The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

MANILA Water sustains massive expansion of water service connections.  From January to November 2025, the company installed 19,421 new water service connections, bringing the total to 1,213,213 across the East Zone concession area since 1997, reflecting the company’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for safe and reliable water. Supporting this expansion is a robust water supply network that grew …

With the weakest peso ever at P59.44 to the dollar, cash remittances from overseas Filipino workers are enjoying the best of times. Remittances from OFWs ramped up to  $2.91 billion in November 2025, reinforcing the steady role of migrant workers in supporting household spending and overall economic activity in the Philippines. This may be attributed to the need for more …

If you are a motorist who is annoyed and angry about the glut of motorcycle riders on the road—many of them violating traffic rules and endangering other motorists—perhaps you might blame the extra loose and expansive financing available to these buyers. Blame, too, must go to the government’s inability to provide public transport systems along with a working traffic management …

From the initial number of P5 billion, LANDBANK has raised the minimum target for its dual-tenor sustainability bond offering to P30 billion, hoping that buyers and investors are serious in promoting the environment and agricultural growth. The bonds, called Agriculture, Sustainability, Environment, and Socioeconomic Development (ASENSO) bonds, are peso-denominated and fixed-rate, with tenors of 1.5 and three years. The public …

Manulife Philippines, the local arm of leading financial services provider Manulife, continues to advance its Impact Agenda, the company’s global commitment to drive better outcomes for its customers, communities, and the planet, with various volunteering and community efforts spread throughout the past year. To cap 2025’s initiatives, Manulife executives, volunteers, and beneficiaries came together for sustained reforestation efforts, advancing environmental …

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. (DigiPlus), the pioneer and leading digital entertainment provider behind BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and GameZone, has partnered with top esports and gaming entertainment company Tier One Entertainment to launch “Level Up IRL,” a new podcast series that explores gaming culture, lifestyle, mental health, and the evolving creator economy.  Episode 1 of the podcast, “Pro Poker Champion on Life, Loss, …

By Tracy Cabrera  MANILA, Philippines — Branding the information submitted by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary Clarissa ‘Claire’ Castro-Seechung as ‘suppression of free speech’, lawyer-vloggers Rose Beatrix “Trixie” Cruz-Angeles and Ahmed Paglinawan enthused that the Palace official’s fears has not basis as their post was only a metaphor.  Castro-Seechung went to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to reported a Facebook page …

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) will donate technology packages and essential learning equipment valued at ₱12 million to 30 public schools across the country. The initiative, which is part of the GSIS Adopt-a-School Program (ASP), is designed to enhance the learning experience for students, particularly those in underserved communities. It aims to provide critical resources that support both online …

The start of a new year is often a time for reflection, resets, and a renewed focus on overall health. After weeks of holiday indulgence, everyone is looking for simple, sustainable ways to take better care of their bodies.  This new year, Anlene encourages Filipinos to turn good intentions into action by choosing habits and thoughtful essentials that support long …

The Maxxis RAZR HT780 is a well-regarded highway-terrain tire for SUVs and 4x4s and I am truly impressed with its performance ever since they were fitted in my Nissan Navara late last year. I organized a horseracing event early December last year at the MetroTurf Racing Complex in Malvar, Batangas that’s why I need to go there frequently for the …