News

Globe Telecom’s partnership with Starlink is expanding mobile connectivity in the Philippines, helping users stay connected beyond traditional cell tower coverage. Following approval from the National Telecommunications Commission, Globe launched the satellite-to-mobile service commercially in June 2026 to support essential communication in remote areas and during emergencies.

Globe’s published prepaid offers include Globe Starlink 99 at ₱99, with 2 GB of satellite data and 100 satellite texts to all networks, and Globe Starlink 299 at ₱299, with 10 GB of satellite data and 500 satellite texts. These allowances apply when connected to Globe Starlink. Customers should check GlobeOne for the applicable promo validity and terms before subscribing.

Eligible GPlan subscribers on Plan 1499 and above can receive complimentary Globe Starlink access for up to 12 months, including 10 GB of satellite data and unlimited satellite texts to all networks. Globe also lists unlimited satellite data and texts as included in its all-new Platinum GPlan. Access requires a compatible device, an active Globe SIM, and an outdoor location with a clear view of the sky.

For businesses, the service could help field teams and personnel in remote locations exchange updates when regular mobile signals are unavailable. It supports messaging and light data, while streaming and heavy downloads are unsupported. For ComUnion Technologies’ clients, this development highlights an opportunity to strengthen communication planning alongside their digital business systems.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 113-2026, suspending the mandatory display of the BIR Registration Seal Badge on online platforms.

The suspension updates the display requirement affecting businesses with an online presence, including those operating through websites, online stores, and social media business pages.

axpayers who have already secured their BIR Registration Seal Badges may continue displaying them on their respective online platforms.

The badge serves as proof of BIR registration, helping customers verify the registration status of businesses they transact with online.

Businesses are encouraged to review the complete provisions of RMC No. 113-2026 and monitor official BIR announcements for further guidance on the suspension.

Stay connected with ComUnion Technologies for updates on BIR issuances and business technology solutions that support your company’s operations and compliance needs..

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has announced an extension of the compliance deadline for certain invoicing systems to March 31, 2027, under Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 112-2026, issued on October 22, 2026. The new guidelines clarify Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 6-2026, which requires businesses to separately indicate Creditable Withholding Tax (CWT) on sales invoices whenever applicable. The extension gives businesses additional time to modify their existing Point-of-Sale (POS), cash register, and other invoicing systems that are not yet covered by mandatory electronic invoicing.

What is CWT?
Creditable Withholding Tax is a portion of a payment that a customer deducts and remits directly to the BIR on behalf of the supplier. This amount serves as an advance payment of the supplier's income tax. For example, if a company provides services worth ₱100,000, excluding VAT, and the transaction is subject to a 2% withholding tax, the customer withholds ₱2,000. With 12% VAT added, the total invoice amounts to ₱112,000, but the supplier receives only ₱110,000. The withheld ₱2,000 is remitted to the BIR and may be claimed by the supplier as an income tax credit, supported by BIR Form 2307. Actual withholding rates depend on the nature of the transaction and applicable regulations.

Who must comply and when?
The BIR has established different deadlines depending on the invoicing system. Businesses using computerized accounting systems (CAS), computerized books of accounts with electronic invoicing, and other systems covered by mandatory electronic invoicing must implement the required CWT functionality by December 31, 2026, unless a later date is prescribed. Meanwhile, existing POS systems, cash register machines, and other invoicing systems not yet covered by mandatory electronic invoicing generally have until March 31, 2027, subject to subsequent BIR issuances. During the transition, businesses may continue using their registered systems, provided they properly indicate the applicable withholding tax description and amount on invoices before issuance.

What does this mean for businesses?
Companies should review their accounting software, ERP systems, and invoice layouts to ensure that CWT can be accurately calculated, recorded, and displayed separately. The BIR has also clarified that system updates made solely to accommodate CWT information may qualify as limited system changes and do not automatically require new registration or accreditation, provided the system's core functions remain unaffected. Businesses are encouraged to coordinate with their accounting and IT teams to prepare for compliance and avoid disruptions to their invoicing operations.

The PHP development team released urgent security updates on October 21 after identifying two critical vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to execute malicious code on vulnerable servers without logging in. Tracked as CVE-2026-109618 and CVE-2026-109619, the flaws prompted an immediate call for users to update their installations.

According to PHP’s official advisory, installations handling web requests are at risk, including PHP-FPM, Apache with mod_php, php-cgi, FrankenPHP, and LiteSpeed. The team identified mod_php as presenting the highest risk, citing a demonstrated attack that can occur before an application’s own code begins running.

Fixes are available in PHP 8.5.12, 8.4.27, 8.3.36, and 8.2.35. The PHP team stressed that updating is the only complete solution; temporary measures may reduce exposure but cannot fully secure an affected installation. Organizations using vendor-maintained PHP packages should check with their providers for the corresponding updates.

European cybersecurity authorities also urged organizations to identify PHP-based applications, coordinate with hosting providers, and prioritize updates for systems accessible through the internet. Businesses should also check software that uses PHP behind the scenes. Where immediate patching is impossible, authorities recommend considering temporary isolation of exposed applications until fixes can be applied.

Apple’s latest iPhone models have arrived in the Philippines, and consumers are heading to Power Mac Center and other participating stores to claim their units and take advantage of exclusive pre-order offers.

Those who pre-order the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models from October 2, 2026, to October 15, 2026, can receive at least ₱10,000 worth of free products:

• including a ₱3,000 voucher for screen protectors and iPhone cases
• JBL Wired Hi-Resolution On-Ear Headphones
• Belkin USB-C 240W Cable
• Function 60W Smart Cable
• ADAM Elements 10,000mAh Powerbank
• and a Power Mac Zip Pocket.

The bundle includes everyday essentials to accessories for device protection, charging, and entertainment, adding to the overall value of the pre-order offer.

Tesla has unveiled its redesigned Roadster electric sports car, showcasing a dramatic demonstration that included airborne maneuvers. Presented on October 15, 2026, at SpaceX’s testing facility in McGregor, Texas, the vehicle took to the air, rotated, and landed with assistance from built-in thrusters.

The new Roadster lineup includes three versions: Performance, Thrust, and Rocket. According to the announcement, the single-seat Rocket variant is designed to lift off and maneuver in the air. Its propulsion system uses highly compressed air and was developed through collaboration between Tesla and SpaceX engineers.

Beyond its aerial demonstration, Tesla is promising extreme driving performance. Elon Musk said the Roadster could accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than one second and reach speeds exceeding 230 mph, or approximately 370 km/h. These figures remain company claims ahead of production..

Despite the attention surrounding its “flying” capabilities, the demonstration does not establish that the Roadster is ready for everyday aerial transportation. Questions remain about the legality and practical use of these features on public roads. Tesla says production is expected to begin in 2028, following years of delays since the next-generation Roadster was first presented in 2017.

For more details, watch this video on CNET's YouTube channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWHXrLzUKJc

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has established an accreditation framework for Electronic Invoicing Service Providers (ESPs) under Revenue Memorandum Circular No. 110-2026. Providers must secure accreditation before commercially deploying their electronic invoicing solutions for taxpayer use.

The framework covers technical capability, operational readiness, security, data governance, and legal requirements. It applies to providers offering electronic invoicing, electronic sales reporting, integration, data storage, validation, middleware, and related services. The requirements aim to ensure that solutions are reliable, secure, auditable, and capable of protecting taxpayer information.

Accreditation is valid for five years, subject to annual reviews. Providers must charge reasonable fees, protect taxpayer data, and ensure businesses retain access to their records. The rules also address vendor lock-in by requiring invoice and sales information to remain accessible and available for export or migration.

The announcement establishes the approval process; it does not, by itself, confirm that particular providers have already received accreditation. Businesses evaluating an e-invoicing solution should request its valid Electronic Invoicing Solutions Accreditation Certificate and verify its coverage before deployment. The new framework comes as covered taxpayers prepare for the December 31, 2026 electronic invoicing compliance deadline.

MANILA, Philippines — Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are becoming available in the Philippines on October 16, 2026, following the opening of pre-orders on October 2. The launch marks the start of local availability, with retailer iStore listing the devices for shipping by October 16.

Philippine prices start at ₱94,990 for the iPhone 18 Pro and ₱99,990 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Buyers can choose from 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB storage configurations, with prices increasing depending on capacity. Apple’s Philippine online store lists Black, Silver, Glacier, and Burgundy finishes.

Both models feature Apple’s A20 Pro chip and a 48-megapixel Pro Fusion camera system, including a main camera with variable aperture. The iPhone 18 Pro has a 6.3-inch display, while the Pro Max offers a larger 6.9-inch screen. Apple also lists an 18-megapixel Center Stage front camera and support for Dolby Vision video recording at up to 4K at 120 frames per second.

The rollout continues later this month with the iPhone Duo, which opens for Philippine pre-orders on October 16 at 8 p.m., ahead of availability on October 30. For the iPhone 18 Pro models, customers should check their individual order status or retailer’s shipping confirmation to establish when their device will arrive.

Apple’s latest iPhone models are arriving in the Philippines, with preorders for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max opening on October 2, 2026. Local availability is scheduled for October 16, giving Filipino customers an opportunity to reserve their preferred model ahead of the release. Orders are available through Apple’s Philippine online store and participating local retailers.

The iPhone 18 Pro lineup features the A20 Pro chip, an upgraded camera system with a variable-aperture 48-megapixel main camera, and improvements to battery life and sustained performance. Apple’s Philippine store lists starting prices of ₱94,990 for the iPhone 18 Pro and ₱99,990 for the iPhone 18 Pro Max, with prices increasing for higher storage capacities.

Power Mac Center is also accepting preorders through participating branches and online channels. Its preorder period runs until October 15, followed by midnight launch activities at selected locations, including Greenbelt 3, SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and The Annex at SM City North EDSA. The retailer has announced preorder kits, trade-in offers, and partner promotions, with benefits depending on the purchase channel and location.

Meanwhile, Apple has announced a separate Philippine schedule for the iPhone Duo. Preorders will begin on October 16 at 8 p.m. Philippine time, with availability starting October 30. The model starts at ₱159,990 for the 256GB version and comes in Star White and Night Sky, expanding the choices available to customers considering Apple’s newest devices.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have partnered to bring free cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) training to Filipino learners. The collaboration was formalized through a Strategic Training Agreement signed on September 29, 2026, in Taguig City. The courses will be integrated into the TESDA Online Program (TOP).

The initial offerings include Fundamentals of AI, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, and AWS Certified AI Practitioner. These courses introduce learners to machine learning, AWS cloud services, security, pricing, generative AI, and responsible AI practices. TESDA said the courses offered through TOP have no prerequisites or training fees, making them accessible to beginners.

The partnership aims to help Filipinos develop digital skills for employment and career advancement. Learners who complete certification-track courses may access additional AWS Academy learning pathways through the TESDA Women’s Center, subject to availability. Eligible participants may also receive certification exam vouchers, although these depend on applicable requirements and policies; completing the training does not automatically grant AWS certification.

Interested learners can visit the TESDA Online Program website to create an account, browse its course catalog, and check for the AWS offerings as they are rolled out. The platform provides online learning resources and enrollment guidance, giving Filipinos a convenient starting point for developing new technical skills.