The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Some 10,821 foreign workers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) have left the country, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Wednesday last week. In a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said these workers are part of more than 21,757 foreigners employed in POGOs “who have downgraded their visas as of Nov. 7”. Sandoval said the remaining foreigners …

The United States has condemned China’s latest act of harassment against Philippine vessels near Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), calling the actions “unlawful.” “The PRC’s (People’s Republic of China) unlawful use of water cannons and dangerous maneuvers disrupted a Philippine maritime operation on December 4, putting lives at risk,” US Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson posted on X. She …

The Philippines should consider joining other ASEAN nations that have implemented stricter regulations, including outright bans, on e-cigarettes and vapes, a public health advocacy group urged last week. HealthJustice issued this call following Vietnam’s recent approval of a resolution prohibiting the production, trade, importation, storage, transportation, and use of e-cigarettes starting in 2025. With this move, Vietnam becomes part of …

The looming impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s political landscape, as the complaint against her gains momentum in Congress and is expected to reach the Senate.  This development underscores the importance of upholding constitutional processes, even as it threatens to deepen political divisions. Impeachment is a grave and solemn process, designed not …

By Rose de la Cruz A two-week joint aerial patrol of the Philippines’ Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Canada’s Fisheries and Oceans Dash 8 surveillance aircraft was able to monitor at least 88 illegal fishermen on the eastern coast of the Philippines up to the high seas near Palau. The use of a Canadian air asset to find …

The private sector had been undertaking mangrove reforestation programs as part  of their commitments to corporate social responsibility since the 1990s. But despite the good intentions, they must correct flaws in their CSR programs on  mangrove which had been done mostly in existing mudflats and seagrass beds. This was the advice of the Global Mangrove Alliance Philippines (GMA Philippines) which …

Hopes  for sugarcane farmers to have a better Yuletide income have been dashed by erratic, often on the downside, prices of sugar, which obviously is being controlled by traders. Sugar producers said millgate prices for their cane have dropped since the start of the milling season, with the United Sugar producers Federation (UNIFED) deploring a possible profiteering by traders. “We …

The  competition posed by artificial sweeteners and the low buying prices for cane by millers and processors, have caused concern for the local sugar industry, prompting the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to look at increasing import clearance fees and other protective measures for the cane farmers and growers. “Our (intent) is to gather accurate data on how much (alternatives) are …

The deficit in agricultural trade during the third quarter slightly rose from $2.97 billion a year ago to $3,01 billion (or by 1.5 percent)  this year, amid a slowdown in imports with the harvest of local products. The Philippine Statistics Authority said the amount was definitely smaller compared to the deficit in the second quarter this year of $3.07 billion. …

By Robert Andaya Seventh heaven for St. Clare College of Caloocan. St. Clare achieved a rare milestone by winning their seventh straight title — and eighth overall since 2012 — in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (NAASCU) men’s basketball tournament. Led by Finals MVP Ahron Estacio and Rookie of the Year JB Lim, St. Clare outlasted …