The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

By Tracy Cabrera Amid persistent destabilization rumors and murmurs of unrest over alleged government corruption, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the Constitution and the Filipino people — a stance that has earned praise from civic leader Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia. Goitia, chairman emeritus of the Alyansa ng Bantay sa Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD), People’s …

Award recognizes the leading home improvement retailer’s commitment to empowering communities in Samar and Leyte through sustainable job opportunities MANILA, Philippines – September 26, 2025 – Leading home improvement retailer MR.DIY Philippines has been honored for Job Creation in the Philippines at the ESGBusiness Awards held September 25 at The Westin Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  The award celebrates the company’s outstanding …

There is no party like a San Miguel Oktoberfest party. The most-anticipated beer festival kicked off at Okada Manila September 20 to 21. As San Miguel Beer celebrates its 135th year, San Miguel Brewery Inc. (SMB) brings back the fiesta vibe that made the event an iconic spectacle. Over 8,000 revelers flocked Okada Manila’s Crystal Pavilion during the two-day event …

Filipino families can now enjoy bigger screens and bigger rewards  Makati City, Philippines — September 30, 2025. Devant has entered the premium large-screen segment with the launch of its 98-inch TV, introduced at the Luxe Hub opening in Makati. Backed by features such as ThinQ AI, webOS, TruMotion, and Game Mode ALLM, the model strengthens Devant’s positioning as a competitive …

Jaro, Iloilo — SM Development Corporation (SMDC) marked a key milestone in Western Visayas with the final topping-off of its buildings at its residential community in Jaro, Glade Residences. The ceremony signals the completion of the structural phase and the start of interior and finishing works, bringing the community closer to welcoming its first homeowners. Once complete, the four-storey mid-rise …

Oct 2, 2025, Manila, Philippines – Christy Ng, the beloved Southeast Asian fashion brand known for its stylish and customizable pieces, is now officially in the Philippines: marking its arrival with an intimate pre-launch movie screening party that perfectly captured the essence of its versatile designs. Held on October 2, 2025, at 2 PM at the SM Megamall Director’s Club, …

The pickup segment of the local auto industry heats up once again with the entry of Radar EV of the United Asia Automotive Group, Inc. which was launched last Friday night at The Blue Leaf in Bridgetown, Pasig City. Considered as the reigning No. 1 new energy vehicle pickup in China since its inception two years ago, the Radar EV …

Construction magnates Pacifico “Curlee” Discaya and Cezarah Rowena “Sarah” Discaya could face up to ₱300 billion in fines for allegedly rigging more than 1,200 flood-control contracts since 2016, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced Friday. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said firms owned by the couple, including St. Timothy Construction Corp., cornered 1,214 contracts worth ₱77.934 billion. If …

Public Works Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon on Friday announced new budget guidelines for project consultancy contracts of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), starting with a policy that sets stricter limits on proposed budgets for consultants. Under Department Order No. 184, released last week, the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) will now strictly serve as the ceiling …

Amid controversies over alleged insertions in the national budget, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has thrown its support behind a multisectoral initiative to put the government’s budget on the blockchain. Information Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda said the DICT is backing the project being developed with New York-based blockchain firm Polygon Labs and local tech partner Bayani Chain. …