The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

HappyCash, a fintech platform operated by Yinshan Lending Inc., has officially launched in the Philippines, committed to providing accessible digital lending solutions while adhering to ethical collection practices and strictly complying with the laws promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).  Designed to provide quick, affordable, and accessible financial solutions, HappyCash aims to …

By Tracy Cabrera British-Israeli barrister and International Criminal Court (ICC) lawyer Nicholas Kaufman has expressed confidence in the acquittal of former president Rodrigo Roa Duterte in the crimes against humanity complaint filed before the Netherlands-based tribunal. Vice President ‘Inday’ Sara Duterte-Carpio recently announced Kaufman’s appointment as her father’s lead counsel. Kaufman’s legal expertise spans high-profile clients, including celebrities and politicians …

The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) announced on Friday its plans to collaborate with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) to expand the distribution of Bagong Bayaning Magsasaka (BBM) rice across the country. The partnership aims to enhance access to BBM rice in support of the food security and affordability goals of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration. BBM …

Pope Francis’ pontificate is not over, and his latest decision on what happens between now and 2028 will shape the rest of it, according to Massimo Faggioli, an American academic and professor at Villanova University who has closely followed the papacy for over a decade. Following last October’s inconclusive Vatican summit, which resulted in no concrete action on possible reforms, …

The Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) announced on Friday the launch of promotional lower rates for its domestic and international tracked or registered mail services, including its express mail service. This initiative aims to strengthen PHLPost’s market position and make its services more affordable, offering the public better value for their money. PHLPost Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer Luis Carlos …

Pro-Duterte vloggers linked to the House fake news probe apologized to lawmakers, but cyberattacks targeting government websites have surged following the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte, a Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) official confirmed.   In a recent interview, DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Ian Dy disclosed that most cyberattacks related to Duterte’s arrest came from local hackers attempting to …

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Council on Disability Affairs have assured the public that essential services for persons with disabilities (PWDs) will remain accessible while the government develops a unified identification (ID) system. This initiative aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to implementing effective policies and programs that ensure equitable opportunities for …

The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched a Supplier’s Registry platform to fast-track the delivery of learning resources to public schools nationwide. Following the first Suppliers’ Summit held from March 19 to 20, Education Secretary Sonny Angara underscored suppliers’ vital role in procurement reforms. “Sa ating mga suppliers at bidders, hindi lang kayo negosyo. Kayo ay kaagapay po natin sa …

The government’s chief communicator expressed concern on Friday over the growing division among Filipinos due to online disinformation, misinformation, and fake news. “What is happening to us right now is we are being polarized, being divided online. Filipinos are being pitted against Filipinos,” Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Jay Ruiz said during the House Tri-Committee’s (Tri-Comm) hearing on malicious and …

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) welcomed the appointment of Secretary Henry Rhoel Aguda by President Ferdinand R. Marcos last week. In a statement, DICT spokesperson Assistant Secretary Renato Paraiso assured the agency’s full support for Aguda in realizing Marcos’ vision of a “secure, inclusive, and progressive Philippines.” “Under (Aguda’s) leadership, we reaffirm that digitalization, connectivity, digital inclusion, …