The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
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. …
Points of View & Perspectives
June, 2026
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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 …
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21 June
President Marcos and the Call for National Unity on Father’s Day
LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez As Filipinos celebrate Father’s Day, many take time to honor the fathers and father figures who work tirelessly to provide for their families and guide them toward a better future. For some supporters of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM), this occasion also serves as an opportunity to recognize what they view as his efforts …
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21 June
Fisherfolk Warn: Militarization, Not China, Endangers Livelihoods
REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro As the Philippine government continues to spotlight Chinese incursions in the West Philippine Sea, fisherfolk groups insist that the greater danger lies much closer to home. Organizations such as PAMALAKAYA and PANGISDA Pilipinas have openly distanced themselves from Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, accusing him of advancing “double-standard narratives” that favor another superpower while sacrificing the welfare of …
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14 June
HIGIT SA LAHAT, BUHAY NG TAO
So many things happened last week. The Senate Presidency impasse remains as the blockbuster telenovela since May 11 when Senator Cayetano wrested control of the Senate from erstwhile Senate President Tito Sotto with the dramatic appearance and 13th vote coming from non-fugitive Senator Bato de la Rosa. Of course, there is some palliative measure with the win of Senator Gatchalian as Senate …
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14 June
When the ground shakes, so should gov’t priorities
The devastating earthquake that struck General Santos City and neighboring communities is a grim reminder that the Philippines remains one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world. For many Filipinos, the tragedy inevitably revives fears of “The Big One,” the long-anticipated major earthquake expected to affect Metro Manila and surrounding provinces. While seismologists caution against linking separate earthquake events …
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14 June
Protecting Truth, Preserving Freedom
LOVE FOR ALLBy: Virginia Rodriguez As the Philippines commemorated the 128th anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. delivered a timely reminder that the defense of freedom remains a continuing responsibility for every Filipino. While the battles fought by our heroes in the 19th century were against colonial rule, today’s challenges demand a different kind of …