PLDT, Smart Block Unregistered Crypto Exchanges

PLDT Inc. (PLDT) and its wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) have blocked access to ten unregistered crypto exchanges after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) flagged the platforms for operating without the necessary licenses.

A cryptocurrency, or crypto, is a purely digital asset used mainly for online transactions. Unlike traditional currency issued and regulated by a government through a central bank, crypto exists only online and isn't backed by any government or bank. People can buy, sell, or exchange crypto using websites or apps called crypto exchanges, which work a lot like stock markets.

“We work closely with government regulators to protect Filipinos from potential threats,” said Roby Alampay, FVP and Group Head of Public Engagement at PLDT and Smart. “Upon receipt of the order from the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), we restricted access to the identified websites. These web addresses are no longer accessible on our network.”

Earlier in August, the SEC released an advisory warning the public against investing in the following exchanges – OKX, Bybit, Mexc, Kucoin, Bitget, Phemex, Coinex, Bitmart, Poloniex, and Kraken. The Commission flagged these entities for failing to register with the regulator as mandated under SEC Memorandum Circular No. 4, Series of 2025 (SEC CASP Rules), and SEC Memorandum Circular No. 5, Series of 2025 (SEC CASP Guidelines.

“Their actions are unauthorized and expose Filipino investors to significant risk, including total loss of funds, no legal recourse, and exposure to fraud, market manipulation, and identity theft,” the advisory read. The SEC further warned that unregistered crypto-asset platforms “may be exploited for money laundering and terrorist financing.”

PLDT and Smart continuously invest in their cybersecurity infrastructure to provide customers with a secure online experience, keeping them safe from fraud and scams. In the first half of the year, the Cyber Security Operations Group has prevented more than a hundred billion attempts to open malicious domains.

The PLDT Group also recognizes the value of working with like-minded allies in protecting the public against online threats. This whole-of-nation approach to cybersecurity ensures PLDT and Smart deliver safe and meaningful connections so customers can live a fuller life.

Bitget Updates Proof of Reserves for February 2025, Reserve Ratios Increase to 186%

Victoria, Seychelles - Bitget, the world's leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has released their proof-of-reserves report for February 2025. The newest snapshot shows the updated data highlights an increase of reserves to 186%, up from its commitment of 100%. Bitget’s latest proof of reserves reaffirms its financial stability and transparency, showcasing a strong total reserve ratio.

The exchange holds substantial reserves across major assets, ensuring more than full backing of user funds. The breakdown reveals a 322% reserve ratio for Bitcoin, with over 19,393 BTC held against user liabilities of 6,030 BTC. Similarly, Ethereum reserves stand at 173%, with holdings of 199,433 ETH exceeding the 115,051 ETH in user assets. Stablecoin reserves are also robust, with USDT at 138% and USDC at 121%, showing strong backing.

The Merkle root hash verification adds an extra layer of transparency, allowing users to independently verify their assets within Bitget’s system. With 35 million records included in the Merkle tree, the exchange continues to prioritize accountability. The report highlights Bitget’s commitment to safeguarding user assets while maintaining operational integrity. By consistently holding reserves well above liabilities, Bitget reinforces trust in its financial health, positioning itself as a secure and reliable platform for crypto traders and investors.

The updated PoR showcases Bitget's efforts in maintaining more than the industry standard 100% reserves, which effectively guarantees that users' assets are safe. The platform is capable of covering user withdrawals, even if all user assets are withdrawn.

In addition to maintaining a higher-than-industry-standard PoR, Bitget insures its users further with a $300M Protection Fund, now valued at over $570 million, according to its latest protection fund report. This gives the platform an extra layer of resilience against cybersecurity threats.

For real-time PoR tracking, please visit here.

Bitget Builders Reaches over 5000 Members, Plans Expansion in Philippines

December 2024, Philippines - Bitget, a cryptocurrency exchange platform and Web3 company is taking its Bitget Builders Program to soaring heights as it celebrates reaching 5000 connections and aims to expand its global recruitment initiative to more places, including the Philippines.

Launched in June 2023, The Bitget Builders Program fosters a network of individuals passionate about the drive of cryptocurrency adoption and has already amassed a network of over 5,000 participants from 55 countries, with 1,300 actively contributing to Bitget’s success.

With the expansion, the program aims to engage with Filipino crypto enthusiasts, influencers, and community leaders to lead the charge in spreading blockchain innovation. Filipinos who want to join the program can visit https://www.bitget.com/incubation-program.

The program offers participants tailored incentives, exclusive rewards, and access to tools that enable them to grow professionally while contributing to Bitget’s global expansion. Outstanding participants will also have opportunities to engage in global and regional events, having a platform for local crypto enthusiasts to showcase their knowledge and represent the country on the world stage.

“The awareness for crypto and blockchain is increasing daily. We’re growing at a fast pace to keep up with the market’s demands,” shared Vugar Usi Zade, COO at Bitget. “We see this as an opportunity to leverage our platform to accelerate mainstream adoption and support people who want to do the same. By engaging with our communities, we aim to create an army of supporters that share the same vision as Bitget – bringing crypto to all.”

This initiative is spearheaded by Bitget’s Blockchain4Youth, an initiative that aims to empower young talents and foster innovation within the crypto space. Launched in May 2023, this initiative aligns with Bitget’s vision of nurturing a new generation of leaders who can drive global adoption of blockchain technology to anchor young talents onto the crypto space.

In its next phase, the program plans to include offline meetups and regional tours, bringing both global and local advocates together. These initiatives will allow Filipino builders more opportunities to collaborate, share ideas, and deepen their understanding of blockchain technology in a more personal and impactful way. Bitget hopes to promote community building and empower builders to contribute to the program’s growth and innovation.

You Got a Friend in Transportify

In a country where small-to-medium entrepreneurs grow in number, and individuals have fast-paced lives, the need for on-demand delivery services continues to rise. A fast courier that is always available almost anywhere and anytime is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. This is where Transportify Philippines comes in.

High delivery acceptance rate

With several of our delivery driver partners and Transportify trucks distributed around Metro Manila and nearby provinces, it’s easy for clients’ requests to get accepted. Our logistics support app can match you with a driver in about a minute, and will provide you immediately with the driver’s contact details and ETA to pick up location. It’s impossible for your delivery request to get rejected!

Customer service

Our customer service representatives are available both through phone calls and live chats. Clients can call us during an ongoing transaction in case a question or a problem arises. Our live chats, which are available on our website and mobile apps, are open from 6 AM to 10 PM daily. Yes, even on Sundays!

60-minute immediate booking

In a hurry? No problem. You can select your timing preference within 60 minutes. As long as there’s a Transportify vehicle nearby, we guarantee that your delivery will be picked up within an hour. We understand that some clients have urgent and emergency delivery needs which we strive to cater by becoming a reliable and fast courier service.

Rain or shine

It doesn’t matter if it’s raining or if it’s too hot to go outside because Transportify will be at your service, rain or shine, as long as the weather permits. Book an immediate transaction even if it’s raining cats and dogs. If you have scheduled a delivery in advance, we’ll still push through with the transaction even if it rained unexpectedly. And because we do door-to-door pickup and delivery, you don’t have to bother leaving the house to send your package to any courier service centers.

Transportify is not just another logistics service in the Philippines. Clients can rely on us the way they rely on their business partners since we focus more on building trust than building profits. Because of this, you can always say that you got a friend in Transportify!

Help Build Yourself Thru Stocks By Knowing It Better

Manila, Philippines -- Everyday on our local newspapers, we always see the word "STOCKS", but not all of us do know the meaning or the sense of it for being there. 

Now, I will give you some beginner tips on how to build yourself and make "STOCKS" a household name for you or your family and friends. For a "Stock" to grow or to be profitable, you do not need to work or trade alone, but instead, it needs to have a Group or a Class and play it like a game. A Group or Class can create their won stock market trading game and will be monitored by a leader or more like a teacher of their class. 

Now, since you are already playing the game of "Trading", the word "Stock Market" will surely come into play. One of them is the Philippine Stock Chart or the PSE Chart. This is to monitor the chart of the specific stock in real time and it also monitors in different time frame. Now, on the PSE Chart, it also includes the PSE Screener. It is the one that can give you insights of what to buy or sell of multiple stocks.

After doing all of this, and in such case that you are still a bit on confusing about trading, that is the time a Trade Planner will come to help you and give you tips about the trade or trading plan for a stock of your choice. Now, once done, we all know that each game is always having a competition, and this game of trade is no different. For this, a Competition for traders/investors does take place in which they can win real rewards.

Now that everything has been laid out to you and you are now understanding the commonly used words in the world of stocks, you are now ready to face the world as a Trader.

Being a trader you need to closely monitor your investments thru the use of investment channels that are closely monitoring stocks as a business, and one of them is StocksPH. StocksPH monitor all Philippine Stock Exchange or PSE stocks prices movement in real time.

They are also the Philippines best source of investment information for professionals and businesses. Investment is attached to a risk and this is something to be avoided. StocksPH provides handy guidelines in investing in stocks in the long run. If you suffer from poor analysis of the market, we will provide you the best ideas and support before you jumpstart your venture in the world of stocks.

The site is committed to generating data on personal finance information, investment tools, corporate news, and real-time remarks on the pulse of the market. Our ultimate goal is to help neophyte and experienced traders or investors apply effective decision-making.

The team maintains the effectual conveying of critical information that will respect, protect, and benefit traders in the Philippine stock market. We believe that market information is more than figures and monetary statements, rather about business practices that you may adapt as well.

We provide fast, independent, and consistent stock market data presented in real-time Philippine stock lists and comprehensive charts. Monitor over hundreds of stocks every time at present and get the perfect view of what is happening in the market. Get access to markets around the globe, including Asia, USA, Europe, and the rest of the world's leading stock marketplaces for free.

Get to know a Stock better by going to www.stocksph.com and live your dream as a trader.