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Transforming Clark: How Filinvest and BCDA are shaping Clark’s future

Filinvest New Clark City (Artist’s Perspective)

By Mhicole A. Moral 

Filinvest has long recognized the potential of Clark as a thriving economic center and has been a key player in its transformation. Through strategic partnerships with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiary, Clark Development Corp. (CDC), Filinvest has spearheaded large-scale developments that drive job creation and economic growth.

Since securing the contract in 2016 to develop and manage the former Mimosa Leisure Estate, Filinvest has steadily expanded its investments in the region in partnership with the BCDA and its subsidiary, CDC. In the same year, Filinvest also became the first mover in New Clark City through a joint venture with BCDA, leading to the creation of Filinvest New Clark City, anchored by its flagship development, Filinvest Innovation Park.

Clark’s location provides strategic access to air and sea travel, with a travel time of 1.5 to 4 hours to major Asian destinations. In 2023, Central Luzon recorded a 136% increase in visitor arrivals compared to the previous year, with Clark serving as a major entry point.

201-hectare Filinvest Mimosa Plus Leisure City

The location benefits from well-developed infrastructure and easy access to major transport networks. Just 80 kilometers from Metro Manila, it connects directly to the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). Clark International Airport, which serves flights to Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan, and Korea, is just five kilometers away. Meanwhile, Subic Freeport Zone, one of Southeast Asia’s competitive international logistics ports, is 80 kilometers from the estate.

Several infrastructure projects are also expected to boost accessibility further. The North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR), for instance, will shorten travel time between Clark and Metro Manila, while the Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway and Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) aim to improve logistics and regional access.

Filinvest Townships Head Don Ubaldo said the company is committed to developing its Clark projects as a destination for business, leisure, and industrial expansion.

“We are the first developer to partner with the government for large-format townships in the Clark Freeport Zone and in New Clark City. We are committed to helping unlock further growth in Clark with our investments,” he explained.

Mr. Ubaldo highlighted that Filinvest’s developments in the region generate jobs and attract investments that drive continued growth.

“Filinvest’s projects affirm our confidence in Clark’s strength and future-readiness,” he said. “These developments not only create employment opportunities but also bring in investments that support long-term expansion, contributing significantly to the area’s economic progress.”

Developing a sustainable mixed-use destination 

The 50-year lease agreement for the 201-hectare Filinvest Mimosa Plus Leisure City marked a key step in Filinvest’s plan to turn the estate into a major hub for business, leisure, and tourism. Filinvest has redeveloped the estate with modern facilities while preserving its historical character and natural surroundings.

The 36-hole Mimosa Plus Golf Course, a main attraction at the Filinvest Mimosa Plus Leisure City

The area houses the first GEO-certified Mimosa Plus Golf Course in the Philippines, recognized internationally for its commitment to sustainable golf course management. This 36-hole course attracts both local and international players, further positioning Clark as a premier destination for tourism and leisure.

Beyond the main course, the Mimosa Golf Clubhouse also features a Golf Academy and Driving Range, offering professional training and practice facilities open to all—whether seasoned golfers or beginners looking to refine their game.

Beyond leisure, Filinvest Mimosa Plus caters to upscale and mid-range markets with premium residential developments. The Crib offers affordable living spaces catering to urban professionals, while Golf Ridge Private Estate, under the Filigree brand, introduces luxury country club living beside the golf course. These projects contribute to Clark’s growing real estate market and drive property values.

Four-hectare Workplus office campus at Filinvest Mimosa Plus

Workplus, a premium office campus spanning four hectares, is another major development of Filinvest. It currently has three office buildings, 1Workplus, 2Workplus, and the newly completed 4Workplus. Filinvest aims to expand the area with two more office buildings in the future.

Retail and entertainment options are also in the pipeline. Filinvest Malls Mimosa is set to open towards the end of 2025, while Filinvest Shoppes Mimosa is scheduled for launch in the third quarter of the same year.

For corporate events and special gatherings, The Hilltop offers function spaces suited for conferences, meetings, and gatherings. The estate also serves the growing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions) sector, providing an alternative to Metro Manila’s event venues.

Aside from these infrastructures, Filinvest Mimosa Plus promotes community engagement through events such as bike clinics, marathons, and Eats by the Park, an outdoor food market.

“Filinvest Mimosa offers year-round business and leisure amenities where you can experience country-club living amidst nature,” Mr. Ubaldo noted. “This project perfectly aligns with CDC’s mission to elevate Clark into a premier business and tourism hub and a catalyst for growth in the country.”

Hub for innovation and development

Filinvest is developing a 288-hectare mixed-use district within New Clark City, designed to be a modern and sustainable urban center in Central Luzon. This expansive development, known as Filinvest New Clark City, integrates residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional zones to foster a dynamic and well-balanced community.

At the heart of its industrial component is Filinvest Innovation Park, a dedicated hub for light and specialized industries. Positioned to meet the evolving demands of the new economy, the park serves as a strategic base for companies in e-commerce, data centers, and emerging technologies.

At the heart of Filinvest New Clark City is Filinvest Innovation Park, a dedicated hub for light and specialized industries.

One of its key developments is the StB Giga Factory, set to become the first lithium iron phosphate battery manufacturing plant in the Philippines. Located within Phase 1 of Filinvest Innovation Park, this facility is expected to play a significant role in the renewable energy sector by producing advanced battery technology for various applications.

“Central Luzon remains a viable and competitive manufacturing and industrial hub outside the CALABA (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas) area,” said Mr. Ubaldo. “This provides an opportunity for Filinvest to expand its locator portfolio within Filinvest Innovation Park while also activating the mixed-use component of Filinvest New Clark City to support its growing community and the NGAC (National Government Administrative Center).”

Filinvest’s vision for New Clark City reflects its commitment to creating an integrated urban landscape. As part of this development, the company aims to secure Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.

Aligned with the BCDA’s priorities, Filinvest incorporates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles through its sustainability framework, ensuring that its developments are not only progressive but also environmentally responsible.

Valuing significant partnerships

Beyond property development and hospitality, Filinvest has expanded its presence in the region through strategic infrastructure investments. One of its key ventures is its participation in the North Luzon Airport Consortium, which secured the bid to operate and maintain Clark International Airport.

Filinvest Development Corp. (FDC) plays a leading role in the consortium under Luzon International Premier Airport Development Corp. (LIPAD), a joint venture with JG Summit, Changi Airports Philippines, and Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions. As the managing entity of Clark International Airport, LIPAD enhances the airport’s operations and services, strengthening its role as a major gateway in Central Luzon.

With its expanding footprint in Clark and New Clark City, Filinvest is playing a vital role in transforming the region into a premier destination for business, industry, and tourism. Through strategic partnerships with BCDA and CDC, the company continues to develop world-class townships, sustainable industrial parks, and integrated communities that enhance economic opportunities and improve quality of life.

As Filinvest Mimosa Plus and Filinvest New Clark City take shape, investors, businesses, and residents can look forward to a future driven by innovation, connectivity, and sustainability. Stay updated on the latest developments by following their official Facebook pages: https://www.facebook.com/FilinvestMimosaPlus/ and https://www.facebook.com/FilinvestNCCOfficial/.

 


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Security Bank grants P3.5-B financing for the expansion plans of Science Park of the Philippines, Inc. and Pueblo de Oro Development Corp.

From L-R: Security Bank EVP Wholesale Banking Segment Mr. John Cary Ong, Security Bank Director Maria Cristina Tingson, Security Bank President and CEO Mr. Sanjiv Vohra, Security Bank Chairman Atty. Cirilo Noel, ICCP Group Chairman Mr. Guillermo Luchangco, Science Park of the Philippines President & CEO Richard Osmond, ICCP Chairman & CEO Mr. Valentino Bagatsing, Science Park of the Philippines Treasurer Ms. Bethilda Castillo

Security Bank Corp. granted a P2.560-billion credit support for the industrial park developer — Science Park of the Philippines, Inc. (SPPI), and P960-million for the residential and mixed-use property developer — Pueblo de Oro Development Corp. (PDO). The loan proceeds will be used to fund the new and expansion projects of SPPI and PDO — both member companies of the ICCP Group. The Loan Agreement signifies the start of a strong partnership between Security Bank Corp. and the ICCP Group of Companies built upon common values and goals.

The credit facilities were arranged by Investment & Capital Corporation of the Philippines (ICCP), one of the country’s leading independent investment houses.

SPPI is highly regarded as one of the pioneers and leaders in private industrial estate development in the country, with nearly 1,500 hectares of industrial estates developed and under development.

SPPI’s industrial parks are strategically located in Laguna (Cabuyao and Calamba), Batangas (Santo Tomas and Malvar), Lapu-Lapu City and Hermosa, Bataan. Upcoming industrial estate locations are San Jose, Batangas and Tarlac City. SPPI is also partnering with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) to develop a 100-hectare industrial park in New Clark City, Tarlac.

From L-R: Security Bank EVP Wholesale Banking Segment John Cary Ong, Security Bank Director Maria Cristina Tingson, Security Bank President and CEO Sanjiv Vohra, Security Bank Chairman Atty. Cirilo Noel, ICCP Group Chairman Guillermo Luchangco, Pueblo de Oro President & COO Prim Nolido, ICCP Chairman & CEO Valentino Bagatsing, and Pueblo de Oro Treasurer Rhodora Lao.

Pueblo de Oro Development Corp., among the promising and fast-growing real estate developers in the country, continues to develop and offer master-planned and best-in-class residential and mixed-use projects in urbanized locations and emerging growth hubs such as Batangas, Pampanga and Lapu-Lapu City. PDO’s 400-ha flagship township in Cagayan de Oro (CDO) remains committed to developing award-winning sustainable projects with two major developments set to launch in the next two years. Among PDO’s new project locations are Lipa City; Ibaan in Batangas; and Carcar in Cebu.

“ICCP is proud to support Pueblo de Oro and SPPI in furthering their respective missions of responsible, climate-adapted township & industrial estate developments,” said Valentino S. Bagatsing, Chairman and CEO of ICCP.

“I take this opportunity to thank both the ICCP Group and Security Bank in making this partnership a reality,” highlighted Security Bank Chairman Atty. Cirilo Noel. “The Bank wanted to be associated with an institution that has the credibility, integrity, and excellence. I wish this partnership would be a long-standing partnership that will be for both our success and benefit, and also really to create economic value to our shareholders, to our community, and also to the country.”

Security Bank’s loans to Science Park of the Philippines and Pueblo de Oro Development Corp. align with the Bank’s mission to enrich lives, empower businesses, and build communities sustainably. The Bank is looking to build on the partnership with a multi-faceted approach across all financial services, including loans, deposits, and cash management solutions.

For his part, ICCP Group Chairman Guillermo Luchangco expressed his gratitude for the Security Bank support as SPPI and PDO embark on their expansion in the industrial estate and residential and mixed-use property development businesses. “In our Group, we emphasize integrity, ethics, and quality. These are the three pillars that we are known for, and Security Bank is a perfect banking partner for us.”

Other Security Bank officials, including Commercial Banking Group Head Jorge Lindley Ong, NCR3 Central Business District Region Head Erika Sykat and NCR 3 Central Business District Team Head Mary Ann Salazar witnessed the signing ceremony held last Feb. 10.

 


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Sufficient fire exits essential to a building’s safety

Ensuring a building has adequate fire exits is the top consideration during fire safety inspections, according to Van Arnel J. Pacatang, chief of the fire prevention section of the Makati City Fire Station.

Interview by Patricia Mirasol
Video editing by Arjale Queral

After Duterte’s arrest, Philippine drug war victims face abuse and online falsehoods

FORMER PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. DUTERTE — REUTERS

MANILA – The bloodied body of Sheerah Escudero’s 18-year-old brother was found in 2017 with hands bound and head wrapped in packaging tape, a suspected victim of the Philippines’ then-President Rodrigo Duterte’s “war on drugs” that left thousands dead.

The arrest of Duterte on March 11 on an International Criminal Court warrant over the drug war murders gave her some comfort, but Escudero and many others working on drug war cases have since faced a wave of online attacks from Duterte supporters.

Ms. Escudero’s Facebook account has been flooded with comments and direct messages calling her a drug addict and a liar for seeking justice in her brother’s case, and accusing her of being paid to malign Mr. Duterte.

“They’re really cursing us, and one person even told me, ‘addicts should be beheaded. They should just die.’ Knowing that my brother was the victim, they still sent me that message,” she said.

Other grieving mothers, human rights advocates and lawyers say they have faced similar, fierce harassment online since Mr. Duterte was arrested and whisked to the ICC in the Hague, where he awaits trial.

A surge of false claims also swept social media, with supporters claiming the ICC had no jurisdiction and calling it a “kidnapping”, while paid advertisements on Facebook promoted the former president, Reuters found.

Reuters spoke to three human rights groups who each said they had assisted several victims of targeted online harassment.

Representatives for Mr. Duterte and his daughter, Sara Duterte, the Philippine vice-president who has flown to the Hague to support her father, did not respond to requests for comment.

The recent online onslaught is reminiscent of a well-organized social media campaign in 2016 that propelled Mr. Duterte into the presidency, analysts say. Critics at the time blamed pro-Duterte trolls and influencers for spreading falsehoods to discredit and threaten opponents.

The 2016 campaign led to the Philippines being dubbed “patient zero” in the worldwide spread of online disinformation.

Kristina Conti, a human rights lawyer representing victims of the drug war, said such tactics increasingly aim to discredit families of those killed by labelling them as “fake” victims.

“There’s that real risk that Duterte supporters or Duterte’s cohorts could go after these witnesses in hopes of hindering trial or ensuring his acquittal,” Ms. Conti said.

FAKE QUOTES, FICTIONAL LAWYERS
Mr. Duterte, who led the Philippines from 2016 to 2022, is facing allegations of crimes against humanity for overseeing death squads in his anti-drugs crackdown.

He could become the first Asian former head of state to go on trial in the Hague.

A study by the Stratbase ADR Institute, a Philippine think tank, found that around 51% of Filipinos strongly agreed that Duterte should be held accountable for the killings.

But others have criticized the arrest and accused the government led by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. of betraying the country.

The backlash has been fueled by a “torrent of disinformation across social media”, according to fact-checking coalition Tsek.ph, which described fabricated quote cards and videos and narratives that attempted to cast Mr. Duterte as a victim.

The group identified at least 200 Facebook accounts and pages that posted identical messages, in close succession, before and after the arrest, claiming any legal move against him amounted to “kidnapping”.

Mr. Duterte’s children, and lawyer used the phrase to denounce the arrest.

Quote cards were circulated featuring fictional lawyers such as Elle Woods from Legally Blonde supposedly defending Mr. Duterte, and viral video clips falsely suggested Duterte supporters were gathering to protest.

Other posts wrongly said U.S. President Donald Trump had threatened heavy tariffs on the Philippines unless Mr. Duterte was released.

“Media literacy is still lacking, so many people are easily deceived,” said Rachel Khan, professor of journalism at the University of the Philippines and project coordinator for Tsek.ph.

Hundreds of paid advertisements supporting Mr. Duterte on Facebook have reached audiences of millions, according to the social media platform’s ad library.

The ads included videos saying Mr. Duterte was “kidnapped”, promotions for prayer rallies, and the sale of T-shirts bearing his image with the phrase “I did it for my country”. l

Many ran without the disclaimer required for political advertising, according to the ad library.

Paid ads are reviewed by Meta’s “ad review system” before they go live but “both machines and human reviewers make mistakes”.

A spokesperson for the company said it takes “significant steps to fight the spread of misinformation” by removing content that violates its standards, curbing the distribution of stories that are flagged as false by independent fact checkers, and labelling content so users are informed about its accuracy.

A spokesperson for TikTok said the platform did not allow “harmful misinformation” and has “taken down content that violates our Community Guidelines.”

LET TRUTH SPEAK
The Philippine government is “making necessary actions to eradicate fake news,” including holding discussions with social media platforms like Facebook, Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro told Reuters.
Some human rights activists are trying to fight back on their own.

Carlos Conde, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, who was targeted by Duterte supporters during the drug war and came under fresh attack after the arrest, said it was “like 2016 all over again”.

The 59-year-old created a TikTok account where he posts short explainer videos about the arrest and the drug war, garnering tens of thousands of views.

“I did that so I will not lose by default in this disinformation warfare,” he said.

Ms. Escudero said she fears the online abuse could lead to violence against her and avoids booking taxis under her real name, but insisted she would not back down from seeking justice.

“This is the time to stand up against fake news… We will let the truth speak and be seen.” — Reuters

‘Pissed off’ at Putin, Trump threatens tariffs on Russian oil if Moscow blocks Ukraine deal

U.S. President Donald Trump — REUTERS/LEAH MILLIS/FILE PHOTO

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE – U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday he was “pissed off” at Russian President Vladimir Putin and will impose secondary tariffs of 25% to 50% on buyers of Russian oil if he feels Moscow is blocking his efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

Mr. Trump told NBC News he was very angry after Mr. Putin last week criticized the credibility of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s leadership, the television network reported, citing a telephone interview early on Sunday.

Since taking office in January, Mr. Trump has adopted a more conciliatory stance towards Russia that has left Western allies wary as he tries to broker an end to Moscow’s three-year-old war in Ukraine.

His sharp comments about Mr. Putin on Sunday reflect his growing frustration about the lack of movement on a ceasefire.

“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault … I am going to put secondary tariffs on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Mr. Trump said.

“That would be, that if you buy oil from Russia, you can’t do business in the United States,” Mr. Trump said. “There will be a 25% tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all oil.”

Mr. Trump later reiterated to reporters he was disappointed with Mr. Putin but added: “I think we are making progress, step by step.”

Mr. Trump said he could impose the new trade measures within a month.

There was no immediate reaction from Moscow. Russia has called numerous Western sanctions and restrictions “illegal” and designed for the West to take economic advantage in its rivalry with Russia.

Mr. Trump, who spent the weekend at his estate in Palm Beach, Florida, told NBC News he planned to speak with Mr. Putin this week. The two leaders have had two publicly announced telephone calls in recent months but may have had more contacts, the Kremlin said in video footage last week.

The White House had no immediate comment on when the call would take place, or if Mr. Trump would also speak with Mr. Zelenskiy.

Mr. Trump has focused heavily on ending what he calls a “ridiculous” war, which began when Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, but has made little progress.

Mr. Putin on Friday suggested Ukraine could be placed under a form of temporary administration to allow for new elections that could push out Mr. Zelenskiy.

Mr. Trump, who himself has called for new elections in Ukraine and denounced Mr. Zelenskiy as a dictator, said Mr. Putin knows he is angry with him. But Trump added he had “a very good relationship with him” and “the anger dissipates quickly … if he does the right thing.”

GROWING PRESSURE TO END WAR
Mr. Trump’s comments followed a day of meetings and golf with Finnish President Alexander Stubb on Saturday, during Mr. Stubb’s surprise visit to Florida.

Mr. Stubb’s office on Sunday said he told Mr. Trump a deadline needs to be set for establishing a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire to make it happen and suggested April 20 since Mr. Trump would have been in office then for three months.

U.S. officials have been separately pushing Kyiv to accept a critical minerals agreement, a summary of which suggested the U.S. was demanding all Ukraine’s natural resources income for years. Mr. Zelenskiy has said Kyiv’s lawyers need to review the draft before he can say more about the U.S. offer.

Mr. Trump told reporters on Air Force One he thought Mr. Zelenskiy was “trying to back out of the rare earth deal…. if he’s looking to renegotiate the deal, he’s got big problems.” Mr. Trump also told reporters that Ukraine would never be part of NATO.

Mr. Trump’s latest tariff threats would add to the pain already facing China, India and other countries through trade measures imposed during his first two months in office, including duties on steel, aluminum and cars. More duties on imports from the countries with the largest trade surpluses are slated to be announced on Wednesday.

William Reinsch, a former senior Commerce Department official now at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the haphazard way Mr. Trump was announcing and threatening tariffs leaves many questions unanswered, including how U.S. officials could trace and prove which countries were buying Russian oil.

Mr. Trump set the stage for Sunday’s news with a 25% secondary tariff imposed last week on U.S. imports from any country buying oil or gas from Venezuela.

His remarks to NBC suggest he could take similar action against U.S. imports from countries that buy oil from Russia, a move that could hit China and India particularly hard.

The U.S. has not imported any Russian barrels of crude oil since April 2022, according to U.S. government data. Before that, U.S. refiners bought inconsistent volumes of Russian oil, with a high of 98.1 million barrels in 2010 and low of 6.6 million in 2014, according to a review of EIA data since 2000.

India has surpassed China to become the biggest buyer of seaborne Russian crude, which comprised about 35% of India’s total crude imports in 2024.

Mr. Trump on Sunday also said he could hit buyers of Iranian oil with secondary sanctions if Tehran did not reach an agreement to end their nuclear weapons program. — Reuters

Argentina requests first tranche of more than 40% under $20 billion IMF program

Image by David from Pixabay

BUENOS AIRES – Argentina is seeking a first disbursement of more than 40% under a $20-billion program it is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Economy Minister Luis Caputo said on Sunday.

The South American country had eliminated the fiscal deficit and cut public spending, Caputo reiterated, as the government aims to beef up central bank reserves and begin unwinding forex curbs that arguably hinder business and investment.

“We’ve requested more because, traditionally, these are made in exchange for monetary and fiscal targets,” Mr. Caputo said in remarks on television, adding that first disbursements were usually between 20% and 30%. “We’ve already done everything.”

Last week, the government and the IMF confirmed the lender’s board of directors must still approve the four-year program that follows one of $44 billion signed in 2018. — Reuters

Trump says TikTok sale deal to come before Saturday deadline

A TikTok logo is displayed on a smartphone in this illustration taken Jan. 6, 2020. — REUTERS

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE/WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump said a deal with TikTok’s Chinese parent ByteDance to sell the short video app used by 170 million Americans would be struck before a deadline on Saturday.

Mr. Trump set the April 5 deadline in January for TikTok to find a non-Chinese buyer or face a U.S. ban on national security grounds due to have taken effect that month under a 2024 law.

“We have a lot of potential buyers,” Mr. Trump told reporters on Air Force One late on Sunday. “There’s tremendous interest in Tiktok,” adding, “I’d like to see Tiktok remain alive.”

TikTok did not immediately comment.

Reuters reported on Friday private equity firm Blackstone is evaluating making a small minority investment in TikTok’s U.S. operations, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Blackstone is discussing joining ByteDance’s existing non-Chinese shareholders, led by Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic, in contributing fresh capital to bid for TikTok’s U.S. business. The group has emerged as front-runners.

Washington says TikTok’s ownership by ByteDance makes it beholden to the Chinese government and Beijing could use the app to conduct influence operations against the United States and collect data on Americans.

Mr. Trump previously said he was willing to extend the April deadline if an agreement over the social media app was not reached.

Last week, he acknowledged the role China will play in getting any deal done, including giving its approval, saying “maybe I’ll give them a little reduction in tariffs or something to get it done.”

Vice President JD Vance has said he expects the general terms of an agreement resolving the ownership of the social media platform to be reached by April 5.

The future of the app used by nearly half of all Americans has been up in the air since a 2024 law, passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, required ByteDance to divest TikTok by January 19.

The White House has been involved to an unprecedented level in the closely watched deal talks, effectively playing the role of investment bank. — Reuters

EvoEnergi strengthens market position with Second Retail Aggregation Switch, delivering meaningful cost savings for businesses

EvoEnergi, a dynamic Retail Electricity Supplier and affiliate of publicly-listed D&L Industries, has successfully switched over the second Retail Aggregated Group under the Retail Aggregation Program, from the captive market onto the contestable retail electricity market. The successful switching, achieved last March 5, 2025, underscores EvoEnergi’s commitment to providing businesses with lower electricity costs and enhanced flexibility in managing their energy consumption.

By offering not only reduced rates but also clear and transparent terms, EvoEnergi distinguishes itself in the energy market. Through Retail Aggregation—a program that allows multiple electricity end-users within a contiguous area, or within the same distribution franchise, to combine their electricity demand—businesses can collectively meet the threshold required to participate in the contestable market, thereby securing significantly lower rates previously accessible only to large-scale consumers.

Advocating for Fairer Electricity Pricing

EvoEnergi fully supports the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and the Department of Energy (DOE) in their efforts to expand access to competitive electricity rates through Retail Aggregation. By bringing businesses together under this program, EvoEnergi ensures that more industries benefit from transparent pricing and lower energy costs—without additional risks or complexity.

“For many businesses, electricity is a major cost driver, but few realize they are overpaying,” said Julian Lao, President of EvoEnergi. “We help businesses achieve real savings, allowing them to reallocate resources to growth and innovation, instead of paying excessive electricity costs.”

With discussions ongoing about lowering the contestability threshold to 100 kW, EvoEnergi anticipates that more businesses will soon benefit from these cost-saving opportunities, creating an even more competitive market.

Beyond Cost Savings: The EvoEnergi Approach to Energy Procurement

Having been in the manufacturing sector for decades, the management team of EvoEnergi fully understands the operational and financial challenges businesses face when it comes to electricity costs. This deep industry experience allows the company to design solutions that are practical, flexible, and tailored to real business needs.

EvoEnergi goes beyond simply reducing rates—it gives businesses control over their energy strategy. Unlike traditional suppliers that offer rigid contracts, EvoEnergi enables businesses to scale their energy use through tiered capacity increases and hybrid pricing structures, ensuring they get the best possible value without compromising operational stability.

“Electricity procurement should be a strategic decision, not just another fixed expense,” added Lao. “Our goal is to help businesses optimize their energy use in a way that aligns with their financial and operational objectives.”

Redefining the Role of the Retail Electricity Supplier

EvoEnergi’s approach is built on trust, transparency, and long-term partnerships. By prioritizing customer success over transactional engagements, the company continues to challenge conventional electricity supply models—putting businesses in a stronger position to make cost-effective and well-informed energy decisions.

As Retail Aggregation gains momentum, EvoEnergi remains focused on helping businesses unlock savings, improve efficiency, and gain greater financial flexibility in a rapidly evolving energy landscape.

For businesses looking to take control of their electricity costs, EvoEnergi provides the expertise and tailored solutions to make a real impact.

For inquiries, email info@evoenergi.com.ph or contact 0917-1569137.

 


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Myanmar military still bombing towns despite earthquake crisis, rebels say

Flag of Myanmar | STOCK PHOTO | Image by www.slon.pics on Freepik

An armed resistance movement against Myanmar’s military-run government criticized the junta on Sunday for conducting airstrikes on villages even as the country reels from an earthquake that has killed around 1,700 people.

The Karen National Union, one of Myanmar’s oldest ethnic armies, said in a statement the junta “continues to carry out airstrikes targeting civilian areas, even as the population suffers tremendously from the earthquake”.

The group said that under normal circumstances, the military would be prioritizing relief efforts, but instead is focused on “deploying forces to attack its people”.

A spokesman for the junta did not reply to queries from Reuters about the criticism.

Myanmar has been locked in civil war with multiple armed opposition groups since a 2021 coup, when the military seized power from the elected government of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Shortly after Friday’s devastating earthquake, military jets launched airstrikes and drone attacks in Karen state, near the KNU headquarters, according to the Free Burma Rangers, a relief organization. Singapore’s Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan called for an immediate ceasefire to help aid distribution, following a virtual meeting with his ASEAN counterparts on the disaster.

“(Balakrishnan) called for an immediate and effective ceasefire in Myanmar which would facilitate the efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance and longer term national reconciliation, peace and reconstruction,” Singapore’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

The epicenter of the 7.7-magnitude quake was in an area held by junta forces, but the devastation is widespread and also affected some territory held by armed resistance movements.

On Sunday, the opposition National Unity Government, which includes remnants of the government ousted in 2021, said anti-junta militias under its command would pause all offensive military action for two weeks.

Richard Horsey, the senior Myanmar adviser at Crisis Group, said some anti-junta forces have halted their offensives but fighting continues elsewhere.

“The regime also continues to launch airstrikes, including in affected areas. That needs to stop,” he said.

The regime was not providing much visible support in quake-hit areas, he added.

“Local fire brigades, ambulance crews, and community organizations have mobilized, but the military – who would normally be mobilised to support in such a crisis – are nowhere to be seen,” Mr. Horsey said. — Reuters

Peso rally to fade on Philippine balance of payments deficit

Philippines peso notes are displayed in an arranged photograph in Bangkok, Thailand, on Sept. 12, 2019. Photographer: Brent Lewin/Bloomberg

The Philippine peso’s rally may run out of steam after the central bank revised its projection for the nation’s balance of payments to a deficit from a surplus.

The currency may fall toward a record low of 59 per dollar next quarter from around 57.4 now, according to forecasters at Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd. and Malayan Banking Bhd. Meanwhile, analysts at Wells Fargo & Co. and Standard Chartered Plc predict the peso will depreciate to just below 59 by June after gaining this month.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas revised its balance of payments forecast for 2025 last week and predicted a bigger current-account shortfall, citing worries over international trade policy. The gap will mean that there’s less demand for the peso at a time when US tariffs are already weighing on global markets.

“The negative sentiment from tariff threats is likely to still guide the pair higher throughout the rest of first half. This would not dissipate in the second half,” said Saktiandi Supaat, FX research head at Maybank. “The country’s persistent twin deficit condition would also add to the currency’s weakness.”

The Philippine peso has gained 1.1% this month to beat all but one of its Asian peers. It climbed to a five-month high of 57.09 in March amid broad weakness in the dollar.

While the rally will likely lose steam, the Philippines’ reliance on consumption and service exports may temper the impact of tariffs and provide the peso some relief, according to Michael Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in Manila. A possible BSP rate cut in April may have also been priced in by the market, he added.

Traders now await a report on March inflation due Friday to gauge the outlook for monetary policy and gain more insight into the peso’s near-term direction. Economists surveyed by Bloomberg predict that consumer-price growth slowed to 2% year-on-year from 2.1% in February, backing the case for an interest-rate cut.

Investors should also be careful about underestimating the political risks in the Philippines, according to Barclays, which sees the peso falling to 59 per dollar by the fourth quarter. Concerns have been mounting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. locked in a feud with the family of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte.

The challenges are “likely to see investors demand a higher political risk premium in Philippine assets over the medium term,” FX strategists Mitul Kotecha and Audrey Ong wrote in a note this month. — Bloomberg

Britain hosts key nations to coordinate fight against people smugglers

KRISTINA GADEIKYTE-UNSPLASH

LONDON – Britain will on Monday host a meeting of more than 40 countries and organizations, including the United States, France and Vietnam, to try to coordinate internationally its fight against illegal migration and those who profit from it.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, like all his predecessors for more than a decade, is seeking new ways to stop migrants coming illegally to Britain, where immigration remains a key issue for voters who worry about the pressure it puts on scarce resources like healthcare and housing.

Monday’s Organized Immigration Crime (OIC) Summit looks to address every stage of the global industry in people smuggling, including the supply chains for the small boats used to travel from France to Britain, and the tech firms whose social media platforms are used to advertise such illicit crossings.

“This vile trade exploits the cracks between our institutions, pits nations against one another and profits from our inability at the political level to come together,” Mr. Starmer will tell the summit, according to advance extracts of his speech.

Representatives from Meta, X and TikTok will participate.

Migrants from North Africa, the Middle East, Europe and elsewhere pay thousands of pounds to traffickers for places in small inflatable boats that then try to cross one of the world’s busiest shipping channels to reach the English coast.

Mr. Starmer was elected last year, promising to “smash the gangs” behind the crossings. He immediately ditched the previous Conservative government’s policy to deter migrants by setting up a scheme to deport them to Rwanda.

More than 36,800 people made the crossing in 2024, 25% more than the previous year, according to British government data. More than 6,600 people have crossed successfully so far in 2025.

“I simply do not believe Organized Immigration Crime cannot be tackled. We’ve got to combine our resources, share intelligence and tactics, and tackle the problem upstream at every step of the people smuggling routes,” Mr. Starmer will say. — Reuters

[B-SIDE Podcast] Colorectal cancer: All you need to know

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March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. In this B-Side episode, we dive into everything you need to know about the disease.

Colorectal cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Philippines, with an estimated one in 1,800 Filipinos at risk each year. To help understand its symptoms, treatments, and prevention, Dr. Dave Rennel L. Sebollena, Vice President of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, joins the conversation.

We also explore the financial and healthcare support available for patients with Dr. Israel Francis A. Pargas, Senior Vice President for the Health Finance Sector and Spokesperson of PhilHealth.

Interview by Edg Adrian Eva
Audio editing by Jayson Mariñas

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