The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

I’ve known internationally acclaimed director Brillante Ma. Mendoza for more than four decades. As a matter of course, we have worked in some film projects together which I promoted like “Gabriela” with Carmi Martin as titular lead that Boy C. de Guia, the still missing producer, entertainment journalist, talent manager and TV host line produced for Tata Esteban, the director …

Know your competitors, if not enemies, well. Or, at least, take part in a game, aware of your strengths, weaknesses and all the gray matters in between, no matter the outcome, win or lose, you are confident you did your part pretty well. Imusicapella (Photo Credit: Boy Villasanta) Woodrose Chorale (Photo Credit: Boy Villasanta) Such is sportsmanship. Everyone loves a …

GMA Public Affairs’ award-winning drama anthology Tadhana, hosted by Marian Rivera, is celebrating its 8th year on air and online through a special three-part episode airing beginning August 23. Veteran actress Cherry Pie Picache and Sparkle Artist Althea Ablan banner the special episode titled “Banta ng Kahapon.” Joining them are Isay Alvarez, Mike Lloren, Anne Garcia, Al Gatmaitan, and Princess Aliyah. …

The Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) are now working closely together to address underemployment and the jobs-skills mismatch affecting Filipino learners. During the recent launch of Unilab Education (UniEd), the education pillar of the Unilab Group, DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez, and CHED Chairperson Dr. …

By Tracy Cabrera Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III has been relieved of his post less than three months after his appointment, Malacañang confirmed. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the order on August 25, with Torre officially stepping down the following day. Torre, appointed in May, served one of the shortest terms …

By Tracy Cabrera For civic leader and chairman emeritus Dr. Jose Antonio Goitia, the documentary Food Delivery: Fresh from the West Philippine Sea is more than a film—it is the story of the Filipino nation’s struggle for dignity and sovereignty. “This is about our fathers who go to sea, our mothers waiting for food on the table, and our children …

By Tracy Cabrera Billions of pesos worth of “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan have been uncovered, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan admitted before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. Pressed by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, Bonoan conceded that irregularities indeed marred projects supposedly carried out from 2021 to 2022. “In all honesty, I think so,” he said when …

As investigations on alleged irregularities in flood control projects continue, Navotas Rep. Tobias “Toby” Tiangco urged the government not to lose sight of the urgent need to protect flood-prone communities like his city. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, Tiangco stressed that while anomalies must be probed, officials should also push ahead with effective flood mitigation programs.  “Flood …

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has relaunched its Command Center at Camp Crame, Quezon City, equipping it with an advanced analytics system to boost emergency response through the nationwide 911 hotline. PNP Command Center chief Col. Ramon Pranada said the upgrade strengthens the agency’s push for a three-to-five-minute response time by institutionalizing real-time monitoring and rapid situational analysis.  “The PCC …

Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III on Friday said he supports proposals to lower the age of criminal liability — provided the measure is backed by scientific research. Torre explained that his office will formally submit its position to Congress as part of its legislative agenda.  “We do support the lowering of the age of discernment, but it should be …