The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Driven by its robust financial performance in 2024 and sustained momentum into 2025, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) has declared P33.53 billion in cash dividends to the National Government — the highest in the Bank’s history. This record-setting cash dividend is expected to fund priority infrastructure and socio-economic programs, reaffirming LANDBANK’s critical role in advancing national development. “LANDBANK’s …

by Boy Villasanta The Philippine Independence Day in June 12, 2025 or even its pre-celebration activities will not only be observed in the country but all over the world where there are freedom loving Filipinos. Indeed, in New York alone, the Filipino communities in the city will express their gratitude on gaining democracy on the 127th Philippine Independence Day by …

The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) has set aside more than P22 million in emergency loan for its members and old-age and disability pensioners in the municipality of La Paz, Agusan del Sur who have been affected by floods and prolonged rains. The application deadline for the loan is on June 15. Active members working or residing in the area …

Billease, one of the Philippines’ leading financial technology companies, has mandated Security Bank Capital Investment Corporation to arrange an up to P5 billion maiden corporate notes facility. Security Bank Corporation, the parent company of Security Bank Capital, is leading the financing with a PHP 1.5 billion participation. This milestone will help fuel Billease’s expansion strategy and accelerate its mission of …

In celebration of the 123rd Labor Day, the Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) participated in the Mega Jobs Fair for Overseas Employment hosted by the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) at Robinsons Galleria, which attracted thousands of job seekers aspiring to secure employment opportunities abroad. The event served as a key platform for OFBank to connect with aspiring Overseas Filipino Workers …

TECPLATA, International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) Buenos Aires terminal, recently welcomed the inaugural call of the SX2 River Plate Express service of Ocean Network Express (ONE). The service presents a valuable addition to Argentina’s national logistics ecosystem, strengthening maritime connectivity between Argentina and Asia. It officially launched in TecPlata in May with the arrival of the vessel Spirit of …

San Miguel Corporation’s spirits business, Ginebra San Miguel Inc. (GSMI), started the year strong with a first-quarter net income of P2.1 billion, 11 percent higher than the prior year, despite more challenging market conditions. Consolidated revenues reached P16.3 billion, 8 percent higher than in the same period last year, while operating income also improved 8 percent to P2.5 billion. Year-to-date …

BAN Toxics warns parents to take extra caution when buying school supplies, as some products may contain toxic substances that put children’s health at risk. The group found that various school supplies are already being sold by ambulant vendors and retail stores, including bags, water containers, lunch boxes, notebooks, pens and pencils, plastic covers, crayons, erasers, watercolors, and rain gear …

In line with its commitment to environmental protection and public health, Manila Water encourages customers to take advantage of its scheduled septic tank desludging service this month of June. Regular desludging, ideally every five years, helps prevent untreated wastewater from contaminating our waterways, and supports a cleaner, more sustainable future for all. For this month of June, Manila Water desludging …

PASSERBY By Nestor Cuartero After watching a 40-minute preview of ‘Choosing’ on May 13, I congratulated Liza Dino and Ice Seguerra for having come up with such a brave play. “Ang tapang,” I said. In writing and acting in the play, the couple have boldly exposed their inner souls, warts, joys, and all.  Liza and Ice admitted that the final …