The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Manila Water Foundation (MWF), in collaboration with Manila Water Philippine Ventures subsidiaries Cebu Water and Tagum Water, together with Tagum Water District, Metro Cebu Water District, and Better with Water, continues to champion its mission of expanding access to water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), and promoting environmental sustainability in Cebu Province and Davao del Norte. In Cebu, MWF and Cebu Water …

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) underscored the importance of direct member feedback in shaping institutional reforms as it gathered hundreds of stakeholders for the 2025 GSIS NCR Stakeholders’ Dialogue at the VS Hotel and Convention Center in Quezon City. “We are here to listen so we can better understand how to make your transactions with GSIS easier and more convenient,” …

November 22, 2025 – The Embassy of France in the Philippines and Micronesia in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema present the 28th edition of the French Film Festival, Manila’s annual rendez-vous for lovers of global cinema. Some of the most dynamic and forward-looking line up of French films will be shown in SM Aura and SM City Manila …

MANILA, Philippines – November 22, 2025 – This December 6–7, 2025, the 10th NAITAS Travel Expo (NTEX) welcomes travelers to a meaningful holiday celebration with its special theme: “Eco Pasko.” Happening at the SM Megamall Megatrade Hall, this milestone edition invites Filipinos to embrace a greener way of exploring—one that protects destinations, uplifts communities, and inspires mindful, purpose-driven travel. More …

Arrest warrants have been issued by the Sandiganbayan for former congressman Zaldy Co and 17 others after the Office of the Ombudsman (OMB) directed law enforcement agencies, led by the Philippine National Police (PNP), to effect their arrests. Co and several Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials as well as directors of Sunwest Corporation have been formally charged …

Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez strongly denied any involvement in alleged national budget manipulations as well as the controversial flood control projects, insisting “my conscience remains clear”. Romualdez is willing to undergo investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman as recommended by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), according to his lawyer Atty. Ade Fajardo. In a statement read by …

The Bureau of Customs (BoC) held a public auction on seven of the confiscated luxury vehicles owned by contractor Pacifico ‘Curlee’ Discaya and wife Cezarah ‘Sarah’ Discaya but only three were sold. The auction, held at the South Harbor just a week after the vehicles were opened for public viewing, generated only P38.21 million for government The three sold vehicles …

Real estate magnate and former senator Manuel ‘Manny’ Villar lost his title as the Philippines’ richest man after losing billions of pesos on the revaluation of his properties in southern Manila. More than 360 hectares of land, tagged as Villar City and owned by the Villar Land Holdings Corporation, was reappraised at below its original purchase price, wiping out a …

Manila Electric Company (Meralco) recently collaborated with the Manila local government in its wire-clearing operations, boosting the power distributor’s anti-urban blight campaign. With strong support from the Manila local government unit, Manila Electric Company is gaining headway in its anti-urban blight campaign with wire-clearing operations throughout the city.  Agapito Jose ‘Joe’ Zaldarriaga, Meralco vice president and Corporate Communications head emphasized …

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has intensified their monitoring of social media platforms in the midst of political turmoil, warning that recent disinformation spread online may involve foreigners. During a Stratbase cybersecurity forum in Makati City, AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the source of false information may involve domestic and foreign elements. “Is there a foreign …