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The SEC just raised the compliance bar for solo corporations. Global tariffs moved again after a US court ruling. FMCG growth is slowing. A solar mega-project powers up. And an 80-year-old bus company proves four generations can still run strong. If you run a business, invest, or just want to stay sharp, this issue matters.

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TOP STORY
SEC Tightens The Rules For One-Person Corporations

Big Picture

Securities and Exchange Commission just made life clearer, and stricter, for one-person corporations. In Memorandum Circular No. 10, Series of 2026, the regulator rolled out a full compliance checklist covering officer appointments, financial statements, and bond posting requirements.

What Changes

OPCs must appoint a treasurer, corporate secretary, and other officers within 20 days of incorporation or face a ₱10,000 fine. Annual financial statements must be filed within 120 days after fiscal year-end, with late penalties starting at ₱5,000 and climbing to ₱27,000 for repeat violations depending on earnings. (Read the Full SEC MC No. 10)

Audit Thresholds

OPCs with assets or liabilities above ₱3 million must submit audited financial statements starting fiscal years ending Dec. 31, 2025. Smaller firms can file statements with a sworn management responsibility form instead.

Bond Requirement

If the single owner also acts as treasurer, a surety bond of up to ₱5 million or more may be required depending on authorized capital stock.

Why It Matters

Running a solo corporation just got more structured. Compliance is no longer optional paperwork. It now comes with clear rules and real penalties.

FOUNDER FILES
From One Truck to a Thousand Buses: Victory Liner’s 80‑Year Playbook

Zoom Out
From one postwar truck, Victory Liner grew by following a simple rule: “We profit most by giving the service that is best.”​

The Playbook
They kept upgrading the ride: building their own terminals, adding air‑conditioned and deluxe buses, Wi‑Fi, better stops, and even cargo services like Drop & Go.

Behind that are systems: strict safety training, “running time” rules to curb speeding, and professionalized operations.​ And they invested in people and place, multi‑generation employees, a family‑style culture, and a foundation that supports Northern Luzon communities.

Result: an 80‑year‑old family brand that’s still the transport company of choice.

BUSINESS & INVESTMENT
Trump Raises Global Tariffs to 15% After Supreme Court Setback

President Donald Trump increased global tariffs to 15% from 10% effective immediately after the Supreme Court ruled he exceeded his authority under a 1977 emergency law. The duties are temporary under trade law and may need congressional approval, adding fresh uncertainty for global trade and prices.

FMCG Growth to Slow in 2026

The Philippines’ fast-moving consumer goods sector is expected to grow 3% to 4% in 2026, slower than 5.2% in 2025, as the economy weakens, Worldpanel by Numerator said. GDP rose 4.4% last year while inflation reached 2% in January. Older consumers, pet owners, and OFW families are seen driving spending.

BIR Seizes Illegal Cigarettes, Protects ₱460M in Revenue

The Bureau of Internal Revenue said recent raids in Pampanga seized illegal cigarettes, equipment, and fake tax stamps worth ₱460.9 million in protected revenues. Operations with the PNP-CIDG targeted warehouses in San Fernando and San Simon. The agency is preparing criminal charges against those involved.

Exporters Expect Boost After US Tariff Ruling

Philippine exporters expect stronger demand after the US Supreme Court struck down Trump’s 19% reciprocal tariffs. Philexport said the ruling restores fair trade, though a temporary 10% surcharge will apply for up to 150 days. Electronics worth $49.96 billion and key farm exports remain competitive.

TECH
World’s Largest Solar-Battery Project Starts Operations in PH

Meralco PowerGen switched on the first phase of its MTerra Solar project in Nueva Ecija and Bulacan, adding 2.5 GW of solar power as part of a 3.5 GW facility. (Read More)

Los Angeles Sues Roblox Over Child Safety Concerns

Los Angeles County sued Roblox in superior court, alleging weak moderation and age checks expose children to sexual content and predators, as the platform reports 100 million daily users. (Read More)

Scotland Deploys Robot Dog to Sniff Whisky Leaks

Dewar’s whisky warehouses use a Boston Dynamics robot dog with an ethanol sensor to detect leaking barrels, helping protect the quality of Scotch and reduce losses in the spirits industry. (Read more)

Strava Adds Five New Activity Modes

Strava has added basketball, cricket, dance, padel, and volleyball to its tracking options, giving over 180 million users more ways to record workouts and better reflect their training patterns worldwide. (Read more)

HEALTH & SCIENCE

Click the headlines to read more of the articles

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope released a new image of the Egg Nebula, the closest known pre-planetary nebula to Earth, showing fresh dust shells and twin light beams from a dying star.

A total lunar eclipse will redden the Moon early March 3, 2026, as Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, with totality visible in parts of Asia, Australia, and the Americas.

Scientists analyzing tumors from nearly 500 pet cats found genetic changes similar to human cancers, including breast cancer, offering potential new treatment targets for both animals and people.

A new study found that common flea and tick medicines for dogs and cats can enter soil through pet waste, potentially harming dung-feeding insects vital for ecosystems and soil health.

QUICK HITS

Landfill Collapse in Rizal Leaves 50 Feared Missing

About 50 people are feared missing after part of a landfill in Rodriguez, Rizal collapsed, residents allege intimidation. (Read more)

Palace Denies Road Incident Involving Presidential Son

Malacañang denied reports of a road harassment incident involving a presidential son on North Luzon Expressway Saturday evening. (Read more)

Viral Bullying in Ilocos Sur Investigated

Police and DepEd are probing a viral bullying incident at Quinarayan Elementary School, while the victim’s family plans a complaint. (Read more)

Sara Duterte Reveals Running Mate Recruited for 2028 Bid

Vice President Sara Duterte said she recruited a running mate for her 2028 presidential bid, identity still undisclosed. (Read more)

12-Year-Old Girl Found Headless in Toledo City, Cebu

Authorities investigate after 12-year-old Crystal Joy Abarquez was found tied to a tree, with suspect under police questioning. (Read more)

WORLD STORIES
Three Men Injured at Japan’s Naked Festival in Okayama

During Okayama’s annual Eyo festival, where men in white loincloths compete for sacred wooden talismans, three were left unconscious and three others hospitalized, part of injuries common at the event.

Trump Raises Us Global Tariffs to 15% After Court Ruling

After the Supreme Court struck down his previous levies as unconstitutional, President Trump increased global tariffs from 10 to 15 percent, affecting businesses seeking repayment of the $133 billion already collected.

Floreana Giant Tortoise Returns to Galápagos After Nearly 200 Years

The Floreana giant tortoise, extinct due to whaling, has been reintroduced to its namesake island after a back-breeding program using partial descendants, restoring a key species to the Galápagos ecosystem.

ATBP…

📝 Gen Z skips alcohol for wellness and unique social events, reshaping nightlife and social habits.

📝 Mama Lulu embraces her LGBTQIA+ children with love, expanding understanding while staying true to faith.

📝 Two Pangasinan bettors win PHP45 million Grand Lotto jackpot, four others claim smaller prizes.

📝 Resident Evil Requiem leaks online, Capcom warns fans of spoilers.

📝 Viral monkey Punch comforted with stuffed orangutan after mother rejects him. (Read more)

WORTH YOUR TIME

Foodie & Heritage
  • Video: Panlasang Pinoy – The "Bible" of Filipino cooking. If you're moving abroad or living alone for the first time, this is your survival guide. (Watch on YouTube)

  • App: Booky – Still the best app for finding "Buy 1 Get 1" food deals and booking salon appointments in the city. (Get the deals)

  • Book: "The Governor-General's Kitchen" by Felice Prudente Sta. Maria – A beautiful book about the history of Philippine food during the Spanish era. (Find a copy)

  • Tool: Google Keep – The simplest way to keep your "palengke" list synced between your phone and your partner’s. (Download Here)

Historybook: Martial Law Declared
In 1972, Ferdinand Marcos imposed martial law, citing threats from communists and separatists. Civil liberties were suspended, opposition silenced, and cronies gained power. The regime’s corruption and repression scarred a generation.

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