The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Cebuana Lhuillier, the country’s leading microfinance services provider, and its President and CEO Jean Henri Lhuillier bagged a remarkable total of 20 prestigious awards at the Stevie® International Business Awards —comprising 8 Gold, 5 Silver, and 7 Bronze honors. These honors reaffirm Cebuana Lhuillier’s commitment to expanding financial access and empowering millions of Filipinos through inclusive, innovative financial solutions. “These …

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian warmly received the Board of Trustees of the Association of Philippine Journalists – Samahang Plaridel Foundation, Inc. (Samahang Plaridel), led by association president Evelyn Quiroz, during today’s (August 18, 2025) courtesy visit at the DSWD Central Office. In his short message, Secretary Gatchalian expressed hope that media groups such as …

Lawmakers from the House of Representatives’ Young Guns bloc on Friday threw their full support behind the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ (BSP) move to suspend in-app gambling access in mobile payment platforms, calling it a crucial step to protect Filipinos from addiction and financial ruin. In a joint statement, the group said BSP’s decisive action tackles the surge in online …

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday formally received the proposed P6.793-trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) from Budget and Management Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman, marking the start of the Senate’s in-depth review of next year’s spending plan. The 2026 budget proposal prioritizes quality and accessible education, stronger healthcare systems, wider social protection for vulnerable sectors, and a secure food supply …

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. continues to back Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan despite corruption allegations tied to the agency’s multi-billion-peso flood control projects, Malacañang confirmed Wednesday. Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President’s trust in Bonoan “remains,” even as the Palace orders an extensive probe into the projects. She stressed that the DPWH will not handle the investigation …

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. blasted Saint Timothy Construction Corporation on Friday over its alleged failed flood control project in Calumpit, Bulacan, demanding the contractor explain its work. During an on-site inspection of the Rehabilitation of the River Protection Structure, Marcos learned that Bulacan has the most flood control projects in the country—668 contracts—awarded to the Pasig-based company owned by …

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) is set to receive a massive funding boost in 2026, with its proposed budget more than doubling this year’s allocation, Budget Secretary Amenah “Mina” Pangandaman announced. Under the emerging 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), the DoTr will get P196.62 billion—up by nearly P110 billion from the P87 billion allotted in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. …

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is boosting its nationwide license plate distribution, aiming to release up to 25,000 plates daily by hiring more specialists and streamlining its process. LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II said 20 additional workers have been hired in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to speed up distribution. This brings the total workforce for …

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva has reaffirmed his support for random drug testing covering all senators, officials, and employees, calling it essential to protect the integrity of the institution. “I have consistently supported calls for random drug testing among all officials and staff of the Senate, regardless of who is serving as Senate president,” Villanueva said Friday. “Personally, I am …

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is seeking a bigger budget for 2026 while pressing its ranks to speed up the delivery of programs to farmers and fisherfolk nationwide. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued the call during the DA’s two-day Management Committee meeting, warning that the agency’s second-quarter slowdown in fund obligations must be addressed if it hopes to …