The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
To breathe new life into the struggling Philippine film industry, Senate President Francis Escudero III has filed Senate Bill No. 283, also known as the “Nora Aunor Act,” offering sweeping tax breaks and incentives to accredited industry players. The proposed measure seeks to counter rising production costs, dwindling moviegoers, and the growing dominance of global streaming platforms — all of …
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August, 2025
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11 August
Missile Momentum
The Philippines’ recent decision to acquire more BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India marks a significant and strategic step in the nation’s efforts to modernize its defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions. This second deal, coming after the initial 2022 acquisition of a shore-based anti-ship missile system, reinforces the country’s resolve to strengthen its territorial defense, particularly in the West …
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11 August
Sixty-day rice import ban won’t trigger inflation – Balisacan
Despite a two-month halt in rice imports starting September, consumers have little to worry about — inflation is unlikely to spike, according to Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. Speaking during a briefing at the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) office in Quezon City, Balisacan assured the public that the 60-day rice import suspension ordered by President …
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11 August
BBM: SSS can hike pensions without extra deductions
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured the public that the Social Security System (SSS) remains financially strong enough to raise monthly pensions for its members—without increasing contribution rates. Speaking in the latest episode of *The BBM Podcast* aired last week, Marcos expressed confidence in the agency’s fiscal health, saying the continued growth of the country’s working population will sustain …
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11 August
SM Investments nets P42.6-B in H1 2025
SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments) saw its net income climb to ₱42.6 billion in the first half of 2025 — a 6 percent increase — as favorable economic conditions continued to fuel growth across its key businesses. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the conglomerate also reported consolidated revenues of ₱319.2 billion as of end-June. “We continue to …
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11 August
ALI posts P14.2-B profit for 1st half of the year
Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) kicked off 2025 on a high note, posting an 8% jump in net income to ₱14.2 billion for the first half of the year — thanks to robust sales of commercial lots and premium residences, along with strong performance in leasing and hospitality. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange last week, ALI reported consolidated …
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11 August
BIR slaps P1.41-B tax rap on firms using ‘ghost receipts’
In its relentless crackdown on tax fraud, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed fresh criminal complaints against dozens of companies and individuals over the alleged use of “ghost receipts” to evade taxes amounting to a staggering ₱1.41 billion. BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. personally led the filing of 23 tax evasion cases before the Department of Justice …
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11 August
We must replenish our mangroves
During The 2013 destruction by typhoon Haiyan in the eastern coastal towns, most villages were left with nothing and many islanders perished from the storm surges and tsunamis. But the residents of Gen. MacArthur in Eastern Samar, a small community in the path of the super typhoon, was spared because it had preserved and treated its mangroves as wildlife treasure. …
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11 August
Top business conglomerates popularize urban farming
Foundations of business conglomerates like San Miguel Corp., Meralco and SM Corp. are competing with each other in popularizing urban farming, which makes a lot of sense in growing further their businesses while satisfying their employees’ needs for accessible food supply. It is not known which one did it first, but which one of them has embraced urban farming as …
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11 August
Phl keeps Top 2 slot as global pineapple supplier
The Philippines retained its position as second top supplier of pineapple in the world in 2024 posting a double-digit growth on the back of booming demand from key Asian markets, according to an international report. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) said pineapple shipments from the Philippines expanded by 14.1 percent to around 680,000 metric tons …
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