The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

MANILA, Philippines — First Filipina Olympic rower Joanie Delgaco shared her joy in seeing how much the Philippine Rowing Association (PRA) has grown from its once-small community. The 2025 SEA Games gold medalist competed in an exhibition match alongside teammate Kristine Paraon, with whom she shared the podium—and fellow national athletes, Cris Nievarez, Edgar Ilas, Van Maxilom, and Ronnie Peñaredondo …

The distinguished Philippine Sports Hall of Fame will welcome its fifth batch of inductees on May 20 at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum, a venue steeped in the nation’s athletic heritage. Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Patrick Gregorio and Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino spearheaded the seven-man selection committee, which led the search for the latest additions …

The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) announces that it will conduct a search for a new head coach for Gilas Pilipinas Women. Patrick Aquino concludes his role as head coach after tirelessly fulfilling his duties for more than a decade. With his task for Gilas Pilipinas Women now complete, he will transition to a new role with the federation, focusing …

Since the Supreme Court ruled last year on the parameters defining the impeachment process against VP Sara, the phrase Due Process of Law was front and center in our daily conversation. It was demanded by our Supreme Court to be observed by the House of Representatives (HOR), such that when the time was rife and ripe, it was recently complied …

The emerging debate—initiated by the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte—over why the House Committee on Justice is prioritizing impeachment proceedings instead of confronting the fuel price crisis, does little to ease the daily burden of ordinary Filipinos.  For millions already stretched thin, this discourse feels detached from reality. Financial assistance programs, while loudly promoted, fail to reach a significant portion of the population, particularly the middle …

REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro One of the most striking features of Philippine society is the resilience and cheerfulness of its people. The latest World Happiness Report 2026 places the Philippines fourth among Southeast Asian nations in terms of happiness. At first glance, this seems like a cause for celebration. But in the realm of realpolitik, this cultural trait is not merely …

LOVE FOR ALL​By: Virginia Rodriguez President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has sharpened his directive to accelerate the construction of farm-to-market roads, recognizing infrastructure as a lifeline for struggling Filipino farmers. During a recent inspection in Barangay New Casay, Davao del Norte, the President underscored the urgency of completing critical road networks. Joining him was Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., highlighting …

By DIEGO C. CAGAHASTIAN Two days before the United States and Israel released the first missiles that assassinated Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khameini, his top generals and family members, along with some 170 schoolgirls in an elementary school in Tehran, Filipino businessman Manny V. Pangilinan gave an interview with Bloomberg about oil and gas exploration in the disputed South …

The Philippines reported a wider trade deficit in February from a year ago as the growth of imports outpaced exports. The gap eased to its lowest level in nine months. Preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the country’s trade-in-goods deficit widened by 23.1 percent to $3.68 billion year-on-year. This reversed the decreases recorded in previous months. …

Prime Energy Resources Development B.V., the operator of the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project, said it is on track to start producing gas by the first quarter this year following the completed drilling of one of the wells. Prime Energy said it had a successful drilling, completion, and flow test of the Camago-3 well in offshore Palawan. According to the …