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LOANS extended by Universal and Commercial Banks (UKBs) posted their slowest growth in nine months, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

BSP data showed loans from UKBs grew 11.2 percent in August 2025, the slowest since the 11.1 percent posted in November 2024. In April 2025, these loans also grew 11.2 percent.

The data showed that after adjusting for seasonal fluctuations, outstanding UKB loans increased by 0.4 percent month-on-month in August.

‘The BSP monitors bank loans because they are a key transmission channel of monetary policy. Looking ahead, the BSP will ensure that domestic liquidity and bank lending conditions remain consistent with its price and financial stability mandates,’ BSP said.

Outstanding loans to residents grew by 11.6 percent in August-also the slowest posted since the 11.4 percent in November 2024.

BSP also said outstanding loans to non-residents recorded a decline of 5.9 percent in August, an improvement from the contraction of 8.1 in July, but a reversal from the 1.5-percent growth posted in August 2024.

Loans meant to finance business activities grew 9.9 percent in August 2025, the slowest since the 9.8 percent recorded in November 2024. Last year, loans for these establishments saw a 9.4 percent increase.

BSP said lending increased for real estate activities at 11 percent; electricity, gas, steam, and air-conditioning supply, 28.1 percent; wholesale and retail trade, repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, 8.1 percent; financial and insurance activities, 6.9 percent; and information and communication, 7.5 percent.

Meanwhile, consumer loans to residents-which included credit card, motor vehicle, and general-purpose salary loans-increased by 23.9 percent the fastest since the 24 posted in June 2025.

The data showed credit card loans posted a 29.7-percent growth, the highest since the 29.9 percent posted in June while Motor Vehicle Loans grew 19.4 percent, the fastest in eight months or December 2024 when these borrowings increased 19.5 percent.

Salary-Based General Purpose Consumption Loans, meanwhile, grew 6.4 percent in August 2025. This is the slowest in over three years or May 2022 when these borrowings posted a 6.3 percent growth.

The BSP data also showed other consumer loans grew 20.1 percent in August 2025, the slowest since the 15.8 percent recorded three years ago or August 2022.

Meanwhile, with the increase in loans, the BSP reported that domestic liquidity or M3, the amount of money in the economy, grew by 6.6 percent year-on-year, the fastest growth since January 2025.

Domestic liquidity is about P18.59 trillion in August 2025, the lowest level recorded since the P18.54 trillion posted in June 2025.

‘M3 is a broad measure of money supply that includes currencies in circulation, bank deposits, and other financial assets that are easily convertible to cash,’ BSP said.

The BSP said M3 is a driver of money supply, claims on the domestic sector, which includes private and government entities in the country, rose by 9.8 percent year-on-year in August from 10.5 percent in July.

‘Claims on a sector represent that sector’s liabilities to depository corporations [e.g., banks and the central bank],’ BSP said.

Claims on the private sector alone grew by 11.1 percent in August from 11 percent in the previous month, driven by the continued expansion in bank lending to non-financial private corporations and households.

Net claims on the central government increased by 6.1 percent from 7.1 percent in the previous month, driven by its higher borrowings.

Net foreign assets (NFA) in peso terms rose by 4.8 percent year-on-year in August from the 0.6-percent decline in July. NFA represents the difference between claims on nonresidents and liabilities to nonresidents of depository corporations.

The BSP’s NFA increased by 0.7 percent. The banks’ NFA also grew amid a decline in their foreign currency-denominated bills payable.

Singapore is revving up for another thrilling season as the Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) returns, bringing together the excitement of world-class racing with the city’s vibrant cultural, lifestyle, and entertainment scene. More than a sporting spectacle, GPSS transforms Singapore into a festival ground where speed meets artistry, heritage, and community.

And this is not even the race yet. As early as September, pop-up events across the city have been building anticipation, from interactive showcases at Marina Bay Sands to exhibitions and cultural happenings in neighborhoods. The energy of GPSS can already be felt everywhere, and we cannot wait for the real race to happen from October 3 to 5.

In the heart of Chinatown, the atmosphere is electric. Chinatown Complex Food Centre, the largest hawker centre in Singapore, fills with people eager to sample local favorites, while the nearby Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple draw visitors to experience the richness of the city’s diverse heritage. The colorful streets of Ann Siang Hill add to the energy, offering both history and vibrant photo opportunities for visitors who want to immerse themselves fully in Singapore’s cultural mix.

The celebrations extend beyond heritage into modern showcases. Gallery 26 welcomes fans with free entry to explore motorsport history, featuring cars once driven by Charles Leclerc and Kimi Räikkönen, alongside Carlos Sainz’s signed helmet. Meanwhile, Marina Bay Sands transforms into an interactive playground with exclusive pop-ups and team merchandise, and fashion enthusiasts can check out the Lando Ralph Lauren pop-up, creating a festive atmosphere that blends global racing culture with Singapore’s world-class hospitality.

GPSS is more than just a race weekend. It transforms the entire city into a celebration where music festivals, culinary pop-ups, fashion showcases, and art installations come together, highlighting Singapore’s vibrant, multicultural character. From savoring local flavors at bustling hawker centres to enjoying cutting-edge performances, exploring interactive exhibits, or visiting exclusive pop-ups like Lando Ralph Lauren, there is truly something for everyone to experience and remember.

The engines are warming up, the city is buzzing, and the countdown is on. With every corner of Singapore alive with excitement, Singapore comes alive as the true star, offering thrills and experiences at every turn that you cannot miss. Get ready to feel the thrill, join the celebrations, and be part of a season that promises unforgettable moments from October 3 to 5.

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) kicks off its golden 50th season this weekend, headlined by a marquee matchup between Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and the Magnolia Hotshots on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum. The clash follows Saturday’s fellowship night at the Meralco Theater.

Ginebra, with two-time Grand Slam coach Tim Cone calling the shots, will face off against his former player LA Tenorio, who is now Magnolia head coach.

Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m., following the opening ceremonies and the annual Leo Awards at Novotel Manila, where Season 49’s Most Valuable Players will be honored.

Cone made minimal adjustments to his roster, adding 6-foot-7 Norbert Torres via free agency from Meralco and signing 6-foot-3 rookie Sonny Estil, the 11th overall pick.

The Gin Kings core of Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, Japeth Aguilar, Stephen Holt, Troy Rosario, Jeremiah Gray and Maverick Ahanmisi aim to end a two-year championship drought.

Tenorio, who played under Cone at Alaska and Ginebra, shared his excitement about the matchup, saying it’s a privilege to coach against one of the country’s finest basketball minds-even as his team focuses on execution.

‘We will rely more on our defense. I believe our players have what it takes to win the game,’ Tenorio told BusinessMirror on Friday.

‘It is really an honor to play or coach against Tim Cone, but I do not worry about it. We just must treat this as a normal game for us. We must get better each game.’

Magnolia’s new additions include Javi Gomez de Liaño, Rafi Verano, Paolo Taha, and Gab Gomez.

Rookie 6-foot-5 center Yutien Andrada will join the team after fulfilling his commitments with the San Beda Red Lions in the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

This season also marks the debut of Jason Webb as Magnolia’s new team governor.

The festivities begin at 2 p.m. on Sunday at the green gate of Araneta Coliseum, where players will engage with fans for four hours.

The celebration then moves to the Meralco Theater in the evening, honoring the league’s past and present members from the press, teams and staff.

THE adverse trio of tepid capital formation growth, weakness of the manufacturing sector, and governance risks could become a ‘persistent drag’ on the country’s growth and development, according to a think tank.

In its latest brief, Global Source Partners Country Analyst Diwa Guinigundo said while the Philippine economy has been resilient, given these challenges, the country needs to be more proactive in addressing its development constraints.

‘The Philippine economy has demonstrated resilience through past shocks, but resilience alone will not suffice in the face of slowing capital formation, manufacturing weakness, external imbalances, and governance risks,’ Guinigundo said.

‘Without timely and credible policy action, the ‘dark clouds ahead’ may settle into a more persistent drag on the country’s development trajectory,’ he added.

Guinigundo said data supported assessments that gross domestic capital formation (GDCF) has kept the country’s economic performance lackluster.

The latest data supported this concern, which showed that the GCDF growth slowed to only 2.4 percent in the first six months of 2025, compared to 6.6 percent in same period last year.

He added that while the recent downgrade in the country’s economic growth outlook by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) may be marginal, these are projected before the ‘full weight of global and domestic risks is felt.’

IMF projection

In a briefing in Manila on Wednesday, IMF Mission Chief for the Philippines Elif Arbatli Saxegaard told reporters that the Washington-based lender projects GDP to average 5.4 percent in 2025 and 5.7 percent in 2026.

The Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) GDP target is at 5.5 to 6.5 percent in 2025 and 6 to 7 percent in the 2026 to 2028 period.

‘Although the Philippine economy remains broadly resilient, its performance in the first half of 2025 fell short of expectations. The IMF stresses that sustained policy discipline and structural reforms are essential to bolster competitiveness, attract investment, and support growth over the medium term,’ Guinigundo said.

Apart from this, he noted that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) estimates that the country’s Balance of Payment (BOP) and Current Account (CA) deficits could widen further.

The BOP is projected to post a steeper decline of 1.4 percent of GDP to a deficit of $6.9 billion for 2025 and post -0.6 percent of GDP to a deficit of $3.4 billion in 2026.

With this, the current account shortfall is expected to stay at 3.3 percent of GDP in 2025 and 2.9 percent of GDP in 2026.

‘In combination with political uncertainty linked to corruption revelations in major infrastructure projects, particularly flood control, this could undermine investor confidence and sustain depreciation pressures on the peso,’ Guinigundo said. ‘Such pressures risk amplifying imported inflation and complicating monetary policy management.’

Guinigundo said domestic price issues have also surfaced. Rice and fish prices remain elevated along with expensive pump prices, straining household budgets nationwide.

Flood, crop damage

Earlier, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said La Niña conditions, which may develop from September to December, could lead to flooding and crop damage in high-risk areas.

‘Given this backdrop, the BSP may find it prudent to hold its policy rate steady in the upcoming Monetary Board meeting, prioritizing financial stability over short-term growth support,’ Guinigundo said.

Earlier, local economists believe that faster inflation in September is not enough reason to exit its easing cycle when the Monetary Board meets next week.

On Wednesday, the BSP said it projects that September 2025 inflation will settle within the range of 1.5 to 2.3 percent. If the high end of the outlook is reached, this will be the second fastest inflation on record this year.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release the latest inflation print on October 7, ahead of the October 9 policy meeting at the BSP.

Ateneo de Manila University economist Luis F. Dumlao told BusinessMirror on Wednesday that the inflation projection was still within the 2 to 4 percent inflation target of the BSP.

This means, Dumlao said, the BSP has ‘space to be dovish.’ He said any reduction in policy rates will help support the country’s GDP growth.

Dumlao said the country’s GDP growth is growing slower than its natural growth of around 6.2 percent. Reducing policy rates can help boost the country’s economic performance this year.

AS I said, mouth-watering deals should fill the air as Christmas nears. That has always been the case, given that Filipino car buffs are suckers for bargain offers.

An early bird is Hariphil Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), which is celebrating its 24th year with exclusive deals from Chevrolet and BPI.

Ciana Mae Calsena says a promo that runs until October 31, will grant the buyer of a Chevrolet Captiva a P140,000 cash discount or an all-in down payment (DP) of only P46,000 (based on 20-percent DP).

‘The Chevrolet Captiva isn’t just a car, it’s a trusted family partner that’s made efficient for everyday use and ready for long drives on weekends,’ says Ciana. ‘The Captiva’s advanced safety features includes six airbags, an elevated ride height, MacPherson suspension, and an 18-inch alloy wheels.’

Ciana adds: ‘You stay in control no matter the road conditions. With a 7-seat capacity and flexible cargo configurations, the Captiva adapts to whatever the day demands, whether you are planning for a road trip, grocery run, or school drop-off. Fold the seats for up to 1,709 liters of space, and you’ll have room for everything that matters.’

THE Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) recently held two road safety seminars to build a culture of responsible riding through education and community partnership.

Teaming up with the Mandaluyong City-based Shigi Shigi Riders Club, Inc., the MDPPA embellished the seminar with a poster-making contest at the Highway Hills Integrated High School in Mandaluyong City.

Some 146 students from Grades 8 to 12 attended the event that centered on safe driving practices, personal and vehicle safety, pedestrian awareness, road courtesy and understanding traffic rules and road infrastructure.

‘Teaching road safety at a young age is critical because it lays the foundation for responsible behavior on the road,’ said MDPPA’s Richard Victoria.

A similar event was held in Cavite as part of the 2025 anniversary celebration of Motorsiklo Xklusibo’s ‘Walang Mintis sa Disisais.’

Held at Megaworld Maple Grove in General Trias, the road safety talk focused on real-world issues faced by motorcycle riders, including the most neglected traffic signs, intersection etiquette and the importance of wearing proper helmets.

‘Sometimes, it’s the little things we overlook that put us most at risk,’ said Victoria. ‘Many riders miss important traffic signs or forget how to navigate intersections safely, even if they’ve been riding for years. That’s why we focus on real-world issues like these during our seminars, which beginner and veteran riders alike encounter every day but may not always pay attention to.’

For more than 50 years now, MDPPA has been at the forefront of advocating safer roads through awareness campaigns, public engagement and education-based outreach programs.

By equipping riders with knowledge that addresses both long-standing and emerging road issues, MDPPA ensures that safety remains a shared responsibility across generations and communities.

MDPPA members include leading motorcycle manufacturers Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha and TVS.

Among the many goals of MDPPA is addressing the global industry gaps in road safety, regulation compliance, environmental protection, technology, and innovation through active consultation, representation and communication with various stakeholders.

To learn more about the various advocacies of MDPPA, Nicole Lucena directs us to visit https://mdppa.site/.

PEE STOP The inauguration of the new Lexus building at BGC Taguig on Sept. 26 was cancelled due to Super Typhoon ‘Opong.’ It was moved to Nov. 6, says Lexus AVP Jade Sison-Mendoza. Wise decision. Had the gathering pushed through, many guests might have missed it as ‘Opong’ battered many parts of the country that day, including Metro Manila. Casualties reached 26 as of last count, with destruction of properties and agricultural crops estimated at millions of pesos.Paulo P. Cuento reports that new buyers of select Volvo Plug-in Hybrid and All-Electric models will get a chance to win a trip for two to Europe. This exclusive promo runs until October 31, 2025.

SIMPLE LIFE

BEFORE he married the celebrity, the politician lived a relatively simple life, considering his status. He and his family lived in a modest but comfortable home. But marriage to the celebrity changed that. The politician is by no means innocent in all this because he gave his wife all that money of his own free will but it’s obvious that he would not be living this life if he had not married her. Because of the recent uproar against those in government who live luxuriously in these difficult times, the husband told his wife to keep a low profile and not flaunt whatever it is she keeps flaunting.

BIRDS OF THE SAME FEATHER

PEOPLE are comparing a young and pretty starlet to a star who is no longer active in show business, this for a lot of reasons. One is that they became popular not because they are talented but because of luck. The more important reason, they say, is that they’re both allegedly uncouth and rude. The young and pretty starlet is very popular but many claim to have had rude encounters with her. The more senior star has had many horror stories told about her behavior too. One of these stories is that she insists on sleeping while having her makeup done, making things difficult for her glam team.

FAT SHAMED

THE starlet must have had a difficult time growing up as a chubby girl because her father is known for being fatphobic. Those who are close to the starlet have, in fact, heard her father castigating her for being overweight. According to these sources, he even goes as far as comparing her to thinner girls, saying ‘no one will say you’re beautiful because you’re fat.’ The starlet eventually gave in to this pressure and is now as thin as her father wants her to be. She is a lovely and nice girl at any weight.

ON THE ROCKS

IT seems that the marriage of this beautiful couple is on the rocks but both parties are working hard to save it. It reportedly got to the point where the wife left the marital home but came back after a while. There are no cheating rumors on both sides so everyone is curious as to what happened. The wife has not posted anything about her husband on social media in a while and this has added to everyone’s curiosity about what is happening.

There’s a hilarious before-and-after meme going around featuring Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon referencing job applicants and a popular tune of 1980s British rock band The Smiths.

The ‘Before DPWH’ photo shows Dizon all smiles and dapper in a casual business suit beaming at the camera. The ‘after’ photo has Dizon, now Public Works Secretary, dressed in a crumpled shirt and rain jacket, his face all scrunched-up in frustration and hair askew, while he is in the field probably inspecting another substandard flood project. The meme’s caption goes (sing it with me): ‘I was looking for a job and then I found a job, and heaven knows I’m miserable now..’

I don’t know what possessed Sec. Vince to accept the job as Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief, when he was hardly finished with his work at the Department of Transportation (DOTr). I, for one, was still hoping he could order the construction of an escalator or elevator at the MRT Ortigas station. That is probably the worst hiking experience for commuters ever-after the legendary Mount Kamuning pedestrian footbridge.

(But as one former Cabinet Secretary told me, when I lightly ridiculed him about accepting his position, ‘You can’t say ‘No’ to the President.’ I of course retorted flippantly, ‘Yes you can!’)

But as difficult as the job Sec. Vince had to do in DOTr-although the cleanup there had already been initiated by his immediate predecessor, former airline executive Jimmy Bautista-the job of auditing and inspecting DPWH flood-control projects is probably not just exhausting but most likely depressing, as one can imagine. A trillion pesos in substandard or ghost flood-control projects in the past decade?! And yet we have floods everywhere?!?!

That staggering amount made me wince in utter grief and frustration.but, yes, anger soon followed-the reason I went out of my home, like so many thousands of other Filipinos all over the country on Sunday, September 21, to protest the continuing corruption in government. Ironically, it was the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines by the current President’s father, the late strongman Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr.-a name also synonymous with corruption.

It was Marcos Jr., of course, who opened the.uhmmm.floodgate of allegations and investigations into these DPWH projects, after he called out their irregularities and the possible collusion of some government executives. He later named 15 private construction companies which implemented these highly questionable projects.

And while both houses of Congress continue their respective probes into the flood-control mess, along with the President’s own recently formed investigation body, the Independent Commission on Infrastructure, Sen. Loren Legarda, rightly so, recently raised the possibility that the corruption in DPWH may also cover other projects it implements for government agencies like the Departments of Health (DOH), Education (DepEd), Agriculture (DA), and Tourism (DOT).

Under the current setup, funds are lodged with the DOH, DepEd, and DA for infrastructure projects. These agencies then download these funds to the DPWH to construct those projects as it has the engineering expertise. (For tourism roads, funds for their construction are directly allocated to the DPWH, since the law doesn’t provide the DOT any infrastructure construction function, per se.)

During the hearing of DOT’s budget on September 25, Legarda demanded: ‘How would we know, as I said, health centers and hospitals, tourism roads, farm-to-market roads, DepEd school buildings, all DPWH [projects, have been completed?] If there could be some standard, or even goals in the DPWH for their own organic projects, what more the other agencies? Baka naman nabibiktima ang mga ibang departments?’

She continued, ‘If we allocate [project funds] in the other departments to be implemented by an agency, which has gained notoriety of late, and inaamin nila [that] this is this is what happens, we might be wasting the whole national budget, right?’

The senior lawmaker likewise instructed Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco not to rely on the reports of the DPWH regarding the status of tourism roads, and instead have the latter’s own regional executives visit these projects for more accurate reporting.

Frasco had said during the budget hearing that 882.28 kilometers of tourism roads were completed by the DPWH from 2022 to 2024, under the Tourism Road Infrastructure Program (TRIP). These projects cost over P46 billion.

To recap, the DOT and DPWH jointly forged TRIP in 2012, under the terms of then Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr. and then Public Works chief Rogelio ‘Babes’ Singson. The convergence program calls on both agencies to agree on priority tourism roads that have to be built. These roads are designed to connect vital infrastructure like airports or seaports to resorts and hotels in key tourism destinations.

Following Senator Legarda’s own questions regarding the credibility of the DPWH’s tourism roads report, an agency insider told me that the Secretary will also have these projects probed. ‘It’s in Sec. Vince’s plan. We’re just gathering momentum to investigate those projects, too,’ my source assured.

So Sec. Vince certainly has more than enough work on his head, his shoulders, his hands, and his feet. Thank goodness he is young enough to have the energy to keep going around and inspecting all these DPWH projects. (I guess he has been hard-pressed to delegate the inspections as he is unsure how far corruption in the agency goes, and who can actually be trusted to give him honest monitoring reports.)

Sec. Vince should take loads of vitamins and minerals to keep up with the demands of his job.

Meanwhile, lawmakers-especially those alleged to have received kickbacks on these irregular DPWH projects- and officials of this administration have been put on notice. Judging from the numbers that joined the protest marches and rallies last September 21, we, the Filipino taxpayers, are not having any of this foolishness. We are keeping a close watch on the goings on attending this flood-control mess. And we are hoping something good for the country eventually comes out of these investigations, after all the hearings have been wrapped up.

Filinvest has been listed as one of the Elite Award winners at the Hubexo Asia Awards 2025, a rare honor given only to architecture and developer firms that have consistently excelled by winning ten or more times over the past two decades.

This elite recognition celebrates industry pioneers who have set the benchmark for innovation and achievement across seven key Asian markets: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

On top of this exclusive milestone, Filinvest also secured a place among the Top 10 Developers in Asia Awards 2025. This distinction recognizes firms that are shaping the future of the region’s real estate industry through scale, impact, and consistent delivery of high-quality developments. This dual recognition underscores the strength of Filinvest’s real estate businesses, affirming its position as among the region’s most outstanding, resilient, and future-focused developers-trusted to shape innovative communities that continue to set new benchmarks for excellence.

Filinvest earned its place among this exclusive circle through the combined achievements of its real estate arms, Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) and Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI). Their multiple wins over the years at the Hubexo Asia Awards reflect the group’s enduring leadership and unwavering commitment to building sustainable, inclusive, and future-ready communities.

Filinvest Land, Inc., one of the country’s most trusted and multi-awarded full-range developers, has established a nationwide footprint with a diverse portfolio of residential communities, integrated townships, commercial centers, offices, co-living spaces, and industrial parks. Guided by its mission to enrich Filipino lives, FLI continues to bring innovative, accessible, and meaningful developments to different parts of the Philippines.

Filinvest Alabang, Inc. (FAI) is the group’s premier high-end residential and township arm. Its flagship development, Filinvest City in Alabang, is the country’s only township with both LEED Gold and BERDE certifications-an embodiment of excellence in sustainable urban planning. FAI’s multi-awarded luxury residential brand, Filigree, showcases its commitment to superior design, comfort, and quality through standout developments such as Botanika Nature Residences and Golf Ridge Private Estate. These prime examples reflect FAI’s dedication to creating refined, future-ready communities that elevate modern living. With its pioneering approach and best-in-class portfolio, FAI continues to set the benchmark for high-value residential developments.

‘To be named among the Elite Asia Award winners is both humbling and inspiring. It affirms Filinvest Land’s decades-long commitment to building communities that improve lives, while also challenging us to continue raising the bar of excellence. This milestone is not just about looking back at our achievements, but about strengthening our vision of a more inclusive and sustainable future,’ said FLI President and CEO Tristan Las Marias.

‘We are honored to be recognized for pioneering communities that balance progress, environmental stewardship, and livability. This award affirms Filinvest Alabang’s position at the forefront of sustainable township developments and also our commitment to providing world-class homes for discerning clientele with our luxury residential brand Filigree. It inspires us to continue setting new standards in the industry.’ said FAI President and CEO Catherine Ilagan.

Being named an Elite Asia Award winner is both a recognition of Filinvest’s past achievements and a call to continue its pioneering work in shaping the future of real estate. The recognition comes at a special milestone, as the Filinvest Group marks its 70th year, further affirming its enduring legacy of excellence, while reinforcing its role as a trusted partner in nation-building and as one of Asia’s benchmark setters in property development.

MERCEDES-BENZ Philippines has added the new GLE 400 e 4MATIC Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) to its electrified lineup. The German automaker claims the hybrid luxury SUV combines performance and efficiency. Its bold design, smart features, and electrified powertrain set a new standard for sustainable luxury in the Philippine Plug-in Hybrid segment.

AMG Styling

Regarding the exterior, the GLE 400 e boasts its AMG Line body styling, highlighted by the diamond grille with the Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome. These AMG elements include the front apron with chrome trim strip, side sill panels painted in the vehicle color, and rear apron with a diffuser-look insert in black and a trim strip in chrome. Other design features include distinctive air inlets at the front and rear, wing flares painted in the vehicle color, electrically folding exterior mirrors, an auto-dimming driver’s side exterior mirror, aluminum roof rails, and illuminated running boards with rubber studs.

In addition, the vehicle features Multibeam LED Headlamps, which use individually controlled LEDs to adjust light distribution and include Adaptive High Beam Assist Plus for optimal illumination. The latest model also sports 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, designed for a blend of performance and visual appeal.

Inside, the GLE 400 e features the MBUX multimedia system with dual 12.3-inch displays and Augmented Reality Navigation. The model supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, HDD Navigation, Active Parking Assist, and a 360-degree camera. The cabin uses ARTICO leather and MICROCUT microfiber, while the Burmester surround sound system ensures high-quality audio.

The cabin offers heated front seats, power-folding 40/20/40 second row, and memory functions for the electrically adjustable seats. There is a rear sunblind, Thermotronic Automatic Climate Control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and standard 64-color ambient lighting.

Other features include a Nappa leather sport steering wheel, chrome interior package, anthracite open-pore oak trim, black roof liner, and panoramic sunroof. AMG-branded floormats and sports pedals add finishing touches.

Intelligent Hybrid Power

Motivation comes from plug-in hybrid technology that combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor, delivering 252 hp and 400 N-m of torque. AC charging supports up to 11kW. The car provides an all-electric range of over 100 km (measured on the official test cycle). The AC charging socket is Type 2 and includes a cable for use with a domestic plug. A 7kW wall box charger with a 5m cable is also available.

The 4MATIC all-wheel drive ensures strong traction on varying roads. DYNAMIC SELECT offers drive modes suited for efficiency or performance.

Safety and convenience

The GLE 400 e includes advanced safety features like the PRE-SAFE system, which prepares occupants for collisions, and Active Brake Assist, which helps prevent or lessen accidents by monitoring traffic and intervening when needed.

Standard safety features include ABS, ESP, DSR, electronic traction, Hill-Start Assist, adaptive brake lights, ATTENTION ASSIST drowsiness detection, and ISOFIX child-seat mounts. Other features: comfort seatbelts, window and knee airbags, pedestrian protection, belt tensioners, tire pressure warning, and Urban Guard Vehicle Protection.

As for comfort and convenience, there is a DIRECT SELECT gearshift with steering wheel shift paddles, central locking (remote control with selective and global opening), cruise control with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter, Keyless-Go Comfort Package, hands-free package, ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control, wireless charging for mobile phone in front, and additional USB ports.

Pricing and color

The new Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e PHEV with EQ Technology retails at P5.790 million. Available colors are Selenite Grey, High-Tech Silver, Obsidian Black, and Polar White.

San Beda recovered from a shaky start to sweep Lyceum of the Philippines University, 26-24, 25-18, 25-20, and claim the solo lead in Pool A of the 2025 Shakey’s Super League Preseason Unity Cup on Friday at Paco Arena.

Angel Habacon and Janelle Bachar led the way as the Lady Red Spikers notched their second win in as many matches.

Habacon scored 11 points from nine attacks and two aces. Bachar chipped in eight points, while Katie Molina and Chynna Castillo each added seven.

The Lady Red Spikers struggled to shake off the debuting Lady Pirates in the opening set, which was extended after Johna Dolorito’s crosscourt hit.

Bachar responded with a kill, and Dolorito’s error sealed the set for San Beda.

The Lady Red Spikers face a tough challenge against defending champion National University in their final group stage match.

Janeth Tulang scored 11 points and Joanne De Guzman added eight for Lyceum.