The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

By Jerry Maglunog Financial authorities have softened their stand on the country’s strict Bank-Secrecy Law as a result of the $81-million online heist involving funds of the Bangladesh central bank routed to the country.

By Jerry Maglunog Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) will add at least 20 more local and international destinations this year, which began with the Cebu-Los Angeles flight on Mar. 15. 

Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI), one of the country’s largest residential developers and business-process outsourcing (BPO) office providers, booked an 11-percent increase in profit last year, boosted by strong local demand and reduced financial cost. 

Asian conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) earned a net profit of P38.2 billion last year—up by 26 percent—while earnings before income tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) climbed 23 percent to P108.6 billion.

Mass-housing developer 8990 Holdings Inc. partnered with listed Security Bank Corp. for the take out of its receivables amounting to P2 billion next month. 

By Riza Lozada The recent cyber heist involving $81 million stolen from the Bangladesh central bank by suspected Chinese hackers and which was coursed through the country for laundering is expected to heighten awareness of firms on the need for security in online transactions, cyber security solutions provider Fortinet said. Fortinet said it is offering to provide with security systems …

If one takes it from a micro, albeit dramatic viewpoint, that is, indeed, the path literally to zero waste here in a temperate country could be a solitary one, with mild dangers, too. Figure how and when we toss out our waste, especially in winter—where bins stand outside the building like ours along deserted lane ways. 

If the latest Social Weather Station (SWS) surveys are to be believed, indications are that former Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas may still win the elections. 

8990 Holdings, Inc., now the top mass-housing developer in the country in just 12 years, has again surprised the investing world with the partnership it struck with Security Bank, the No.1 bank in terms of Return on Equity (ROE), signing a P2-billion loan against its Contract to Sell receivables on a “without recourse” basis.

By Riza Lozada  Major lender Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. (Metrobank) reduced to 12 from 14 its number of directors to improve compliance with corporate governance best practices.