The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

By Rose de la Cruz The Department of Environment and Natural Resources was told to be more proactive on reclamation projects evaluation and improve its oversight on such undertakings to mitigate the risk of flooding. Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano said the DENR should take the lead in reviewing such reclamations, particularly in the Manila Bay, which is being blamed from …

By Rose de la Cruz Because of the reduction in import tariff on rice and electric vehicles– all aimed at taming inflation to ensure that the country reaches its growth targets– have instead led to foregone revenues of P9 billion since the imposition on July 5.  These foregone revenues would grow even more once all items covered by zero tariff– …

In a significant move to support the health and well-being of the country’s law enforcement officers, the Public Safety Mutual Benefit Fund Inc. (PSMBFI) and Medicare Plus Inc. have signed a partnership agreement during a ceremonial contract signing held on October 10, 2024, at Discovery Suites Manila. This partnership is a special gift from PSMBFI to its members who have …

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced Thursday that P253.378 billion has been allocated in the 2025 budget for cash assistance, or “ayuda,” for the vulnerable sectors of society. According to the DBM, this budget allocation aligns with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, which emphasizes economic and social reforms, particularly reducing vulnerabilities and protecting the purchasing power of …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. recently invited Southeast Asian investors to explore a wide range of business opportunities in the Philippines that span various industries. During his address at the ASEAN Business and Investment Summit in Laos last week, Marcos promoted the Philippines as an ideal hub for smart and sustainable manufacturing. He highlighted the country’s key policy reforms and …

Around 14,000 local and overseas employment opportunities will be offered at the two special job fairs of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for workers who will be displaced by the ban on Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs). DOLE Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said the 13,744 job vacancies will be offered in the two job fair venues in Metro Manila, …

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday said the government is crafting a plan with the help of different agencies to repatriate more than 400 Filipinos who are willing to return home amid the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. The President made the remarks during an interview on the sidelines of his participation in the 44th and 45th ASEAN Summits and …

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Wednesday that a total of 43,033 individuals have filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) and certificates of nomination and acceptance (CON-CANs) during the filing period from October 1 to 8 for the upcoming national and local elections. In a press briefing, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia shared that 33,652, or 78.20 percent, of the …

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reported on Saturday that no Filipino was injured during two airstrikes carried out by the Israeli army in Beirut on October 10. The attacks, described as the deadliest in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, struck densely populated areas, resulting in 22 deaths and 117 injuries. “At present, there have been no reports …

As the 2025 midterm elections draw near, a troubling pattern remains, highlighting the state of our democracy. Many Filipino voters are swayed not by qualifications, track records, or platforms, but by wealth and fame. For too long, these shallow standards have dictated who gets elected. In a country where personalities often outweigh policies, unqualified individuals, including celebrities with little governance …