The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

By Jesse C. Ong The country’s electric vehicle (EV) industry is set for a significant boost after the House of Representatives approved House Bill (HB) 10960 on its third and final reading Tuesday last week. The measure aims to make electric vehicles more affordable while contributing to the country’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With 196 affirmative votes, three …

Education Secretary Sonny Angara on Friday called for greater investments in the education sector, emphasizing its critical role in shaping the nation’s future. Speaking at the World Bank Philippines Economic Update Development Dialogue, Angara highlighted the urgent need to prioritize Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) to give Filipino children the foundation they need to thrive. “We need to invest …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday assured the public of an intensified government response to aid those affected by the Mt. Kanlaon eruption. “We will step up. We will level up. Any escalation in damages and destruction will be met with a stronger government response,” Marcos said in a video statement. He emphasized that the government is focused on …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently urged local government units (LGUs) to stay alert and proactive in monitoring Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs), stressing the importance of increased vigilance and action against illegal operations. Speaking during the 2nd Joint National Peace and Order Council (NPOC)-Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOCs) meeting at Camp Crame in Quezon City, Marcos revealed that …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday urged government agencies and local governments to collaborate on science-driven innovations for a “more effective” disaster response system. Speaking at the 24th Gawad KALASAG National Awarding Ceremony at the Philippine International Convention Center, Marcos emphasized the need for continuous improvement in disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) strategies, given the evolving challenges faced …

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced last week that a total of 49 government infrastructure projects, including railways, hospitals, and airports, have been exempted from the public works ban during next year’s midterm election period. Comelec Chairperson George Garcia signed the certificate of exception on Dec. 11, which was made public on Friday.  According to the Comelec, these projects are …

The United States is funding a program to strengthen the cybersecurity defenses of Philippine human rights organizations, the US Embassy in Manila announced Friday. Through the P16.8-million Cybersecurity for Human Rights in the Philippines (C4HR-PH) initiative, launched by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and The Asia Foundation, more than 150 local organizations will receive tools and training over …

A graduate of the University of the Philippines (UP) College of Law emerged as the topnotcher of the 2024 Bar Examinations, the Supreme Court (SC) announced on Friday. Kyle Christian Tutor clinched the highest score with an overall rating of 85.7700%. The SC reported that 3,962 out of 10,490 examinees passed the Bar, reflecting a 37.84% passing rate. Among the …

The Philippines has long been accustomed to the fury of tropical storms and typhoons, with about 20 major weather events striking the nation or its surrounding waters annually.  However, the unprecedented onslaught of consecutive storms in a short span of time raises a red flag for the future.  Recent research from the World Weather Attribution network has linked this surge …

Beyond Diliman By Rose Marie de la Cruz It’s not as though Filipinos only eat rice that too much emphasis– funds, attention and policy reforms– is being given to this staple crop. We also eat vegetables, dairy, fish, fruits, salt, onions, garlic, and more other than rice on a daily basis. Yet, little, if any emphasis or focus is given …