Cotabato City’s Ongoing Push for Cashless Payments via GCash Simplifies Tax, Fee Payments

Paying government fees in Cotabato City has become faster, safer, and more convenient as the local government unit (LGU) officially rolled out cashless payment options with GCash, the Philippines’ leading finance superapp and largest cashless ecosystem.

Since the partnership launch in May 2024, the initiative has introduced Scan to Pay and Bills Pay features that allow citizens to settle local taxes and fees directly from their mobile phones using the GCash app. This effort eliminates long lines at city offices and reduces the risks that come with manual cash transactions.

The move addresses long-standing challenges in an LGU’s collection system: prolonged queues, cash-handling inefficiencies, limited payment channels, and the lack of digital infrastructure. These issues have affected operations, LGU employees, and constituents.

Through the Scan to Pay feature, users can simply scan a QR code displayed in city offices to pay instantly. The Bills Pay feature, on the other hand, allows them to settle fees remotely anytime, removing the need to line up in person. Together, these features offer flexibility and accessibility for Cotabateños, while helping the local government reduce congestion and improve transparency in its financial processes.

The cashless system also enhances safety by minimizing physical cash handling and potential errors in manual recording. This ensures more accurate reconciliation and efficient fund management.

“The integration of GCash in Cotabato City is a testament to the powerful impact of digital transformation on local governance. By replacing cash with a secure, efficient, and transparent payment system, we are actively supporting the city in streamlining its administrative services and fostering a better experience for every constituent,” said Cleo Santos, Vice President and Head for Public Sector at GCash.

The partnership between Cotabato City and GCash forms part of a broader effort to digitize government payments in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), reinforcing the region’s ongoing digital transformation. In his State of the City Address, Mayor Bruce Matabalao said, “Over 1,200 market vendors and tricycle operators are now enrolled in PalengQR Ph Plus, and daily transactions have increased by 30 percent within the first year of implementation—reflecting strong local acceptance of cashless commerce.”

The program holds strong relevance for BARMM as the region continues to strengthen its economic foundations and expand its digital capacity amid ongoing development efforts. In Cotabato City, one of BARMM’s primary urban hubs, the initiative plays a key role in advancing financial inclusion by enabling residents to more conveniently and securely access essential services and government assistance through digital platforms.

By embracing this cashless ecosystem, Cotabato City is addressing operational bottlenecks commonly faced by LGUs while taking a crucial step toward inclusive digital adoption—empowering citizens to transact securely and confidently using technology they already have in their hands.

This collaboration reflects the growing role of digital finance in improving local governance, with GCash continuing to support local government units nationwide in building more efficient, transparent, and citizen-friendly systems.

For more information, please visit www.gcash.com.

Tech Experts Call for Urgent Developer Education and Regulatory Clarity as Stablecoin Adoption Accelerates Globally

Manila, Philippines — The Philippines is positioned to lead the global shift toward stablecoin-based remittances, provided it prioritizes developer education and formalizes regulatory pathways, according to fintech and blockchain leaders at the recent “Settle In! Manila” panel organized by Morph and Bitget’s Blockchain4Her and Blockchain For Youth initiatives on the global rise of stablecoins and the future of digital payments.

Over one million OFWs send remittances home annually through channels that charge fees as high as six percent and take days to clear. Stablecoin transfers can settle near-instantly at a fraction of the cost, a difference that directly affects household income for millions of Filipino families. OFW remittances rose 3.5% in January 2026 despite seasonal slowdowns, underscoring continued and growing dependence on these flows.

“The Philippines is one of the many countries and regions that stand to benefit the most from stablecoin technology, whether it be through lower costs or settlement fees. The country is ground zero for the shift from a playground for speculation to a mission-critical rail for real-world utility,” said David Hsiao, Chief Marketing Officer of Morph, a blockchain settlement platform, which recently launched a Universal Settlement Layer backed by a $150 million Payment Accelerator to serve the trillion-dollar stablecoin economy.

Global market trends reinforce the call. Bitget Country Manager for Southeast Asia Jose Mendoza noted that stablecoin use for payroll and B2B invoices grew by more than 60% over the past year. Bitget Wallet card spending surged 28-fold, and Visa-issued crypto card spending jumped 525%, signaling a clear shift from speculation to real-world payments.

“Our goal is to make stablecoin payments feel local and familiar,” Mendoza said. “Users shouldn’t need to understand the underlying complexity. By supporting builders who focus on ‘invisible tech,’ we ensure the end-user simply experiences 10x faster payments and significantly lower fees.”

Eli Rabadon, Chief Executive Officer of DVCode, focused on the developer gap. “The technology is ready. What we need now is education and clarity so builders can integrate stablecoins into apps that everyday Filipinos will actually use. There’s huge potential to create real-world utility that touches lives immediately.”

He noted that Filipino developers, alongside the country’s large base of freelancers and remote workers already paid in digital currencies, are a natural engine for stablecoin adoption, but need structured support to build compliant products at scale.

On the regulatory front, Raymond Babst, Chief Executive Officer of DA5, argued the country’s existing virtual asset framework is a competitive advantage that must be activated. “The Philippines already has a regulatory framework for virtual assets that can position us ahead of other Asian markets.”

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas has reviewed stablecoin proposals and conducted pilot tests, but panelists called for accelerated timelines as global adoption outpaces local policy.

Vivo V70 FE Launch Highlights Powerful Camera, Long Battery Life with Alden Richards at the Helm

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Vivo Philippines officially introduced the Vivo V70 FE during a vibrant launch event held on April 11 at the SM Mall of Asia Atrium, with multi-awarded actor and brand ambassador Alden Richards sharing how the smartphone supports his fast-paced and active lifestyle.

During the event, Richards highlighted one of the device’s standout features—the 200MP OIS ultra-clear camera—which delivers exceptional image clarity even while on the move. He emphasized how Optical Image Stabilization helps him capture sharp photos without worrying about motion blur, especially during outdoor activities like running and cycling.

As an endurance sports enthusiast, Richards frequently spends time exploring outdoor environments, where reliable camera performance is essential. He shared that the Vivo V70 FE allows him to document moments effortlessly, whether capturing scenic routes during cycling sessions or spontaneous nature shots along the way.

In a lively Q&A segment with host Dani Mortel, Richards also praised the phone’s advanced zoom capabilities. He recalled testing the device by zooming in on a statue in Pasig and noted that image quality remained impressively clear even at higher zoom levels. The Vivo V70 FE supports portrait photography with up to 85mm focal length and offers up to 30x zoom with AI telephoto enhancement, making it suitable for both everyday photography and creative shots from a distance.

Battery performance was another highlight, Richards emphasized. With his busy schedule involving navigation, music streaming, messaging, calls, and photography throughout the day, he said the phone’s 7000mAh BlueVolt battery paired with 90W FlashCharge provides dependable all-day power. According to Richards, the device’s longevity allows him to stay productive and connected without worrying about frequent charging interruptions.

Adding a personal touch during the “This or That” segment, Richards shared his preference for early morning rides over late-night drives and nature views over cityscapes. He also spoke about balancing living in the moment while still capturing memories through photography—something he said the Vivo V70 FE helps him achieve effortlessly.

The event concluded with a meet-and-greet session attended by excited fans who pre-ordered the smartphone. Vivo Philippines also announced Charisse Rosario-Valenzuela as the winner of its April 12 livestream raffle, receiving a brand-new Vivo V70 FE unit.

Priced starting at Php 25,999, the Vivo V70 FE is available for pre-order until April 24 via Vivo stores nationwide and online platforms. Early buyers can enjoy a Php 1,000 discount, a Vivo VIP Card, Vivo Buds Air3, and a Globe prepaid SIM with one year of unlimited 5G access, making the device an appealing package for users seeking performance, photography, and reliability in one smartphone.

PLDT Global Sustains Support for Filipinos in the Middle East With Free Call Extension on the Smart Virtual Number and ‘ePadala’ Zero Convenience Fee

Amid continued tensions impacting parts of the Middle East, PLDT, through its international arm PLDT Global Corporation (PLDT Global), is reaffirming its commitment to keep overseas Filipinos connected to their loved ones by extending its free calls to the Philippines service via the Smart Virtual Number (SVN) on the TinBo (Tindahan ni Bossing) app platform until April 30, 2026, 11:59PM (MNL Time).

Through the extended service, Filipinos in Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, Israel, and Saudi Arabia can continue making free calls to PLDT, Smart, and other Philippine networks using their Smart Virtual Number on the TinBo app. The initiative ensures that overseas Filipinos can stay connected with their families and access critical support without worrying about call charges, especially amid movement restrictions and emergencies.

Zero convenience fees on ePadala for Pinoys in Saudi & the UAE

For Filipinos in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, TinBo is also waiving convenience fees on ePadala transactions made by registered users via www.tinbo.ph until April 30, enabling a convenient and more affordable way of sending support to their families in the Philippines.

“Extending our free calls and ePadala services is our way of standing by Filipinos in the Middle East during this challenging time,” said Albert Villa-Real, President and CEO of PLDT Global. “We at PLDT Global remain committed to being a pillar of support for our kababayans, providing them with reliable communication and fintech solutions to help them stay connected and have peace of mind, especially in times of crisis and uncertainties.”

In addition to free calls to Philippine mobile and landline networks, the Smart Virtual Number also allows users to place free calls to essential government hotlines, including the Department of Migrant Workers–Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (DMW OWWA) 1348 hotline and the 1343 Action line Against Human Trafficking, providing 24/7 access to assistance and information.

The Smart Virtual Number is a SIM-less Philippine mobile number available via the TinBo app and marketplace. Beyond free calls, it enables Filipinos abroad to receive one-time PINs (OTPs) from Philippine banks and e-wallets, supporting secure and seamless online transactions wherever they are in the world.

How to avail of free calls via Smart Virtual Number

1. Download the TinBo app on Google Play or App Store.
2. Log in or create a free TinBo account via the app or at https://www.tinbo.ph
3. Subscribe to a Smart Virtual Number and complete SIM registration to start making free calls

How to avail the ePadala zero convenience fee

1. Log in to your TinBo account at https://www.tinbo.ph
2. Click the ePadala icon on the home page.
3. Choose the Philippine bank or e-wallet and the e-voucher denomination.
4. Enter the promo code EPADALAZERO at checkout to enjoy a zero convenience fee.

The ePadala zero convenience fee offer and the SVN free call extension for TinBo users in the Middle East reflect PLDT Global’s commitment to deliver relevant and timely services to the overseas Filipino community, empowering them through solutions that support their ever-evolving needs, especially when they need them most.

PLDT Showcases Customer-First Network Transformation at Mobile World Congress 2026

For leading integrated telco network PLDT Inc (PLDT), customer experience is king.

At the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, PLDT and its wireless subsidiary Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) highlighted how the Group is transforming its integrated fixed and wireless networks to deliver better, more consistent customer experience nationwide.

“Our guiding principle is simple: The customer is our North Star. Every investment, every process, and every innovation we pursue must ultimately answer one goal, and that is to improve the digital experience of Filipinos and enable their fuller, more connected lives,” said Ariel C. Medina, Head of Network Quality and Service Assurance at PLDT and Smart.

Before a global audience, Medina emphasized the importance of going beyond traditional network performance measures and placing customers’ everyday experience at the center of network planning and operations, adding that PLDT carries the responsibility of connecting a country defined by both dense cities and remote rural communities.

“Our networks power livelihoods, education, commerce, and governance. By connecting people, we are enabling them to participate in the digital economy, powering progress at a national scale,” he said.

Experience-driven modernization

Medina highlighted PLDT’s efforts to strengthen its processes, teams, and systems so that the network can adapt more effectively to how customers use digital services. This includes improving insights into customer behavior, strengthening automation and analytics, and deploying modern tools that allow teams to detect and address network issues faster.

By shifting from reactive handling of network issues to a more proactive, predictive, and customer-aware model, PLDT can better understand how various services, such as gaming, video streaming, voice calls, and messaging, perform from the user’s point of view.

“These improvements allow us to respond to customers in ways that are more proactive and more human,” Medina said. “We want the network to feel consistent and dependable, whether you’re in a major city or a coastal town. That’s what experience-centric transformation is about.”

As a result of this overall shift to focus on key quality indicators, PLDT and Smart posted improvements in VoLTE and 5G drop rates and 5G uplink throughput, as well as growth in data traffic in 2025.

Network tailored for the Philippines

Medina also emphasized that while the Philippines’ geography and climate create one of the most challenging markets for telco operators like PLDT, these same conditions have pushed the company to innovate continuously and strengthen the team and the processes underpinning its network.

“The Philippines is an operator’s ultimate stress test, and our geography is just half the challenge. On top of that, we also face climate and seismic risks. This means that building and maintaining world-class digital infrastructure would entail more than just excellent engineering skills. It also demands endurance, creativity, and a culture of relentless problem-solving,” he said.

Given these global concerns, PLDT also underscored its commitment to collaborate with other telcos and industry stakeholders. “We share a common mission with our fellow operators and innovators around the world: to build networks that make life better. We are proud to bring the Philippine perspective to this global conversation and to continue learning from our partners as we shape the future of connectivity.”

PLDT’s investments in continuously enhancing its network are aligned with the Group's broader thrust to deliver leveled-up services to customers nationwide. It also supports PLDT and Smart's commitment to national development through strategic collaborations that bridge the digital divide, expand digital access, and enhance the delivery of essential services.

This also contributes to the PLDT Group’s endeavors to help the country achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), particularly SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.