The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Sanitation inspectors could soon see better pay, benefits, and working conditions under a bill filed by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson. On Thursday, Lacson introduced Senate Bill No. 1725, which proposes revising the salary grades of sanitation inspectors, enhancing their welfare, and professionalizing the field through mandatory registration and accreditation. “This bill aims to professionalize the health and sanitary-related …

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week expressed support for his son, House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos, saying he acted appropriately by recusing himself from all impeachment proceedings against him. In a video released by the Presidential Communications Office, Marcos said he first learned about his son’s decision from news reports, not directly from him. “That is very proper …

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) plans to widen the Mananga River in Talisay and other rivers prone to overflowing in Cebu, following recent storms that caused severe flooding in the province. Public Works Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon said the initiative aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to prioritize flood management and minimize damage from future …

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is accelerating the nationwide and overseas distribution of its enhanced eCard, aiming to reach all 2.6 million active overseas Filipino worker (OFW) members. In a briefing last week, Deputy Administrator Ryan Vincent Uy said the agency issued more than 300,000 eCards in 2025, a significant jump from around 56,000 in 2024. “Right now, we …

A recent study by researchers from the University of the Philippines and several foreign universities has pulled back the curtain on a troubling reality of modern Philippine elections: the growing, largely hidden role of social media influencers in political campaigning.  Their findings, which identify at least 1,425 influencer accounts engaged in covert or under-the-radar campaigning during the 2022 presidential elections, should prompt …

The recent decision by highly respected international financial institutions to lower their growth forecasts for the Philippines should have set off loud alarm bells than it apparently did in Malacañang. While the Palace has downplayed the revisions, citing inflation as a manageable concern, the downgrades have nonetheless sent ripples of uncertainty through the business community—an audience far less inclined to shrug …

LOVE FOR ALL​By: Virginia Rodriguez The Philippines is gradually moving toward economic improvement under the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. While the country continues to face challenges, recent developments show steady progress that deserves recognition. Reports presented during the 7th Economy and Development Council Meeting in Malacañan highlight positive trends in employment and poverty reduction. These figures reflect …

REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro On January 3, Washington jolted the international community by seizing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and flying him to the United States for trial. Without UN authorization or even prior consultation with Congress, President Trump declared that America would “run the country” and hand over Venezuela’s oil sector — the largest proven reserves in the world — to …

SM Foundation (SMFI) received a Silver Anvil Award under the PR Tools, Multimedia category from the Public Relations Society of the Philippines for its #SpreadingSocialGood Stories Online campaign. The initiative strengthened SM Foundation’s digital presence and translated online engagement into tangible social impact.  Through strategic storytelling on Facebook, SMFI grew its online community to more than one million followers and …

Stakeholders in Ifugao join GSIS President and General Manager Wick Veloso and executives in an open dialogue to discuss access, connectivity, and service delivery challenges in remote communities. Insights from the dialogue will help guide location-specific measures to make GSIS services more accessible and responsive.