The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is looking at imposing accreditation standards among third-party collection agencies (TPCA) to enhance borrowers’ protection against abusive lending practices.
The Commission on September 30 issued for public comment the draft memorandum circular providing for the accreditation, disclosure, and oversight of TPCAs engaged by financing and lending companies.

TPCAs refer to stock corporations registered with the SEC engaged by financing and lending companies to perform debt collection services.
The draft rules aim to establish a regulatory framework that will bring TPCAs under the Commission’s direct supervision and set uniform standards of conduct for debt collection to better protect borrowers from abusive collection practices.

Accreditation
Under the draft rules, only SEC-accredited TPCAs, in addition to internal collection agents of financing and lending companies, may engage in debt collection activities.
To secure accreditation, TPCAs shall file an application with the SEC online system. Such accreditation will be valid for three years.

The agency will be included in the Commission’s registry of accredited TPCAs published and regularly updated on the online SEC database.

An accredited TPCA may apply for renewal at least 30 days before the expiration of their existing accreditation. Otherwise, it will be subjected to monetary fines.

A TPCA may also be delisted from the registry if an order is issued by the SEC Financing and Lending Companies Department finding the TPCA liable for unfair debt collection practices, as provided under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 18, Series of 2019.

Final decision or resolution of administrative or criminal cases against a TPCA and other material, serious, repeated, or willful violations of this circular, related SEC issuances and applicable laws, rules, and regulations are further grounds for delisting.

TPCAs may likewise request for their voluntary delisting from the registry.

Violations, penalties

Under the draft rules, TPCAs may also face a penalty for late filing of accreditation renewal.
Further, TPCAs found to be involved in unfair debt collection practices, including unlawful house visits and use of system-generated and automated messages, may face fines ranging from P60,000 up to P200,000.

They may face delisting and revocation of their accreditation upon fourth offense.
The Commission may also blacklist the directors and officers of TPCAs delisted for unfair debt collection practices or a material misrepresentation.

Additionally, financing and lending companies will also be subjected to fines for fraudulently engaging with non-accredited or non-disclosed TPCAs of up to P2 million. Fourth violation will result in the suspension or revocation of their certificate of authority and in exceptional cases, revocation of Articles of Incorporation.

The public may submit their comments on the proposed draft through the designated online form until October 15.

SUBIC, Zambales — From the conference room to the open sea, maritime security delegates from ASEAN Member States and Plus Partner countries came together to strengthen cooperation, exchange expertise, and build greater understanding of shared maritime challenges as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM-Plus) Experts’ Working Group on Maritime Security (EWG on MS) Joint Cooperative Activity (JCA) and Future Leaders’ Program (FLP) concluded on September 25, 2026.
The week-long activity brought participating countries together through a series of shore-based and at-sea engagements designed to strengthen interoperability, facilitate knowledge exchange, and enhance practical cooperation in the maritime domain.
Participating ADMM countries included the Brunei, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines,Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Plus partners like Australia, Japan, India, New Zealand, Republic of Korea, Russia, and the United States. France and United Kingdom also participated as international observers.
The closing ceremony featured remarks from Rear Admiral Edwin M Nera PN and Rear Admiral Terada Hiroyuki JMSDF (Ret), Co-Chairs of the ADMM-Plus EWG on MS, who highlighted the importance of sustaining dialogue and cooperation in addressing common maritime security concerns.
Serving as Guest of Honor and Speaker, Major General Edwin E Amadar PN(M), Vice Commander, Philippine Navy, underscored the significance of the multilateral engagement, emphasizing that the ASEAN-led initiative further reinforces cooperation in addressing shared maritime challenges in support of a stable, secure, and resilient Indo-Pacific region.
The JCA and FLP featured subject matter expert exchanges, discussions on key maritime security issues, shipboard activities, and coordinated at-sea exercises, providing participants opportunities to share expertise, strengthen interoperability, and enhance practical cooperation.
As co-chairs of the ADMM-Plus EWG on MS, the Philippines and Japan continue to advance initiatives that bring regional and international partners together in pursuit of greater understanding and cooperation toward a secure, peaceful, and resilient maritime region.

Subic Bay Freeport — Reflecting the robust growth of the trucking industry within the Freeport zone, New Asahi Group Subic Trading Corp. inaugurated its ₱50-million expansion facility at the Tipo Hightech Eco Park (THEP) on September 21, 2026.
“The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) takes great pride in developments like this,” said SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño. “A Freeport’s strength lies in the en-terprises that choose to invest, expand, and remain within its borders.”
Aliño noted that New Asahi Group’s decision to consolidate its expertise in sourcing, importation, reconditioning, fabrication, and after-sales support under the Apex Trucks brand, and to do so here in Subic, is a strong vote of confidence in both the Freeport and the favorable business cli-mate that the SBMA diligently maintains.
The expansion spans 5,231.60 square meters within THEP and is projected to create 25 addi-tional jobs. The facility will handle importation, exportation, transshipment, warehousing, rebuild-ing, and trading of trucks, buses, as well as heavy and industrial equipment.
New Asahi Group Subic Trading Corporation specializes in the dealership and importation of commercial vehicles, focusing on reconditioned Japanese trucks, heavy equipment, and indus-trial machinery. Operating under the Apex Trucks name, the company is involved in the import, export, transshipment, storage, rebuilding, and wholesale of trucks, buses, heavy and industrial equipment, along with new and used spare parts and accessories.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by prominent figures including SBMA Chairman Eduardo Jose L. Aliño; New Asahi Group Chairman Ahamed Mohamed Mohamed Hussain; President Shukry Hussain; CEO Riza Nazeer; SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator for Business & Invest-ment Barney W. Lee III; and Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen C. Paulino, Jr., who collectively led the ribbon-cutting.
Representatives from the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Philippines, along with Xantheng (Subic) International Corporation (XSIC) President Simon Su and XSIC Vice-President for Operations Kelly Uy, were also in attendance.
Subic Bay Freeport Zone continues to manage a consistent inflow of truck and heavy equipment imports through its major locators.
The SBMA’s Trade Facilitation and Compliance Department enforces strict registration require-ments for trucks, heavy equipment, and regulated goods, thereby supporting local port opera-tions revenue.
Port revenues and volumes of non-containerized and bulk cargo—which typically include rolling heavy machinery and break-bulk shipments—have shown sustained growth, underscoring active trade cycles for capital goods.

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) – Port of Subic, led by District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay, was recognized for its outstanding revenue collection performance for the month of August 2026 after surpassing its assigned collection target.
The recognition was formalized through a Certificate of Commendation presented by BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno to Collection District XIII and the men and women of the Port of Subic, in recognition of their dedication and exemplary performance in achieving an actual collection of ₱4.422 billion against an assigned revenue collection target of ₱4.173 billion for August 2026.
The Port exceeded its monthly target by ₱248.75 million, reflecting a 6.0% positive deviation from its assigned collection goal.
District Collector Lagmay personally attended the awarding and received the Certificate of Commendation from Commissioner Nepomuceno on behalf of the Port of Subic and its personnel.
The recognition highlights the collective efforts of the Port’s workforce in sustaining revenue collection while carrying out the Bureau’s mandate to facilitate legitimate trade, protect the country’s borders, and ensure efficient and responsive customs service.
The commendation also reinforces Commissioner Nepomuceno’s continuing call for sustained port performance anchored on good governance, accountability, and border protection.
For the Port of Subic, the recognition serves as an affirmation of the importance of teamwork and professionalism in achieving the Bureau’s objectives. It likewise encourages its personnel to sustain their commitment to integrity, accountability, and modernization in the delivery of customs service. The Port’s commitment to these principles is also aligned with the Commissioner’s Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) Movement.

Customs authorities at the Port of Subic intercepted a ₱6.669-million shipment of frozen chicken meat from Hong Kong that had been misdeclared as cooked tofu, following the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) intensified crackdown on agricultural smuggling and customs fraud.
The shipment, contained in a 40-foot container and declared as cooked tofu, was flagged for inspection following intelligence information indicating that it might contain frozen or processed food products and agricultural commodities. Examination revealed 1,380 cartons of frozen chicken breast and 174 cartons of frozen fish tofu, contrary to its declaration.
Following the discovery, the shipment was recommended for the issuance of a Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD) for violations of Republic Act No. 9711, or the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009; Rule 15(b)(4) and Rule 18(a)(1) of Joint DA-DOH Administrative Order No. 2015-0007, implementing Republic Act No. 10611, or the Food Safety Act of 2013; Article III, Section 1 of Department of Agriculture Administrative Circular No. 6, Series of 2022; in relation to Section 1113(f) of Republic Act No. 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
“The Port of Subic remains steadfast in its duty to protect our borders and ensure that all shipments entering the country comply with customs laws and regulations. Every interception is a reminder of our responsibility to safeguard legitimate trade and protect the interests of the Filipino people,” District Collector Atty. Geniefelle P. Lagmay said.
Customs Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno said the seizure demonstrates that the Bureau remains focused on its mandate despite recent organizational reforms.
“Despite the recent personnel movements and internal cleansing efforts at the Port of Subic, I expect our personnel to remain focused on protecting our borders and faithfully carrying out their responsibilities as public servants. Our commitment to preventing smuggling and safeguarding legitimate trade must remain steadfast,” Commissioner Nepomuceno said.
The Commissioner also issued a stern warning to smugglers and their protectors.
“Let this seizure serve as a warning to smugglers and those who enable or protect them, whether inside or outside government: the Bureau will relentlessly pursue violators and ensure that they are held accountable under the law,” he said.
The seizure forms part of the BOC’s sustained crackdown on smuggling and customs violations. Through these efforts, the Bureau remains committed to ensuring food safety, and securing the country’s borders in line with agency’s Integrity, Accountability, and Modernization (IAM) Movement.

Under the SM Green Movement, SM drives enhanced resource stewardship nationwide, pursuing waste circularity through reduction, segregation, and diversion. With its efforts and collaboration with industry experts, the mall operator has also diverted thousands of kilograms of recyclables from landfills and oceans yearly.
“Because SM malls are high-traffic spaces, daily waste reduction and management habits of mall-going Filipinos can be positively influenced at scale,” said Engr. Liza B. Silerio, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance.
The road to a Waste Free Future is built together
Through the years, SM has pursued circularity with its application of various sustainable waste management solutions tailored according to different categories. With the help of industry partners, recyclable waste is managed or given a second life beyond initial use.

Plastic Waste: Friends of Hope Program
With the SM Plastic Waste Collection Program, mallgoers can drop off clean, empty and dry plastic bottles, packaging, and other single-use items in any of the 15 designated drop-off sites in SM malls nationwide. In partnership with Friends of Hope, around 80,000 kilograms of consumer plastics have been diverted and processed since 2021.
“The Plastic Waste Collection (PWC) Program provides convenient collection points where mall-goers, shoppers, and tenants can responsibly dispose of their plastic waste. Our aspiration is to build a strong and growing network of institutional plastic collection sites that makes responsible plastic disposal more accessible to communities and contributes to our goal of a future with no plastic waste in nature,” said Friends of Hope Program and Operations Officer Ms. Yusaira Maon

E-waste: PLDT and Smart
To tackle the correct disposal and treatment of electronic waste (e-waste) SM’s Electronic Waste Collection (EWC) Program has been expanded through its partnership with PLDT & Smart. Special e-waste collection drop boxes are deployed in SM Cyberzone wings nationwide which have since collected an estimated 28,000 kilograms of waste from electrical and electronic equipment.

PET bottles: Sparklo and Sentinel
Earlier this year, SM has also forged a new conversion pathway for PET bottles that will be disposed in its malls. With the launch of the SM Green Recycling Machine (GRM) program in partnership with Sparklo, mallgoers can deposit their empty PET bottles in the reverse vending machines that
will be hauled by recycling partners such as Sentinel Plastic Manufacturing Corporation for reuse or upcycling. With a total of 40 machines now deployed nationwide, SM anticipates a collection of 1.5 million units of discarded PET bottles by the end of the year.
“SM’s partnership with Sparklo and the deployment of Reverse Vending Machines is a great example of how collaboration can make waste recovery more accessible, measurable, and engaging. By scaling these programs across SM’s network and with more partners, we can significantly increase waste diversion and encourage more people to participate in building a more circular economy,” said Sparklo Country Manager Ellen Quilas.

Single-use utensils: Chop Value
Additionally, through SM’s partnership with ChopValue Philippines at SM Aura, single-use chopsticks are upcycled into furniture and other practical materials such as phone stands. The partnership has collected around 130,000 units of chopsticks since June, equivalent to 6,272 kilograms of carbon dioxide avoidance.
“I think pilot projects are important because they give private companies a chance to actually try circular solutions and see what works in the real world. It’s through these small initiatives that we learn, improve the process, and eventually find ways to scale them. For us, every pilot is an opportunity to show that waste can be treated as a resource and that circularity can be part of how businesses operate,” said ChopValue’s Community Manager Dave Pascual.

"SM aims to build a cleaner, greener future one step at a time. With waste management initiatives guided by the SM Green Movement, we empower responsible waste disposal through simple, everyday action encouraged in SM malls nationwide," said Silerio.

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, PAMPANGA — The Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU) of Matain in Subic, Zambales has helped protect a rescued Philippine Serpent Eagle (Spilornis holospilus) by promptly turning it over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for proper assessment and rehabilitation.
The rescued raptor was formally received by DENR Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Olongapo City head Forester Edward Sernadilla, with wildlife enforcement officer Bryan Vallejos who conducted a preliminary health assessment and ensured the safe handling of the bird.
“We will facilitate the transfer of the eagle to the Wildlife In Nature Rescue Center in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, where it will undergo further medical evaluation and rehabilitation before its possible return to the wild,” Sernadilla reported.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo commended the Barangay Matain LGU for its prompt and responsible response, stressing that community participation is essential in protecting wildlife.
“The action of Barangay Matain shows how communities can help protect our wildlife. Promptly turning over rescued animals to the proper authorities gives them a better chance to receive the care they need and, when possible, return to their natural habitat,” Pablo said.
The Philippine Serpent Eagle is a raptor endemic to the Philippines and is commonly found in forest edges, foothills, riparian areas and cultivated landscapes. Under DENR Administrative Order No. 2019-09, it is classified under Other Wildlife Species (OWS). While it is currently assessed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), DENR has noted a declining population trend, highlighting the importance of protecting the species and its habitat.
The species is also protected under Republic Act No. 9147, or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001, which provides for the conservation and protection of wildlife and their habitats. The law prohibits unauthorized acts involving wildlife, including collecting, possessing, transporting, and trading wildlife without the required permits or authority.
The DENR encouraged the public to report rescued, injured or displaced wildlife to the nearest DENR office instead of keeping or attempting to rehabilitate them independently.
“Prompt coordination allows wildlife authorities and accredited facilities to provide appropriate assessment, treatment and rehabilitation, and determine whether an animal can eventually be returned to its natural habitat,” Pablo ended.

OLONGAPO CITY — Vittorio Vicenzo G. Vizcocho V, fondly known as “Vinci,” is bringing pride to Olongapo City as one of the young Filipino musicians recognized through the Manila Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition.
At 17 years old, Vinci is already making his mark as a classical violinist. He began playing the instrument at the age of eight and is guided by Maestro Jeffrey Solares. Known for his soulful expressiveness, Vinci continues to develop his artistry and establish himself as one of the country’s promising young musicians.
As a member of the Manila Symphony Junior Orchestra, Vinci performed in Bratislava, Slovakia, and Vienna, Austria, during the orchestra’s 2024 European tour. The MSJO won the Gold Prize and Grand Prix in Bratislava, as well as First Place with Outstanding Success in Vienna.
In 2024, Vinci became a National Finalist in the NAMCYA Junior Strings Category. In 2025, he was among the winners of the Manila Symphony Orchestra Concerto Competition, performing Felix Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto in E minor.
First launched in the 1960s, the MSO Concerto Competition has long been part of the Manila Symphony Orchestra’s mission to discover, nurture, and develop young Filipino musicians. For many distinguished soloists, the competition served as their first major break, opening opportunities for careers in the Philippines and abroad.
Following its successful revival in 2025, the competition continues as an annual tradition. Over the years, it has helped launch the careers of acclaimed artists such as pianist Cecile Licad, Cecilia Basilio-Roxas, Elizabeth Basilio, Virginia Laico-Villanueva, and Joselito Pascual.
The competition also provides young instrumentalists with the opportunity to perform as soloists with the Manila Symphony Orchestra and gain valuable experience on the concert stage. Through this continuing tradition, the MSO reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation of Filipino musicians.
From Olongapo City to prestigious concert stages in the Philippines and abroad, Vinci represents the talent, dedication, and promise of young Filipino artists. Audiences are invited to welcome him to the MSO stage as the orchestra celebrates a new generation of musicians and its enduring legacy.

Manila, Philippines – The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is supporting secure, robust, and resilient supply chains by advancing the expansion of a key ship repair facility at Subic Bay in the Philippines. USTDA’s assistance to Subic Drydock Corporation (SDC) will fund a feasibility study to support the Philippines’ capacity to serve as a regional hub for ship repair and maintenance, growing this strategically vital location along the Luzon Economic Corridor using trusted, U.S.-aligned infrastructure solutions. Subic Bay’s location along main maritime routes and deep-water harbor have long made it one of the country’s most important hubs for both trade and logistics. The agreement was signed at the USTDA-sponsored Luzon Economic Corridor Investment Forum.

“Today’s agreement reflects USTDA’s commitment to developing high-impact infrastructure along the Luzon Economic Corridor using American technologies,” said Thomas R. Hardy, USTDA’s Deputy Director. “Our ongoing partnerships in the Philippines will support the country’s economic growth as part of a more resilient, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

SDC has selected California-based DM Consulting, Inc. to conduct the study, which will help develop a construction-ready design package and financial analyses to expand the facility’s approach pier, allowing SDC to accommodate larger vessels. The study will be essential for mobilizing necessary financing for procurement and construction. By ensuring early engagement of qualified U.S. firms, the activity will generate opportunities to deploy high-quality American engineering, port infrastructure, and equipment solutions, positioning U.S. companies competitively against regional alternatives.

Growing demand for ship repair services requires enhancement of existing infrastructure to overcome capacity constraints. The project is expected to bolster logistics infrastructure and maritime services across the Luzon Economic Corridor, helping position Subic Bay as a vital regional supply chain hub and supporting long-term economic opportunity for the Philippines.

SDC Owner Terry Watkins, said: “We are deeply grateful to USTDA for its support and partnership. The feasibility study will help validate the requirements for extending the Approach Pier by an additional 169 meters. This extension will allow us to accommodate larger vessels and undertake repairs that are currently not possible due to draft and berth limitations. This important project will strengthen our ability to serve select U.S. and Philippine maritime customers while enhancing Subic’s capacity as a regional ship repair hub.”

Sponsored by USTDA, the Forum brought together more than 600 investors, industry leaders, and government officials to mobilize private-sector investment and accelerate commercial partnerships in transportation, energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing supply chains. It featured deal signings, project pitches, and discussions focused on improving connectivity, strengthening supply chains, and unlocking private investment across the Corridor.

Ambassador Lipton, who led the U.S. delegation, described the Forum as an example of the Trump Administration’s strong commitment to creating new opportunities for American companies and workers as well as advancing mutual prosperity for the United States, the Philippines, and the Indo-Pacific region.

“The United States is all-in on the Luzon Economic Corridor because it’s good for the Philippines and good for America,” said Ambassador Lipton. “It means more investment, stronger supply chains, and high quality jobs in both our countries.”

The Forum also demonstrated growing momentum across the Corridor, with several new investments and agreements announced, including USTDA funding to advance the expansion of a key port ship repair facility at Subic Bay and to increase trusted, reliable digital connectivity by piloting AI-enhanced U.S.-made Wi-Fi access points across the Philippines.

The governments of the United States and the Philippines signed the $60 million Philippines Energy Threshold Program through the Millennium Challenge Corporation to modernize governance of the country’s energy sector and address the high cost and unreliability of power, improve the environment for investment, and expand opportunities for American commercial engagement.

Global interest in the Luzon Economic Corridor continues to grow. The LEC partnership – which currently includes Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, South Korea, Sweden and the United Kingdom – expanded at the Forum to include the European Union and Spain.

Secretary Frederick Go thanked the EU and Spain for their support and trust, noting that the growing partnership can help advance projects that deliver concrete gains for the people.

“We are working toward tangible results: better infrastructure, stronger connectivity and supply chains, more investment, more jobs, and greater opportunities for the Filipino people,” he said.

Japan, the United States, and the Philippines, guided by the vision of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP),” have been advancing cooperation across a wide range of areas such as infrastructure, energy, digital connectivity, and supply chain resilience.

“The Luzon Economic Corridor is a prime example of such cooperation, which holds significant potential to enhance connectivity and promote further economic development in the Philippines,” said Chargé d’Affaires ad interim Ono Sho. “Japan looks forward to this Investment Forum serving as a platform to connecting public- and private-sector stakeholders, creating new investment and business opportunities, and contributing to enhanced connectivity across Luzon.”

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About the Luzon Economic Corridor

The Luzon Economic Corridor initiative is a partnership that accelerates coordinated investment to create jobs and advance a more connected, competitive, and prosperous Philippines.  Led by the Philippines, United States, and Japan, with a growing group of partner nations, the initiative focuses investment in transportation and logistics, energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing along the economic corridor stretching from Subic Bay and Clark through Manila to Batangas – a region representing 50 percent of the Philippines’ GDP.  Together, these investments create new opportunities for businesses and workers, strengthen economic security and supply chains, and help make the Philippines an even more competitive destination for global investment.