SM Investments Corporation was recognized as among the leaders in Transparency and Reporting during the recently concluded 2024 Philippines Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards of the United Nations (UN). During the announcement of winners on November 27, 2024, it was highlighted that “the Transparency Reporting category recognizes champions who value transparency as a critical aspect of the WEPs framework. By …
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Albay 2nd District Representative and House Ways and Means Chair Joey Sarte Salceda, head of the Quinta Committee (Murang Pagkain Super Committee), announced that they would present initial recommendations to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to tackle alleged rice price manipulation in the country. Salceda revealed that the committee is analyzing past rice price surges, particularly those from 2012-2013 and …
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The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) have formalized a partnership aimed at improving financial coverage for in-patient care through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) recently. PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. and NHSO Secretary General Jadej Thammatacharee signed the agreement in Pasig City. The MOU focuses on developing a …
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The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) unveiled last week a matrix that allegedly exposes a complex network connecting Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) to drug syndicates and corporate fraud. During a public hearing by the House of Representatives quad committee, PDEA Deputy Director General Renato Gumban detailed how transnational criminal organizations exploit legal gaps and corporate frameworks to facilitate illegal …
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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. returned Wednesday last week with several bilateral agreements following his “short but highly productive” working visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The President expressed optimism about the successful implementation of the agreements with the UAE in the Philippines. “I look forward to the implementation of several bilateral agreements in culture, energy transition, legal cooperation, …
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Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to overthrow the government has been strongly condemned as “unacceptable.” “Hindi katanggap-tanggap ang marahas na pang-aagaw ng kapangyarihan upang madaling maluklok bilang Pangulo sa pamamagitan ng pagpaslang, panggugulo at pag-alsa,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin stated last week, urging adherence to lawful processes. Bersamin criticized Duterte’s call for …
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The Department of Education (DepEd) is exploring the expansion of allied education professionals to better address the socio-emotional needs of public school students. Education Secretary Sonny Angara announced the initiative during the Philippine Association for the Gifted (PAG) Conference last week, emphasizing the importance of holistic support for learners, particularly the gifted and talented. “Our gifted and talented deserve not just …
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By Jesse C. Ong On December 8, 2024, The Market Monitor celebrates its 10th anniversary—a remarkable milestone in an era when print media is often described as a “sunset industry.” Surviving a decade in the publishing world, let alone thriving, is no small feat, especially in an age dominated by the swift rise of social media platforms and online publications. …
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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has received all 110,620 automated counting machines for the May 2025 midterm elections, marking a significant milestone in election preparations. Ken Cho, Vice President of Miru Systems, confirmed that the final batch of 9,860 machines, along with their hard cases, power cords, and adapters, has been successfully delivered to the Comelec warehouse in Biñan, Laguna. …
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The idea of another “People Power” movement to oust President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has resurfaced, particularly within the Duterte camp. However, the likelihood of such an effort succeeding is slim. The original People Power Revolution in 1986 was driven by widespread dissatisfaction and moral outrage against authoritarian rule, not orchestrated by a single faction. While past attempts, like the ousting …
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