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 ₱33.53 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 Tracy Cabrera Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has welcomed President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s call for the courtesy resignation of his Cabinet, saying it’s long overdue for the Chief Executive to purge his inner circle of those who exploited his trust for personal gain. Escudero said the President’s move to reorganize his official family has allowed him to “distance …

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is shifting its focus to high-impact infrastructure efforts, including the rehabilitation of Epifanio Delos Santos Avenue (EDSA) and the construction of a longer, parallel bridge to the aging San Juanico Bridge, which has been flagged for structural issues. In preparation for the 2026 ASEAN Summit, DPWH Secretary Manuel Manligas Bonoan announced during …

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P4.194 billion to fund the creation of 16,000 new teaching positions in public schools nationwide for School Year 2025–2026. The move is part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to bolster the country’s education sector and address the shortage of qualified teachers in the public school system. …

In a move to advance inclusive tourism in the country, the Department of Tourism (DoT) is rolling out a new initiative that opens up training and employment opportunities for qualified senior citizens. The program may soon extend to persons with disabilities (PWDs) and other vulnerable sectors. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with National Commission …

To support efforts in streamlining government services, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has launched a dedicated “ease of doing business” (EODB) lane at its main office in Aseana City, Parañaque. The initiative aims to provide quicker access to passport and consular services for eligible individuals. The move coincides with the observance of Ease of Doing Business Month this May, …

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver’s license of the motorist involved in the fatal Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) crash on May 4, which claimed the lives of two individuals. In a five-page resolution signed by LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, the driver of the black SUV from Batangas was found guilty of reckless driving. …

A Korean national wanted in South Korea for gang-related violence has been apprehended in Pasay City, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) announced Friday. The suspect, identified as Jang Seong Woong, was arrested Thursday by agents from the NBI-Organized and Transnational Crime Division (OTCD) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI)-Fugitive Search Unit (FSU), working alongside the Korean National Police Agency …

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s bold directive for all members of his Cabinet to submit courtesy resignations marks a decisive moment in his administration—one that signals a recalibration of priorities, leadership accountability, and a renewed focus on performance. This sweeping move is not unprecedented in Philippine politics, but it carries significant weight at this point in Marcos Jr.’s presidency. With more …

Metro Retail Stores Group, Inc. (MRSGI) announced a net sales figure of P8.90 billion for the first quarter of 2025, marking a 2% increase compared to P8.73 billion in the same period last year. This growth was driven by steady advances in both food retail (+1.8%) and general merchandise (+2.5%), along with contributions from the company’s expanding store network. Blended …