The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez instructed Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) chairman Atty. Vigor Mendoza II to immediately penalize abusive, rude and arrogant drivers of taxis and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) who cancel bookings or overcharge or refuse to accept passengers during the ongoing holiday rush. Sec. Lopez said they are issuing a memorandum …

The Departments of Tourism (DOT) and Migrant Workers (DMW) have partnered to launch the Investment in Philippine Opportunities for Nation’s Tourism (IPON Tourism) program, which provides returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) with opportunities to invest in tourism-related ventures as partners, owners or entrepreneurs. DOT Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco said IPON Tourism would enable OFW to reintegrate while expanding tourism as …

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is upgrading its cameras for the no-contact apprehension system by equipping them with speed-detection capability, according to Chairman Don Artes who said most fatal over-speeding incidents occurred late at night. Artes said the agency currently relies on manual speed guns, but engineers are finalizing the integration of speed radars into the MMDA’s AI-powered NCAP …

Baguio City’s famous chilly weather in December has officially arrived, with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) recently recording a temperature of 13.8 degrees Celsius. Health officials urged the public to dress appropriately such as jackets, sweaters, bonnets and socks and by drinking warm water, tea or soup. They also advised getting enough rest to help prevent …

The Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) proudly announces the newest—and wildest—addition to the iconic “Ang Babae Sa Septic Tank” universe. After two blockbuster films and one hit series, the franchise is finally leaping from screen to stage with its live theatrical installment, from June 19 to August 16, 2026, at the PETA Theater Center. Bringing the beloved satire to an entirely new medium, PETA’s “Ang Babae Sa Septic …

The Philippine IATA Agents Travel Association (PIATA) and the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Philippines Chapter  announce their first-ever collaborative fundraising concert, ERA: Healing Hearts, a landmark initiative dedicated to supporting survivors of recent calamities in Cebu.   The concert will take place on December 10, 2025, at 7:00 PM at RJ Dusit Thani, featuring  Ms. Lou Bonnevie alongside a lineup of celebrated artists. …

by Boy Villasanta Filipina actress Carmi Martin confessed before thousands of people gathered at the Rizal Park during the recent Baha sa Luneta protest action—against corruption in government—that it was her baptism of fire joining a street march. ​”Yes, virgin pa po ako sa mga rally, (It’s my first time, I am still new in this business called) rally,” confessed Carmi. The …

It’s business as usual between ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation and TV5. ​The Manny V. Pangilinan empire is demanding unpaid dues from the Lopez conglomerates. They are debts incurred during the showing of some ABS-CBN shows in TV5. Socio-culturally, though, there are many ways to skin the cat. Filipinos are known for “pakikisama” and this might work to solve the problem.   …

I was at the caravan of DZMM Serbisyong Kapamilya at Ayala Malls Felize in Marcos Highway last Friday. ​I was convinced to go and see the show with a dear cousin, Ret. Col. Severina Anacion Rojas who wanted to see in person one of the station’s anchors. Dan Capucion, a townmate from Lopez, Quezon. Most of the announcers of the …

What’s unique with the Blessed Virgin Mary is Her chameleonic tendencies, not necessarily changing facial appearances or but sporting frocks and vestments of diverse kind. Her face always exudes the soft, loving, tender, motherly. Of course, assuming multiple faceted names—depends on what is her purpose in a particular time and the significance of the place She vsits or has visited. The Virgin …