The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

In the early hours of December 17, operatives from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) Special Division together with other units of the Philippine National Police (PNP) intercepted two trailer trucks at G. Araneta Avenue in Quezon City while about to transport a shipment of suspected smuggled cigarettes worth more than ₱143-million. According to HPG director Brigadier General Hansel Marantan, the …

Defense lawyers of former president Rodrigo Duterte want the findings of a team of doctors appointed by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to be voided, after determining that Duterte is medically fit to participate in his trial. The lawyers said the medical report is filled with contradictions and failed to address the claim that he is unable to meaningfully interact …

The International Criminal Court (ICC) Registry has received a total of 303 applications for victim participation in the trial of former president Rodrigo Duterte, which the ICC considered way below the number of drug war victims. According to the report submitted to Pre-Trial Chamber I dated December 19, 2025, the low number of applications was largely due to the absence …

The Department of Health (DOH) plans to expand the zero balance billing program to include semi-private rooms in government accredited hospitals for the benefit of barangay health workers. DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said they plan to admit barangay health workers in semi-private wards of its hospitals for free. This would convey DOH’s gratitude “for their dedication in delivering health programs …

Illegal recruitment of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) through social media has seriously proliferated over the last four years, rendering efforts by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to curb the practice ineffective. Four years since DMW was established, the department was able to close 170,140 pages on Facebook and TikTok that were conducting illegal recruitment activities such as online direct …

The congratulatory sound bites celebrating the on-time passage of the 2026 national budget were never really about reform. They were political anesthetics, carefully administered to dull public outrage over the shameful revelations of corruption involving public funds. By beating the deadline, lawmakers projected efficiency and responsibility, but speed alone does not cleanse a P6.793-trillion budget of the rot that has long plagued its …

LOVE FOR ALL​By: Virginia Rodriguez The holiday season in the Philippines is often described as a time of abundance—tables filled with food, homes warmed by laughter, and communities bound by shared traditions. Yet for many street dwellers and informal settlers, the season can sharpen the pain of scarcity. It is against this backdrop that the government’s Walang Gutom Kitchen program, …

By DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN The troubles that beset the Philippine economy, particularly the business community, mainly emanating from the embarrassing billion-peso flood control projects scandal, were momentarily set aside by Chinese-Filipino businessmen at an important event. The occasion was the welcoming function in honor of His Excellency, Ambassador Jing Quan, held at the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce …

Transport Network Company Grab has expressed its appreciation for the swift action taken by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DoTr) in addressing the concerns of Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) drivers. In a statement, Grab extended its gratitude for the implementation of a fixed pickup fare system, which was introduced as a …

Hospitality is often seen through the lens of warm smiles and flawless guest experiences, but behind every welcoming gesture is work that demands both physical endurance and emotional strength. A career in the service industry means long hours on one’s feet and the ability to show genuine care. It requires an unwavering commitment to serve others well, no matter the …