Category: Business Mirror

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Thursday warned teachers and its personnel against ‘Sangla-ATM’ arrangements to prevent them from anay financial exploitation.

Reiterating DepEd Memorandum No. 049, s. 2026 , the agency said that teachers and its employees should refrain from using their their ATM payroll cards to lenders as collateral for loans.

DepEd stressed that ‘Sangla-ATM’ arrangements, may also expose employees to excessive indebtedness, unauthorized withdrawals, and misuse of personal information.

‘Employees are encouraged to obtain loans only from authorized and regulated government or private lending institutions and to exercise caution when entering into loan agreements,’ the DepEd said.

As an alternative, DepEd said that teachers and personnel can secure loans through official government financial institutions like the Land Bank of the Philippines, Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), DepEd Provident Fund, Pag-IBIG Fund, Securities and Exchange Commission-registered and duly licensed lending companies, and other DepEd -accredited private lending institutions, ‘which provide transparent, accountable, and reasonable lending terms and conditions.’

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) garnered various recognitions in the recent GREEN (Guarantee the Restoration of the Environment and our Ecological Niche) Awards for its continued commitment to environmental sustainability.

Organized by the City Government of Santa Rosa, led by City Mayor Arlene Arcillas, together with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) headed by Engr. Amor Salandanan, the annual awards recognize public and private organizations that have made significant contributions toward environmental protection, sustainability, and climate action.

During the ceremony held at City of Santa Rosa Multi-Purpose Complex in Barangay Tagapo, MMPC received multiple recognitions, including the Special Award of Recognition for Environmental Sustainability and Stewardship, Sustainable Development Award, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Award, and Earth Hour Advocate. These awards highlighted the company’s continued efforts to go beyond regulatory compliance and integrate sustainable practices into its manufacturing operations.

The GREEN Awards honor organizations and partners that actively support initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, promote responsible use of natural resources, improve energy efficiency, and encourage environmental awareness within their respective communities and industries.

Representing MMPC during the awarding ceremony were Manufacturing Executive Vice President Manabu Higuchi, Manufacturing Senior Vice President Reynaldo Gabay, Safety, Health and Environment Vice President Marfel Ancheta and Government Affairs Vice President Victor Vinarao.

The recognition reflects MMPC’s long-standing commitment to responsible manufacturing and environmental stewardship. Through various sustainability initiatives, the company continues to improve its environmental performance while supporting the shared goal of protecting natural resources for future generations.

The City Government of Santa Rosa underscored that environmental protection is a shared responsibility, emphasizing that lasting progress can only be achieved through the combined efforts of government, businesses, organizations, and the community. The GREEN Awards also serve as a reminder that sustainability is an ongoing commitment-one that requires continuous innovation, collaboration, and action.

MMPC remains committed to supporting initiatives that contribute to a cleaner environment and a more sustainable future, recognizing that economic growth and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand.

Getting a car washed may soon become a lot less time-consuming as JetWash Automated Touchless Car Wash introduces a computer-controlled system designed to clean vehicles in about 15 minutes.

Businessman-entrepreneur Dante Reyes recently showcased the technology during a media preview at the JetWash facility along Don Jesus Boulevard in Cupang, Muntinlupa City, highlighting a car-washing concept built around speed, convenience, and consistent cleaning.

The automated washing cycle takes approximately 6½ minutes, with the system cleaning the vehicle from front to rear and from side to side using a touchless process. This is followed by manual drying and finishing, interior vacuuming, and tire dressing to complete the service.

JetWash captures its service promise through the taglines ‘CLEAN IN 15’ and ‘360° for 360 PHP,’ emphasizing both the quick turnaround time and its affordable service rate.

According to Reyes, the concept is designed for motorists who want to keep their vehicles clean without having to spend a significant amount of time waiting at a traditional car wash.

‘The idea is to give motorists a faster and more convenient way to have their vehicles cleaned,’ Reyes said, as he demonstrated how the automated system works during the media preview.

Unlike conventional car washes that rely heavily on manual cleaning, JetWash uses a computer-controlled system to carry out the main washing cycle, while staff handle the finishing services to ensure the vehicle is properly dried and detailed.

As convenience becomes an increasingly important consideration for vehicle owners, JetWash hopes to position automated touchless washing as a practical alternative for Filipino motorists looking for a quicker way to maintain their vehicles.

With its 15-minute service concept, JetWash aims to put a new spin on the traditional car wash-making vehicle cleaning less of a chore and more of a quick stop in a motorist’s daily routine.

Negotiations for a joint oil and gas exploration in the West Philippine Sea between the Philippines and China are ‘moving forward,’ President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed Friday.

During a press conference with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, Marcos Jr. said discussions for the Philippines and China to jointly explore gas or oil deposit in the disputed waters have been going on for many years, but the agenda has ‘gained prominence’ with the ongoing energy crisis in the Middle East crisis.

Marcos disclosed that Manila has engaged Beijing on at least two occasions this year – first in connection with the energy emergency, and more recently during his meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan last month.

He said the exploratory talks have advanced to defining terms of reference – whether the joint venture can be government-to-government or commercial joint venture.

‘We have moved forward. There were several issues from the beginning that we are slowly working through. And I can see this new possibility that there will be such joint exploration,’ Marcos said.

The President stressed that the Philippines urgently needs to diversify its oil and gas sources, noting the impact of supply disruptions and price spikes on the economy and daily lives of Filipinos.

‘I think the sense that I get is that all parties involved want it to succeed. And that’s always a very good sign,’ he added.

Asked if the negotiations will conclude before the end of his term in 2028, he replied that it is possible although he qualified: ‘I could not give you a definite time table.’

Still, constitutional hurdles remain. The 1987 Constitution bars foreign entities from directly exploiting natural resources, requiring service contracts or other arrangements that preserve Philippine sovereignty. Past attempts at joint exploration with China were shelved after legal questions on ownership and jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea.

Diplomatic relations between the Philippines and China are strained following heightened tension in the West Philippine Sea. Marcos Jr. acknowledged that there are efforts to de-escalate tensions whenever incidents arise.

‘If we are beginning to detect or to feel an increase in tensions, then we have to once again go back and talk to our friends in China and say, look, this is not headed in the right direction. Let’s find ways to bring the tension down,’ he said.

He added that such resets are ‘ongoing,’ with both sides seeking to avoid misunderstandings between vessels and personnel at sea.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to pause has become a luxury. At Savoy Hotel Manila, wellness begins with a simple invitation: slow down, reconnect, and make time to feel restored.

Inspired by the calming qualities of the Sampaguita, the Philippines’ national flower, the hotel brings wellness, Filipino culture, and hospitality together through its Sampaguita Brand of Service-creating thoughtful experiences that nurture the body, calm the mind, and uplift the spirit.

The Sampaguita Wellness Staycation is designed for Guests seeking a meaningful pause. From a Sampaguita-inspired welcome drink, Granola Bar and Polvoron turndown treat, to a calming room scent, Sampaguita-inspired dining, and a relaxing Sampaguita Oil Massage, every detail encourages Guests to rest, breathe, and reconnect.

The experience comes alive through the five senses: taste through Sampaguita-inspired dishes, smell through its signature scent, touch through the Sampaguita Oil Massage, sight through the warm smiles and genuine care of associates, and hearing through Filipino music that welcomes Guests upon arrival.

But the Sampaguita experience extends beyond the hotel. Through community partnerships and livelihood initiatives, Savoy supports the cultivation of Sampaguita for bouquets, scents, oils, and culinary use, helping support more than 5,000 families through Sampaguita-based livelihood programs. This includes the planting of Sampaguita seedlings in Pasay City, as well as efforts to plant the national flower in heritage sites and public spaces for future generations.

Guests can also become part of this purpose through the Plant a Sampaguita Project. Donations and purchases of the hotel’s Sparky plush help fund the planting of Sampaguita seedlings in public spaces-turning a small act of kindness into a lasting legacy.

For Savoy Hotel Manila, wellness is more than taking a break. It is about reconnecting with oneself, Filipino culture, community, and purpose.

Reconnect with yourself and experience the soothing essence of Sampaguita-where every thoughtful detail is designed to leave you feeling refreshed, restored, and renewed.

Popular vlogger and digital content creator Zeinab Harake Parks is heading back to Davao City for the Kadayawan Festival 2026 celebration with Casino Plus, one of the country’s leading responsible digital entertainment platforms licensed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).

Guided by its mission to bring fun to people, Casino Plus is bringing a special festival showcase to Davao featuring fan interactions, interactive activities, contests, and exciting prize giveaways for local attendees and online followers.

The celebration will take place from August 14 to 16, 2026 at Davao Whisky Park in Davao City. The three-day Casino Plus activation will feature a lineup of entertainment and community activities, with Zeinab making a special appearance during the festivities.

Fans, affectionately known as Zebbies, will have the chance to meet Zeinab in person.

Her return to Davao comes as the city celebrates Kadayawan, a festival that holds a special place in Davao’s cultural identity. Held every August, Kadayawan is a celebration of thanksgiving, abundance, and the city’s rich cultural heritage, bringing communities together through traditions, performances, colorful displays, and festivities.

In a dedicated social media announcement, the ‘Reyna ng Good Vibes’ shared her excitement about returning to Davao City and invited her followers to join the Kadayawan celebration:

‘Kadayawan na! Marami kaming hinandang prizes at gagawin nating sobrang saya ito. Bonggang-bonggang kakulitan ang dadalhin ko. Excited ako makita at makasama kayo especially this is my second time in Davao kaya ano pang hinihintay n’yo? Arat na sa Kadayawan!’ she said.

Known for her candid personality, humor, and strong connection with her online community, Zeinab is set to bring her signature energy and ‘kakulitan’ to the Kadayawan celebration.

Joining her at Davao Whisky Park are some of the country’s most popular content creators and performers, including ‘Daddy Blue’ and Maritoni Fowler, along with actors Baby Giant, Joanna Lara, Lhevin Andal, and Miro Macs.

The Casino Plus activation complements the festive atmosphere of Kadayawan by creating an opportunity for fans and festivalgoers to share an experience with Zeinab while celebrating the spirit of one of Davao City’s most anticipated annual events.

AS the government narrowed down the gap in its current infrastructure spending from the previous year to a single digit, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is confident his administration can exceed the year-on-year fund utilization for such projects by the end of 2026.

The chief executive made the statement during the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (Focap) Presidential Luncheon at the Diamond Hotel in Manila last Friday.

He noted that government spending slowed down during the first half of the year after he ordered a review of the 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), which prevented the early bidding for government contracts.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) earlier said the audit was done so it can validate the processes for infrastructure payment claims and documentary compliance requirements for contractors as part of the ongoing government crackdown against anomalous flood control projects.

Usually, Marcos said, government contracts for the implementation of infrastructure projects are done months before a NEP is passed into law by Congress and becomes a General Appropriation Act so it can be implemented by January of the following year.

However, he said, in the case of the 2026 NEP, the bidding process for the infrastructure projects were only completed towards the end of the first quarter of the year because of the review.

‘That’s what it-that’s what delayed the public spending,’ Marcos said.

Absorptive capacity

Last month, DBM reported that infrastructure and other capital outlays dropped to P268.4 billion from January to May or a 42.9-percent reduction from P471.5 billion year-on-year.

‘We have, we have done, taken very many measures to, uh, accelerate the rate of public spending. And as of the end of the second quarter of this year, we are only at a shortfall of about seven percent year-on-year in terms of public spending. We will make that up for the rest of the year,’ Marcos said.

He noted it took them some time to address the said spending gap because they also needed to consider the absorptive capacity of government agencies and contractors.

‘They can only do so much work. So you’re throwing money at the problem simply doesn’t solve it, doesn’t make anything better. And that is the balance that we have been, uh, that we have tried, what we are trying to manage right now,’ Marcos said.

With the trend, the President disclosed he is optimistic the government fund utilization for infrastructure projects can exceed that of last year.

‘I’m confident we will be able to catch up and exceed the year-on-year public spending by the first-by the last quarter of this year,’ Marcos said.

Economic resilience

Also boosting overall government spending is its assistance for sectors affected by the Middle East conflict such as fuel and rice subsidy as well as cash aid, which the government continues to implement to regulate inflation and maintain business and consumer confidence, according to Marcos.

‘[Price] volatility erodes [business and consumer] confidence. And that erosion in confidence means people do not spend their money, uh, because they don’t know what is going to happen the next month or two months, three months from now. And that is, that is what we are, that is what we are having, that’s what we are having to deal with,’ the chief executive said.

However, the Marcos administration said it is looking beyond the Middle East war by putting in place measures that will boost the country’s resilience from future global crisis such as signing trade agreements with ‘non-traditional’ partners and creating a business-friendly environment in the country through ease of doing business measures and incentives.

‘We have taken the measures and those measures should allay the fears of investors and encourage them to, to invest more in the Philippines. And I, I do believe that if we look at the numbers in terms of investments that are coming into the Philippines, they continue to increase,’ Marcos said.

The Philippine Statistics Authority reported that the investments secured by the country in the second quarter of the year rose to P541.51 billion from P312.87 billion in the same period last year.

The increased government spending, Marcos said, will help boost the country’s ‘disappointing’ economic growth, which slowed down to 2.3 percent in the second quarter of the year from 2.8 percent from January to March and 5.4 percent year-on-year.

‘The growth rate is heavily dependent on public spending,’ Marcos said.

The Philippines has a law called the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018. The irony writes itself.

Eight years after Republic Act 11032 promised to streamline government services, the Department of Economy, Planning and Development has delivered a damning verdict: the policy exists, but the implementation does not. And in the gap between legislative ambition and bureaucratic reality, Philippine enterprises are still drowning in paperwork, redundant visits, and processing delays that would embarrass a nation with far fewer resourcesThe numbers tell a story of institutional failure. Seventy-two percent of businesses still register fully in person. Seventy percent renew their permits the same way. Nearly a quarter wait more than 20 days for registration-20 days in an era when a teenager can launch a global e-commerce store before lunch.

What went wrong? The usual suspects: fragmented systems, weak interoperability, and the persistent refusal of government agencies to talk to each other. The Bureau of Internal Revenue has its own online system. The Bureau of Fire Protection has another. LGUs run their own eBOSS platforms, each speaking a different digital dialect. The result? Businesses submit the same documents multiple times to different offices, validating the same information repeatedly because the left hand of government refuses to acknowledge what the right hand has already certified.

This is not a technology problem. It’s a coordination problem. It’s a political will problem. And it’s a problem that costs real money.

The DepDev report identifies business exit as the most egregious bottleneck-a process so convoluted that firms simply abandon formal closure rather than navigate the labyrinth of separate settlements with LGUs and the BIR. This creates a shadow economy of zombie businesses and informal operators who would prefer legitimacy but can’t afford the price of admission-or exit. High settlement requirements and unclear procedures don’t just inconvenience entrepreneurs; they actively discourage formalization, undermining tax bases and regulatory oversight alike.

DepDev’s proposed solutions are sensible enough: permanent Business Permit and Licensing Offices, a Unique Business Identification Number to finally unify fragmented records, mandatory interoperability under the E-Governance Act, and the rationalization of barangay-level fees that often serve more as local revenue extraction than legitimate regulatory costs. These are not revolutionary ideas. They are basic governance infrastructure that functioning economies implemented years ago.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: the Philippines does not lack good policy. It lacks follow-through. Every administration discovers the same problems, proposes similar solutions, and watches implementation stall against the rocks of institutional inertia.

For a country positioning itself as a regional investment destination, this is embarrassing and economically self-defeating. Foreign investors have options. They can go to Singapore, where incorporation takes hours. They can go to Vietnam, where industrial zones operate with streamlined efficiency.

The DepDev report should be required reading for every legislator and local official who claims to support business growth. The message is clear: laws alone don’t build economies. Execution does. Interoperability does. The boring, unglamorous work of making systems talk to each other, of standardizing procedures across 1,724 LGUs, of actually implementing the reforms already on the books.

Until then, ‘Ease of Doing Business’ remains not a description of reality, but a cruel joke-and a warning to entrepreneurs that in this country, the government still makes everything harder than it needs to be.

Twenty years of iconic moments, reimagined through the creative lens of three Filipino artists.

To mark its 20th anniversary, SM Mall of Asia introduces the MOA20 Limited Edition Anniversary Drop, featuring original designs by celebrated visual artists Raco Ruiz, Bitto, and Jill Arteche.

Known for their distinct creative styles, the three artists offer their own interpretations of MOA’s 20-year story, drawing from everyday experiences, pop culture, nostalgia, and contemporary Filipino life. Together, their designs bring familiar MOA moments into a fresh, collectible format.

The collection features statement shirts and premium canvas tote bags, designed as contemporary keepsakes celebrating two decades of MOA. It will officially debut at the MOA20 Limited Edition Anniversary Drop Press Launch on August 12.

From August 15 to September 15, shoppers who spend a minimum of ?7,000 in a single receipt at any store at SM Mall of Asia can receive a complimentary MOA20 shirt or premium canvas tote bag, while supplies last. Redemption will be available at Level 2, Main Mall, in front of Abercrombie and Fitch. Terms and conditions apply.

Meet the ArtistsJill Arteche is a Manila-based visual artist and illustrator known for her vibrant, character-driven style. Her playful and relatable work spans campaigns, editorial, merchandise, murals, packaging, and exhibitions in the Philippines and abroad. She has collaborated with brands including Nike, Philippine Airlines, Canva, Huawei, and San Miguel Brewery, and has held three solo exhibitions.

Bitto is an artist, painter, muralist, and illustrator whose work explores personal narratives through graphic figurative representation, typography, and abstraction. His recurring characters capture quiet, intimate moments of everyday life. His work has been exhibited internationally in Japan, New York, Singapore, and Germany, with collaborations including Nike, Fujifilm, Sprite, and Shake Shack.

Raco Ruiz is a Manila-based multimedia creator, visual artist, and content creator known for his bold, colorful, and nostalgia-driven style. Working across visual art, photography, video, hosting, and digital content, he creates imaginative worlds inspired by pop culture, whimsy, and surrealism. His collaborations include Vans, Disney, New Era, Globe, Warner Bros., and Universal.

With three distinct creative voices behind one exclusive drop, MOA20 brings together art, culture, and 20 years of shared experiences in a collection made to be seen and collected.

Discover the artists. See the collection. Be part of the MOA20 drop.

MORE than 600 athletes from 20 countries will see action in two international table tennis tournaments that the City of Puerto Princesa will host next month.

The World Table Tennis Youth Contender Series kicks off the two-meet festivities from September 3 to 6, followed by the World Table Tennis Feeder Series from September 8 to 12 at the Edward S. Hagedorn Coliseum.

Both tournaments will feature 20 countries each with the Philippines fielding the biggest entry of 60 athletes led by national team member Kheith Rhynne Cruz and a team from Puuerto Princesa.

‘Hosting an international event here in our country is a huge help. First, because we can minimize costs, and at the same time, we get to compete against world-class players,’ Philippine Table Tennis Federation Inc. (PTTF) president Ting Ledesma told the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Media Room on Tuesday.

‘And they get to experience a world-class event and world-class players. That’s why our players today, compared to the past, are no longer fazed by their opponents or the massive venues-they are already at ease,’ added Ledesma in the session presented by San Miguel Corp., PSC, Philippine Olympic Committee, Milo and the country’s 24/7 sports app, ArenaPlus.

Competition manager Daniel Deleniana, who is also a board member of PTTF, along with Executive Assistant IV and City Sports Director Atty. Gregorio Austria joined Ledesma in the forum to discuss the two-in-one event being by Puerto Princesa for the fourth straight time.

Deleniana said the Youth Series features a total of 426 19-and-under athletes, while the Feeder Series is an open category which attracted 165 entries.

‘So we have options for children, and we also have some for seniors,’ he said.

The categories are U-11, U-13, U-15, U-17 and U-19 both boys and girls, while mixed doubles will also be played in the U-15 and U-19 groups.

Participating countries in the Youth Series are Australia, Canada, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, USA, Oman, Brunei and Slovakia.

In the Feeder Series, seeing action are Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, Chinese Taipei, Oman, Brunei, Slovakia and Indonesia.

Austria said hosting of the event again boosts Puerto Princesa’s image as the country’s top tourism sports hub after staging other national and international meets in the past such as the Batang Pinoy, BIMO-EAGA, Ironman Triathlon and the ICF World Dragon Boat Championships.

‘We saw that this sport would breathe new life into our city. When international athletes visit us, we gain recognition not only in the Philippines but across the globe,’ said Austria, speaking on behalf of City Mayor Lucilo Bayron.