The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
Though just 21 summers old, our very own Alexandra Eala, in my estimation, is already great. At 13, she embarked for Spain to insulate herself for a sport she loves, as others are struggling withtheir identities, gender, career and a future . There, Alexandra parks herself at the Rafa Nadal Academy for years of gruellingpreparation for a future in professional tennis. To be able to discern that …
Points of View & Perspectives
July, 2026
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5 July
The illusion of economic progress
The country’s elevation to upper-middle-income country (UMIC) category by the World Bank is being hailed by Malacanang as a major achievement. Crossing the gross national income per capita threshold of $4,636 with a reported level of $4,850 signals that the economy has expanded and places the country in a more favorable statistical bracket. It is expected to strengthen investor confidence and enhance the nation’s international standing. But the celebration should not …
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5 July
PBBM’S Canada Visit Strengthens a Partnership Built by Filipinos
LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s official visit to Canada is more than a diplomatic engagement—it is a recognition of the enduring friendship between two nations and the invaluable role of nearly one million Filipinos who have helped shape both societies. During his visit, the President met with the Filipino community to express his gratitude for …
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5 July
Peace and Trade as Strategic Imperatives
REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro In the shifting landscape of global politics, the Philippines finds itself at a crossroads. The recent meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Russian President Vladimir Putin underscores a reality that many policymakers often overlook: peace and trade, not military alliances, are the true engines of national prosperity. Despite Western sanctions led by the United States, …
June, 2026
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28 June
THE ORIGINAL SIN
The challenge facing us today is how to make democracy work. Political philosophers during the Enlightenment at the end of the Middle Ages cut the heads, literally and figuratively, of the Divine Right theory of monarchs to rule over the populace. Then top it off with a Napoleon and his military genius and voila! — one has the recipe of …
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28 June
Tourism first before retirement dreams
The Philippines possesses all the natural ingredients of a world-class tourism destination: pristine beaches, breathtaking mountains, rich biodiversity, and a people renowned for warmth and hospitality. Yet despite repeated marketing campaigns and the sincere efforts of tourism officials, the country continues to lag behind its Southeast Asian neighbors in attracting international visitors. The problem is not a lack of attractions. …
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28 June
A Safer Future for Manila’s Schools: Mayor Isko Moreno
LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso’s proposal to expel students who bring weapons to school, participate in riots, or are found guilty of bullying has sparked an important conversation about discipline, accountability, and the future of education. While some may view the proposed ordinance as too strict, it reflects a growing concern over the need …
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28 June
The Philippines’ Retirement Paradox
REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro The Philippines’ recent recognition as the “world’s top retirement destination” is both a milestone and a mirror. On one hand, it affirms the country’s enduring strengths—affordability, hospitality, and relatively accessible healthcare—that make it attractive to retirees from Europe, North America, and Asia. For many, the promise of “life on vacation, every day” is irresistible. Yet beneath the …
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21 June
Lucky 13
Numbers have long fascinated humanity. Some consider certain numbers as lucky, others as unlucky. The Bible has much influence on these matters. On the first day God said let there be light, and there was light. And so on and on until God rested on the 7th day. Since then, our days have been framed at 7 days a week …
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21 June
Build economic shields at end of US-Iran war
The formal end of the United States-Iran war should have been welcome news for consumers worldwide. On June 17, 2026, following the G7 Summit at Versailles in Paris, US Pres. Donald Trump signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Iran, ending hostilities that began on February 28. The subsequent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes, was …