The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Transport network companies (TNCs) were warned to stop accrediting drivers in excess of government-imposed limits, following its discovery during recent distribution of cash aid by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Giovanni Lopez issued the warning after DSWD was overwhelmed by the number of unauthorized claimants. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board …

An artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mobility app recently showed that only 23% of road space has been allocated for pedestrians, while about 47% of people who are traveling and using private vehicles take up a massive 77% of our highways, depicting an imbalance in road use. Dr. Syrus Gomari, a Filipino researcher, believes that putting people first is key to improving …

The Philippines and Thailand are highly vulnerable to an aviation downturn due to rising jet fuel costs, according to Oxford Economics, citing the two countries’ reliance on international arrivals that support their growth and employment.  According to Sheana Yue, senior economist at Oxford Economics, the nature of aviation risk varies across Asia. “Higher oil prices typically dampen travel demand through …

Philippines festivals are mainly rooted in faith and devotion – Sinulog, Ati-Atihan and Dinagyang honor the Santo Nino, while Pahiyas and the Carabao festivals are dedicated to San Isidro Labrador. In Bukidnon, their festival focuses on their identity, their traditions, customs and unity of the indigenous communities. It’s called Kaamulan Festival. The name “Kaamulan” is derived from the Binukid word …

Coron, Palawan explodes with myriad beaches and island destinations, offering unforgettable experiences to visitors. Coron forms part of the Calamian Islands, together with Busuanga, Culion, and several other smaller islands, many host diverse tourist spots and accommodations. At the top of the list is Kayangan Lake which is the most-visited in Coron. Located on Coron Island, Kayangan Lake is famous …

Operators and driver-members of the Pandacan Transport Services and Multipurpose Cooperative (PTSMPC) proudly testifies that the Public Transport Modernization Program (PTMP) of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) improved their lives – by replacing the old boundary system for the security of weekly salaries and multiple social benefits – manifesting the program’s aim of professionalizing the transport sector. DOTr Secretary Giovanni …

by Boy Villasanta Although she’s still battling another serious malady apart from the many severe illnesses she has been dealing with for years, Queen of All Media Kris Aquino is slowly but surely recovering from her recent bout with COVID-19. “Di pa po (She’s not) totally recovered,” intimated one of Kris’ closest friends, writers and allies when asked about her condition …

For twenty-five years, beauty queen and actress Melanie Marquez has endured a union with American husband Adam Lawyer and how! For the longest time since she had short-lived relationships with men, Melanie has devoted her love and care for Adam since the day they were married. She indeed committed her marital vows that traditionally say “…to have and to hold …

Entertainment writers JC Nigado and Dindo Balares are rejoicing when the rains of May fall to cool the hot summer. “Ang tawag d’yan, Agua de Mayo (We call it Waters of May),” quipped JC when raindrops fell on our roofs in San Pedro, Laguna over the weekend. While in Bicolandia, Dindo thanks heavens for the rains dropped on his farm. “Agua …

Entertainment journalist Danny Vibas was a friend. He was more than a dear friend, actually. And a classmate. We were both alumni of the Faculty of Arts and Letters of the University of Santo Tomas (UST). I was a Literature major while he was a Journalism student. As Lit and Journo majors, we were always fused in one class—including Philosophy …