GM! This Tuesday, the Philippine Senate will conduct its second public hearing on the National Budget Blockchain Act, also known as Senate Bill No. 1330, which aims to enhance transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the budget process. BitPinas will be covering the Senate session, and to learn what happened in the previous session, you can get a refresher here.
In today’s weekly news recap, these are some of the biggest stories we covered:
🥊 Manny Pacquiao launches new fintech app.
🇵🇭 Bataan province to put government records on the blockchain.
⚖️ BSP cancels VASP license of COEXSTAR.
🥊 Manny Pacquiao Launches New Fintech App
Former Philippine senator and boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has launched “Manny Pay,” a new financial app operating as a Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) regulated entity, aiming to capture a share of the country’s competitive digital payments market.
The app, operated by Manny Pay Corporation and powered by 7th Pillar Integration Systems Corp., will facilitate “frictionless” transactions by allowing users and businesses to accept payments via e-wallets, credit cards, online banking, and over-the-counter (OTC) centers.
🇵🇭 Bataan Province to Put Gov’t Records on the Blockchain
Bataan has officially adopted the GoodGovChain network, a blockchain-based system designed to enhance government transparency, officials announced.
The launch, led by Governor Joet Garcia and developer BayaniChain (BYC) Ventures, makes Bataan the first province in Central Luzon to place public records on-chain. The initiative, unveiled at the Global Emerging Tech Summit 2025, will begin by digitizing local ordinances to ensure data integrity and safeguard against alteration.
⚖️ BSP Cancels VASP License of COEXSTAR
The Monetary Board, the policymaking body of the BSP, affirmed with finality the cancellation of the registration of ABA Global Philippines, Inc., operating under the trade name COEX STAR, as a Remittance and Transfer Company.
In a media release, the policymaking body emphasized that through Resolution No. 928 dated September 18, 2025, it upheld the decision to revoke the Certificate of Registration of ABA Global Philippines, Inc., which allows it to operate as a Type “B” Remittance Agent offering Virtual Currency Exchange (VCE) services—now referred to as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP).
The cancellation was made in accordance with Sections 901-N and 902-N of the Manual of Regulations for Non-Bank Financial Institutions, the Monetary Board noted.
Check out the article here.
🇵🇭 Around the Philippines
BayaniChain CEO Paul Soliman joined the Bloomberg ASEAN Business Summit 2025 in Kuala Lumpur.
He delivered a talk titled “Digital Public Assets as ASEAN’s Trust Infrastructure.”
Soliman discussed how blockchain and AI can support open and verifiable systems of trust across the region, alongside speakers such as Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno, and executives from OpenAI, CIMB, Grab, and the National Bank of Cambodia.
Base Philippines wrapped up its October Townhalls in Cavite, Pampanga, and Davao.
Attendees came in Halloween costumes, exchanged insights about Base, and explored opportunities within its ecosystem.
Base Philippines added that the gatherings highlighted community engagement and collaboration as part of its growing network in the country.
YGG Pilipinas shared that the Sui Builders Program in Palawan held its final in-person mentorship session.
Participants prepare for their last build ahead of Pitch Day, after which the program will transition to its online phase.
Paytaca shared that it participated in Masadya: The Bazaar of Life held on October 17–18, where it facilitated seamless transactions using Bitcoin Cash (BCH).
The firm said the event showcased how BCH payments can offer fast, secure, and borderless transactions for both merchants and shoppers.
OpenGuild shared highlights from the RIEX Emerging Tech Summit 2025, held from October 22 to 24 at Nueva Ecija University of Science and Technology.
The three-day event featured keynotes, panels, workshops, and competitions centered on emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, robotics, and quantum computing.
🏎️ Scene on the Ground: SEC Roundtable Discussion on CASP
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Philippines held a discussion as part of Investor and Protection Week focused on the Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) rules.
Representatives from various sectors of the local crypto community raised questions and gave feedback.
📅 Event Calendar
Final words
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By Michael Mislos, Editor-in-Chief, BitPinas