.02 billion a year ago, on slightly lower revenues of P44.36 billion, down 1.68% from P45.12 billion. For the Janu

ary-to-September period, attributable net income fell 14.04% to P17.69 billion, while revenues declined 2.34% to P131.59 billion. Globe said i

t had invested about P31.4 billion in capital expenditure for the first nine months of 2025, down 23% from P41 billion in the same period last year. The company

expects full-year 2025 capex to fall below $1 billion, reflecting a strategic shift toward targeted investments and reinvestment of proceeds from tower sales for the remainder of the year. Earlier this

year, Globe also signed P20 billion in loan facilities with local banks BDO Unibank, Inc. and Metropolitan Bank & Trust Co. to fund its 2025 capex and reduce debt. “As the comp

Instamed Philippines is excited to introduce its new line of Regenerative Peptides Without Injection.

These innovative products combine InstaRelease™ Technology with oral, sublingual peptide strips for an easy, non-invasive alternative to traditional injectable peptides. Th

e product range includes Thymosin Alpha-1, PT-141+, CJC-1295, GHK-Cu, and BPC-157, each designed to support various aspects of health, from immune function to tissue repair and overall rejuvenation. Th

ese oral strips are designed for quick absorption, ensuring that users receive the full benefits of the peptides without the need for needles. In

stamed’s new product line aims to make regenerative health treatments more accessible, practical, and effective for everyone. Whet

her you’re looking to boost your immune system, enhance your energy, or improve your skin health, these products are designed to meet the needs of today’s health-conscious individuals. The upco

ming product launch will showcase the benefits of these oral peptide strips and demonstrate how they can seamlessly integrate into a daily wellness routine. Attendee

s will have the opportunity to learn more about the science behind the technology, see live demonstrations, and hear firsthand from users who have experienced positive results with Instamed’s products. Instamed P

hilippines is proud to bring these cutting-edge wellness solutions to the market, continuing its commitment to providing accessible, science-backed health innovations. To learn m

ore about the full peptide line, visit the Instamed website and explore how these products can support your wellness goals: www.instamedph.com. Spotlight

Isla Lipana & Co.

/PwC Philippines amplifies its corporate sustainability efforts in conjunction with the PwC global network’s “Community First” campaign, seeking to create meaningful impact on underserved and vulnerable communities across the world. The Ph

ilippine member firm joins the PwC global network in simultaneous initiatives in key cities around the globe, with a hefty lineup of programs under the pillars of community engagement, education, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship. PwC Ph

ilippines Chairman and Senior Partner Roderick Danao shares that the firm’s corporate sustainability efforts reflect the PwC global network’s commitment to building trust and solving important problems in society. “Most, if

not all, societal problems are rooted in inequality. While we can

not put an end to this on our own, we share the vision and do our part in closing the gap. In the space

of that effort, we hope to inspire and create long-term change for our beneficiaries,” Rick says. As the nation

confronts a massive shortage of 165,000 classrooms along with other basic school assets based on 2025 data from the Department of Education, PwC Philippines thus boosted its implementation of “Seat of Hope.” Since 2013, over 1

0,220 chairs have been donated to 122 under-resourced schools nationwide, reaching as far as Zamboanga del Sur. In FY2025 alone, 1

,200 chairs were provided, benefiting approximately 2,400 students and fostering a conducive learning environment. Meanwhile, with a

Fuji-Haya Electric Corporation of the Philippines proudly participated in the 50th Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE) Annual National Convention and 3E XPO, held at the SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, from Nov.

26-29, 2025.

This landmark gathering of electrical practitioners and industry leaders marked the golden anniversary of the IIEE—celebrating five decades of integrity, innovation, empowerment and excellence. As

one of the country’s leading providers of power protection and electrical distribution solutions, Fuji-Haya Electric reaffirmed its commitment to innovation, reliability, and engineering excellence through its impressive exhibit lineup. This

year’s booth featured the AIDA System, Ring Main Unit (RMU), Transformers, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), Fully Type-Tested Low Voltage Switchgear (LVSG), Busducts, and Unit Panels—all designed to deliver safe, efficient, and sustainable power for various modern mixed use developments and infrastructures. Carrying

its 2025 corporate theme, “Beyond Expectations: Powering Progress, Expanding Horizons,” Fuji-Haya Electric celebrated its continued growth and 46 years of service in the Philippines. The theme re

flects the company’s ongoing mission to go beyond conventional standards—developing power solutions that drive progress, enhance sustainability, and empower engineers to build smarter, more resilient energy systems. Throughout the f

ive-day convention, the Fuji-Haya booth became a hub of engagement, attracting hundreds of engineers, industry professionals, and trade visitors. Attendees had th

e opportunity to explore the company’s technical displays, witness live demonstrations, and engage in discussions with Fuji-Haya’s team of experts. These interactions r

einforced the company’s reputation as a trusted partner in power protection, energy efficiency, and system reliability. The IIEE Annual Nation

The Philippines continues to attract foreign companies seeking trained accountants and reliable data systems, showing a steady demand for outsourced accounting services.

Data from the Association of CPAs in Public Practice, Inc. show that more apply their training in corporate roles, adding to a broad community of professionals with experience in audits and financial reporting.

Atty.

Jose B.

Calsas Jr., Chief Financial Officer and Legal Compliance Head of D&V Philippines, said foreign companies value the technical skills and workplace discipline of Filipino teams.

“The Philippines, as everyone knows, has a very good accounting background in terms of our professionals. We

have a very large pool of licensed certified public accountants,” Atty. Cals

as said in an interview on an episode of Businessworld’s B-Side podcast. “These

professionals can do both local and international finance and accounting. Of cours

e, our Filipino accountants are imbued with our character, which is part of our culture.” Many forei

For decades, community health centers survived on paper.

Handwritten charts, overstuffed logbooks, and filing cabinets formed the backbone of daily operations.

Although the paper system had long been serviceable, it slowed health professionals: locating one patient record could take several minutes, missing charts derailed schedules, and limited storage left staff scrambling for makeshift filing solutions in already cramped spaces.

Through its community consultations, SM Foundation began to pivot and transition to help redefine how care is delivered in communities through DigiKonsulta.

DigiKonsulta is a component of the Wellness Center Program of the SM Foundation.

In tandem with infrastructure upgrades, the initiative was designed to strengthen health centers for the digital age and help them meet compliance, accreditation, and licensing requirements from relevant government agencies.

It serves as both an upgrade and an equalizer, ensuring that even small or remote facilities can meet modern healthcare standards.

At Krus na Ligas Health Center, one of the facilities where DigiKonsulta has been rolled out, healthcare professionals shared that the change is visible from the moment one enters: refurbished consultation rooms, new equipment, organized pharmacy and storage areas, improved patient flow, and functional digital systems steadily replacing the old paper trail.

For Dr.

James Demetria, the center’s physician, the changes improve both efficiency and morale. “P

Pioneer Insurance teamed up with Lalamove to provide more secure and reliable deliveries through Goods Insurance.

Effective Nov. 7, every Lalamove delivery is automatically insured for up to P20,000 against loss, damage, or robbery.

The partnership comes at an ideal time when deliveries are expected to increase as the holiday season draws near.

“Filipinos use Lalamove for all their delivery requirements, from business deliveries to family gifts, especially when the holiday season gets hectic,” said Djon Nacario, managing director of Lalamove Philippines. “The

automatic P20,000 insurance coverage applied to every Lalamove booking strengthens that trust by giving users built-in coverage through Pioneer Insurance.” To compl

ement Lalamove’s swift deliveries, the insurance claim process has been simplified. Claims can

be filed by completing the Lalamove Google Form, submitting a photo of the lost or damaged item along with the purchase or replacement invoice, and then receiving payment within seven days. “This part

nership is not just about working together,” said Armand Pesigan, Pioneer Insurance Underwriting and Claims head. “It’s about ma

king things easier for our customers. By combining Lalam

ove’s speed with Pioneer Insurance’s dependability, we are creating solutions that simplify claims and improve every customer experience.” Pioneer continues to del