UN cybercrime pact to be signed in Hanoi raises hopes, concerns

October 22, 2025 | 2:02 pm

Cybersecurity-hacker — STOCK PHOTO | Image from Freepik

HANOI — A landmark UN cybercrime agreement aimed at curbing offenses that cost the global economy trillions of dollars annually is set to be signed by representatives from dozens of states in Hanoi this weekend, despite criticism over human rights risks.

The convention, which would come into force after it is ratified by 40 states, is an unprecedented move that the United Nations expects will make responses to cybercrime quicker and more effective.

Activists, major technology companies and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights have warned about possible abuses from its vague language on crime, with some saying it would facilitate rather than combat illegal activities.

The list of signatories has not been released, though the European Union and Canada are set to sign the pact, which they said included safeguards to protect human rights. The US State Department declined to say whether a US representative will attend the signing ceremony.

VIETNAM’S APPROPRIATENESS AS HOST QUESTIONED
Vietnam’s selection as host has drawn criticism due to its human rights record. In a report in August, the US State Department cited “significant human rights issues” in Vietnam, including restrictions on online freedom of expression.

At least 40 people have been arrested this year in Vietnam, for alleged crimes including online postings against the state, according to Human Rights Watch.

The one-party Communist nation expects to raise its international profile by hosting the event and sees the pact as a tool to boost its cyber defenses, Vietnamese officials said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is scheduled to attend the signing ceremony on Saturday.

CRITICS DUB PACT ‘SURVEILLANCE TREATY’
The Cybersecurity Tech Accord, a coalition that includes Meta and Microsoft, has labelled the pact “a surveillance treaty” that facilitates the exchange of personal data among governments and risks “making it easier, not harder, for criminals to engage in cybercrime.”

The convention targets a broad spectrum of offences from phishing and ransomware to online trafficking and hate speech, the UN has said, citing estimates that cybercrime costs the global economy trillions of dollars each year.

But the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned during treaty negotiations that “laws with overly broad definitions of cybercrime are frequently used to impose undue restrictions on the right to freedom of expression.”

Raman Jit Singh Chima of Access Now, an advocacy group, said the treaty could facilitate the extradition of individuals persecuted by their governments. The signing in Vietnam “sends a very bad signal” to human rights defenders, he added.

Vietnam is experiencing an escalation of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure and big corporations, Le Xuan Minh, head of cybersecurity at the public security ministry, told a press conference this month, noting more international cooperation could help identify perpetrators.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which led the treaty talks, said the agreement includes provisions to protect human rights and allows states to reject cooperation requests that conflict with international law.

Activists and tech firms have also voiced concern that the treaty could criminalize ethical hackers who test systems for vulnerabilities, especially when their findings expose sensitive government flaws.

The UNODC said the convention “encourages” states to enable legitimate research activities. — Reuters

Samsung’s Galaxy XR headset to take on Apple with help from Google and Qualcomm

October 22, 2025 | 1:59 pm

Samsung-Mobile-Galaxy-XR-Multimodal-AI-Android-XR-Opening-New-Worlds_main1 — NEWS.SAMSUNG.COM

SAMSUNG Electronics released its Galaxy XR extended reality headset on Tuesday, counting on AI features from Google to propel it into the nascent and uncertain market of computing-on-your-face that is dominated by Meta and Apple.

The headset, resembling those made by others such as Meta, will cost $1,799, or about half of what Apple charges for its Vision Pro headset.

It is the first of a family of new devices, powered by the Android XR operating system and artificial intelligence, in a long-term partnership with Alphabet’s Google and Qualcomm.

“There’s a whole journey ahead of us in terms of other devices and form factors,” said Google’s vice president of AR/XR Sharham Izadi in an interview ahead of the launch.

Up next will be the release of lighter eyeglasses, executives said, declining to elaborate. Samsung has announced partnerships with Warby Parker and South Korea’s Gentle Monster luxury eyewear.

The race to find new form factors for entertainment and computing, underpinned by AI, has fueled a battle among the biggest technology companies. Instagram-owner Meta overwhelmingly dominates the VR headset industry with about an 80% market share, with Apple trailing behind.

ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is also diving into the market and spent $6.5 billion to buy iPhone designer Jony Ive’s hardware startup io Products in May to figure out devices in the AI age.

Samsung has studied the extended reality segment for the past 10 years, and it was not until about four years ago that the company approached Google to jointly develop the project, codenamed “Moohan,” meaning “infinite” in Korean, said Jay Kim, executive vice president at Samsung’s mobile division.

“We have been agonizing over when to bring the product to the market, and considering various factors such as technology evolution and market situation, we believe that now is the best timing,” he said at a briefing in Seoul on Wednesday.

USING GOOGLE AI STRENGTH
The long-awaited Samsung Galaxy XR, first demonstrated last year, combines virtual reality and mixed reality features. The goggles immerse users watching videos, such as on Alphabet’s YouTube, or playing games and viewing pictures, while also allowing users to interact with their surroundings.

The latter feature takes advantage of Google’s Gemini service, which can analyze what users are seeing and offer directions or information about real-world objects by looking and circling objects with their fingers.

In an interview last week, executives from Google and Samsung discussed how they believe extended reality headsets, which have yet to ignite mass consumer interest, would benefit greatly from the application of Google’s powerful multimodal AI features throughout the device that can process information from different types of data such as text, photos and videos.

It’s a set of software capabilities that Apple has yet to demonstrate, despite rolling out an updated Vision Pro with a more powerful chip.

“Google entering the fray again changes the dynamic in the ecosystem,” said Anshel Sag, principal analyst at Moor Insights & Strategy, noting that Google’s software added $1,000 in value to the device by some estimates. “Google really wants people to get the full experience of Gemini when using this headset.”

Customers who buy the device this year will receive a bundle of free services including 12 months of access to Google AI Pro, YouTube Premium, Google Play Pass and other specialized XR content, the companies said.

The prototype for AI-enhanced goggles was ready by the time Apple had launched its Vision Pro headset in 2024, executives said, as they sought to enhance existing applications like YouTube and Google Photos and Google Maps, while creating new immersive experiences.

Like many first generation technologies, it attempts to do multiple things that could have consumer and enterprise applications.

Qualcomm is providing its Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip to power the headset.

DIFFICULT MARKET
Many tech CEOs have been seduced by what they say is the next big thing in personal computing, but the market remains tiny by tech standards.

Research firm Gartner estimated the global Head-Mounted Display market is expected to rise by 2.6% from this year to $7.27 billion next year. Lighter, eyeglass-type AI devices such as Meta’s smartglasses made in collaboration with EssilorLuxottica Ray-Bans are expected to drive most of this growth.

Despite the expanding competitive landscape, the global virtual reality market, which includes so-called “mixed reality” headsets launching more recently, has faced three consecutive years of decline. Weakening again, shipments in 2025 are expected to fall 20% year on year, according to research firm Counterpoint.

“With a potentially more competitive price point than Apple’s Vision Pro, Samsung’s Project Moohan headset could emerge as a strong contender in the premium VR segment, particularly within the enterprise market,” Counterpoint senior analyst Flora Tang.

The Galaxy XR is the first Android XR device. But Samsung has dabbled with face-mounted computing devices dating back a decade, involving slipping a smartphone into a headset, called the Gear VR, in partnership with VR headset maker Oculus. Meta acquired Oculus in 2014. — Reuters

Nearly 30,000 homebuyers to join DHSUD, Pag-IBIG Fund at National Housing Expo on Oct. 23-24

October 22, 2025 | 1:20 pm

Nearly 30,000 potential homebuyers are expected to attend the National Housing Expo as the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), Pag-IBIG Fund, key government shelter agencies, and private developers showcase housing opportunities at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Oct. 23 and 24.

The event serves as a showcase of the government’s Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) Program. More than 100,000 brand-new homes will be on sale through the Pag-IBIG Housing Loan from the top 50 developers in the country, while over 30,000 Pag-IBIG Acquired Assets will be offered at discounts of up to 40%.

“The National Housing Expo stands as a landmark initiative that unites and brings together the entire housing sector, both government agencies and private institutions alike, in fulfillment of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to ensure that every Filipino family has access to affordable and decent housing,” said DHSUD Secretary and Pag-IBIG Fund Chairman Jose Ramon P. Aliling.

“As part of our National Shelter Month activities this October, we are also holding regional housing fairs in Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Iloilo, Pampanga, Bacolod, Batangas, and General Santos. These events, along with this Expo in Metro Manila, form part of our nationwide push to bring the Expanded 4PH Program closer to Filipino families across the country,” he added.

At the Expo, visitors will be able to browse exhibits of housing projects in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. A key feature that distinguishes the Expo is that potential homebuyers will be assessed for their Pag-IBIG Housing Loan entitlement based on their income, allowing them to identify which properties they can afford through the agency’s affordable loan programs. They will also be able to get direct assistance from Pag-IBIG Fund and attend scheduled learning sessions throughout the two-day event.

Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to helping more Filipino workers own homes through affordable and accessible financing. She said the Expo underscores the strong collaboration among housing agencies and the private sector in advancing President Marcos’ vision of inclusive and dignified housing for all.

“Pag-IBIG Fund remains the largest home financier in the country. We continue to make homeownership easier and more affordable through our 3% interest rate for socialized housing under the Expanded 4PH Program. Just recently, we reduced our rate to only 4.5% per annum for properties worth up to P1.8 million, available to the first 10,000 local workers and 1,000 overseas Filipino workers,” Ms. Acosta said. “For those seeking ready-to-occupy homes with substantial discounts, the Pag-IBIG Acquired Assets Super Sale runs until December. Meanwhile, members planning to renovate their homes can avail of our Home Improvement Loan program, which offers up to P300,000 in financing for repairs and upgrades. Pag-IBIG Fund stands ready to support every Filipino worker in their journey to homeownership. Backed by our strong financial position, we are committed to making affordable and dignified housing a reality for all,” she added.

Registration for the National Housing Expo is ongoing at https://events.pagibigfund.gov.ph. Admission is free, and slots for Day 2 are still available.

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DEPDev backs push for online gambling ban

October 22, 2025 | 12:25 pm

POGO-cards-dice — A person holds cards near a keyboard, chips and dice in this illustration picture. — REUTERS/DADO RUVIC/ILLUSTRATION

By Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio, Reporter

The Philippines’ economic planning department on Wednesday said a total ban on online gambling would likely have minimal impact on the economy, as it backed moves to either shutter or tightly regulate the industry that has come under close scrutiny due to its social impact.

The Development of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) estimates that the electronic gaming industry contributed P81.6 billion or 0.37% to real gross domestic product last year, according to a copy of its position paper submitted to a House of Representatives committee and obtained by BusinessWorld.

“Given its minimal contribution to the economy and vis-à-vis the significant social cost, we do support either its complete prohibition or stricter regulation,” Socioeconomic Planning Director Desiree Joy O. Narvaez told lawmakers at a congressional hearing.

Online gambling has emerged as a growing concern in the Philippines amid rising cases of addiction, prompting lawmakers to file multiple bills in Congress seeking to either ban or tighten its regulation.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has declared a law on online gambling a priority, while the Department of Finance (DoF) said in July that the government is considering tighter regulation of the industry, including the imposition of more taxes.

“Studies have found that people are more inclined to engage in online gambling due to its high accessibility, affordability, convenience, anonymity and the ability to participate in multiple gaming activities,” according to the DEPDev position paper signed by Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan.

“In light of this, we support the need to regulate the online gambling platforms’ linkage to digital financial services,” it added.

The Philippine central bank in August ordered electronic wallets to drop their links that provide users with direct access to gaming or gambling websites.

The Finance department shared DEPDev’s position, expressing support for stricter regulation of the industry but stopped short of endorsing a total ban.

“The DoF recognizes the potential economic benefits arising from online gaming or electronic games… provided that the associated economic and social costs are mitigated through very stringent regulations,” Finance Director Maria Karla L. Espinosa told the hearing.

About 32 million Filipinos, or half of the country’s working-age population, are engaged in online gambling, from 469,000 in 2018, according to government data.

Global Dominion partners with PTR Properties, Inc.: Empowering more Filipinos to own their dream homes

October 22, 2025 | 11:05 am

By Jay Ann Bonghanoy

Two industry leaders with one shared vision to help more Filipinos achieve their dream of homeownership. Global Dominion Financing, Inc. (GDFI), through its Real Estate Financing Division, proudly sealed a new partnership with PTR Properties, Inc., a trusted name in real estate development for nearly two decades.

The ceremonial signing was held at PTR Properties’ Satellite Office in Pasig City, attended by Mr. Peter Y. Ty, President and CEO of PTR Properties, Inc.; Ms. Dannah Mae B. Videra, Finance & Treasury OIC; and Ms. Amie T. Bendijo, Loans Associate. Representing Global Dominion were President & CEO Patricia Poco-Palacios, COO Melai Felicidario, and General Manager for Real Estate Financing Floriben Rae L. Oliveros, along with Consultant Anna Christina M. Vicente, marking a powerful alliance between two institutions built on trust, innovation, and shared purpose.

For 20 years, PTR Properties, also known as Peter the Rock (PTR), has stood firm in its promise to deliver quality and affordable homes to Filipino families. From a four-man team to a dynamic organization, PTR has built over 1,500 residential units through projects like Grand 21 Place, The Fifth at Rafael, One Capitol, and The Two Seven Residences. Building on this success, PTR expanded to Batangas under the leadership of President Peter Ty, launching its first subdivision in Lipa City and pioneering the use of Modern Asian Design for low-density communities. Today, Amiya Rosa One, Two, and Three continue PTR’s legacy of providing elegant and affordable homes to deserving Filipino families.

PTR Properties, Inc. President & CEO Peter Y. Ty, and Global Dominion President & CEO Patricia Poco-Palacios

Global Dominion’s partnership with PTR Properties is more than a business agreement, it’s a shared commitment to make homeownership more accessible, flexible, and achievable for more Filipinos. Through Global Dominion Real Estate Financing, future PTR homeowners can now enjoy flexible financing solutions designed for diverse needs whether self-employed, OFW, or local professional with fast and reliable loan processing, supported by Global Dominion’s 150+ branches nationwide.

Both organizations share the belief that a good home is one of life’s true luxuries, a place where comfort, security, and growth come together. Through this partnership, PTR Properties and Global Dominion aim to bring that dream closer to reality for more Filipino families. Together, they embody what it means to be true Ka-Partner Mo sa Pag-Angat. Uplifting communities, creating opportunities, and fueling progress one home at a time. Because when companies with a heart for progress come together, dreams don’t just get built, they grow, they thrive, and they uplift lives.

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AI assistants make widespread errors about the news, new research shows

October 22, 2025 | 11:04 am

rm373batch75-digital brain — STOCK PHOTO | Image from FREEPIK

GENEVA — Leading AI assistants misrepresent news content in nearly half their responses, according to new research published on Wednesday by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the BBC.

The international research studied 3,000 responses to questions about the news from leading artificial intelligence assistants – software applications that use AI to understand natural language commands to complete tasks for a user.

It assessed AI assistants in 14 languages for accuracy, sourcing and ability to distinguish opinion versus fact, including ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Perplexity.

Overall, 45% of the AI responses studied contained at least one significant issue, with 81% having some form of problem, the research showed.

Reuters has made contact with the companies to seek their comment on the findings.

Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, has stated previously on its website that it welcomes feedback so that it can continue to improve the platform and make it more helpful to users.

OpenAI and Microsoft have previously said hallucinations – when an AI model generates incorrect or misleading information, often due to factors such as insufficient data – are an issue that they are seeking to resolve.

Perplexity says on its website that one of its “Deep Research” modes has 93.9% accuracy in terms of factuality.

SOURCING ERRORS
A third of AI assistants’ responses showed serious sourcing errors such as missing, misleading or incorrect attribution, according to the study.

Some 72% of responses by Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, had significant sourcing issues, compared to below 25% for all other assistants, it said.

Issues of accuracy were found in 20% of responses from all AI assistants studied, including outdated information, it said.

Examples cited by the study included Gemini incorrectly stating changes to a law on disposable vapes and ChatGPT reporting Pope Francis as the current Pope several months after his death.

Twenty-two public-service media organizations from 18 countries including France, Germany, Spain, Ukraine, Britain and the United States took part in the study.

With AI assistants increasingly replacing traditional search engines for news, public trust could be undermined, the EBU said.

“When people don’t know what to trust, they end up trusting nothing at all, and that can deter democratic participation,” EBU Media Director Jean Philip De Tender said in a statement.

Some 7% of all online news consumers and 15% of those aged under 25 use AI assistants to get their news, according to the Reuters Institute’s Digital News Report 2025.

The new report urged AI companies to be held accountable and to improve how their AI assistants respond to news-related queries.— Reuters

Pentagon tightens control on communicating with US Congress

October 22, 2025 | 10:01 am

WASHINGTON — US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has told Pentagon staff they must obtain permission before interacting with members of Congress, according to a congressional aide and a department memo.

The new policy was first reported by Breaking Defense.

It is the latest example of the department working to control the flow of information about the world’s most powerful military.

“The Department of War relies on a collaborative and close partnership with Congress to achieve our legislative goals,” said the memo, dated October 15.

“This requires coordination and alignment of Department message when engaging with Congress to ensure consistency and support for the Department’s priorities to re-establish deterrence, rebuild our military, and revive the warrior ethos,” it said.

Republican President Donald Trump announced that he was changing the name of the Defense Department to Department of War, but the change is not official until it is approved by Congress.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the memo, but a congressional aide said lawmakers on committees that oversee the Pentagon were aware of its existence.

Last week, dozens of journalists who cover the US Defense Department vacated their offices at the Pentagon and returned their credentials as new restrictions on press access took effect.— Reuters

SM Store opens in La Union, bringing the joy of shopping closer to the North

October 22, 2025 | 9:30 am

The North has even more to look forward to as SM Store in La Union officially opened its doors on Oct. 17, 2025, bringing the signature SM shopping experience, filled with style, convenience, and everyday excitement, closer to home.

More than just a retail destination, SM Store is a place where shopping becomes an experience, where every visit offers discovery, delight, and value. With its wide range of products and services, SM Store caters to every lifestyle and occasion, making it the ultimate one-stop shop for families across generations.

At SM Store La Union, shoppers can find everything they need and more — from fashion and beauty to home essentials, gadgets, toys, and travel musthaves. The store carries a wide lineup of well-loved local and international brands, including a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlet.

Beyond retail, SM Store enhances the shopping experience through its unique offerings such as SM Green Finds, a curated selection of eco-friendly and sustainable products; the Personal Shopper service for a more convenient, curated way to shop; and the SM Gift Registry, which helps customers celebrate life’s milestones with ease.

Opening week was made even more exciting with exclusive promos and rewards. Through the SMAC Grand Opening Blowout, shoppers earned up to 30 SMAC Points when they downloaded the SMAC&Shop App. SMAC members enjoyed 10% off plus an extra 100 SMAC Points, while those who paid using their SMAC Points received up to 200 points rebate. New SMAC members also received a free Jelly Bag upon registration.

Customers also scored exclusive treats such as a 16-inch suitcase for only P599 with a minimum P3,000 single-receipt spend, a Jisulife Pro 1 hand fan for only P1,299 with a P1,000 spend, and a folding wagon at P1,499 for a P2,000 purchase.

Special credit card promotions added to the thrill, with BDO, Metrobank, RCBC, and Chinabank cardholders enjoying exclusive discounts.

With its exciting lineup of brands, special services, and opening-day surprises, SM Store La Union brings a new wave of shopping joy and everyday convenience to the North.

Because whatever you need, or want, you’ve got it at the SM Store.

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Australia and New Zealand brace for fierce winds and heat

October 22, 2025 | 9:05 am

WELLINGTON — Australia and New Zealand face further damaging winds and heat this week, with meteorological agencies on Wednesday warning conditions will deteriorate in coming days.

New Zealand’s forecaster MetService said gusts could reach 150 kilometers an hour along the South Island’s east coast and up to 140 kilometers an hour around Wellington, the capital, on Thursday.

Authorities said people should stay indoors, avoid travel and prepare for possible power and communications outages. The warnings follow strong winds and heavy rain on Tuesday that left thousands without power and killed a man in a Wellington park when a tree branch fell on him.

The weather is a concern for firefighters trying to contain wildfires near Kaikoura on the South Island and in Hawke’s Bay on the North Island, which were fanned by Tuesday’s winds.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand Assistant National Commander Ken Cooper said 14 buildings had been destroyed near Kaikoura, including five homes. Roads remain closed in the area and evacuation centers have been set up. Officials have not estimated the area burned.

FENZ said in Hawke’s Bay they were making good progress with the four vegetation fires, although it was quite windy, and they were monitoring the weather.

In Australia, the Bureau of Meteorology said extreme heat across central regions could challenge records and bring heatwaves and elevated fire danger. Sydney is forecast to reach 39 degrees Celsius on Wednesday.— Reuters

Trump says Justice Department owes him money, vows to donate any payout to charity

October 22, 2025 | 8:35 am

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Tuesday responded to a report that he is seeking $230 million from the Justice Department for legal costs tied to federal investigations against him, saying he is not involved in the request but would donate any money awarded to charity.

The New York Times reported on Tuesday that Trump is demanding the Justice Department compensate him over what he claims were politically motivated probes.

“I don’t even talk to them about it,” Trump said of his lawyers. “All I know is that they (Department of Justice) would owe me a lot of money. But I’m not looking for money. I’d give it to charity or something. I would give it to charity, any money. But look what they did. They rigged the election.”

Trump tried to overturn his 2020 election loss to former President Joe Biden, based on his false claims about voter fraud.

In an unprecedented twist, Trump now leads the same federal government that formerly investigated him over the false election-loss claims.

The New York Times said Trump has filed two administrative claims, a step often taken before suing, seeking damages for alleged violations of his rights.

The first, submitted in late 2023, challenges the probe by the FBI and US special counsel into Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential election and possible links between the Trump campaign and Russia.

The second, filed in mid-2024, accuses the FBI of violating Trump’s privacy during a search of Mar-a-Lago and accuses the Justice Department of malicious prosecution over classified documents.

Asked whether DOJ officials would face conflicts in reviewing such claims, Justice Department spokesman Chad Gilmartin said, “In any circumstance, all officials at the Department of Justice follow the guidance of career ethics officials.” — Reuters

Typhoons could slow PHL growth — IMF

October 22, 2025 | 12:34 am

Typhoon-aftermath-flood — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES/PPA POOL

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY could face stronger inflationary pressures and slower growth as increasingly frequent and severe typhoons disrupt supply chains and farm production, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said.

“The Philippines is highly exposed to natural hazards, particularly typhoons, which are the most frequent and costliest climate shocks in the country,” the IMF Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific said in a Facebook post. “These events represent supply shocks, creating inflationary pressure and reducing economic activity.”

The IMF estimated that a Category 5 storm could raise headline inflation by 0.4 percentage point (ppt) and food inflation by 0.7 ppt, based on regional data from its latest Article IV consultation with Manila.

Super Typhoon Ragasa, locally named Nando, was one such storm that battered the country late last month, causing floods and an initial P1.38 billion in agricultural damage.

Data from the Department of Agriculture showed that the southwest monsoon and typhoons Mirasol, Nando and Opong have caused P7.71 billion in combined losses. Farmers and fisherfolk lost 472,701 metric tons in production and 205,016 hectares of farmland.

The IMF said such weather shocks could drag agricultural labor productivity by as much as 2.5% and shave 0.4 ppt off economic growth, with estimated damage amounting to about 0.2% to 0.3% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Inflation accelerated to 1.7% in September from 1.5% in August, the fastest in six months, the Philippine Statistics Authority said. While slower than 1.9% a year earlier, the pickup reflected higher food prices after recent typhoons.

The agency said vegetable prices rose 19.4% in September, up from 10% in August — the steepest increase since January. Food inflation climbed to 0.8% from 0.6% in the previous month.

Average inflation this year stands at 1.7%, matching the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) full-year target but slightly above the IMF’s 1.6% forecast.

The economy expanded by 5.4% in the first half, slower than last year’s 6.2% but in line with the IMF’s full-year outlook.

Economy Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said growth might soften further in the third quarter due to typhoon-related disruptions but could still meet the lower end of the government’s 5.5% to 6.5% goal. The third-quarter GDP data will be released on Nov. 7.

The IMF said monetary authorities should carefully balance inflation control with the need to support growth after natural disasters. “Post-disaster, monetary policy must carefully weigh trade-offs between anchoring inflation expectations and supporting economic recovery,” it said.

The BSP delivered its fourth straight 25-basis-point (bp) rate cut on Oct. 9, bringing its benchmark rate to a three-year low of 4.75%. It has reduced borrowing costs by 175 bps since August 2024.

“Fiscal policy is central to building climate resilience before disasters strike, to help mitigate the macro impacts of natural disasters,” the IMF added. — Katherine K. Chan

Marcos unveils unified toll collection system

October 22, 2025 | 12:33 am

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana, Reporter

PHILIPPINE President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday unveiled a unified toll collection system that will let motorists use a single radio frequency identification (RFID) sticker across all expressways in Luzon, a measure aimed at easing congestion, cutting travel time and advancing the government’s digital transport modernization drive.

Speaking at the launch of the One RFID, All Tollways system in Calamba City, Mr. Marcos said the interoperability effort represents a major step toward a more connected and commuter-friendly road network.

“Starting today, only one RFID sticker will be needed for all our toll expressways across Luzon,” the President said in Filipino, according to a transcript from his office. “Group and fleet accounts will also be launched next year.”

Under the system, motorists can use a single RFID sticker and account — whether from San Miguel Corp.’s Autosweep or Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.’s EasyTrip — across all toll roads in Luzon, eliminating the need for multiple accounts and reducing bottlenecks at toll plazas.

Registration for the unified system is free and optional, with rollout for private vehicles beginning this month and fleet or corporate accounts expected by 2026.

‘’Years of consultation and cooperation with the DoTr (Department of Transportation) and the Toll Regulatory Board have finally led us to a unified system that responds to the real needs of our motorists,” Mr. Marcos said. “Our goal is a direct journey from north to south across Luzon — reducing unnecessary stress and delays.”

In a separate Facebook post, Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez said the system has undergone a stress test, which means it is fully functional, and problems will be blamed on defective stickers or low balance.

He said motorists might choose between Autosweep or EasyTrip as their preferred RFID provider to access major expressways.

He noted that motorists with two existing RFID stickers can opt in online to consolidate their accounts, then have the unused sticker removed — leaving only one, either Autosweep or EasyTrip.

Registration is free, optional and can also be done through walk-in centers. Motorists may also choose to keep their two separate RFID accounts.

“If you’re already satisfied with your current RFID setup, there’s no need to enroll. But for those who want to enroll and prefer to have only one account instead of two, you may do so,” Toll Regulatory Board Executive Director Jose Arturo M. Tugade said in Filipino at the launch.

ECONOMIC PRODUCTIVITY
Nigel Paul C. Villarete, a senior adviser on public-private partnerships at the technical advisory group Libra Konsult, Inc., said the unified RFID system would make travel faster and more seamless, noting that toll collection has long been a bottleneck, reducing expressway efficiency.

He added that RFID technology eliminates the need for vehicles to slow down or stop at toll gates, saving time and boosting both personal and national economic productivity.

“People don’t realize that slowing down for toll collection or actually stopping actually eats a big chunk of otherwise continuous travel time, which translates to a reduction of both personal and national economic benefits,” he said via Viber.

During the launch, Mr. Marcos oversaw the online registration process by visiting RFID service providers Autosweep and EasyTrip to demonstrate how motorists can opt into the unified system.

He also witnessed the simultaneous removal of redundant RFID stickers from vehicles that previously carried multiple tags, ensuring that each vehicle now operates with only one RFID for use across all tollways.

After choosing their RFID online, motorists are then directed to visit an authorized customer service center to remove the unselected RFID sticker to ensure system compatibility.

Once their preferred account is activated, motorists can load funds into it to enjoy seamless travel across all tollways in Luzon.

The unified RFID system will be accepted across all major toll expressways in Luzon, including the Skyway, South Luzon Expressway, STAR Tollway, Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway, Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway, Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway and C5 Southlink.

The Toll Collection Interoperability Project, initiated in 2017, is a joint effort of the DoTr, Toll Regulatory Board, Department of Public Works and Highways and Land Transportation Office, in partnership with the SMC and Metro Pacific groups.

It aims to create a more efficient, convenient and connected tollway system that enhances mobility and reduces travel time for Filipino motorists across Luzon.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls.