Revelation of a “leadership fund” distributed to “all senators” under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) budget raises troubling questions whether the country has quietly resurrected the pork barrel system that the Supreme Court already declared unconstitutional. Former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan told the Sandiganbayan that “all senators” in the previous Congress received at least P500 million …
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Chinabank is upgrading its digital banking services for businesses with the launch of My CBC Business, a new platform designed to streamline financial operations for both large corporations and small and medium enterprises. The next-generation facility brings cash management, payment processing and real-time account monitoring into a single digital platform, allowing businesses to manage banking transactions alongside their day-to-day operations. …
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Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has filed Senate Resolution No. 581 seeking an inquiry into the absence of regular fuel cost audits in the power sector, saying stronger oversight is needed as rising generation charges continue to drive up electricity bills. Gatchalian said the increasing cost of power generation, coupled with the lack of routine fuel cost audits, highlights the need …
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Public utility vehicle (PUV) operators and drivers will receive a higher fuel discount starting Aug. 15 after the government approved a ₱2-per-liter increase in the subsidy, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto announced. The fuel discount will rise to ₱12 per liter from the current ₱10, benefiting more than 93,000 qualified PUV operators and drivers nationwide as they cope with rising fuel …
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Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and welfare despite the temporary restraining order (TRO) that has halted the implementation of the minimum wage increase in the National Capital Region. Tolentino assured workers that the DOLE continues to support the wage hike and has assigned its lawyers to assist the …
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Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno has warned of the immediate dismissal of any personnel involved in the theft or unauthorized removal of confiscated illicit cigarettes, as he ordered tighter security measures in all BOC ports nationwide. In a memorandum dated August 3, 2026, Nepomuceno directed all District Commanders of the Enforcement and Security Service (ESS) and Chiefs of …
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The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is stepping up investments in smart metering technology to modernize its power distribution system, improve operational efficiency and strengthen the security of its metering network. Meralco Vice President and Corporate Communications Head Joe Zaldarriaga said the company is enhancing its Elevated Metering Transformation (EMX), an upgraded platform integrated with its Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) as …
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San Miguel Food and Beverage Inc. (SMFB) posted a 2% increase in first-half 2026 revenue to ₱205.3 billion, driven by continued growth in its food business despite softer consumer spending, inflation, and geopolitical disruptions that affected some export markets. Gross profit remained steady at ₱58.4 billion, while EBITDA slipped 1% to ₱38.8 billion. Operating income declined 4% to ₱28.8 billion …
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More domestic shipping operators are embracing digital tools to cut fuel consumption and reduce carbon emissions, with 51 companies nationwide now committing to adopt the Maritime Energy Demand Information and Analysis Software (MEDIAnS), the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) said. The latest rollout was held in Zamboanga City, where 12 shipping companies from the Zamboanga Peninsula voluntarily joined the government’s emissions …
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The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has completed one of its most comprehensive reviews of agency budget proposals in recent years to ensure that the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) is aligned with the Philippine Development Plan and the priorities of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Budget Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said the review went beyond checking the completeness …
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The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business