The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The recent exposé on massive corruption in flood control projects under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has ignited national outrage — not because Filipinos are surprised, but because they are exhausted. The latest cases filed with the Office of the Ombudsman, specifically against officials from the DPWH’s Bulacan regional office and their favored contractors, are merely confirmation …
Points of View & Perspectives
September, 2025
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16 September
The Groundwork: Building Your Emergency Fund
Let’s be real. Most people don’t have an emergency fund. We live with a “come what may” mindset. The problem is, when trouble comes, it usually comes with a bill attached. Here’s the painful truth: one hospital trip, one job layoff, one broken appliance, and suddenly your wallet is in the ICU. Instead of savings, we resort to borrowing. And …
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1 September
Why Most People Stay Broke Even When They Earn More
HOUSE OF FINANCIAL FREEDOM By Chinkee Tan You’d think doubling your income would automatically make you wealthier. For most people, it doesn’t. I’ve seen it countless times as a wealth coach: salary goes up, lifestyle follows, and savings stay flat. This is called the income trap: expenses grow as fast as, or faster than, income. One of my clients experienced …
August, 2025
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28 August
After the flood, a deluge of scandals
As the tide of public outrage over half-finished or ghost flood control projects begins to recede, another wave of controversies waits patiently in line. It’s the familiar rhythm of Philippine politics — scandal erupts, investigations are promised, press conferences are held, headlines scream for a few weeks, then… silence. The show moves on. What comes next? Take your pick. The …
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25 August
BSP Gaming Ban: A Win for Families and Financial Health
HOUSE OF FINACIALFREEDOMBy Chinkee Tan The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has issued a new directive suspending in-app gaming access for all BSP-supervised institutions. Platforms like GCash have begun removing gaming options from GLife last August 16, and the only way users can access them is through the gaming merchant’s website. Some may see this as an inconvenience. I see …
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21 August
Sumbong sa Pangulo – Portal of truth or just more noise?
The launch of the portal sumbongsapangulo.ph has opened what can only be described as the floodgates—yes, pun intended—for reports of anomalies in government projects. Unlike the usual complaint mechanisms that often feel like shouting into a void, this online portal gives ordinary Filipinos a direct line to Malacañang. And in an era where public skepticism is high, this is no …
July, 2025
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21 July
Bongbong’s big gamble in Washington
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s confirmed visit to the United States on July 20-22, 2025, comes at a politically charged time — with high economic stakes. The trip, which may include his first official meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, places the Philippine leader in a delicate position: whether to confront the controversial 20% tariffs recently imposed by the U.S. …
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6 July
Don’t fold — Use geopolitical leverage vs. US tariffs
With Malacañang issuing a cautious, pre-emptive statement on the potential re-implementation of US tariffs under the Trump administration, the writing on the wall is clear: the Philippines is bracing for economic headwinds it feels powerless to resist. Instead of dressing up this passivity in diplomatic language to soothe a jittery business community, it’s time our leaders recognize the strategic advantage …
June, 2025
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30 June
Ibrahim Traoré – A young leader with an old soul
In a world rife with cynicism about political leadership, particularly among young and inexperienced heads of state, Captain Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso stands out as a compelling exception. At just 37 years old, Traoré, the second youngest head of state in the world, has already carved a distinct path that commands attention — not through bombast or political theatrics, …
May, 2025
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22 May
Marcos-Duterte reconciliation or power struggle in disguise?
As the 20th Congress prepares to convene, a high-stakes political chess match is unfolding between two of the country’s most influential political dynasties: the Marcoses and the Dutertes. With Vice President Sara Duterte reportedly lobbying for her brother, Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, to run for House Speaker, the message is clear—the Dutertes are not ready to concede control of …