Category: Philippine Star

Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly evolved from an emerging technology into a core business capability, reshaping everything from customer service to fraud detection, software development and decision-making.

But as organizations race to adopt AI, industry leaders are increasingly asking a different question: How can innovation move quickly without compromising trust?

That challenge took center stage at the fifth GCash iGnite Innovation Summit 2026, where technology leaders, policymakers, cybersecurity experts and industry partners gathered to discuss the future of AI and digital finance.

For Pebbles Sy, chief technology and operations officer of Mynt, the parent company of GCash, the conversation is no longer about whether organizations should embrace AI, but about ensuring that innovation is backed by accountability, governance and trust.

“We’re no longer just building intelligent systems. We’re deploying responsible AI that anticipates customer needs, detects fraud before it happens, and automates friction out of everyday transactions,” Sy said.

“As technology accelerates, trust has to move even faster,’ she emphasized.

Moreover, Sy stressed that AI should not be viewed as a cure-all for every business challenge. “AI isn’t a silver bullet. It’s a tool that requires smart governance, clean data, and strong human judgment.”

Human accountability remains at the center

Speaking during a sit-down interview following her keynote, Sy shared how Mynt approaches AI adoption across GCash’s products and operations. “The next phase of GCash isn’t just about adopting new tech,” she said. “It’s about how intentional we’re being with it.”

“The real test is simple: Does this actually solve a real problem for everyday Filipinos in a simpler, safer way,” she stressed.

With millions of Filipinos relying on GCash daily to send money, pay bills and manage their finances, Sy said every product decision carries real-world consequences.

“Tech with a purpose, not just tech for tech’s sake,” she said, describing the philosophy guiding the company’s AI initiatives.

Sy added that same principle extends to responsible AI governance, where AI supports the decisions, but humans own the outcome.

While AI can analyze vast amounts of information and accelerate workflows, Sy maintained that accountability cannot be delegated to machines.

Governance should match the level of risk, she reminded. For instance, an AI tool summarizing internal meeting notes requires a different level of oversight than one influencing fraud detection or financial decisions.

“Our teams need to know when to trust the output, when to challenge it, and when to step in.’

Trust begins long before launch

Sy also challenged the notion that organizations must choose between rapid innovation and strong security. “We don’t trade speed for security. They actually fuel each other when designed right.”

She pointed to the engineering principle of “shifting left”-embedding security, operational resilience and risk management early in the product development process instead of treating them as final checkpoints before launch.

“Reliability is the customer experience,” Sy said. “Our users shouldn’t have to think about back-end controls. They just need to know that when they open the app, it works and that their money is protected.”

Building trust together

The key takeaway from the summit is collaboration. As Sy puts it, “The future of digital finance won’t be built by technology alone. It’s going to be built by people.”

This collaboration must ultimately translate into real-world impact.

“Innovation only becomes meaningful when it moves off the stage and into the real world, improving how we work, protecting our customers, and building a stronger digital Philippines,’ Sy concluded.

As AI capabilities continue to advance, Sy believes the organizations that succeed won’t necessarily be those adopting technology the fastest-but those that earn people’s trust just as quickly.

Singlife Philippines and Asian United Bank (AUB) have joined forces to launch the Singlife 100-in-1 Medical Plan Get-A-Quote (GAQ) Program.

Running until September 30, the limited-time campaign rewards users of AUB’s HelloMoney and HelloPag-IBIG apps with free P100,000 accident coverage for 30 days-simply for exploring and generating a quote for the Singlife 100-in-1 Medical Plan.

The initiative aims to drive insurance awareness, encouraging more Filipinos to take a critical first step toward financial protection.

The Singlife 100-in-1 Medical Plan is a comprehensive health insurance product covering up to 100 medical conditions, including critical illnesses, surgeries and hospital confinements, all within a single policy. Designed to deliver broad and meaningful protection without the complexity of managing multiple policies, it offers a straightforward way for Filipinos to safeguard their health and finances against life’s uncertainties.

To qualify, first-time visitors can open the Singlife Shop on the AUB HelloMoney or HelloPag-IBIG app, explore the 100-in-1 Medical Plan, and complete the Get-A-Quote steps.

Upon completion, users instantly receive 30 days of free P100,000 accident coverage-reflecting Singlife’s commitment to making financial independence more accessible.

“We know that for many Filipinos, the hardest part of getting insured is simply taking that first step,” said Lester Cruz, president and CEO of Singlife Philippines. “With the 100-in-1 Get-A-Quote Program, we’re making that first step not just easy, but immediately rewarding. The moment you explore your options and get a quote, you’re already protected.”

“This is what Singlife is all about: making insurance simple, accessible and truly valuable for every Filipino. We’re excited to bring this to life through our partnership with AUB and its HelloMoney and HelloPag-IBIG platforms, and we look forward to helping more Filipinos secure their financial future,” Cruz added.

“AUB has always been committed to empowering Filipinos through innovative and accessible financial solutions. Our partnership with Singlife Philippines through this program reflects that shared mission. We want our HelloMoney and HelloPag-IBIG users to know that protection is not out of reach-in fact, it can start the moment they open the app,” AUB President Manuel Gomez said.

“This is our way of showing our customers that we are invested not just in their banking needs, but in their overall financial security,” Gomez added.

By rewarding customers simply for exploring their health coverage options, both institutions are advancing their shared commitment to making financial protection more affordable and accessible to every Filipino.

All eyes turn to the Big Apple as Alex Eala – with an entire nation behind her – marches into the biggest tournament of her young and blooming career.

Better, stronger and fiercer since debuting in New York last year, the Filipina ace opens her US Open bid today against American Mary Stoiana in Round 1 at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Flushing Meadows.

The 14,000-seat Louis Armstrong is the second-largest court at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, next only to the 23,771-seat Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest in the world.

‘I’ve experienced so much growth since playing here in the past,’ Eala said. ‘It’s just excitement all over. I’m very excited to be back.’

Eala, then World No. 75, marked her main-draw debut last year with a 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(13-11) stunner over then-World No. 15 Clara Tauson of Denmark.

She returns a different player. After seven Top-10 wins, a maiden WTA title in Washington, and a Round-of-16 run at Wimbledon – the deepest ever for a Filipino in a major – the 21-year-old is now World No. 18 and seeded No. 17, the highest Grand Slam seeding in Philippine tennis history.

The Filipino crowd is already making an impact. According to ticket tracker data, get-in prices for her session at Armstrong doubled from $200 to $400 after her court assignment was announced.

‘We knew it had to be in a major stadium. I’ve monitored some of the secondary pricing and that session is blowing up. It’s just amazing to see,’ said tournament director Eric Butorac. ‘I can’t wait to have her out there and see all the Filipino crowd behind her. It’s gonna be really special.’

In her way is No. 122 Stoiana, a former NCAA MVP from Texas AandM who won three qualifying matches to reach her first Slam main draw.

A win would set up a Round 2 clash with No. 46 Oleksandra Oliynykova of Ukraine or No. 425 Reese Brantmeier of the US, with No. 14 Iva Jovic and No. 4 Coco Gauff of the US, No. 5 Mirra Andreeva of Russia, and No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan lurking in the same half.

The government has directed the management of North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to issue flood advisories to motorists through text messages and electronic roadside signs following the recent flooding that affected the traffic flow.

In a letter dated August 31, addressed to NLEX Corp. President and General Manager Luis Renon, the Department of Transportation (DOTR) and Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) said the NLEX management should warn motorists of any flooding along the expressway, particularly in the Tulaoc Bridge in San Simon area, via short message service (SMS), variable message signs (VMS) and other communication platforms.

‘[E]very time there is an anticipated rainfall, TRB expects that NLEX Corp. will monitor the water level of Pampanga River and Tulaoc Bridge,’ the letter read.

The agencies added that should the water level reach critical levels, NLEX Corp. should issue advisories three hours before the expected rainfall, warning motorists that the San Simon-Pulilan Segment will be inaccessible.

‘Dapat proactive ang mga toll operator natin. I-anticipate na kung saan ‘yung mga babantayang lugar lalo na pag may paparating na malakas na ulan, para malaman agad ng mga motorista kung saan ‘yung mga bahagi ng expressway na may baha o mahirap daanan at maiwasan,’ DOTr Secretary Banoy Lopez said in a press release.

(Our toll operators should be proactive. Let’s anticipate the areas that might be affected when there is an incoming heavy rains so motorists will know in advance what parts of the highway are flooded so they can avoid them.)

An alternative route should also be provided to motorists who are supposed to use the affected areas.

NLEX Corp. was also directed to consider reimbursing the toll fees of Class 1 vehicles that were forced to make a U-turn due to flooding.

Meanwhile, in a separate letter also dated August 31, the NLEX Corporation was also given three days to submit an explanation of the flooding incident as well as their proposed technical solutions to curb it.

Several areas along NLEX were affected by floodwaters since August 29 due to heavy rainfall brought by the southwest monsoon or habagat, enhanced by Tropical Storm Pilandok.

The flooding caused traffic buildup, with some motorists claiming they were stuck in the NLEX traffic for 22 hours.

As of 9 a.m of Wednesday, September 2, four areas along the Northbound NLEX are temporarily closed to Class 1 vehicles, including Libtong Exit, Sta. Rita Northbound Entry, Balagtas Northbound Entry, and Pulilan Northbound Entry.

Tulaoc (San Simon) and the San Simon Interchange in both the northbound and southbound lanes continue to experience water buildup and heavy traffic, with traffic stretching for about 2.2 kilometers.

Only Balintawak, Valenzuela and Meycauayan in the southbound lane are passable to vehicles, but with light traffic flow.

Asian food conglomerate Jollibee Foods Corp. (JFC) has chosen Hong Kong over the United States for the planned listing of its international business.

In a stock exchange filing, JFC said it is contemplating a proposed separate listing of the shares of JFC International (JFCI) on the main board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Ltd. (HKEX).

As the listing vehicle, JFCI will hold JFC’s current international business.

JFC is planning to separate its international operations and business from its Philippine operations and business.

The group was earlier eyeing a US listing for its international business, citing the US capital markets’ deep investor base experienced in valuing global consumer and restaurant growth companies.

In selecting Hong Kong for the proposed listing, JFC said the decision reflects the company’s assessment of the listing venue best suited to JFCI’s business, geographic footprint and investment profile.

The company sees Hong Kong as offering the market environment and investor relevance to support JFCI’s long-term ambitions and is best positioned to recognize the value of its distinctive business profile and growth potential.

JFC said Hong Kong also represents a natural market for JFCI given the depth of JFCI’s existing presence and brand recognition across Asia, where many of its brands already have strong consumer awareness and market relevance.

Further, it said HKEX provides access to a broad base of global and regional investors, making it well suited to support a business with ambitions that extend well beyond Asia, including continued growth in North America.

‘Since the announcement on Jan. 6, 2026, to list our international business, we have been doing the detailed work required to establish two strong, independent companies. That work has reinforced our conviction in the listing and has led us to conclude that Hong Kong is the market best aligned with JFCI’s business, geographic footprint and long-term ambitions,’ JFC chairman Tony Tan Caktiong said.

JFC, however, said the fundamental rationale for the separation remains unchanged – which is to establish two independently listed businesses, each with a distinct strategic focus and investment profile, and with the ability to pursue its respective growth opportunities.

JFC will remain listed on the Philippine Stock Exchange and will comprise the group’s Philippine operations and businesses.

China Bank Capital Corp. managing director Juan Paolo Colet believes that HKEX is a better listing venue for JFCI.

Colet said HKEX is a convenient market for Asian companies that aim to attract both regional and global investors.

Meanwhile, in a step toward establishing JFCI as a standalone company, JFC announced the appointment of Richard Shin as chief executive officer of JFCI.

Shin will continue to serve in his current roles as chief financial and risk officer of JFC and chief executive officer of JFC International until the proposed separation is complete, at which point he will assume his role as CEO of JFCI on a full-time basis.

‘The appointment of Richard to lead JFCI is another important step in establishing the company for its next phase. Together with the organization being built around.

‘JFCI and its businesses, we believe these steps position both companies strongly for their next phase of growth,’ Tan Caktiong said.

Six people died while several others were wounded when a passenger van rammed several vehicles before crashing into a truck in Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur shortly before noon yesterday.

Five of the fatalities died at the scene of the accident, which occurred in Barangay Pag-asa.

The van driver, Fred Patoc Sr., was pinned between the wheel and the seat, along with two other passengers.

Rescuers used power tools to remove Patoc from the vehicle.

Investigation showed the Toyota Hi-ace was speeding before it rammed several motorcycles and crashed into a wing van truck parked along the roadside.

Two motorcycle riders and a woman were among the fatalities.

Noah Alampay turned heads in his first Pokemon World Championships stint in San Francisco, USA over the weekend.

After topping the Pokemon video game competition (VGC) Day 1 for the seniors’ division with an undefeated 8-0-0 record in Pokemon Champions, Alampay looked primed to make a deep run in the worlds.

However, he suffered back-to-back losses in Day 2. Still, she finished within the top cut, and earned a bye in Round 11.

But the Filipino fell in the quarterfinals against Lucas de Carvalho Barbosa of Brazil to see his campaign end.

As the dust settled, Alampay finished seventh in the tournament.

After his campaign, Alampay said he learned a lot of lessons from his first campaign.

‘Feeling ko lang I got a lot of stress. Sometimes, even if you go undefeated in Day 1, it isn’t always sunshine and rainbows for Day 2. I knew I was going to be in top cut, but even getting the losses, both losses, in the phase 2 of Swiss, that hurt,’ he told Philstar.com.

‘But I think a good thing I do know is that the people that I do play are good, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to fight good people and converse with them. And of course, I’m not also just here for the battles because I get to experience some of the Masters Division players, I get to talk to my fellow Filipinos about their experiences, and we get to share in our losses and our wins,’ he added.

‘So overall, while I do wish I would’ve made top 4, which is one of my initial goals, I am also happy with top 8, given that it’s my second in-person event. And I hope that I’ll be able to have something similar to this coming in the future.’

Alampay ruled the Pokemon Masterball League 2026 in the Philippines to punch his ticket to the Worlds.

He had an impressive run on the first day as other players and spectators saw him as a genuine threat for the crown.

He acknowledged that playing online on in-game ladders is very different in competing in tournaments.

And now he has a taste of international play, he aims to go for more moving forward.

‘I feel like I’ve grown a lot more, especially in how I develop my critical thinking skills, in how I develop compassion in actually playing and training and taking notes. I’ve grown a lot since three years of playing,’ he said.

‘And I think compared from the Philippines Nationals to here… This one, it was a little rushed, but I would say it was a good call that I still stick to what I found comfortable, what I thought was strong, and that my ideology,’ he added.

‘I still think that I have a strong philosophy when it comes to playing, and I believe that’s the most important part of my growth, that I stick to what I believe is true.’

And among the lessons he learned, his biggest takeaway is while everyone is good, everyone is human.

‘So no matter what opponent you may find, you know that they’re not the same as every other opponent you fight using the same team, but also that when they’re human, they can also make mistakes,’ he said.

Alampay cited an example where he faced an opponent in Day 2 that made a lot of ‘right reads’ against his team.

And, in the top eight match, he and his opponent committed timely mistakes, although the victory went to Barbosa.

‘I myself made a mistake and also so did my opponent in the end, but in the end favored him. And both of us talked about it and we both acknowledged that there are a lot of mistakes one can make, but also that it’s okay to make mistakes and even the best make mistakes.’

A 29-year-old woman died while her husband was critically injured after their motorcycle ran over a pothole, spilling them both into the path of a moving truck along the National Highway in Barangay Langtad, City of Naga, Cebu, early yesterday morning, September 1.

Based on the initial investigation by the Naga City Police Station, the accident occurred around 4 A.M. as the motorcycle and a Mitsubishi Fuso truck were both traveling northbound along the highway.

The fatality, identified as ‘Mich’, 29, a resident of Sitio Pit-os, Barangay Calidngan, Carcar City, was riding as a passenger on a Honda Mio motorcycle driven by her husband ‘Aga’, 57.

Police said the motorcycle was traveling along the outer lane while the truck, driven by a 68-year-old driver, was in the inner lane.

Upon reaching Barangay Langtad, the motorcycle reportedly ran over a pothole, causing Aga to lose control of the vehicle.

The motorcycle fell onto the road, throwing Mich off the vehicle and under the moving truck. She was reportedly run over by the truck’s rear right wheel.

Mich and Aga were immediately brought to the Naga Health Infirmary. However, attending physician Dr. Excel Jimms Roche declared Mich dead on arrival due to severe trauma.

Aga was critically injured and remains under medical care.

Meanwhile, the truck driver is currently under police custody pending proper disposition. Police are continuing their investigation into the incident

Despite sweeping its two assignments in the recent fourth FIBA World Cup Asia qualifying window, Gilas is still not out of the woods in chasing a slot to the Big Dance in Doha next year. If the qualifiers ended today, Gilas wouldn’t be among the eight Asia/Oceania teams advancing to the World Cup. There are four more games in two windows left for Gilas to creep into the magic circle. It’s a challenge but the mission is doable, particularly if Kai Sotto and Justin Brownlee or Bennie Boatwright are in harness.

At the moment, Australia is way above the rest with an 8-0 record in Group E then New Zealand is next at 6-2. The Boomers and Tall Blacks are shoo-ins to advance. Tied for third are Iran and Jordan, both at 5-3. The Philippines is fifth at 4-4 and Syria in the cellar at 2-6. In Group F, Lebanon and Japan are deadlocked for first with identical 6-2 marks. China is third at 5-3 then Qatar and South Korea are in fourth at 4-4 each. Saudi Arabia is sixth at 3-5. The top three finishers in each group at the end of six qualifying windows will book tickets to Doha. The team with the better fourth place record in both groups will also advance plus World Cup host Qatar.

Gilas’ next game is against Syria on Nov. 27 then Iran on Nov. 30 in the fifth window. In the last window, Gilas will play Jordan on Feb. 25 and Syria on Feb. 28. Venues will soon be announced for both windows.

Gilas’ win over Iran last Sunday was a clinic on defense. Iran was up by 13 in the first period but Gilas battled back to slowly, seize the initiative. Iran was held to only nine points in the fourth period as Gilas closed it out with a 7-0 punch that featured four different scorers. Iran started the fourth quarter with a 5-0 blast that overturned Gilas’ two-point lead. Then, Gilas broke out with a 19-4 barrage to seal it, 68-56. Mobin Sheikhi, 29, hit Iran’s last five points and finished with 21, the only player in double figures on his side. The 5-8 point guard was a surprise contributor for Iran as before the Gilas game, he’d averaged only 5.6 points. Cone admitted the scouting reports overlooked Sheikhi as Gilas’ defense focused on containing Mohammad Amini, Matin Aghajanpour and Arsalan Kazemi. Amini, a 6-7 forward, was shadowed by Kevin Quiambao. Former Gilas player Mason Amos remembered facing Amini in the 2022 FIBA U18 Asia Championships where the Iran hotshot averaged 19.2 points and 10 rebounds. Cone made sure Amini was limited and finished with seven points on 2-of-15 field goals and three of four free throws.

Nextbank, a Philippine banking technology company, has expanded its partnership with Mount Carmel Rural Bank Inc. (MCRBi) through the adoption of Nextbank’s Mobile Banking Solution.

The partnership will allow MCRBi customers to access digital banking services while the bank continues to modernize its operations.

MCRBi’s digitalization efforts began with its adoption of the Nextbank Core Banking System. The bank is now adding mobile banking services to provide customers with more convenient access to banking transactions.

‘Rural banks are vital to financial inclusion and our role is to equip them with modern, secure and easy-to-adopt digital tools,’ said James To, president and chief commercial officer of Nextbank.

The Mobile Banking Solution is integrated with MCRBi’s existing core banking system, allowing the bank to provide real-time transactions and secure access to its customers.

The partnership is expected to expand digital banking access for families, small businesses and other customers served by MCRBi in the

Calabarzon region.

Founded in 1966 through the consolidation of two Batangas-based rural banks, MCRBi has been serving customers in the province for nearly 60 years.

‘Our mission is to help financial institutions build future-ready digital ecosystems that grow with their customers’ needs,’ To said.

Nextbank provides cloud-based banking technology solutions to rural banks, thrift banks, commercial banks, cooperatives and other financial institutions. Its offerings include core banking, mobile banking, electronic know-your-customer, digital payments and fraud management systems.