The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

By Luis Leoncio One of President Aquino’s closest allies has called attention to the chronic government underspending that critics of the administration said has become a “policy.”

By Riza Lozada The government is standing firm on its “mandate” to implement policies and rules aimed at ensuring better protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said recently.

By Luis Leoncio President Aquino is being asked to devote his last State of the Nation Address (Sona)—his legacy speech, according to many—to unfulfilled promises and the improvement of his countrymen’s daily lives.

Property developer Megaworld Corp. is spending P20 billion to complete 12 new office buildings in Fort Bonifacio within three years that will more than double its office space inventory in the area and create over 100,000 jobs.

AC Energy Holdings Inc. (ACE) is optimistic of meeting its 1,000-megawatt (MW) target capacity by 2016, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) John Francia said.

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expects a 3- to 4-percent hike in its energy sales for the first half of this year.

At this stage in the presidency of Barack Obama, a legacy is being established that shows not just the importance of security for the American people, but also the security of the global universe, of which we all belong. We see in Obama’s penultimate acts to secure global peace hope for a future characterized by cooperation even among adversaries. Of the legacies he leaves, one of the most important is the recently inked Iran nuclear deal. 

Still exhilarated, a feeling innate in being freed from foreign rule, Spain and then the United States, in this case, Filipinos 69 years ago today, welcomed back with mourning, the “mortal remains” of Manuel Luis Quezon, who fought for and won the Philippines’ independence with sheer stature and brilliance. 

The week prior to the celebration of its 101st anniversary, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) was able to remind the public that it wields vast political influence while going through what could be a major test of unity among its members.

By Jim Gomez / The Associated Press The Chinese ambassador in Manila has said trade between China and the Philippines grew last year despite their protracted territorial conflicts, providing hope their relations could flourish even as tensions remain.