Rakuten Viber is introducing new features such as Chatbot Payments, through a partnership with Google Pay and Apple Pay, as part of its tenth anniversary. The service allows users to purchase products and services, and to accept payments directly through the app, marking Viber’s move towards fintech. In the Philippines, this feature will be rolled […]Read More

Understanding disruptive forces such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital natives, and the gig economy will strengthen the future of any business, said entrepreneur, serial investor, and public speaker Maulik Parekh in his book, Futureproof Your Company and Career. “In this rapidly changing world, we have a choice to make–either we future-proof ourselves or we risk […]Read More

BRITISH technology company Dyson Ltd. is planning to open a software lab in Alabang, Muntinlupa City, creating 400 software engineering jobs for research and development (R&D) work over the next three years. The project is part of a global Dyson research expansion, in which GBP2.75 billion (P177 billion) will be invested into developing new technologies […]Read More

THE Department of Tourism (DoT) has condemned the party that took place in Boracay on Oct. 31, saying such irresponsible action compromises efforts to revive the tourism industry. The DoT, which serves as co-vice chair of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force for rehabilitation, said in a statement that it also “supports the recommendation of the […]Read More

Economic managers are hoping the timely passage of the measure cutting corporate income tax and reforming the tax incentive system will help the economy bounce back faster. — REUTERS By Charmaine A. Tadalan, Reporter THE SENATE on Thursday approved on third and final reading a measure that will immediately lower the corporate income tax (CIT) […]Read More

Hospitals were nearly overwhelmed with the number of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases at the start of the pandemic. Picture taken June 26. — REUTERS/ELOISA LOPEZ By Denise A. Valdez, Senior Reporter THE coronavirus pandemic is prompting companies to prioritize big investments in the healthcare sector, in preparation for any future outbreaks. “People are saying, […]Read More

Jeepney drivers had to beg for money in the streets, after they were left unemployed as public transportation was halted during the strict lockdown earlier this year. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MICHAEL VARCAS By Beatrice M. Laforga, Reporter THE COUNTRY’S unemployment rate will likely remain at around 9-10%, roughly double its pre-pandemic level, until mid-2021, Asian Development […]Read More

REUTERS By Luz Wendy T. Noble, Reporter MORE FOREIGN CAPITAL entered than left the country in October to yield a net inflow after seven straight months of outflows, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said on Thursday. Foreign portfolio investments — also known as “hot money” because of the ease by which these funds enter […]Read More

BW FILE PHOTO THE MONETARY BOARD has approved a regulatory framework for digital banks, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Benjamin E. Diokno said on Thursday. “We see these [digital] banks as additional partners in further promoting market efficiencies and expanding access of Filipinos to a broad range of financial services,” Mr. Diokno told reporters […]Read More

LISTED port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) said on Thursday it had entered into a placement agreement for the sale of its 40 million treasury shares to raise funds for general corporate purposes. Proceeds will also be used to fund the company’s committed capital expenditure, ICTSI said in a disclosure to the stock […]Read More