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The fast-moving consumer goods arm of Indian conglomerate Wipro Enterprises is acquiring Philippine personal care company S Brands Consumer Care Inc. to strengthen its presence in Asia.

Wipro Consumer Care International (WCCI) president for East Asia Nagender Arya said in a press conference yesterday that the acquisition is the firm’s second in the Philippines, following its acquisition of Splash Corp. in 2019.

WCCI signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100 percent of the shareholding in S Brands as part of its aim to strengthen its personal care portfolio and position in the Southeast Asian market.

Arya declined to provide the acquisition value, but noted that it was ‘a good value.’

‘Our aim is to close it in August,’ he said, noting some formal procedures still need to be undertaken for the transaction.

The acquisition is expected to help WCCI strengthen its footprint in the Philippines.

‘The Philippines is the fourth-largest personal care market in Southeast Asia, with a young and growing consumer base. It offers significant opportunities across hair care, skin care, fragrance and hygiene,’ Arya said.

He said the acquisition would also allow WCCI to bring brands under S Brands to the global stage.

The firm sees potential in establishing market presence for S Brands in markets including Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, South China and Hong Kong.

S Brands’ portfolio includes category leading brands such as KERATINplus (hair treatment); AlcoPlus (alcohol products); DeoPlus (powder deodorants); Empress (hair care); Grips (men’s grooming line); and Fiona Cologne (teen fragrance).

‘This acquisition is an important milestone in our journey to become one of Asia’s leading personal care companies,’ Arya said.

He said the acquisition also reflects the firm’s continued focus on investing in high-growth emerging markets.

At present, WCCI operates in more than 60 markets across Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

Apart from India and the Philippines, its key markets include Malaysia, Vietnam and South China.

A rescued island dog from Aklan named Felicia has now found a new home in Massachusetts, United States after months of waiting.

According to animal welfare group Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Felicia was rescued by the Aklan Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation Center days before she was to be euthanized at a local pound.

A Massachusetts native named Katie offered to adopt Felicia, which began a long arduous process to get the canine across the sea.

PAWS executive director Anna Cabrera posted a personal appeal on Facebook asking who could help get Felicia a flight.

A pet supplies brand aided in the search, which garnered the attention of flag carrier Philippine Airlines who offered to fly Felicia.

The dog stayed at the PAWS shelter in Quezon City to complete her treatment, regain her health, and secure the documents required for international travel. Several individuals from the airline visited Felicia last week to coordinate her final preparations.

Felicia received special merchandise from the airline before flying out last July 21. Philippine Airlines will likely fly Felicia to New York then organize a connecting flight to Massachusetts, where the canine will now call home.

AIA Philippines, formerly Philam Life, and its healthcare arm, MediCard, have introduced Group Life + HMO, an integrated employee benefits solution that brings healthcare and life protection together, in response to the growing recognition among employers that protecting today’s workforce requires more than healthcare benefits alone.

The launch comes as employers face growing pressure to provide more comprehensive protection for their workforce while keeping employee benefits simple to manage.

In 2025, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority, out-of-pocket healthcare spending among Filipinos rose to P15,223 per person, up 14% from the previous year.

At the same time, AIA Philippines’ 2025 Rethink Healthy study found that 65% of Filipinos still rely on personal savings when faced with unexpected events, underscoring how quickly a health emergency can become a financial setback for employees and their families.

While health maintenance organization (HMO) coverage has become a standard employee benefit, many workers remain financially vulnerable when unexpected life events, such as death or disability, occur.

This is particularly relevant in the Philippines, where 88% of Filipinos identify themselves as either the sole or shared breadwinner of their household, underscoring the need for solutions that protect both employees’ health and their families’ financial security.

Group Life + HMO responds to this need by combining MediCard comprehensive healthcare coverage with group life insurance from AIA Philippines.

The solution combines HMO coverage with Yearly Renewable Term Life insurance, Total and Permanent Disability protection, and Accidental Death, Dismemberment and Disability coverage, creating a more complete safety net that supports both employee well-being and financial security.

‘Healthcare has always been a fundamental part of employee care, but today’s workforce needs more than access to medical benefits alone,’ Julian Mengual, chief executive officer, MediCard, said. “Employers want to know they’re supporting their people through life’s unforeseen moments. By helping protect employees from both medical costs and the wider financial impact of life’s uncertainties, employers can provide more meaningful support for their people and their families.’

Melita Teo, president and CEO, AIA Philippines, added: “As we are uniquely positioned to support people across their health journey-from prevention and early intervention to diagnosis, treatment and recovery, Group Life + HMO demonstrates the power of bringing AIA’s life, health and financial protection expertise, and MediCard’s healthcare capabilities together in one ecosystem. It’s an example of how we’re innovating beyond traditional insurance to help more Filipinos live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.’

The integrated solution enables employers to provide broader protection for their workforce through a single provider relationship, one enrollment process and one billing arrangement, simplifying benefits administration while maximizing the value of their employee benefits investment.

The collaboration between AIA Philippines and MediCard reflects a growing recognition that employee well-being extends beyond healthcare alone.

As employers look for ways to strengthen their employee value proposition without adding administrative complexity, integrated solutions that combine healthcare and financial protection are becoming an increasingly important part of workforce strategy.

There were no fireworks during the confrontation yesterday between Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Melvin Matibag despite their word war over alleged anomalies in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

As the Senate impeachment court was tackling the grave threat allegation against Vice President Sara Duterte, Cayetano asked Matibag why the NBI was ‘expanding’ its ‘jurisdiction’ after the latter said the bureau can investigate any crime motu proprio.

Cayetano said Matibag’s remark ran counter to the law that modernized the bureau – or Republic Act 10867 – which listed the crimes that it can investigate.

The cases that the NBI can investigate, according to the law, are ‘human trafficking cases in all airports, extrajudicial, extralegal killings committed by state security forces against media practitioners activities, killings of justices and judges, violation of the Cybercrime Prevention Act, cases from the Inter-Agency Anti-Graft Coordinating Council and violations of the Anti-Dummy Law,’ Cayetano said.

Based on the law, the NBI is also mandated to investigate threats and assaults on the President, Vice President, Senate President, Speaker and Chief Justice. It is the President who can direct the NBI to investigate any crime ‘when public interest so requires,’ Cayetano said.

‘Why do they have to say any crime if you can do it… if you can investigate any crime after all? It seems that you’re expanding your jurisdiction by yourself,’ Cayetano said.

Matibag said the scope of the bureau cannot be limited, it being the country’s ‘primary investigating body.’

‘The list, yes it’s there. But it doesn’t limit our investigation,’ he said. ‘We also have our primary role to make sure that law and order is being promoted through the NBI din po.’

Cayetano took issue with Matibag’s announcement that they are also investigating allegations that Cayetano’s bailiwick Taguig has ghost flood control projects.

Matibag was reprimanded on Tuesday by the court for his statements about Cayetano regarding the NBI probe on the SEA Games.

Ping tags 2 ghost projects in Taguig

Sen. Panfilo Lacson yesterday said he has information regarding two ghost projects in Taguig, part of Cayetano’s alleged P6.79-billion budget insertion in the 2025 national budget, of which P2.085 billion was allotted for slope protection and drainage projects.

Lacson accused Cayetano of having 25 percent kickbacks from these projects collected by an identified ‘bagman.’

‘TAGUIG GHOST INFRA PROJECTS UPDATE: We have documented at least 2 case studies so far. Too many P100M slope protection and drainage projects totaling P2.085B out of the P6.79B insertions under the 2025 GAA,’ Lacson wrote on X. ‘There is no turning back!’

Lacson said some of the projects by Cayetano when he was House speaker were linked to detained contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya, but implemented by another contractor under a five percent royalty scheme.

Other projects were implemented by Topnotch Catalyst Builders, which is among the top 15 flood control project contractors announced by President Marcos last year.

Fruitas Holdings Inc., led by businessman Lester Yu, expects to sustain long-term growth, driven by the continued expansion of its store network and its diversified portfolio.

‘We have demonstrated resilience in the face of challenges, embraced opportunities for growth and built a stronger Fruitas,’ Yu, Fruitas president and CEO, said.

Fruitas currently operates more than 830 stores across the Philippines under more than 30 active brands, making it one of the country’s largest operators of food and beverage kiosks and community stores.

The company has earmarked P120 million in capital expenditures to support its 2026 expansion initiatives, including opening 80 to 100 stores to further beef up its nationwide presence.

While the operating environment remains dynamic, Yu said the company’s diversified portfolio, culture of innovation, expanding store network and disciplined financial management continue to position Fruitas for sustainable long-term growth.

‘We will remain focused on delivering quality products, strengthening our brands, expanding responsibly and creating greater value to serve millions of Filipinos every year,’ he said.

In 2025, Fruitas delivered a net income of P129 million, generating gross revenues of P3.04 billion, driven by the continued strength of its diversified portfolio of brands.

In the first quarter, gross revenues jumped by 16.78 percent to P793.4 million, as net income stood at P28.9 million.

Yu said the company’s encouraging first quarter results demonstrate its ability to generate profitable growth while continuing to invest in the future of its brands.

‘As we continue to strengthen our market leadership, we remain committed to reinvesting in our brands and deepening our connection with consumers,’ he said.

Yu said innovation also continues to be the cornerstone of the Fruitas growth strategy by introducing a wide range of new products across its portfolio.

The company has launched new concepts such as CocoLab, which offers innovative, uniquely crafted coconut beverages and desserts, and Madvocados, which offers premium, indulgent avocado-inspired dessert creations.

‘These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to staying ahead of changing consumer preferences while continuously refreshing our product portfolio,’ Yu said, noting that the positive reception of its new products and concepts supported the continued expansion of its nationwide store network.

A leader in food and beverage stores across multiple formats, Fruitas ventured into the roasted chicken segment in 2024 by acquiring a majority stake in the owner of the Mang Bok’s brand for P8.86 million.

Its subsidiary, Balai ni Fruitas Inc., acquired the 40-year-old legacy brand Sugarhouse in the same year, allowing the listed bakery operator to expand its product offerings, particularly in the cake category, and tap a broader customer base.

In 2023, Fruitas completed the purchase of 73-year-old legacy brand Ling Nam, marking its entry into the Asian casual dining space.

Alex Eala is all set for the season’s last Grand Slam.

The rising international tennis darling is officially listed in the US Open slated Aug. 30 to Sept. 13 in Flushing Meadows, New York, alongside the top-ranked players Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Jannik Sinner of Italy.

Eala is ranked No. 29 in the confirmed list for direct entries released by the US Tennis Association yesterday albeit the seedings and the draw will be available in the Slam week.

At stake for Eala is the continuation of her magical run in Wimbledon, where she netted a bevy of firsts for Philippine tennis with her Round of 16 finish.

Eala was the first Filipina player to do it so, gaining 240 points to reach a new career-best WTA ranking of No. 28.

Though Eala slipped a bit in the rankings at No. 29 this week due to inactivity after coming home in the Philippines with a series of fan meeting events, she will ride a massive momentum entering the US Open with a goal of surpassing her second-round finish last year.

Eala then stunned world No. 15 Clara Tauson of Denmark in the US Open Round of 128 to become the first Filipina match-winner at any Grand Slam main draw prior to her Wimbledon breakthrough.

‘I do want to get as far as I possibly can. Of course, the ultimate goal is to win right? But I will take it round by round,’ said Eala in an interview with The STAR upon her homecoming last week

Construction activity in Central Visayas weakened in the first quarter 2026 despite an increase in building permits, as higher material and fuel costs, rising logistics expenses and global economic uncertainty dampened project values.

Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed approved building permits in the region rose 7.4 percent in the January-to-March period.

However, the total value of approved construction projects fell 12.8 percent to P6.47 billion from P7.42 billion a year earlier, indicating developers remained cautious amid rising costs.

Cebu Province remained the region’s largest construction market, accounting for P2.83 billion in approved projects. Bohol followed with P1.53 billion, although its construction value declined 22.8 percent from a year earlier.

Among the highly urbanized cities, Cebu City posted the largest construction value at P902.6 million, despite a 50.8 percent decline. Lapu-Lapu City saw construction value fall 57.7 percent to P376.8 million.

In contrast, Mandaue City emerged as the region’s fastest-growing construction market. Total construction value surged 439.3 percent, while approved floor area expanded 442.4 percent, driven by strong residential, commercial and industrial developments.

Mandaue City’s residential sector recorded a 314.6 percent increase in construction value, the highest in Central Visayas, reflecting robust demand for housing and condominium projects.

Commercial construction grew even faster. Non-residential construction value climbed 494.3 percent to P454 million, bucking the regional trend as investments continued to flow into commercial and industrial facilities.

Across Central Visayas, approved non-residential construction value fell 21.2 percent to P3.01 billion, signaling weaker investment in business establishments.

Cebu Province accounted for the largest share at P1.53 billion, while Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City posted declines of 73.2 percent and 67.9 percent, respectively. Bohol’s non-residential construction value also dropped 47.1 percent.

Residential construction also slowed across the region. The number of approved residential permits declined 4.5 percent, while construction value fell 9.3 percent.

Cebu Province remained the largest residential market with P1.16 billion in approved construction value despite a 21.9 percent decline. Bohol, however, posted a 7.3 percent increase to P976.3 million, while residential floor area expanded 48.5 percent, suggesting a shift toward larger and higher-value housing projects.

Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City recorded declines in residential construction value of 33.6 percent and 29 percent, respectively.

Other construction categories provided some support. The value of approved building additions jumped 462 percent to P65 million, led by Cebu Province. ‘Other construction’ projects, which include demolition and landscaping works, rose 256 percent to P163.3 million, with Mandaue accounting for the largest share.

Meanwhile, alteration and repair works remained concentrated in Cebu Province and Cebu City, partly driven by reconstruction efforts following the Northern Cebu earthquake and Typhoon Tino.

The PSA said construction activity could weaken further in the coming quarters as higher steel, cement and fuel prices continue to raise development costs.

It also warned that geopolitical tensions, extreme heat linked to El Niño and the possibility of higher interest rates could slow investment in capital-intensive projects.

Reigning NCAA champion Letran turned it on late to thwart the gritty Enderun Colleges, 21-25, 25-21, 25-14, 14-25, 15-4, and complete the Final Four cast in the 2026 Shakey’s Collegiate National Invitationals Thursday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

Judiel Nitura and Reeza Abayon joined forces down the stretch, igniting a 5-0 start en route to a dominant finish as the Lady Knights capped their campaign at 2-3 to catch the last semis bus.

Letran will take on the top-ranked UST, while NCAA runner-up St. Benilde and Australia’s Southern Storm Melbourne clash in the other semis pairing Friday.

‘Ang sinasabi ko lang sa kanila na kung ano ang itinuturo ni coach ‘yun ang dapat gawin at sundin namin. Nag-adjust kami paunti-unti kaya nakuha namin ang panalo,’ said playmaker Hizki Flores, who stabilized Letran’s offense in the decider to finish with 16 sets.

Abayon paced the Lady Knights with 17 points on 15 hits while Nitura added 14 markers, including three in Letran’s 10-3 runaway in the fifth set.

Althea Botor (14) led the way while Jasmine Salvani and Ederlyn Alba had eight and seven points, respectively, for the Lady Titans, who wrapped up their run at 1-4.

erun and Ho Chi Minh City Volleyball Club of Vietnam will battle in the classification match also Friday before the Final Four.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE)’s new trading engine is set to go live by November as part of a broader effort to modernize and improve the local stock market.

The PSE has invested P241.03 million for the new trading engine and another P45.83 million for its back office.

The PSE is upgrading its trading engine to ensure that the infrastructure is in place for efficient, expanded trading.

In terms of capacity and capabilities, the new trading engine is more than equipped to handle the potential growth in transactions of the local market.

The system can facilitate five million orders and 450,000 trades and run an 11-hour trading session.

Further, it has the capacity for a maximum of 10,000 securities, 15 million client trading accounts, 1,000 brokers and 1,200 market data connections.

In May last year, the PSE announced the official execution of an agreement to adopt Nasdaq Eqlipse, a strategic move aimed at significantly enhancing its market infrastructure and integrating advanced technology in its new trading platform.

The PSE’s adoption of Nasdaq Eqlipse Trading was part of a significant expansion of its technology partnership with Nasdaq.

The transition is designed to future-proof the PSE’s current capabilities and facilitate the introduction of new financial instruments, such as derivatives.

To promote greater market efficiency and liquidity, the trading platform is engineered to standardize order execution by implementing a single lot size.

It likewise allows PSE to develop and launch new market data products, offering investors improved investment insights and enhancing market transparency.

The Philippine National Police recently reported a 20.6-percent decline in the country’s crime rate for the second quarter of 2026 – an encouraging development that reflects the hard work of law enforcement agencies and their partners in maintaining peace and order.

At the same time, several high-profile incidents have understandably drawn significant public attention. Reports involving minors in violent crimes, including stabbing incidents, as well as the killings of motorcycle taxi riders in Caloocan and Cavite, have raised concerns about safety and security. These cases serve as a reminder that progress in public safety is an ongoing effort. Even as crime rates move in a positive direction, every serious incident has a real impact on victims, families and communities. This can also influence public perception – quite strongly if I may say.

A photo of a motorcycle taxi rider wearing a helmet with the message, ‘Buntis po ang asawa ko. Huwag niyo po sana akong saktan,’ quickly went viral on social media following reports of a rider’s killing. The image resonated with many people because it reflected broader anxieties about personal safety and the uncertainties of everyday life.

The decline in crime rates is encouraging- it represents progress and shows that many initiatives to improve public safety produce results. At the same time, the government certainly has their work cut out for them. The challenge now is to ensure that these gains are consistently felt by ordinary citizens in their daily lives, whether they are commuting to work, operating a business, sending their children to school or returning home during the late hours of the evening.

In today’s digital age, public perception is influenced not just by actual incidents on the ground but also by the speed and reach of information online. Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness, but it can also amplify fear through disinformation, misinformation and production and amplification of rage-bait content designed to provoke emotional reactions and maximize engagement.

While vigilance is important, it is equally important for the public to be discerning consumers of information and to verify facts before drawing conclusions or sharing content that may unnecessarily heighten anxiety.

Beyond public safety, there is also an important economic factor to this situation. As we know, businesses thrive in environments that are stable, secure and predictable. When a country or a community is perceived to be safe, investors are more confident about expanding operations, opening new facilities and ultimately creating jobs. This benefits not only businesses but also ordinary Filipinos who will be able to have more employment and livelihood opportunities and stronger local economies. Improvements in peace and order therefore translate into not only safer neighborhoods but also into better economic opportunities.

Singapore, for example, has built a global reputation for safety, stability and good governance, helping it become one of Asia’s leading economic hubs. The lesson is clear: when people and businesses feel secure, investments and growth often follow. Conversely, persistent misperceptions can discourage business expansion and limit job creation.

As the country continues to make progress in public safety, it is equally important to promote fact-based discourse so that confidence is built on reality and allow more opportunities, investments and economic growth to benefit Filipinos. This is why perception matters almost as much as reality.

The goal should then be to align improving crime statistics with a corresponding sense of security among the public. This requires continued transparency from authorities, prompt action on reported crimes and effective communication that helps communities understand both the challenges and the progress being made.

Of course, maintaining safe and secure cities is not the responsibility of law enforcement alone. We all have important roles to play in promoting peace and order- families, schools, local governments, businesses, civil society groups and individual citizens alike. Respect for the law, responsible citizenship and active community involvement contribute significantly to safer neighborhoods.

On the part of law enforcement, sustained police visibility and responsive policing can help reinforce public confidence. These efforts should be complemented by practical measures from local government units and barangays, such as ensuring that streetlights are operational, CCTV systems are functioning and public spaces are properly maintained and monitored.

Another issue that deserves attention is the growing visibility of youth involvement in violent incidents. Addressing this challenge requires a broader social response. Parents, educators, community leaders and policymakers must work together to provide young people with guidance, support systems and opportunities that steer them away from violence and criminal activity.

As we continue working together to strengthen public safety, promote responsible and fact-based discussions, we create an environment where businesses can invest and create jobs and we move closer to the kind of communities Filipinos aspire for. I long for the day when people can enjoy a morning walk without worry, when parents can send their children to school with complete peace of mind and when workers can travel safely at any hour of the day or night. This is the future that Filipino families deserve and look forward to: one that is secure, stable and filled with opportunity. In the end, success is measured both by lower crime rates as well as the peace of mind and better quality of life enjoyed by every Filipino.