The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

The past week delivered a barrage of headlines—some expected, some troubling, and one truly astonishing. Businessman Atong Ang has reportedly been charged in connection with the long-running investigation into the disappearance of several sabungeros. Gretchen Barretto, frequently entangled in the public conversation, is notably excluded from the case. Meanwhile, the Commission on Audit flagged a government office for procuring ₱13 million worth …

THE House Special Committee on Land Use approved the proposed National Land Use Act (NLUA) last week. NLUA is a landmark measure that seeks to establish a unified national policy on how land is allocated, developed, and protected across the country. The committee, chaired by Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco “Lalo” T. Matugas, fast-tracked the approval of the bill, which has …

METRO Pacific  Tollways Corp. (MPTC) said it is assessing the viability of its planned “NLEX Air,” an elevated tollway designed to help ease rising congestion along the northern stretch of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX). “We need to work on expanding NLEX, sumisikip na. The space between Balintawak and Marilao is getting decongested. We need to work on that,” MPTC …

THE Philippine government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), has acknowledged the continued support of Japan in the country’s infrastructure modernization. Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon underscored Japan’s support to the Philippines as it will speed up the completion of infrastructure projects that will bring immediate benefit to the Filipino people. In a news release last week, …

THE Commission on Overseas Filipinos (COF) revealed that several government offices are looking into the possibility of converting some vertical residential properties into specialized homes for retirees,. “Noong naguusap po kami ng Philippine Retirement Authority, napuna nila na marami tayong mga sobrang condominium dito sa atin and I think they are talking to several large developers kung paano nila macoconvert …

AS the Philippine property market closes out another resilient year, boutique developer Livingsprings Communities Realty and Development Corporation (LCRDC) identifies three major housing trends set to define 2026: the rise of sustainability as a standard, the accelerating move toward out-of-Metro homes, and the growing demand for wellness-centric environments. These insights come as the company highlights Cypress Place Woodland Community in …

Megaworld Hotels & Resorts (MHR) celebrated this year’s Thanksgiving by supporting the Ati Komunidad of Boracay as they took on the challenge of mastering nito weaving, a traditional Filipino craft. Anchored on the theme “Weaving Heritage, Planting Hope,” the project underscores MHR’s commitment to preserving Filipino craftsmanship while creating sustainable income opportunities for indigenous communities. “The Ati people are the …

The unemployment rate has just clinched a new record — the highest in 3 months. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said the number of jobless Filipinos surged in October, with rates hitting a three-month high. The country’s unemployment rate was recorded at 5.0 percent, markedly up from 3.8 percent and 3.9 percent a year earlier.. This is the highest unemployment …

Post-POGO, how much are condominiums selling in Metro Manila? Prices vary drastically between business districts and less central areas in the National Capital Region. The same is true in emerging markets such as Cebu City, Davao City and Iloilo City. Baguio and Tagaytay, however, have remained in demand for condo buyers and renters, with tourism factors providing the incentive. In …

LOVE FOR ALL​By: Virginia Rodriguez There are few images more striking in Philippine politics than that of the President of the Republic rolling into Malacañang aboard a kiddie train. Yet on Saturday, that was precisely how President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., joined by First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and their youngest son Vinny, chose to open the annual Balik Sigla, Bigay Saya …