THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026
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RODERICK T. DELA CRUZ, Editor
ALENA MAE S. FLORES, Asst. Editor
AC Health signs deal with Taisho
By Jenniffer B. Austria
AYALA Healthcare Holdings Inc., or AC Health, has partnered with Japanbased Taisho Pharmaceutical Co. to broaden access to healthcare products in the Philippines.
AC Health said in a statement that the partnership aims to combine Taisho’s global healthcare expertise and the company’s local distribution network to bring more medicines and wellness products to Filipino consumers.
“AC Health continues to improve the affordability, accessibility and availability of medicines for the Filipino consumer,” said Yet Abarca, president and chief executive officer of AC Health Pharma. “We look forward to bringing high-quality and innovative Japanese products across AC Health’s growing network of over 900 pharmacies, 300 corporate clinics, 17 multispecialty centers and seven hospitals.”
The collaboration adds to AC Health’s growing partnerships with Japanese companies, including its recent tie-up with Sugi Pharmacy, a leading Japanese drugstore chain.
Founded in 1912, Taisho Pharmaceutical is one of Japan’s leading healthcare companies and is known for its portfolio of over-the-counter medicines and health products, including Tempra, Flanax, Bonamine, Vivalyte, Biofermin, Luseco and Locoa.
Jiang Peng, president of Taisho Pharmaceuticals Philippines Inc., said the collaboration underscores the Japanese firm’s long-term commitment to the Philippine market.
“This collaboration reflects Taisho’s long-term commitment to the Philippine market, our strong confidence in AC Health and AC Health Pharma, and our shared vision of helping more Filipinos live healthier and better lives through greater access to world-class healthcare products, services and innovations from Japan,” Peng said.
AC Health, the healthcare arm of Ayala Corp., has been expanding its footprint in pharmacies, clinics, hospitals and specialty care centers as it seeks to build an integrated healthcare ecosystem in the Philippines. The company’s goal is to expand to at least 10 hospitals, 300 clinics and 1,150 pharmacies by 2027.
PSEi
plunges
2.1% on rate hike jitters ahead of BSP meet
PHILIPPINE shares extended their decline Wednesday as investors continued to lock in gains after the market’s recent rally and ahead of the upcoming policy meeting of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
The Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) plunged 2.10 percent, or 130.94 points, to close at 6,114.81, while the broader all shares index dropped 1.27 percent, or 43.53 points, to 3,381.50.
Philstocks Financial Inc. said investors turned cautious ahead of the BSP meeting Thursday, when traders expect a 25- to 50-basis-point rate hike due to a rising inflation rate.
While inflation slowed to 6.8 percent in
May from 7.2 percent in April, the figure is still above the BSP’s 2 percent to 4 percent target range.
Trading remained active, with total value turnover reaching P8.23 billion on a volume of 566.15 million shares. Losers outnumbered gainers, 90 to 72, while 62 issues were unchanged.
Services stocks led the decline, sinking 4.59 percent, followed by holding firms, which fell 2.67 percent. Mining and oil dropped 1.62 percent, while property and industrial shares slipped 1.22 percent and 0.34 percent, respectively.
Financial stocks bucked the broader market weakness, rising 1.37 percent.
Globe Telecom Inc. was the day’s top index gainer, up 5.05 percent to P1,809 after the company reported a planned initial public offering of e-wallet giant GCash. On the other hand, International Container Terminal Services Inc. was the main index laggard, down 6.25 percent to P900 pesos.
The peso held steady against the U.S. dollar Wednesday, closing at 60.393 from 60.32 on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, oil prices extended losses Wednesday and most equity markets rose, fueled by the US-Iran deal, with attention now on peace talks and the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Jenniffer B. Austria with AFP
By Darwin G. Amojelar
PLDT Home, power distribution giant Manila Electric Co., and solar energy solutions provider MSpectrum have entered into a strategic partnership to help Filipino families build smarter, more connected and more sustainable homes while managing rising energy costs.
The collaboration reflects a shared commitment within the MVP Group to leverage the strengths of its companies, delivering practical innovations that improve everyday life and support the nation’s transition toward a digital, green future.
“One of the priorities that I have set across our organizations is to work together to create innovations that deliver greater value and meaningful impact for Filipinos. This partnership between PLDT Home, Meralco
Daraga-Legazpi Diversion Road, Bogtong, Legazpi City Contact No. 09753729932
NOTICE OF ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS’ MEETING
DEAR STOCKHOLDERS:
Please be informed that the Annual Stockholders’ Meeting of Allied Care Experts (ACE) Medical Center- Legazpi, Inc. (“ACE-LEGAZPI”)
are available at the Corporation’s website at www.acemclegazpi.com
You may contact the undersigned via email at acemedicallegazpi@gmail.com or acemclegazpi@gmail.com at mobile number: 09753729932/09257800974 if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting.
and MSpectrum reflects that commitment by bringing together connectivity and energy solutions that can help improve everyday life while contributing to a more sustainable future for our communities and our nation,” Manuel Pangilinan, PLDT and Meralco chairman and chief executive, said. As energy costs continue to rise and digital connectivity becomes increasingly vital for work, education, entertainment and entrepreneurship, the partnership creates long-term value for households while supporting the country’s transition toward cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The collaboration is expected to help meet the growing demand for smart-home solutions among Filipino families seeking greater control over their energy consumption without compromising access to reliable digital services.
SM LEISURE Resort and Residences, a unit of SM Prime Holdings Inc., is targeting the turnover of Balea Suites at Pico Terraces in Hamilo Coast, Batangas, by the fourth quarter of 2027 amid strong demand for resortthemed residential developments.
Balea Suites forms part of the P3 billion Pico Terraces project, a five-building residential community within the 5,900-hectare Hamilo Coast estate. It is the second tower launched under the development, following Ardea Suites in 2023. Both buildings reached their topping-off milestone in April 2025.
undersigned via email at acemedicallegazpi@gmail.com or acemclegazpi@gmail.com at mobile number: 09753729932/09257800974 if you have inquiries/concerns regarding the meeting. Very truly yours,
RICO D. MADLANGBAYAN Corporate Secretary
“Market reception for Balea Suites has been strong, with most units already taken up,” Imee Francisco, senior vice president and head of Costa del Hamilo Inc., said in a statement to the stock exchange. “The distinct seaside setting, exclusivity and amenities of Hamilo Coast make the project a compelling option for discerning buyers.”
Marketed as a “resort within a resort,” Pico Terraces provides residents with access
to exclusive amenities while remaining connected to the broader Hamilo Coast estate.
Unit owners also receive bundled club shares that grant access to the Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club.
According to SM Leisure Resort and Residences, demand has been driven largely by millennials and Generation X buyers from southern Metro Manila and nearby urban centers looking for vacation homes and long-term lifestyle investments in a low-density coastal community.
“Buyers are responding to Pico Terraces because it offers an accessible entry point into elevated, nature-inspired living,” Francisco said. “Pico de Loro’s sea-and-mountain setting gives the project a distinct sense of place that is difficult to replicate.”
Aside from beach access and mountain views, Pico Terraces will feature swimming pools, fitness facilities and landscaped picnic grounds designed to provide a quieter residential environment within the estate.
Jenniffer B. Austria
EASTWEST DONATION. EastWest Rural Bank, the rural banking arm of EastWest Banking Corp., donates 20 smartphones to
the Department of Education’s Learner Support Center to strengthen the responsiveness of learner protection services nationwide, including mental health, child welfare, and anti-bullying initiatives. The turnover was held during the YAKAP at Kalinga Caravan, which traveled across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
FREE DONUT. Atome Philippines has partnered with Dunkin’ to offer Atome cardholders a free classic donut at any of 139 participating Dunkin’ stores across Metro Manila. To claim the offer, cardholders must spend P300