The Philippines and the United Arab Emirates are working toward establishing a formal health insurance arrangement that would extend coverage to Filipino workers in the Gulf state, according to the Department of Health. It is said that the initiative marks a significant step in enhancing protection for one of the Philippines’ largest overseas worker populations. The talks are part of the Philippines President Marcos Jr. administration’s broader push to strengthen the welfare of overseas Filipino workers through government-to-government cooperation, complementing existing measures such as the expanded Migrant Workers Act and PhilHealth’s overseas membership programme. Both sides also highlighted the urgent need to improve health education for overseas Filipino workers, especially on non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Officials noted that these conditions are often overlooked by Filipinos working abroad, as many tend to prioritise income over their personal health. Source: www.asiainsurancereview.com

The Philippine Insurance Industry reported a stable performance in the first quarter of 2026, according to data from Manila's Insurance Commission (IC), supported by continued growth in premiums, invested assets, and benefit payments. Total benefit payments reached PHP43.44bn ($776m), higher than PHP39.01bn in the same period last year, reflecting stronger insurance uptake and continued claims support for policyholders. Total assets rose to PHP2.65tn from PHP2.48tn, while total invested assets increased to PHP2.37tn from PHP2.19tn. Premium collections also climbed significantly to PHP140.85bn in Q1 2026 from PHP124.48bn in Q1 2025, reflecting sustained confidence in insurance as a financial safety net. Net income declined slightly by 1.75% due to higher benefit payments during the quarter, but key indicators continued to improve. Insurance penetration rose to 2.03%, while insurance density reached PHP1,231.61, signalling deeper market reach and higher per-capita spending. Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado said the industry remains resilient despite economic challenges, noting its continued ability to meet policyholder needs and deliver stable financial protection. Source: www.asiainsurancereview.com

Solid growth and unwavering trust! The Philippine insurance industry entered the year stronger than ever, driven by rising protection awareness and a highly resilient non-life sector. Securing the future of Filipinos, one policy at a time. Preliminary data from the Insurance Commission shows that in the first quarter alone, the industry paid out ₱43.44 billion in benefits to policyholders and beneficiaries — up from ₱39.01 billion in the same period last year. At the same time, more Filipinos are buying insurance: Total Premiums grew to ₱140.85 billion from ₱124.48 billion, and Insurance Penetration rose to 2.03% of GDP. Total Industry Assets now stand at ₱2.65 trillion. The non-life sector tells a particularly encouraging story. Net Income surged 37.02% year-on-year — from ₱2.89 billion to ₱3.96 billion — even as the sector continued to grow its Asset base to ₱391.79 billion and expand Net Premiums Written to ₱21.24 billion. "Amid prevailing economic challenges, the insurance industry remains firmly positioned to meet policyholder needs and deliver on its commitments with stability and resilience," Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo A. Regalado said.

As mobility continues to evolve, electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles are reshaping the motor insurance landscape in profound ways. Understanding these developments is critical to seizing new opportunities and positioning ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving mobility ecosystem. We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming hybrid session: Driving the Future – Motor Insurance in the Age of EVs & Autonomous Vehicles. Join us for an engaging discussion where we will explore emerging risks, regulatory developments, and evolving underwriting considerations, alongside benchmarking insights from across Asia and global markets. Contact us Should you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Ergis Beu (ergis_beu@swissre.com) or Tian Yu Oh (tianyu.oh@swissre.com).

A look back at the meaningful moments, insightful discussions, and strengthened partnerships during the 2026 Annual General Membership Meeting of ARISE Philippines. This gathering brought together partners and stakeholders committed to advancing resilience and disaster risk reduction in the country. The meeting served as a platform to reflect on milestones, exchange ideas, and reaffirm our shared commitment to building a more resilient communities through collaboration and innovation. Source: https://www.facebook.com/reel/836597729045169

The Insurance Commission (IC) has once again demonstrated its commitment to protecting the insuring public by issuing Circular Letter No. 2026-11, dated 13 May 2026, providing guidelines on relief measures for policyholders, planholders, members, and the general public during the State of National Energy Emergency. Background Following the issuance of Executive Order No. 110, s. 2026 by the Office of the President, which declared a State of National Energy Emergency due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East disrupting global oil markets, the IC — acting in coordination with the national government — has directed all its regulated entities (ICREs) to adopt concrete relief measures. The rising cost of oil and commodities has placed significant financial strain on the public, and the IC has responded swiftly to ease the burden on policyholders and plan holders alike. Who is covered? The Circular applies to all: Insurance Companies (Life and Non-Life) Mutual Benefit Associations (MBAs) Pre-Need Companies Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) And their respective agents What relief measures are in place? (a) Extension of Grace Period for Premiums and Contributions All ICREs are directed to extend the grace period for the payment of premiums, contributions, installment amounts, and membership fees that remain unpaid during the period of 15 April 2026 to 31 May 2026, for at least 90 days, without interest or penalty. ICREs may also extend this to a later date as they deem appropriate. (b) Extension of Coverage / Hold Cover Arrangements Policies or agreements about to lapse or expire, or those with confirmed renewal applications, within 15 April to 31 May 2026, shall be extended or covered through hold-cover arrangements for at least 90 days. Conditions apply, including the requirement that premiums be paid within the 90-day period and that hold-cover arrangements be made with the written consent of the policyholder. (c) Temporary Grace Period for Loan Payments ICREs shall grant policyholders a temporary grace period of at least 90 days, without penalties or interest, for the payment of loans. (d) Relaxed Loan Exposure Limits for Employees and Sales Associates The threshold on loans extended to officers, employees, and sales associates of insurance companies has been temporarily adjusted from 6% to 20% of the company's net worth. Loans to employees shall likewise be granted a grace period of at least three (3) months without penalties or interest. (e) Other Initiatives ICREs are also encouraged to implement additional relief measures beyond those enumerated, provided these are consistent with applicable regulations. Role of Agents The IC likewise calls on all licensed agents to step up during this period by proactively reaching out to clients, providing accurate and timely information on available relief measures, facilitating claims processing, and supporting government and industry initiatives. ICREs are strongly encouraged to formulate support programs for their sales agents to enable them to carry out these responsibilities effectively. Monitoring and Reporting All ICREs are required to submit an initial report to the IC on all relief measures adopted on or before 31 May 2026, and to establish monitoring mechanisms for ongoing compliance. PIRA welcomes and supports this timely directive from the IC. This Circular is a clear expression of the insurance industry's solidarity with the Filipino public during these challenging times. We urge all member companies to implement these measures promptly and to ensure that their agents and frontline staff are fully informed and equipped to assist policyholders. Together, the government, the IC, and the insurance industry stand ready to help Filipinos weather this period of uncertainty. For the full text of the Circular, please refer to IC CL No. 2026-11 or visit www.insurance.gov.ph.

#TheIIAPPodcast is where insurance experts get real — candid conversations with the people who know the industry best, unpacking the issues, trends, and decisions that shape Philippine insurance today. In Episode 3, host Jacqy Raj sits down with Allan Santos, President & CEO of National Re Philippines and IIAP Board Member, to talk about one of the industry's most critical — and least understood — mechanisms: reinsurance. How does it work? How does it keep insurers standing when the biggest risks hit? And what does resilience actually look like from the top? 🎧 Season 2, Episode 3 is now streaming. ▶️ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnWZdiCecAM #IIAP #Insurance #Reinsurance #PhilippineInsurance #Resilience

For more information, visit www.asiainsurancereview.com/Events/Home/Asia/natcat2026

The hostilities in the Middle East have triggered a surge in discussions and notifications regarding Constructive Total Loss (CTL), but these have not yet translated into a material rise in accepted claims. The industry is seeing a trend where assets remain physically undamaged but are effectively "trapped" in conflict zones. In an interview with Middle East Insurance Review, Riyadh Re CUO Belhassen Tonat highlighted the severe operational disruptions currently facing the maritime sector. Vessels are frequently unable to exit ports, evacuate crews, access fuel, or obtain the necessary permissions to transit critical sea lanes due to: War risks and blockades International sanctions Prolonged security restrictions “In March alone, more than 20,000 seafarers were effectively trapped in the Arabian Gulf, highlighting the seriousness of the situation from both an operational and humanitarian standpoint,” Mr Tonat said. Despite these crises, the (re)insurance market remains largely insulated. “Most marine contracts are built around a physical damage trigger,” Mr Tonat noted. “Prolonged immobilisation, on its own, generally does not result in significant insured losses.” Offshore assets and "economic paralysis" A similar dynamic is playing out with offshore assets. Operations are frequently halted due to elevated threats, yet losses often go unrecovered due to war exclusions or the lack of physical destruction. Mr Tonat suggests this represents a pivot point for the industry: The problem: Geopolitical risk is increasingly manifesting as economic paralysis rather than kinetic destruction. The goal: Insurance must evolve to protect balance sheets against these non-physical disruptions. The challenge: Creating “next-level insurance” that addresses balance sheet impacts while remaining commercially viable and affordable for both the client and the insurer. Cyber: High activity, muted claims The intersection of cyber risk and regional conflict tells a similar story of intensified risk without a corresponding surge in payouts. Mr Tonat pointed to credible evidence of a conflict-linked spike in malicious cyber activity, including: Hacktivism and state-aligned attacks. Destructive malware targeting critical infrastructure, energy, and finance. Despite the increased frequency of attacks, the immediate impact on insurance claims has been limited. Mr Tonat attributes this to three main factors: Retention: Many incidents fall below policy deductibles. Absorption: Costs are often absorbed as internal operational expenses. Exclusions: Incidents are subject to rigorous scrutiny under state-sponsored act exclusions. “While we aren't seeing a dramatic short-term spike in attributable claims, the risk environment has fundamentally intensified,” Mr Tonat warned. The shift toward ideologically motivated cyber warfare reinforces a new reality: cyber risk is no longer just a localized operational headache. It has evolved into a strategic, systemic exposure with significant "tail-risk" implications for the global market. Source: www.meinsurancereview.com

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr called on ASEAN bloc members to ensure regional energy security and resilience, as he opened the 48th ASEAN Summit Retreat in Cebu on 8 May. He urged ASEAN members to ensure regional energy security and resilience, saying: “ASEAN must strengthen coordination and reinforce preparedness, [and] pursue practical collective measures to safeguard a stable energy supply and improve interconnectivity, all the while advancing alternative and renewable energy sources to protect our economies from further shocks and to respond to the urgent challenge of climate change. “We must also harness innovation, including inclusive and responsible applications of AI, to improve energy forecasting, strengthen grid management and system flexibility and support the clean energy transition.” He called for stronger regional coordination and effective implementation of action plans by the 11 member-nations of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to better prepare for emerging global risks. He warned that in an increasingly interconnected world, disruptions in one region can quickly spread across supply chains, financial markets, and the daily lives of people in Southeast Asia. He said tensions in the Middle East have been deeply felt by Southeast Asian nationals through “higher living costs, supply disruptions, threatened livelihoods, economic strain, [and] growing vulnerability, both in our homelands and amongst our nationals in the Middle East”. “While the impact may differ from country to country in ASEAN at present, there is no denying that this disruption will have an impact on the future,” he said. “Even if the tensions de-escalate in time, the damage to critical infrastructure, vital systems, and trust in general will continue to be felt for years to come.” Mr Marcos also spoke of ASEAN’s collective position, calling for: The immediate cessation of hostilities The peaceful settlement of disputes The protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure The restoration of safe, unimpeded and continuous transit passage in the Strait of Hormuz He said it has never been more important to pursue collective action amid geopolitical uncertainties spilling over into the region. He also made a call for ASEAN cooperation, in order to achieve food security amid geopolitical disruptions. “Disruptions in trade and transport stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz quickly affected food prices and supply, especially fertilizers, and subsequently, the welfare of our peoples,” he said. Source: www.asiainsurancereview.com