The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

ALEC Stockton scored 19 of his season-high 33 points in the opening half as Converge FiberX routed skidding Northport Batang Pier, 111-92, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. Stung by a sorry 66-85 loss to Barangay Ginebra in San Fernando, Pampanga last week, the FiberXers were all business against the Batang Pier with Stockton …

MERALCO’s Cliff Hodge was fined P100,000 and suspended for one game by the PBA Commissioner’s Office on Friday. The PBA Commissioner’s Office also slapped Magnolia assistant coach Mon Jose with a P20,000 fine and also a one game suspension for head butting Hodge. The penalties were meted in the aftermath of Wednesday’s game that saw Hodge taking down Magnolia’s Zavier …

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) Professional League Philippines (MPL PH) officially announces the nominees for the upcoming Alamat Awards, which will honor the legendary individuals in the MLBB esports scene, including players and coaches, and their epic performances in the league’s 15th iteration. The ceremony will take place on 30 May 2025 at Green Sun Hotel, Makati.   “On its 15th Season, …

MOONTON Games has unveiled the slot allocation for a record-breaking 16 teams at the upcoming Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Women’s Invitational (MWI) at 2025 Esports World Cup (EWC). This edition will feature the tournament’s largest lineup yet, with newcomer regions—Africa, Mongolia, and Türkiye. Taking place from 15 to 19 July, MWI at EWC 25 will spotlight MLBB esports as a …

Popular esports organization Natus Vincere, known as NAVI, has officially entered the Philippines’ Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) esports scene through a historic acquisition of Smart Omega Empress (OMGE). “The Philippines has a rich history of esports and MOBA titles. NAVI feels this is the perfect opportunity to enter the Philippine esports ecosystem and become a part of a growing …

By Tracy Cabrera Vote buying remains a deeply rooted problem in Philippine elections, according to a foreign observation team mostly composed of representatives from European Union (EU) member countries. In a preliminary report, the EU Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM) criticized the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for failing to effectively curb the illegal practice during the recent midterm polls, calling it …

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has temporarily lifted the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) policy for pork sold in wet markets due to low compliance among vendors, while maintaining a ban on pork imports from China and several European countries amid ongoing efforts to contain African swine fever (ASF). The ban on pork and pork-based products remains in effect for …

San Miguel Corporation (SMC) posted first-quarter earnings of P43.4 billion, rising sharply from P8.9 billion a year earlier, supported by one-time gains from the partial sale of power assets and foreign exchange gains.  Core net income, excluding these non-recurring items, grew 31% to P19.0 billion, driven by disciplined cost management and solid performance in most of its core businesses. Revenues …

An Angeles City Regional Trial Court (RTC) in Pampanga has issued arrest warrants against former presidential spokesperson Atty. Herminio “Harry” Roque Jr., businesswoman Cassandra “Cassie Li” Ong, and 48 other individuals in connection with qualified human trafficking charges linked to the controversial Lucky South 99 Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hub in Porac, Pampanga. Judge Rene Estrada Reyes of RTC …

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has assured the public that the impending impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio will be handled with utmost seriousness and respect for due process, amid concerns that it could devolve into a political spectacle following the recent midterm elections. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Senado media forum, Escudero downplayed fears that the entry of …