The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) hailed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for signing into law Republic Act 12231, or the Government Optimization Act, a landmark measure aimed at reshaping the executive branch for faster and more efficient delivery of public services. DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman described the new law as a defining moment in the country’s push for …

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) has launched a special commemorative stamp celebrating the election of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV — the 268th leader of the Roman Catholic Church — who shares a heartfelt connection with the Philippines. Pope Leo XIV, known in secular life as Robert Francis Prevost, once served as a missionary in Cebu and other parts of …

Malacañang last week celebrated what it called a “magical” drop in inflation, as the country posted a six-year low of just 0.9% in July — a rare economic bright spot amid global turmoil. “This is welcome news,” said Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro during a media briefing with the Philippine press corps in India, where …

To breathe new life into the struggling Philippine film industry, Senate President Francis Escudero III has filed Senate Bill No. 283, also known as the “Nora Aunor Act,” offering sweeping tax breaks and incentives to accredited industry players. The proposed measure seeks to counter rising production costs, dwindling moviegoers, and the growing dominance of global streaming platforms — all of …

The Philippines’ recent decision to acquire more BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from India marks a significant and strategic step in the nation’s efforts to modernize its defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions. This second deal, coming after the initial 2022 acquisition of a shore-based anti-ship missile system, reinforces the country’s resolve to strengthen its territorial defense, particularly in the West …

Despite a two-month halt in rice imports starting September, consumers have little to worry about — inflation is unlikely to spike, according to Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. Speaking during a briefing at the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) office in Quezon City, Balisacan assured the public that the 60-day rice import suspension ordered by President …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has assured the public that the Social Security System (SSS) remains financially strong enough to raise monthly pensions for its members—without increasing contribution rates. Speaking in the latest episode of *The BBM Podcast* aired last week, Marcos expressed confidence in the agency’s fiscal health, saying the continued growth of the country’s working population will sustain …

SM Investments Corporation (SM Investments) saw its net income climb to ₱42.6 billion in the first half of 2025 — a 6 percent increase — as favorable economic conditions continued to fuel growth across its key businesses. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, the conglomerate also reported consolidated revenues of ₱319.2 billion as of end-June. “We continue to …

Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) kicked off 2025 on a high note, posting an 8% jump in net income to ₱14.2 billion for the first half of the year — thanks to robust sales of commercial lots and premium residences, along with strong performance in leasing and hospitality. In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange last week, ALI reported consolidated …

In its relentless crackdown on tax fraud, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) on Thursday filed fresh criminal complaints against dozens of companies and individuals over the alleged use of “ghost receipts” to evade taxes amounting to a staggering ₱1.41 billion. BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui Jr. personally led the filing of 23 tax evasion cases before the Department of Justice …