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by Info @Brand Zone | February 26, 2026



Pag-IBIG

Pag-IBIG Fund returns at least 70% of its annual net income to members as dividends. In 2024, the agency declared dividend rates of 6.60% for Regular Savings and 7.10% for Modified Pag-IBIG 2 (MP2) Savings, its highest since the pandemic.



Pag-IBIG Fund said its investment income rose nearly 50% to ₱9.43 billion in 2025, reinforcing the agency’s strong fiscal position and helping sustain affordable home financing and growing member savings, officials said Wednesday (Feb. 25).


The stronger investment earnings helped lift Pag-IBIG Fund’s overall financial standing. At year-end 2025, the agency’s total assets rose to ₱1.23 trillion, while its gross investment portfolio increased to ₱190.13 billion, up ₱55.27 billion or 41.0% from year-end 2024. A large portion of the portfolio was invested in government securities, with the remainder placed in time deposits, corporate bonds and preferred shares, officials said, adding that these instruments undergo rigorous review and are subject to established safeguards.


“Pag-IBIG Fund’s investment growth demonstrates our commitment to responsible stewardship of our members’ savings,” said Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Secretary Jose Ramon P. Aliling, who also chairs the Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. “Through sound governance and prudent financial management, we continue to strengthen Pag-IBIG Fund’s financial position and secure its long-term stability. This allows us to grow our members’ savings, deliver competitive returns, and sustain affordable home loans under the Expanded 4PH program. In doing so, we answer President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for government to deliver benefits and services to help uplift the lives of more Filipinos.”


Of Pag-IBIG Fund’s total assets as of year-end, housing-related assets accounted for ₱922.07 billion, while ₱96.41 billion were in short-term loans. Income-generating investments totaled ₱190.00 billion, with the remaining ₱25.98 billion in other assets such as property and equipment, cash, and intangible assets.


Meanwhile, Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta emphasized that investment decisions are undertaken within a strong governance framework designed to protect members’ savings.


“It is our responsibility to manage and grow the Filipino workers’ fund with prudence and integrity,” Acosta said. “All our investments are lawful, prudent, and fully compliant with our internal protocols and Board-granted authorities, with regular reporting to the Board to ensure transparency and accountability. Our members can be assured that every peso is managed with the highest regard for safety, sustainability, and their best interest.”


Acosta said stronger investment income supports Pag-IBIG Fund’s mandate of delivering competitive returns to members while sustaining housing and short-term loan programs nationwide.


“Every peso entrusted to Pag-IBIG Fund must be managed with safety, sustainability, and long-term value in mind. When we invest well, members benefit through stronger dividends, and more Filipino families benefit through affordable home financing,” she added.


Under its Charter, Pag-IBIG Fund returns at least 70% of its annual net income to members as dividends. In 2024, the agency declared dividend rates of 6.60% for Regular Savings and 7.10% for Modified Pag-IBIG 2 (MP2) Savings, its highest since the pandemic. Pag-IBIG Fund is expected to announce its 2025 dividend rates on Friday, Feb. 27.


Pag-IBIG Fund said it remains focused on growing members’ savings while keeping home financing within reach of more Filipino families.

 
 

by Info @Brand Zone | January 29, 2026



Maris Racal para sa Casino Plus


P30M Champion Prize, Exciting Perks, and a Special Appearance of Maris Racal Exclusively for Qualified VIP Players


Manila, Philippines — Reinforcing its commitment to premium, player-first engaging experiences, Casino Plus elevates entertainment and leisure for its online users with the live Second Baccarat Tournament Grand Finals on 31 January 2026, exclusively for its qualified VIP players at the Newport World Resorts.



Unparalleled Entertainment Experience


This year’s tournament features a prize pool of up to ₱52 million, with the Champion set to take home ₱30 million. Compared to the ₱5 million champion prize previously seen in publicly announced tournaments in the Philippines. This year’s top prize is approximately six times higher, setting a new benchmark for local baccarat tournament payouts. 

 




"Our priority has always been to craft player-first experiences built around trust, fairness, and responsible gaming.” said Evan Spytma, The BEST ONLINE CASINO in the Philippines CEO of Casino Plus. “The Second Baccarat Tournament Grand Finals is our way of giving back to the players who are at the heart of Casino Plus. We endeavor to deliver entertainment that is not only thrilling, but thoughtfully designed and rewarding, elevating every touchpoint of the Casino Plus ecosystem." 


"What makes this tournament special is how it seamlessly bridges the online excitement our players love with an elevated in-person championship experience. It’s a dynamic evolution of our platform, bringing digital energy into real life in a premium, unforgettable way. From luxurious accommodations to exclusive entertainment and multi-million prizes, we designed the Grand Finals to honor our online users with the kind of hospitality and excitement they won’t find anywhere else," Spytma shared.



A Distinctive and Luxurious Hospitality, Leisure, and Dining Experience for Participants


This year’s edition introduces key upgrades from the inaugural tournament. Qualified face-to-face participants will have the ultimate pampering experience, comprised of a complimentary two-night luxurious five-star accommodation, lavish and refined dining options, and round-trip airfare or land transfers. This curated leisure journey sets the tone, helping participants reset and gear up for the thrills of competition.

 




The championship finals will mark the event’s most thrilling peak. Casino Plus will welcome its ambassador, Maris Racal, as a special guest performer on-site, giving audiences an up-close live performance from the popular actress, singer, and songwriter. On finals day, spectators will witness the crowning moment and immerse themselves in the full championship atmosphere, making the day not only a competitive highlight but also a memorable entertainment experience. Casino Plus hereby formally invites fans and members of the public aged twenty-one (21) years old and above to join us on-site on January 31 to witness the championship moment live.



 


Championship Rewards


The championship finals will mark the event’s most thrilling peak. Casino Plus will welcome its ambassador, Maris Racal, as a special guest to present the awards, giving audiences an up-close experience with the popular actress, singer, and songwriter. On finals day, spectators will witness the crowning moment and immerse themselves in the full championship atmosphere, making the day not only a competitive highlight but also a memorable entertainment experience. Casino Plus hereby formally invites fans and members of the public aged twenty-one (21) years old and above to join us on-site on January 31 to witness the championship moment live.





Qualifiers in the Online Matches 


The Casino Plus Baccarat Tournament officially kicked off online in September 2025. From September to November, the tournament advanced through monthly rounds, with the top five finishers each month earning direct qualification for the Grand Finals. In addition to the monthly qualifiers, the tournament also featured a Wild Card route that opened on December 1 and culminated in a final showdown on December 20. The top 20 Wild Card performers, together with invited VIP entrants, completed the Grand Finals roster to compete for the ultimate championship.


The on-site Grand Finals at Newport will be played across multiple baccarat rounds, with fixed hands and time limits, and enhanced by elements such as secret betting cards to raise the competitive intensity. All participants must pass eligibility checks and compete in person; proxy participation or substitute play is strictly prohibited to safeguard fairness and tournament order. Qualified finalists will face off head-to-head on the main stage for the tournament’s highest honors.


The tournament is open to Casino Plus–registered users aged 21 and above, subject to full KYC verification supported by a valid government-issued ID.


For more information, visit casinoplus.com.ph or follow https://www.facebook.com/CasinoPlusPH


 
 

by Info @Brand Zone | January 9, 2026



PR No. 2026-01 - January 6, 2026



PhilHealth welcomes the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to implement a one-time waiver program for incurred interests from missed premium payments. This is a concrete measure to help employers, self-employed individuals, and other covered members settle long standing contribution obligations and restore good standing with the National Health Insurance Program. 


The waiver policy underscores the administration's commitment to fairness, economic recovery, and sustained access to healthcare by addressing the accumulated burden of interest arising from missed premium payments. 


To provide clarity, the one-time waiver applies strictly to interest charges, and does not cover unpaid premium contributions. The policy is designed to assist employers and self-employed individuals whose arrears have ballooned primarily because of compounded interest, while ensuring continuous delivery of benefits of employees and members of PhilHealth.  


To further ease the financial burden on covered entities, PhilHealth is providing a one-year settlement window from the effectivity of the Circular, during which outstanding premium contributions may be paid. Employers who settle earlier within the prescribed period may qualify for greater reductions in interest, including partial or full waiver, depending on the length of the payment term. 


For the employed sector, the guidelines for availing waiver will be published soon. Meanwhile, the detailed implementing mechanics for the self-employed sector are being finalized and will be issued separately to ensure proper guidance and orderly implementation. 


As part of the program safeguards, employers availing of the one-time waiver are required to register their employees under the Yaman ng Kalusugan Program (YAKAP) and ensure completion of the First Patient Encounter (FPE), in line with PhilHealth policy. This requirement reinforces the intent of the waiver—not only to recover missed contributions, but also to connect workers and their families to accessible primary care services.


PhilHealth encourages all eligible employers and members to take advantage of this limited, one-time opportunity, and advises the public to await official announcements for further details on implementation timelines and payment arrangement options, particularly for the self-employed sector. 


For more information, employers may contact PhilHealth’s 24/7 hotline at (02) 866-225-88 or at mobile numbers (Smart) 0998-857-2957, 0968-865-4670, (Globe) 0917-1275987 or 0917-1109812.


 
 
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