$PHI

The Philippine SEC removed several long-tenured independent directors from listed companies after SEC Memorandum Circular 7 (effective Feb. 1, 2026) capped independent director service at nine cumulative years. The article cites replacements at GMA Network, PLDT, Petron, Meralco, San Miguel, Pilipinas Shell, D&L Industries, Puregold, Filinvest, PAL Holdings, SSI Group, Philex Mining, Wilcon Depot and PSE-listed boards. SEC chair Francis Lim said compliance was satisfied but results are too early

PLDT Home introduced “Fiber Unli All” bundled plans combining unlimited fiber internet, Cignal TV, HBO Max, 9GB Smart mobile data, and unlimited landline calls. Plans are priced at PHP 1,499, 1,899, and 2,599 per month, according to PLDT. The bundle targets connected households needing home and mobile connectivity plus entertainment.

PLDT Home partnered with GCash to let customers reload PLDT Home Fiber Prepaid via GCash GLoad, according to PLDT Home and GCash. The reloads come with rewards, discounts, and promos. PLDT Home’s Fiber Prepaid is priced at P999 for 30 days up to 50 Mbps, with reload options from 1 to 365 days up to 300 Mbps.

PLDT, Inc. reported a 1.77% decrease in first-quarter attributable net income to P8.87 billion, despite a 2.23% rise in revenue, due to higher operating expenses. The company saw strong performance in wireless services and data consumption, and is moving to fully acquire Radius Telecoms, Inc. for P2.94 billion. PLDT maintained its capital expenditure program, setting a lower budget for 2026 focused on efficiency.

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc., in partnership with ATRIEV, conducted a three-day cyber safety workshop for 25 visually impaired women and girls at the Philippine National School for the Blind. This initiative, part of their IDEATe program, aimed to equip participants with knowledge about online risks like phishing and scams, and practical cyber hygiene strategies. The program emphasizes inclusive digital education to ensure underserved sectors can safely navigate the online world.

Amidst rising fuel costs and inflationary pressures, PLDT Home is supporting the Filipino workforce by offering free installation and speed boosts to facilitate seamless work-from-home transitions. The initiative includes waived installation fees, faster speeds for new subscribers, and value-added perks like entertainment access and an "Always On" modem for service continuity. PLDT Home also enhanced its Fiber Prepaid services with faster speeds and flexible load options to provide budget-friendly and reliable connectivity.

PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications, Inc. have announced their readiness to restrict access to Roblox following government concerns about the platform's safety for children. This decision comes after reports of exploited user-generated content leading to potential abuse and violent extremism on the platform. The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) is collaborating with industry partners to assess appropriate actions to create a safer digital environment for children.

Analysts expect strong investor interest in PLDT Inc.'s plan to list its data center business, VITRO Inc., as a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). The move is seen as strategic for unlocking value, raising funds, and offering new investment opportunities in digital infrastructure, especially with amended REIT rules and growing demand for data centers driven by digital transformation and AI. This initiative is anticipated to diversify the Philippine equity market and strengthen the country's position as a digital hub in ASEAN.

PLDT Inc.'s attributable net income decreased by 7.12% to P30.01 billion in 2025 due to higher expenses and flat core earnings. The company is now considering a real estate investment trust (REIT) listing for its data center business, VITRO, after abandoning plans to sell a minority stake, as potential investors sought majority control. Maya Group, jointly owned by PLDT and First Pacific Co. Ltd., reported its first full-year profit, with an IPO targeted for the second half of the year.

PLDT Inc. has been included in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 for the second consecutive year, recognizing its strong performance in corporate sustainability. The company achieved a score of 77 in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment, placing it among the top performers globally in the telecommunications industry. This achievement reflects PLDT's commitment to integrating sustainable business practices and managing ESG risks.