The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

The SM Foundation Inc.’s Dualtech technical/vocational scholars were treated recently by their benefactors to watch the latest Transformers movie in 3D IMAX at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. It was a happy occasion for the scholars who expressed their thanks to Henry Sy Sr. 

Leading homegrown appliance manufacturer Hanabishi recently renewed its partnership with the GMA Kapuso Foundation (GMAKF) for another year. To reinforce its commitment to make a difference through the reconstruction of schools and post-rehabilitation efforts, Hanabishi will donate electric fans and water dispensers to help more financially challenged communities. 

Governors and mayors from the Visayas have committed to restore the Visayan Sea, one of the richest fishing grounds in the Philippines, and protect it from illegal commercial and destructive fishing, it was learned recently. 

By Alvin I. Dacanay Die Beautiful, Jun Robles Lana’s acclaimed dramedy about a transgender beauty queen who’s dolled up as a different celebrity on each night of her wake, earned a race-leading 10 nominations at the 35th Luna Awards, which also recognized a mother-daughter acting pair and left out top performer Nora Aunor and Ang Babaeng Humayo from its list …

By Gia Catimbang  Creative-tools company Wacom Philippines recently introduced to the country new versions of its old creative tablets and pens to respond to the growing demand of artists here and overseas for these products.

By Luis Leoncio  Giant electricity distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has “sweetheart” deals with seven power plant affiliates for the supply of some 90 percent of its power supply requirements in violation of anti-trust provisions of the Electric Power Industrty Reform Act (EPIRA). 

Trade group Philippine Exporters Confederation (Philexport) had sought a reset of tariff cases with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) through an amnesty program since these pending cases are now sources of graft. 

The Department of Finance (DOF) wanted the eight percent gross receipts tax (GRT) on self-employed and professionals as an option and not a mandated scheme for income tax payments as stated in the House of Representatives’ version of the tax reform program.

By Gia Catimbang  The status of the economy during the first year of President Duterte lacks a ‘silver lining’ in ‘every viewable angle’, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV said at the recent Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum last July 3.