The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Finance Secretary Ralph Recto last week emphasized the importance of the 2024 Philippine Public Expenditure and Financial Accountability (PEFA) Assessment Report in shaping responsible and effective government spending. Speaking during the report’s release, Recto said its findings offer a valuable roadmap for policymakers to ensure the prudent allocation and utilization of public funds, ultimately sustaining the delivery of quality services …

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) posted a net income of P1.61 billion in the first quarter of 2025, marking an impressive 82% jump from the P571 million it recorded during the same period last year. The surge came as the state-owned bank ramped up its lending efforts to key sectors and industries, according to a top executive. DBP …

Finance Secretary and Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) Chair Ralph G. Recto has praised the state bank for declaring P33.5 billion in dividends–its single highest dividend yield in its history, with millions of Filipinos expected to benefit. The dividend remittance is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s directive to uphold fiscal discipline, ensuring that the government maximizes …

Marco Sison celebrates Seasons of OPM, a musical journey through the best of Filipino songs, in a major concert slated July 25 at The Theater at Solaire. One of the enduring stalwarts of Filipino music, Marco invites his fans and followers to relive the songs they have come to love through the years in an evening of friendship, camaraderie, and …

Behind every crown-worthy performance is a demanding regimen that tests both body and mind throughout any competition. For the 36 Binibining Pilipinas 2025 candidates, health and recovery are just as essential as charm and elegance. It’s also why the prestigious national pageant chose My Daily Collagen, which is at the forefront of J-beauty promotion in the country, as its exclusive …

Imagine four Gifted Kids stepping into the roles of director, animator, scriptwriter, and cinematographer, brought together to bring their imagination to life through storytelling and collaboration. The result is the country’s first-ever animated film made by Gifted Kids, for Gifted Kids—the culmination of a months-long creative journey documented in PROMIL®’s TikTok series, Gifted Kids in Action, which gave audiences a …

The Department of Public Works and Highways through the Unified Project Management Office has formalized a strategic partnership with the Asian Development Bank and the Development Academy of the Philippines to implement the Leadership Excellence for Advanced Development (LEAD) Program. This initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of values-driven, competent leaders within the DPWH who are equipped with advanced …

Property giant Megaworld Corp. is spending P2.5 billion to redevelop its first township development. Megaworld said it has started the makeover of the 18.5-hectare Eastwood City in Quezon City. The redevelopment will include the reinvention of the township’s commercial areas as well as select residential and office developments that have been in place for many years. Launched in 1997, Eastwood …

The Light Rail Transit Authority needs  an additional P7-billion more to construct the LRT-2 West Extension Project. When late president Benigno Aquino III approved it in 2015, the project was pegged at only P10.12 billion. LRTA had planned on procuring the contractor for civil works in January 2020, but the government had to push this back to prioritize pandemic response. …

The Department of Public Works and Highways is set to commence the feasibility study for the Urgent Bridges Construction Project for Rural Development (UBCPRD) Phase II — a major initiative designed to enhance inter-regional connectivity and promote inclusive economic growth across the Philippines. The feasibility study, which will be led by DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan and Senior Undersecretary Emil Sadain,  …