The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Senator Jinggoy Estrada is seeking to provide financial relief for low-income learners through a proposed measure that would mandate a five percent discount on a wide range of education-related expenses. Under Senate Bill 1063 or the “Underprivileged Students’ Discount Act,” qualified students would be entitled to discounts on tuition, food, medicines, school supplies, and learning devices such as laptops and …

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin is urging Filipino households and businesses to make energy conservation a regular habit, as the government rolls out a new initiative aimed at cutting electricity use and promoting long-term efficiency. Garin made the appeal during the launch of the “Oras Natin sa Efficiency” (O.N.E.) Campaign last week at the globe structure of SM Mall of Asia …

The Philippine National Police has relieved two active-duty officers from their posts after they were accused of facilitating unauthorized meetings linked to the disappearance of several “sabungeros” or cockfighting enthusiasts. The officers identified were Highway Patrol Group spokesperson Lt. Nadame Malang and Custodial Center warden Maj. Reynaldo Pañebe Jr., who were alleged to have arranged visits between the families of …

The Department of Agriculture has filed criminal and administrative complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and private contractors over alleged “ghost” farm-to-market road projects in Davao Occidental worth ₱94 million. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Thursday confirmed the filing of eight separate complaints following a seven-month investigation …

The Philippine National Police has defended the integrity of its investigation into the May 13 shooting incident inside the Senate, insisting that the CCTV footage presented to the public was authentic and not manipulated, amid allegations of tampering. PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the footage used in the investigation was properly sourced, time-stamped, and presented in its original …

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said it expects the United Nations to take no action on a submission by a Japanese non-government organization seeking the provisional release of former president Rodrigo Duterte from detention linked to proceedings before the International Criminal Court. The statement came after the International Career Support Association (ICSA), a Japan-based NGO registered in Nara …

The Commission on Elections said it is prepared to coordinate with the Office of the Ombudsman following reports that plunder and bribery charges may be filed against Rodante Marcoleta over alleged campaign donation irregularities in the 2025 elections. “Comelec is ready to help and coordinate with Ombudsman” once requested, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in a statement on Saturday. Garcia, …

The looming arrest of Senator Ronald dela Rosa may finally test whether accountability in the Philippines applies equally to the powerful and the poor. After the Supreme Court refused to issue a temporary restraining order against the International Criminal Court warrant, the Department of Justice made clear that law enforcement agencies are no longer restrained from carrying out the arrest. For dela …

​Coup is the word of the day, weeks even.  Nations all over the world speak of coups in lives and blood.  We hear talk of coups as lightly as soups of the day, for instead of sacrificing lives and bathing in blood, our version is more civilized, we speak of bruised egos and political chances in future presidential elections, which …

The approaching impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte is shaping into a constitutional spectacle riddled with uncertainty, political maneuvering, and dangerous double standards. What should have been a solemn process to determine accountability of a high-ranking public official now threatens to become a prolonged circus where legal tactics matter more than truth. The Senate itself appears unstable. Leadership changes remain possible, especially …