The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro The warning from Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG) could not have come at a more delicate moment. As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. embarked on his four‑day state visit to Japan, MUFG released a sobering assessment: the Philippine economy faces a “triple threat” — the looming super El Niño, elevated U.S. interest rates, and policy uncertainty at home. …
Points of View & Perspectives
May, 2026
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31 May
A New Hope for Reform at the Bureau of Customs
LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez The recent oath-taking ceremony led by Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno marks another significant step in the Bureau of Customs’ (BOC) continuing journey toward reform and modernization. With 165 personnel taking their oath—120 newly hired employees and 45 newly promoted officials—the event symbolizes not only career advancement but also a renewed commitment to public service and …
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24 May
NA COUP HA!
Coup is the word of the day, weeks even. Nations all over the world speak of coups in lives and blood. We hear talk of coups as lightly as soups of the day, for instead of sacrificing lives and bathing in blood, our version is more civilized, we speak of bruised egos and political chances in future presidential elections, which …
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24 May
PHL political accountability is negotiable
The approaching impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is shaping into a constitutional spectacle riddled with uncertainty, political maneuvering, and dangerous double standards. What should have been a solemn process to determine accountability of a high-ranking public official now threatens to become a prolonged circus where legal tactics matter more than truth. The Senate itself appears unstable. Leadership changes remain possible, especially …
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24 May
Liza Marcos: Redefining the Role of a First Lady in ASEAN Diplomacy
LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez The Philippines’ hosting of the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu was not only a showcase of regional diplomacy but also a reflection of the country’s ability to present itself with confidence, culture, and hospitality. At the center of this effort was First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, whose active participation throughout the summit preparations revealed a modern …
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24 May
Scholarships and the Realities of Access to Higher Education
REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) proudly announced its target: more than 394,000 senior high school graduates are expected to enroll in college for Academic Year 2026–2027. Chairperson Shirley Agrupis highlighted that 20,000 scholarship slots will be available for the first semester, alongside the Presidential Merit Scholarship for the top five percent of graduating classes. Students may …
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17 May
The Merry Days of May
This month of May has a good chance of being the most eventful month this year. It all began, of course with May 1, being Labor Day. All the other days of the year are capital days, ha ha. That is the reason why the increase in minimum wage does not become a reality since May 2 up to April 30 of the following …
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17 May
Executive vs. legislative: vested interests
The chaotic shooting incident inside the Senate building revealed more than a breakdown in security protocols. It exposed the growing collision between law enforcement, political loyaltyand constitutional authority at the highest levels of government. At the center of the controversy is Sen. Ronaldo “Bato” dela Rosa, who is facing an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in connection with crimes against humanity …
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17 May
Bridges Across Oceans: Why the Philippines–Paraguay Partnership Matters
LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez In an era when global diplomacy is often dominated by superpowers and geopolitical tensions, the recent meeting between President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Paraguayan President Santiago Peña Palacios at Malacañang Palace offers a refreshing reminder that meaningful partnerships can still begin with shared opportunity rather than shared conflict. The May 11, 2026 bilateral meeting was …
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17 May
The Senate: Fortress or Carnival?
REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro The Senate, which ought to be a fortress of principle and statesmanship, was once again engulfed in chaos this May 13. Authorities declared that there were no casualties, and for that we should be thankful. Yet the true casualty was the integrity of the institution itself. The chamber of democracy, meant to be a venue for intelligent …