Senator Erwin Tulfo has issued a strong call to financial technology companies: “Take a stand and cut off access to online gambling from your platforms—no need to wait for a new law”. Framing the issue as a “national crisis,” Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, urged major digital wallet providers like GCash and PayMaya to demonstrate …
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Senator Risa Hontiveros is turning up the heat on private water concessionaires as she calls for an urgent Senate investigation into allegedly lopsided joint venture agreements (JVAs) between local water districts and big-name providers like PrimeWater, Manila Water, and Metro Pacific Water. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday, Hontiveros said she has refiled Senate Resolution No. 16 …
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After years of unanswered questions, the mystery surrounding the disappearance of cockfighting enthusiasts—or *sabungeros*—may be closer to a breakthrough. Two suspects believed to hold critical information on the case are now under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP), following their arrest in a Southeast Asian country and their return to the Philippines on July 22, police officials confirmed …
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The Marcos administration is making headway in stabilizing the country’s economy, with key indicators showing strong growth, easing inflation, and reduced poverty, according to Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. In a briefing held Thursday in Mandaluyong City, Balisacan highlighted the Philippines’ economic strides, noting that the country remains one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies from 2023 …
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At the heart of Central Luzon, the OFW Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga continues to make waves—not just for its expanding services, but for what it proudly refuses to do: charge its patients. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac on Thursday reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to specialized healthcare for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their …
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Consumers can expect more affordable pork in time for the holidays as the Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to route most of its proposed pork imports under the Minimum Access Volume (MAV) Plus to Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) outlets. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the department is seeking to import about 150,000 metric tons (MT) of pork at …
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The Department of Energy (DOE) is working to widen the reach of its Lifeline Rate program by pushing for the automatic inclusion of more low-income families, particularly the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Energy Secretary Sharon Garin revealed that only around 330,000 out of the 4.5 million 4Ps households are currently availing of the electricity subsidy, mainly …
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Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez has a clear message for Filipino students: upskilling is no longer optional—it’s essential. Speaking at the post-SONA conference in San Juan City last week, Benitez emphasized the need for continuous learning in an ever-evolving job market. “Wala pong katapusan ang upskilling,” he said, stressing that as industries advance, so …
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By Tracy Cabrera Despite the imminent postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is going full steam ahead with voter registration and other poll preparations. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia said the agency was formally informed by the Office of the Executive Secretary that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to sign …
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As the digital economy continues to grow, financial technology (fintech) companies have become vital players in facilitating swift, secure, and accessible transactions. However, with great influence comes great responsibility. Regulators and lawmakers are now urging fintech platforms to reassess—and ultimately sever—their ties with unregulated online gambling operators. The concern is not without basis. Online gambling, particularly those operating outside regulatory …
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The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business