The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Rehabilitating Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) has been officially pushed back to give way to the ASEAN Summit to be hosted next year by the Philippines, according to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). “It is not feasible anymore to begin the project this year (due to the rains). We can do this maybe next year” or …

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is fast-tracking completion of the P488.5-billion Metro Manila Subway Project, with delays attributed to contentious right-of-way issues with affected property owners. Transport Secretary Vince Dizon said, “No, we’re not on track. The subway is very delayed.” Dizon said the full completion of the Metro Manila Subway Project is now projected for 2032, a delay from …

Government has decided to push back the planned phaseout of turboprop flights out of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) from October 2025 to March 2026. The Manila Slot Coordination Committee (MSCC) – composed of the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and the New NAIA …

Philippine Airlines (PAL) improved its second quarter net income by 48% to $60 million with more passengers sustaining its profitable operations for the 15th consecutive quarter. This brought net profit to $137 million for the first half of 2025, up 12% from last year, while six-month operating income amounted to $146 million. Revenues for the second quarter alone reached $831 …

Transport experts are telling government – a comprehensive and integrated transport plan should incorporate active transportation options like walking and cycling, along with first-mile, last-mile connectivity solutions, to create a seamless and efficient network for commuters. Ira F. Cruz, a transport advocate and director of AltMobility PH, said, “Investment in rail is important, but it is not the sole solution …

PASSERBYBy Nestor Cuartero No amount of weather disturbance could stand in the way for Piolo Pascual in support of Ms Rhea Anicoche Tan, newly inducted president of the Rotary Club of Balibago in Angeles, Pampanga for 2025-2026. The veteran actor provided a high moment at the induction ceremony as he personally lauded Ms Tan for her humanitarian efforts. He also …

by Boy Villasanta Actress and comedienne Rufa Mae Quinto reiterated her public appeal especially to content creators in social media to refrain from spreading unverified information about the death of her husband Trevor Magallanes that could damage their daughter. In her latest Facebook messages she posted on her wall, Rufa Mae requested socmed newsmakers not to take advantage of the …

by Boy Villasanta Although internationally renowned theater artist Chris Millado wasn’t around during the Gawad Buhay Awards recently held at the Aliw Awards at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) grounds, Pasay City, he still won the Best Director Award for a Play for the outstanding theater production of “Balete,” a Tanghalang Pilipino (TP) offering adapted from National Artist …

by Boy Villasanta Life has been generous to veteran actress Caridad Sanchez. Despite some age-related health issues, Tita (a term of endearment to an elderly woman by affinity and an aunt by blood) Caring is celebrating her ninety-two summers today. According to her only daughter Cathy Sanchez Babao, she and family will celebrate her mother’s red-letter day with the usual …

BingoPlus Foundation, the social development arm of DigiPlus Interactive Corp., continues to deliver critical relief to storm-stricken communities, reaching hundreds of families in Cavite while also preparing a major donation to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for next week. Upon declaration of the province of Cavite under a State of Calamity, the Foundation responded with relief operations …