The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
as told to Boy Villasanta
(Editor’s Note: What’s in store for us in the Philippines and around the globe in 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse as seen through the eyes of one of the most sought-after psychics in the country today, Madam Suzette Arandela? Read on).
Generally, the Year of the Fire Horse will bring luck to the country.
Initially, though, during the first and second quarters of the year, our economy will still be weak because of political bickering of our leaders and the wrong attitude of our people—such as fanaticism, complacency, forgetfulness etc.—but as soon as the third quarter of 2026 ushers in, there will be an immediate rebound of the economy
Eventually, our people will suddenly awaken that they are being taken for a ride by our leaders. The Filipinos will have a strong transformation in fighting for their rights to a prosperous life.
People involved in the current flood control project scams like the politicians, private contractors and hierarchy at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) during the exposition of the scandals will be punished and jailed for the longest time.
Although there are still massive protest movements against corruption and people from the government, Presidente Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will remain in power.
There will be reshuffle within the cabinet and other agencies of the government.
The Senate and the House of Representatives are still at odds but they will eventually reconcile.
The impeachment case against Vice President Sara Duterte will be filed again and pursued while the planned Charter Change won’t happen but will find its own time.
Duterte is vehement in her quest for the presidency and does everything to succeed.
I see a new political party emerging.
No freedom yet for Digong
Meanwhile, former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte still remains in the custody of the International Criminal Court (ICC). He won’t be absolved of crimes charged against him and release is a far-fetched idea d unless he suffers a serious illness which might happen in 2028. It’s a look-and-see thing.
Two years have to pass yet before the presidential polls but the political situation is very fierce yet volatile.
Surprisingly, new faces will emerge as presidential and vice-presidential bets and the trend is looking at fresh mandates in all positions as the electorate is judicious enough to choose its leaders to learn from their mistakes in the past.
Many incumbents will lose in the polls.
In local politics, many new faces will win and some of the top heads of communities like mayors will run for national elections.
What I advise to my fellow Filipinos is that we should use our head in selecting leaders. We should be able to discern the right people to run our public life. We should choose candidates who truly love and care for our interests and not those who are only in pursuits of power, fortune and fame.
We should keep an eye on calamities that will hit us in 2026 because there are many of them hanging like swords of Damocles.
15 typhoons to hit PH
Fifteen, yes, fifteen (15) typhoons will pay the Philippines a visit next year so expect heavy floods to rush in our doors.
There will also be destructive fires in Metro Manila like Malabon, Caloocan, Quezon City, Sta. Mesa and other parts of the city that could ruin lives and properties.
I dare say, beware of a mall in Manila and Taguig City which is prone to blaze as well as business areas in Bulacan, Cebu and Davao.
There will be more fires in 2026.
I don’t see the Big One yet but there are strong earthquakes that will shake various parts of the country like in Metro Manila. Surigao, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo with magnitudes between 6.5 to7.5.
Drug menace is on the rampage. Kidnapping, cyber thievery and scams are on the rise again.
Marital infidelities, dysfunctional families and separations among celebrities, politicians, famous figures and even ordinary people will hog headlines.
China’s claims over WPS
In terms of international relations, the Philippines and the United States’ friendship flourishes as the later continues to help us in many possible ways especially during the advent of calamities
I see no war-provoking situations between China and the Philippines but the former’s claims on the West Philippine Sea have remained brazen.
While Israel and Palestine are in conflict, the Philippine relations between the two states is quite harmonious with Israel’s being as always open to Filipinos.
I see a rosy investment of one of the Middle East countries to the Philippines and our diplomatic relations with the whole region will remain symbiotic.
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) massively supports the Philippines because President Marcos rallies behind every head of states of the organization.
Meanwhile, the trade relations between the Philippines and the European continent are ideal and transparent.
The United Nations (UN) continues to be friendly with us.
Our Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs) will continue their exodus in various parts of the world for employment and eventually support the President although there are groups that doubt the intentions of the government.
I see a more successful entertainment industry next year.
New players in film productions, deserving upstarts will rise.
Kathryn Bernardo still tops
I see Kathryn Bernardo as the perennial topnotch actress and box-office star. In terms of love life, Kathryn isn’t ready for another deeper relationship because she still wants to enjoy her single-blessedness although she has many suitors,
Couple Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes will continue a blissful marriage but I see a possible problem in their relationship. They are meant for consistent box-office earners as they concentrate on movie producing.
Dingdong is still on top, especially hosting “Family Feud.”
Julia Montes and Coco Martin are still very much in love although I see that he will be involved with a character actress.
The perennial rivalry between Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos continues despite Nora’s death and their respective fans are always colliding.
Vilma, for all intents and purposes, is a successful politician.
Ivana Alawi will be inactive in show business in 2026 and she should look after hre health.
Andrea Brillantes might have a successful career but an inevitable scandal will hound her.
Barbie Forteza and David Licauco professional love team will end up in a live-in relationship.
Joshua Garcia and Julia Barretto won’t be lovers again but will remain good friends.
Vice Ganda is irreplaceable while film director Jeffrey Jeturian is a sought-after filmmaker and TV man.
It is GMA Network as number one in the TV game as “Family Geus,” “Sangre,” “24 Oras,” “Unang Hirit” and its Korean telenovelas are on top of the survey charts.
Bilyonaryo Channel on the rise
Bilyonaryo Channel, meanwhile, will make more impact in 2026 because its style is unique in information sharing among other networks.
UNTV and TV5 are doing fine because of their good performance in newscasting.
Last but not the least, Channel 2 will rise again.
The sports world will also see more achievements when Filipino athletes win medals in gymnastics,
Music and arts are bound for headways.
Even beauty contests thrive and Philippine muses will win, nationally and internationally, hands down.
The fashion world is again on the upper hand.
I see colors green, pink, white and black as prominent hues next year.
Long dresses with puffed sleeves, pencil cut skirts, V-neck shirts, baggy jeans and high waist will be fashionable.
In hair style, long, bob cut, shiny and bouncy tresses are still in for women that would make them more elegant.