The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The week just passed has been filled with Constitutionalism, thePower of Congress, and the Power of Judicial Review of the Supreme Court. One of the impeachable officials is the Vice-President. The possible grounds for impeachment under Article XI, Section 2 of the Philippine Constitution are: culpable violation of the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or betrayal of the public …
Points of View & Perspectives
May, 2026
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4 May
Impact of UAE exit from OPEC on local oil industry
The recent exit of the United Arab Emirates from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its expanded alliance, OPEC+, was greeted locally with cautious optimism. Industry players see in it a potential easing of supply constraints and a possible softening of pump prices. On paper, the logic is simple: freed from production quotas, UAE can maximize its heavily funded oil infrastructure, flood the market with supply, and undercut competitors. In a time …
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4 May
FL Leads Celebration of a Song of Victory and Filipino Pride
LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos expressed her joy and pride as she attended a special concert on April 26, 2026, celebrating the achievements of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office Chorale. Held at the Proscenium Theater in Makati City, the event honored the group’s Grand Prix victory in South Korea, a moment that brought pride not only …
April, 2026
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26 April
HOPE AND PRAY
We live in interesting times. Internationally, the world’s superpowers are aligning towards bi-polarity, ultimately clustering into US and Non-US camps, like two warring Latin-named fraternities in disorganized brawls. Then, as if the on-going mayhem wasn’t enough, there is a spicier sideshow of names and emails of the high and the mighty proposing to cavort with under-aged pizza pies in the Virgin islands. The cause of it all lies below …
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26 April
What is Sara’s game plan?
What exactly is Vice President Sara Duterte’s endgame in an impeachment case she appears unwilling to confront head-on? The silence is not just strategic—it is risky. In high-stakes political battles, refusing to engage the allegations early often concedes narrative control to opponents, especially when evidence continues to accumulate in public view. What complicates matters further is the durability of her support …
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26 April
“Kamote Factories”
REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro Recently, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) revoked the licenses of 12 driving schools in Metro Manila for serious regulatory violations. Branded as “kamote factories,” these schools have been blamed for producing drivers who lack discipline—those who ignore road signs, overtake recklessly, and fuel the growing culture of road rage. But this issue goes beyond the misconduct of …
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26 April
Sails of Memory, Seeds of Progress
LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez The Philippines has always stood at the crossroads of history and hope, and recent developments reflect a nation honoring its past while investing in its future. First Lady Liza Marcos graced the opening of Museo del Galeon in Pasay, near the SM Mall of Asia complex, marking a meaningful cultural milestone. Once a COVID-19 vaccination …
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23 April
NO MORE FLOODS LIKE NOAH’S
The week just passed imprinted the following names in the news for the Catholic, Americanized, Filipino citizen – Pope Leo XIV, POTUS Trump, and Witness Madriaga. The Pope, spotlighted on Africa; the Donald, on the Strait Hormuz; and the Witness, on his former Boss. These personalities have changed our perception of the basic truths we have so far held …
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20 April
See through the noise
The persistence—and escalation—of Die-hard Duterte Supporters (DDS) underscores a troubling feature of Philippine politics: loyalty untethered from accountability. Despite the intensifying scrutiny at Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment proceedings, her followersremain not only intact but increasingly aggressive. What might have been a moment for reflection has become a rallying point for disinformation, intimidation and political theater. Recent revelations by Duterte family’s close aide and bagman Ramil Madriaga have ignited widespread online …
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20 April
BIYAYANG BIGAS PROGRAM: A PBBM DIRECT RICE RESPONSE
LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent launch of the Biyayang Bigas para sa Maynila (BBM) program signals a direct and immediate response to the mounting economic strain felt by many urban Filipinos. With 80,000 families set to receive rice assistance over six months, the initiative offers timely relief, particularly to transport workers, service employees, and low-income …