'Serious business losses' force oldest bus firm in PH, Asia to full stop

'Serious business losses' force oldest bus firm in PH, Asia to full stop

MANILA, Philippines — After nearly 112 years in service, the Philtranco Bus Company announced it was shutting down its operations due to "serious business losses," its President and CEO Manuel Sabban said. In a letter to employees dated Feb. 2, Sabban said they would cease operations effective March 30, 2026. "For years, we have fought an uphill battle to keep our wheels turning. However, due to serious business losses, we can no longer sustain our business operations," Sabban said.. He also saluted the company's drivers, conductors, maintenance and office staff for their hard work and dedication. "Philtranco is more than a bus line; it is a century long legacy built on your sweat and dedication," he said. The bus company also changed its Facebook profile photo to a darker shade, symbolizing its closure. Started in 1914, Philtranco is known as the bus company with a nationwide public transport franchise, with 250 buses serving passengers across the country — from PITX to Davao City and several other nationwide routes. It is also the oldest bus operator in the Philippines and in Asia. According to its website, Philtranco has over 100 destinations nationwide and 200 daily trips, as well as serving over a million "happy" passengers. "We combine decades of experience with modern amenities to give you the best travel experience," Philtranco's website read.

Manila Water’s UP Sewerage System Network project to adopt NEREDA technology

Manila Water’s UP Sewerage System Network project to adopt NEREDA technology

MANILA, Philippines – Manila Water Company, Inc. and the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman marked a major milestone in sustainable infrastructure as the turnover process for the 5 million liters per day (MLD) NEREDA Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) begins following the successful one-year process-proving period. The project was implemented to accommodate the increased wastewater flow generated by the expansion of the UP Sewerage System Network Project while ensuring full compliance with national regulatory and environmental standards, particularly DENR Administrative Orders (DAO) 2016-08 and 2021-19. NEREDA® is a modern wastewater treatment process that uses compact aerobic granules, allowing quicker settling, […]... Keep on reading: Manila Water’s UP Sewerage System Network project to adopt NEREDA technology

Cebu Pacific passengers up 6.2% to 2.7M in January

Cebu Pacific passengers up 6.2% to 2.7M in January

MANILA, Philippines — Cebu Pacific recorded a 6.2-percent increase in passenger traffic in January, with holiday travel demand spilling over into the start of the year, alongside expanded seat capacity. In a disclosure on Friday, the Gokongwei-led low-cost carrier said it had carried 2.73 million passengers in January, up from 2.57 million in the same month last year. Seats offered by the airline rose 9.9 percent to 3.27 million in January from 2.97 million a year earlier. However, Cebu Pacific’s seat load factor — the ratio of passengers to available seats — dipped to 83.6 percent from 86.5 percent a […]... Keep on reading: Cebu Pacific passengers up 6.2% to 2.7M in January

Mark Villar seeks expanded accessible polling sites for seniors, PWDs

Mark Villar seeks expanded accessible polling sites for seniors, PWDs

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Mark Villar has filed Senate Bill No. 1698, a measure that would broaden existing rules on accessible polling places to cover not only senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs), but also pregnant women and indigenous peoples (IPs). The bill, titled the “Better Voting Accessibility for Seniors, PWDs, Pregnant Women, and IPs Act,” proposes amendments to Republic Act No. 10366, the 2013 law that authorized the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to establish precincts assigned to accessible polling places exclusively for PWDs and senior citizens. In a statement accompanying the filing, Villar said vulnerable voters continue to […]... Keep on reading: Mark Villar seeks expanded accessible polling sites for seniors, PWDs

Keppel Philippines Properties controlling shareholders sell out

Keppel Philippines Properties controlling shareholders sell out

MANILA, Philippines — Majority shareholders of Keppel Philippines Properties Inc. have signed an agreement to sell their combined 86.83-percent stake in the listed firm to Forward Synergy Group Inc. In a disclosure on Friday, the company said it was informed by Keppel Ltd., Keppel Management Ltd., Molten Pte. Ltd. and KEPwealth Inc. — collectively referred to as the sellers — that they had signed the deal with Forward Synergy Group Inc. on Feb. 12. The sellers agreed to sell the shares for an aggregate cash consideration of P472.7 million, equivalent to P1.8526 per share. READ: BDO takes full control of Podium […]... Keep on reading: Keppel Philippines Properties controlling shareholders sell out

Marcos kicks off phase 2 of Chinatown rehab

Marcos kicks off phase 2 of Chinatown rehab

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday launched the second phase of the Chinatown Revitalization Project in the historic district of Binondo, Manila. During the official launch at the Hotel Lucky Chinatown in Binondo, Marcos said the initiative affirms the long-standing bond of trade and cultural exchange between the Philippines and China. READ: Palace on Marcos, Bersamin text claims: `We have not seen anything’ “Binondo, founded in 1594, is described as the world’s oldest Chinatown. Beyond its age, what makes this place special is its long story of commerce, faith, and culture between Filipinos and the Chinese community,” he […]... Keep on reading: Marcos kicks off phase 2 of Chinatown rehab