MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Staying connected has become a vital necessity for Filipinos, whether for work, education, or keeping in touch with loved ones. However, managing mobile expenses can be especially challenging during petsa de peligro, when household budgets run tight. Addressing this need, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has forged a partnership with Billease, a leading Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) platform in the Philippines, to provide subscribers with more flexible and affordable payment options.
“This partnership is rooted in our shared commitment to making digital services available for all. This marks a significant step toward enhancing financial and digital inclusion for Filipino consumers,” said Lloyd Manaloto, First Vice President at Smart. “By integrating Billease’s Buy Now Pay Later solutions into our ecosystem, we’re empowering more Filipinos to stay connected and with greater ease.”
The collaboration was formalized in a ceremonial signing held at Smart’s Makati headquarters, attended by executives from both organizations. The event underscored the partnership’s alignment with national priorities in digital transformation and financial inclusion.
Billease allows users to make purchases and pay in flexible installments without requiring a credit card, supporting transactions across e-commerce, retail, travel, and now, mobile services. With this partnership, Smart subscribers gain access to installment options for devices, postpaid bills, and prepaid top-ups — making digital connectivity more manageable, particularly during financially tight periods.
Smart also serves as the exclusive telco marketing partner for Billease’s upcoming 8th Birthday campaign this September. As part of the month-long celebration, Smart customers who register for a Billease account and use it for mobile services will be eligible for raffle entries and prizes, including smartphones, cash rewards, and home appliances.
“This collaboration with Smart allows us to reach more users and offer them meaningful financial solutions at a time when they need it most — especially during petsa de peligro,” said Georg Steiger, CEO at Billease. “We’re excited to celebrate our 8th birthday by giving back to our users and helping them stay connected.”
The initiative also expands Smart’s mobile loading channels across Smart, TNT, and Smart Bro Home WiFi, further enhancing customer experience. Backed by its extensive 4G and 5G network coverage — which now reaches 97% of the population—Smart continues to deliver faster connectivity for streaming, mobile gaming, and digital services, strengthening its role in shaping the Filipino digital lifestyle.
This collaboration also reinforces PLDT Group’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), particularly SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by ensuring inclusive access to digital services.
