PNP to beef up tech to prevent fugitives from escaping abroad

PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said they will be enhancing their digital and intelligence capabilities which help police officers in preventing persons from slipping through the country’s coastal exit points and evading arrest abroad.

In a statement, Nartatez said the PNP is pushing for stronger technology-driven law enforcement measures as authorities tighten monitoring of maritime routes often exploited by fugitives and transnational criminal groups.

‘The PNP must continue investing in intelligence-driven technologies, real-time information sharing, and integrated monitoring systems that allow us to track fugitives and criminal networks across jurisdictions,’ he added.

Likewise, Nartatez said strengthening data analytics, surveillance capabilities, and interagency connectivity will help law enforcement stay ahead of criminals who attempt to exploit maritime routes and other points of exit.

Earlier, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called for the strengthening of border security and to prevent wanted individuals and criminal syndicates from exploiting the country’s vast coastline to evade law enforcement.

In response to this, the government said it is strengthening the capabilities of the PNP and other law enforcement agencies as part of wider efforts to combat transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and online scam operations across the Asean region.

ASEAN member-states recently underscored the importance of intelligence sharing and joint enforcement operations during the 20th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime, recognizing that criminal organizations increasingly use international borders to move operations and avoid prosecution.

As such, Nartatez directed concerned PNP units to intensify border intelligence operations and identify possible escape routes used by wanted persons, particularly in coastal communities and known maritime exit points.

He also ordered the maximization of available technologies and intelligence resources to support fugitive tracking and identification efforts.

The PNP will pursue every lawful avenue, strengthen international cooperation, and work with our foreign counterparts to ensure that fugitives are brought to justice,’ Nartatez said.

What to know about the AI-detected security bug impacting wide swaths of the internet

The language that’s known as the backbone of the internet is now subject to what experts describe as one of the most notable vulnerabilities in recent memory.

PHP is a widely used general-purpose scripting language that is geared toward web development, and thus, it powers the majority of websites around the world. When the organization behind the language and the FBI’s cyber division warned Wednesday of significant vulnerabilities in the language, government agencies, corporations and other organizations were sent into a flurry.

The episode also highlights how artificial intelligence is changing the game when it comes to web security.

Here’s what to make of the discovery of the vulnerabilities and the fallout.

The vulnerabilities opened sites to a host of potential security concerns

The official website for PHP and several other organizations and agencies released security advisories Wednesday urging PHP users to patch two critical vulnerabilities or shut down their sites if they couldn’t update them immediately.

The PHP Foundation, which works to provide transparency and accountability with the language, said the vulnerabilities could be exploited and allow bad actors to get unauthenticated access to sites running PHP.

This would mean attackers could control a web server remotely without needing a password, said James Sullivan, director of cyber and tech at the Royal United Services Institute in London. That could allow a hacker to steal data, alter data or use the system as a platform from which to launch other attacks, he said.

Exposure is vast, and some sites are still down

PHP powers about 70% of websites globally, so the possible exposure to vulnerability was immense.

The language is free and open-source, which contributes to its prevalence online. PHP is behind the content management systems WordPress and Drupal, which are commonly used by governments for their sites, and MediaWiki, the software that runs Wikipedia.

In accordance with the security advisories issued this week, several websites were taken offline to prevent exposure while they fixed the problem. There has been disruption to some government services and websites, including in the United Kingdom, Finland and Japan.

Some websites may still be down because there are multiple patches available for different types of software, and some organizations may still be waiting to receive them. They also need to be tested to make sure they work.

Charl van der Walt, the head of security research at Orange Cyberdefense, said he believes the reaction to the vulnerabilities is just the ‘early tremors’ of the disruption they could cause in the weeks and months ahead. He said there likely will be further service disruptions as bad actors scan the internet for vulnerable systems.

The issues may have been lying dormant

The vulnerabilities have been known about since at least 2024, according to the PHP Foundation. A security team developed several competing approaches to solutions, but each had downsides. It seemed there wasn’t a practical or concrete way attackers could exploit the vulnerabilities, so progress on a fix stalled, the foundation said.

The group took responsibility for not coming up with a fix sooner, saying: ‘We won’t pretend otherwise: the delay was a structural failure, caused by both the security team’s decision process and its lack of resources.’

Some experts say the discovery of the vulnerability could have been even earlier than 2024.

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The AI cat-and-mouse game between attackers and defenders persists

Although humans first discovered the vulnerabilities, artificial intelligence agents helped to identify how they could be exploited, and also supported the process of testing and validating the fixes. In a blog post, OpenAI said it had led a coalition of researchers, security providers and others to address vulnerabilities in PHP over the past two months. Researchers at Wiz, a cloud security platform, also said they independently used AI to identify the vulnerabilities.

The accessibility of AI means that many organizations big and small now have more advanced ways to proactively and reactively respond to security threats. But it also means bad actors have more advanced ways to exploit digital weak points, and at great scale and speed.

‘It’s not quite as easy for defenders as it is for attackers,’ van der Walt said. ‘You find the vulnerability in something. You replace it. But with what? Is there an alternative that is patched and robust and tested and approved?’

Sullivan, of the Royal United Services Institute in London, said while the push-and-pull can be worrisome, he’s focused on the positive side.

‘We’ve actually seen quite a decent use case here where AI can discover some critical vulnerabilities and then the community can come together to remediate them,’ he said.

Housing licenses hit 5-year high

THE number of housing units licensed for sale this year is expected to reach a five-year high as the government expands its housing assistance programs, the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) said.

Housing Secretary Jose Ramon Aliling said the projection was based on the monthly average of housing units that applied for and received licenses to sell (LTS) in 2026.

‘If we base our projection on the monthly average of housing units that have applied for and been issued licenses to sell, this year will record the highest number of units issued licenses to sell since 2022,’ Aliling said during the second National Housing Expo.

Data from DHSUD showed that the agency was processing applications covering about 197,000 housing units as of September 28. Of these, around 117,000 units had qualified following evaluation.

Another 34,000 units were still under evaluation within the agency’s 15-day review period, while applications covering 31,000 units had been issued notices of deficiencies for compliance by developers.

The agency had denied applications covering about 13,000 units, equivalent to a denial rate of 6.7 percent.

Based on the applications being processed and the denial rate, the DHSUD expects to issue licenses covering more than 200,000 housing units by year-end, which would be the highest annual total since 2022.

Aliling attributed the outlook partly to the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program, which provides housing options for Filipinos across different income levels.

Under the expanded program, households that cannot yet afford to buy their own homes may access the Enhanced Community Mortgage Program, rental housing, and temporary shelter for families affected by disasters.

‘Since we expanded the housing options under the 4PH program, more Filipinos have benefited from it. The program’s name, Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino, has become more fitting because we now have programs for every Filipino who aspires to live in a decent and safe home,’ Aliling said.

As peso dives, PHL eyes ‘greatest export year’

THE Philippines could record its biggest export year in history in 2026 as surging electronics shipments lift merchandise trade, even as the peso weakened to a record low of P63.361 against the dollar on Wednesday.

For Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments (BOI) Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo, the country could exceed $100 billion in merchandise exports this year if the recent growth momentum continues, following August’s record monthly performance.

‘The best is still to come. August was historic: $9.11 billion, the highest monthly export number we have ever recorded. But I believe our September numbers can even be more than double August,’ Rodolfo said in a statement released by BOI.

For September exports to more than double August’s $9.11 billion, shipments would have to exceed $18.22 billion.

‘If these trends continue through December, 2026 will be the greatest export year in Philippine history. We have the opportunity to surpass $100 billion in merchandise exports for the first time,’ Rodolfo said.

Philippine merchandise exports reached a record $9.11 billion in August, up 27.8 percent from $7.13 billion a year earlier. Cumulative exports for January to August also hit a high of $64.04 billion, increasing 14.8 percent year on year.

According to the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. (Seipi), gains were largely driven by electronics shipments, which benefit from global investment in artificial intelligence (AI), data centers, and digital infrastructure.

Electronic products generated $6.2 billion in August, accounting for 68.1 percent of total merchandise exports based on the reported figures. The sector also posted the largest year-on-year increase among commodity groups, adding $2.32 billion.

Seipi has raised its 2026 electronics-export growth forecast to around 10 percent, equivalent to $54 billion to $55 billion.

‘AI is creating an extraordinary demand cycle, and it goes far beyond the AI processor itself. AI needs power electronics, storage, connectivity, semiconductors, and enormous data-center infrastructure,’ Seipi President Danilo C. Lachica said in the same statement.

The industry group also credited the CREATE MORE Act with strengthening registered export enterprises’ confidence to invest in expanded capacity and improve competitiveness.

Meanwhile, the peso fell to P63.361 per dollar on Wednesday, 27.1 centavos weaker than its P63.09 close on Monday and Tuesday, data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines showed.

While the weaker currency raises the peso cost of imports, it may also improve the peso value of dollar earnings for exporters. The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has identified peso depreciation as one factor supporting export growth, alongside higher shipment volumes.

Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Ferdinand A. Ferrer said exporters could benefit from the exchange rate, but the gains must translate into stronger productivity and greater technological capacity.

‘The important thing is to convert any exchange-rate advantage into something lasting: more investment, higher productivity and greater technological capability,’ Ferrer said.

SEC warns public against online lending platforms

THE Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has warned the public against four online lending platforms, which is engaged in financing activities without the necessary license.

The SEC said online platforms operating under the names Cashai, Cashay Plus: Fast Cash Loan (Early Access), Cash-X: Easy Online Loan App, and Cash A: Easy Online Loan App are engaging without the necessary authority from the agency.

These firms claim affiliation with or using the corporate identity of G. A. Orobia Lending Corp.

Orobia is a registered corporate entity with the SEC but, based on the document submitted by the corporation, it does not maintain, own, operate or authorize any online lending platform, mobile application, or similar digital facility for lending transactions.

The SEC said the platforms are unauthorized and the public is strongly advised to avoid any transaction with the entities.

‘The public is cautioned that the mere display or use of a corporation’s name, SEC Registration Number, Certificate of Authority, address, logo, or other information pertaining to a registered financing or lending company does not, by itself, establish that an online lending platform is owned, operated or authorized by that company,’ the regulator said in a statement.

The SEC also cautioned against against downloading unverified lending applications, as unauthorized platforms frequently engage in unfair debt collection practices, unlawful contact access, and data privacy violations.

‘As a matter of precaution, the public is encouraged to always check whether a lending platform is legitimate by consulting the official list on the Commission’s website,’ the regulator added.

Property developer asks Napolcom: Probe Calatagan cop chief for role in private row

PROPERTY developer City State Properties Management Corporation (CPMC) has asked the Philippine National Police and the National Police Commission (Napolcom) to mount a fair investigation into the case of the Calatagan, Batangas police chief and other officers involved in the forcible retrieval of construction equipment from Sandari Calatagan.

The case filed with Napolcom comes on the heels of an earlier complaint filed with the Office of the Ombudsman earlier, where CPMC assailed the acts of PMajor Julius Almeda,, several of his men, and the RDBT Construction Corp., led by architect Rafael Tecson, in swooping down on two occasions, in late September and early October, at Sandari Calatagan in order to retrieve equipment amid a contractual dispute between Sandari and RDBT.

In the complaint before the Ombudsman and Napolcom, CPMC accused Almeda of using state assets in a purely private dispute.

In an interview with TV5, Napolcom’s chief, Atty. Rafael Calinisan, said the police should not get involved in corporate matters or private matters, unless ordered by the courts to preserve the peace: ‘Corporate matters or private matters, hindi naman dapat pakikialaman na [ng mga pulis]. We will get to it, hindi natin hahayaan.’ He said the agency will investigate the matter right away.

CPMC complained that the combined team of the Almeda-led police force and security forces brought in by RDBT had no legal documents to take out the equipment, and they even allegedly threatened the employees and the guards in the wellness community.

CPMC explained that while it had terminated its contract with Tecson’s group on September 25, 2026 following two years of delays in the project, it still had the right to temporarily hold on to the construction equipment to ensure completion of some works and answer for the liabilities arising from such delay.

A dump truck and crane truck were among the equipment being used in the project, and which the Almeda-Tecson group took in two incidents on September 28 and October 4, 2026.

Per the complaint, at close to midnight of September 28, security guards at the site tried to stop their team from seizing the equipment, because they had gotten no instructions from management for this.

Almeda, however, then allegedly threatened to arrest and disarm the guards.

CPMC asked PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and Napolcom Commissioner Calinisan to investigate for possible abuse of authority the accused policemen, and possible violations of the Anti-graft and Corrupt Practices Act and grave coercion under the Revised Penal Code.

Isuzu expands its reach in the north, while helping keep Philippine logistics rolling

LOCATION matters in the dealership business. That is why the recent transfer of Isuzu Urdaneta to a new location is more significant than it may initially appear.

Isuzu Philippines Corp. (IPC), together with its long-time dealer partner Inteco, has officially opened the dealership’s new home near the Urdaneta exit of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). The move places the facility in a highly visible and accessible location, making it easier for customers from Pangasinan and neighboring provinces to connect with the brand. The new Isuzu Urdaneta facility also complies with the Isuzu Outlet Standard (IOS), which aims to provide customers with a more consistent dealership experience across the country.

More importantly, it acknowledges how travel patterns in Northern Luzon have changed over the years.

Before TPLEX, many motorists entering Urdaneta followed different routes and spent considerably more time navigating local roads. Today, the expressway has transformed the movement of people and goods across the region. Businesses can transport products faster, travelers can reach destinations more efficiently, and commercial vehicles move through what has become one of Northern Luzon’s busiest corridors.

Recognizing these changes, Isuzu and Inteco chose a location that is better aligned with present-day realities.

‘We have moved our location here for convenience, for our customers,’ said Inteco president Raymond Jarina during the opening ceremonies.

‘With our visibility, I’m proud to say this dealership would be Isuzu’s landmark dealership in the North.’

Inteco is not just another dealership group within the Isuzu network. It has been associated with the brand since the 1960s and holds the distinction of being Isuzu’s first dealer partner in the Philippines through its Edsa dealership. That long relationship has allowed the company to grow alongside the brand while maintaining a strong presence across key areas in Northern Luzon. Today, its network includes branches in Quezon Avenue, Pampanga, Dagupan, Urdaneta, Baguio, Edsa Balintawak, and Valenzuela.

Built on a 2,700-square-meter property, the dealership features a showroom measuring 145 square meters and can accommodate two light commercial vehicles and one commercial vehicle on display. While showroom space often draws attention, the aftersales side of the business remains equally important, particularly in a market where Isuzu enjoys a strong presence among business owners and transport operators. The service area occupies 1,481 square meters and includes five service bays for light commercial vehicles and a dedicated bay for heavy-duty trucks. This allows the dealership to cater to a broad range of customers, from private vehicle owners to companies operating commercial fleets.

That capability is particularly relevant in Urdaneta City. Over the years, the city has established itself as an important center for commerce, agriculture, manufacturing, and trade in Northern Luzon. These industries depend heavily on transportation, making reliable sales and aftersales support an essential requirement rather than a luxury.

IPC president Mikio Tsukui underscored this point during the inauguration.

‘With many businesses and communities depending on reliable transportation to keep their operations moving, we believe this new location puts Isuzu in an even better position to serve their mobility needs and support the continued growth of the city and surrounding areas,’ he said.

The opening represents another step in Isuzu’s continuing effort to strengthen its dealer presence across the country. While vehicle specifications often dominate discussions, infrastructure and customer support remain equally important parts of the ownership experience.

Strengthening Menorian Movers’ fleet

MEANWHILE, just as Isuzu was investing in customer accessibility in Northern Luzon, the company was also reinforcing its commitment to commercial transport operators elsewhere in the country.

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Recently, IPC and Isuzu Bacoor delivered four new heavy-duty tractor heads to Menorian Movers Inc., a trucking and logistics company that continues to expand its operations. The turnover included three Isuzu EXR77H units and one EXZ77N tractor head. The new trucks will replace selected older units within Menorian’s fleet of 41 vehicles and will be used primarily for trailer-hauling operations.

For logistics companies, fleet renewal is a necessary investment. Trucks may continue operating for many years, but introducing newer equipment helps improve reliability while minimizing disruptions caused by aging vehicles.

Part of the Menorian Group of Cos., Menorian Movers has long been involved in the transport and logistics business. The company expanded its fleet in 2001 by adding tractor heads and closed vans, allowing it to offer Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL) services. More than two decades later, tractors remain central to its operations.

According to IPC department head for dealer sales Mario Ojales, reliability continues to be one of the primary requirements among logistics operators. ‘Isuzu has been a reliable partner of logistics companies through the years, and we understand the heavy-duty demands of their operations,’ he said.

Menorian’s decision to stay with the brand was influenced by years of experience with existing Isuzu vehicles within its fleet. Several of its EXR51 and NPR units have reportedly been serving the company for over a decade, demonstrating the durability required in day-to-day operations.

Under the cab of both the EXR77H and EXZ77N is Isuzu’s 6UZ1-TCG50 diesel engine. The powerplant produces 279 kW (373 hp) and delivers a substantial 1,765 N-m of torque, numbers aimed squarely at the requirements of heavy hauling.

The EXR77H carries a Gross Combination Mass of 45,000 kilograms, while the EXZ77N pushes that figure to 60,000 kilograms, providing flexibility depending on load requirements. The trucks also come equipped with features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and a multi-information display that allows drivers to monitor vehicle data more conveniently during operations.

For Menorian Movers president Marilou Menor, however, the acquisition represents something beyond specifications and payload figures. ‘For me, these four new trucks are more than just additional assets for our company. They represent growth, trust, opportunity, and our commitment to serving our valued clients,’ she said.

That perspective perhaps sums up the two recent developments involving Isuzu. One focuses on bringing a dealership closer to customers. The other focuses on giving a logistics company newer tools for the job. Different stories on the surface, but both point to the same objective. Whether it is a dealership standing beside one of Northern Luzon’s busiest expressways or a tractor head pulling cargo across the country’s highways, the goal remains straightforward: keeping people, businesses, and industries moving.

Zubiri demands action vs pork smugglers

SENATE Majority Leader Juan Miguel F. Zubiri has called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to take decisive action against excessive meat importations, predatory pricing, and agricultural smuggling, warning that local hog farmers are selling livestock at severe losses while consumer retail prices remain high.

Speaking during a Senate hearing on the DA’s proposed 2027 budget, Zubiri directly challenged Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to adopt an aggressive stance against traders and importers exploiting the domestic pork industry.

‘Ilabas mo iyong galit mo sa mga predatory pricing, pati iyong mga smugglers. Labanan mo, huwag ka matakot. [Show your anger toward those engaged in predatory pricing and smugglers. Fight them. Don’t be afraid],’ Zubiri urged Laurel.

In response to the growing pressure, Laurel disclosed during the hearing that the government is considering temporary trade restrictions to stabilize the local market.

‘I can suspend imports of kasim [pork shoulder], pigue [ham], and belly for 60 days or stop the issuance of new SPSICs [Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances],’ Laurel said.

SPSICs are required health and safety permits issued for agricultural imports.

Zubiri welcomed the prospective freeze, saying it would provide much-needed breathing room for local raisers overwhelmed by cheap imports and mounting feed and fuel expenses.

The call for intervention follows mounting distress among hog raisers in Bukidnon and other key agricultural provinces. According to figures presented by Zubiri, live hog farmgate prices have plummeted from P185 per kilogram in 2024 to between P90 and P120 per kilogram-well below the estimated average production cost of P130 to P140 per kilo.

Zubiri highlighted that small-scale backyard farmers-who make up 80 percent of the country’s pork producers-are bearing the brunt of the crisis.

‘Only 20 percent are large-scale producers, and these big companies can survive even if they incur some losses,’ Zubiri lamented. ‘But our farmers, who make up 80 percent of the sector, are really suffering.’

Zubiri raised questions regarding the steep gap between the prices paid to local farmers and the cost of pork in public markets. While live hogs in Mindanao yield as little as P100 per kilogram to farmers, retail prices for cuts like pork belly (liempo) reach as high as P380 per kilo in urban centers.

‘They don’t understand why market prices are so high when they are receiving very low farmgate prices. It really blows the mind,’ Zubiri said, calling on trade and agriculture inspectors to return to public markets to crack down on middleman markups and price manipulation.

Beyond temporary import curbs, Zubiri stressed that visible government enforcement is critical to ensure backyard raisers survive the prolonged downturn.

Marcos to local govts: Don’t stop innovations

PRESIDENT Marcos has called on local governments nationwide to pioneer fresh ideas and continually refine existing programs to tackle pressing community challenges.

Speaking at the 2026 Galing Pook Awards ceremony held at Malacañan, the President emphasized that evolving community needs demand adaptive and progressive governance.

‘We must continue to encourage new ideas and build on the solutions that have already been made and that now feeling the difference in our communities,’ Marcos said in his address, urging officials to use current milestones as springboards for greater feats.

‘Let us ensure that the progress we achieve today becomes the foundation for even greater accomplishments.’

Ten local government programs were honored during the ceremony for their remarkable responsiveness to constituents’ needs and commitment to public service. This year’s secretariat evaluated 208 program submissions originating from 148 LGUs.

The 2026 Galing Pook awardees span across diverse regions and initiatives:

Bataan E-Mobility (Bataan)

Building Spaces in a Spaceless City (Valenzuela City)

Del Carmen Farm-to-Spoon (Surigao del Norte)

Iloilo City Action and Resilience (ICARe) Center: Decentralizing Risk Governance (Iloilo City)

KABAHAGI: QC’s Family-Governed Care for Children with Disabilities (Quezon City)

Kawsa sa Agrikultura ug Panginabuhian sa Barangay (KAAGAPAY) (Davao del Norte)

North Manila Bay Nature-based Solutions Pilot Project: Community-led Coastal Resilience through Building with Nature (barangay Pamarawan, City of Malolos, Bulacan)

One Name, One Identity: Walang Maiiwan Pagayawan (Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur)

Project Denguerra-War on Dengue (Baguio City)

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Zero Illiteracy and Innumeracy Program for Mangyans (ZIP) (Oriental Mindoro)

Reiterating that innovation is a continuous journey, Marcos pointed out that technology and modern governance approaches offer endless opportunities for growth.

‘The beauty of innovation is that there is always room for improvement. Whether through technology or better approaches to governance, we can always build on what we have achieved,’ he told local officials, challenging them to let their successes inspire peer municipalities.

Winners received plaques of recognition, special Risk to Resilience Governance trophies, Galing Pook markers, and cash prizes amounting to 300,000 pesos each, courtesy of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Local Government Academy.

Established on October 21, 1993, the Galing Pook Awards serves as a pioneering institution identifying and celebrating local governance excellence. The initiative operates with backing from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Local Government Academy, SM Prime Holdings, Inc., and the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Study: More pinoys tapping AI platforms to find bands

Mentions of Philippine brands in Google AI Overviews rose more than twentyfold in 2025, a sign that artificial intelligence (AI) is fast becoming a gateway through which Filipino consumers find businesses online, according to a year-long study by digital marketing firm Truelogic.

Over the same period, organic branded traffic across 80 Philippine websites fell by 3 to 8 percent. The study, however, noted that while the two trends happened in parallel, it did not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between them.

The study tracked 80 brands across seven sectors. Retail, e-commerce, and real estate posted the strongest growth in AI visibility.

Brands that performed better in AI results generally shared three traits, the study found: high brand search interest, clearly structured content, and well-optimized websites.

‘Being found is no longer just about ranking for the right keywords,’ said Bernard San Juan III, managing partner of Truelogic. ‘AI is more likely to surface brands it can understand and trust.’

San Juan said this means businesses ‘need to make their expertise easy to verify, organize their content around the questions customers ask, and remain consistently present across credible sources-from news coverage and reviews to social media.’

Traditional search engines give users a list of links they must sift through to find an answer. AI search, by contrast, lets consumers ask conversational questions and receive curated answers, comparisons, and recommendations in a single response.

Filipinos have been quick to adopt these tools. The Digital 2026 report by We Are Social, Meltwater, and GWI showed that 42.4 percent of Filipino internet users surveyed had used ChatGPT in the previous month, ranking the Philippines sixth globally.

San Juan said the shift is pushing brands beyond traditional search engine optimization (SEO). While ranking well in search results still matters, brands must also ensure that AI platforms can understand their content, verify their expertise, and recognize them as credible sources.

He noted that the firm’s own client data mirrored the trend. Across 40 projects, Truelogic clients recorded a 750-percent increase in AI visibility from January to July 2025, against the 400-percent average across Philippine websites during the same period.

One of these clients, described as a leading Philippine bank, achieved the highest AI share of voice in its peer group at 38.1 percent. A major property developer, meanwhile, captured a 53.38-percent AI share of voice across Google AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity-3.8 times that of its closest competitor.

The study concluded that neither size nor legacy guarantees leadership in AI search. As AI platforms mature, Philippine brands that build authority, structure their content for AI, and keep a consistent presence across credible channels will be better positioned to appear in AI-generated answers and recommendations.