Sotheby’s launching realty service in the Philippines

Sotheby’s International Realty is set to launch in the Philippines, responding to increased demand for luxury properties. This expansion comes as the number of high-net-worth individuals in the country grows, despite being a small segment of the population. The new realty unit will partner with an experienced local realtor. Sotheby’s aims to connect affluent clients with exclusive listings, including unique opportunities like entire islands available for long-term lease due to land ownership laws. In another development, businessman Edgar Sia's DoubleDragon Corp. will subsidize Social Security System contributions for 2,000 informal sector workers in Visayas. This initiative aims to provide these workers and their families access to social security benefits.