The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

President Aquino’s economic managers have put a positive spin on an otherwise damning report of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the administration’s budgeting innovations that cited the lack of transparency in the use of public funds. A top official even went to the extent of saying the IMF report was an “indicator” of fiscal transparency under the Aquino administration.

By Riza Lozada The International Air Transport Association (Iata), the global regulator of the international airline industry, has urged the Philippines to promote the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Pampanga as “temporary support” and “interim solution” to relieve the growing demands of international travelers coming to the country.

The Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) is optimistic about hitting its P200-billion target capital to be raised this year despite the weak market, a bourse official said.

Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp. (TA) topped the bid for three power barges each with a capacity of 32 megawatts (MWs) of state power assets holding firm Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) with an offer of P420 million in cash.

By Riza Lozada The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) gave the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) a provisional approval to lower its distribution charges by 17 centavos per kilowatt hour (kWh).

For some, the fact that we picked Benigno Aquino III over Joseph Estrada, an actor and convicted—albeit pardoned—plunderer, in 2010 is indicative of our growing political maturity. If we consider it mature to pick white or black. Indeed, both political personas are miles apart, the difference, then akin to day versus night.

Drought in British Columbia and other parts of Canada, but especially in Vancouver, which Filipinos have given the moniker “Vanc-ulan,” with obvious reference to its being rainy, in the past few weeks, has blazed the headlines.

The only son and namesake of former President Ferdinand Marcos is being mentioned as a possible alternative candidate in next year’s presidential elections. He is up for reelection as senator and is perceived as a sure winner.

China has sought to allay fears in the Philippines of a possible armed conflict over the growing tensions related to the territorial dispute in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

By Jerry Maglunog Microinsurance aims to provide insurance to people in the lower echelons of society. It is a largely undeveloped market, however, as in the Philippines, it is estimated that not more than 10 percent of the country’s population are insured, moreso with the marginalized members of society.