The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

By Rose de la Cruz Founded on February 14, 1995 under RA 7875 or the National Health Insurance Act (NHI), the law creating the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. promised to provide financial access to quality health care services through a social health insurance program. As such it was mandated to collect fees initially from members, and later expanded to all …

By Robert Andaya After the Paris Olympics, it’s back to the PBA, Asia’s first play-for-pay league, for most local sports fans. The PBA Governors Cup, the first conference of the league’s Season 49, formally kicks off with an early battle between reigning Philippine Cup champion Meralco and Magnolia Chicken Timplados on Sunday, August 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The …

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) underscores its vital role in fostering Mindanao artistry by offering 77 projects specifically for the region, with over ₱77 million in funding available through the Competitive Grants Program 2025. The deadline for submissions is on August 31, 2024. Section 12.a.4 of Republic Act 7356 [NCCA Charter] authorizes the Commission to give …

By Robert Andaya Defending champion Phuket Waves outsteadied Khaoyai Chichi Wild Catz, 87-76, in the Thailand Basketball League (TBL) at the Chandrakasem Rajabhat University in Bangkok, Thailand. Led by former PBA player-turned-playing coach James Martinez, the Waves posted their second win in the prestigious competition. Martinez, who scored 53 points in a game against the Pathum Thani 361 Pythons– the …

Private contractors called the Senate for an immediate probe on reported bid-rigging at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) after several government-accredited contractors were denied to purchase bid documents for the Malatgao River Irrigation System (RIS) Project in Region 4-B.   Four AI construction firms, which previously participated in the bidding of government irrigation projects in the country, were denied to purchase bid …

Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson offered ₱5M (Five Million) pesos reward to world-class gymnast Carlos Yulo and his family as a united front. Singson, known for his respect for family values, cleared that the reward is not merely in recognition of Yulo’s two Olympic gold medals but also as a tribute to the strength and unity of the Yulo …

Landers Superstore, the fastest-growing membership retail chain in the country, is bringing the beauty, craftmanship, and innovation of Japan to its stores with its first-ever JAPAN FEST. Set to run from August 14 to September 10, 2024, the biggest themed exhibition in Landers’ history, is gearing up to be an exciting and immersive celebration featuring the best of the best …

Manila Water’s facility upgrade project at the Balara Treatment Plant 2 (BTP 2) supports the company’s mission of providing top-quality water to its growing customer base while augmenting the safety features of the facility for its employees. The project includes a complete reconstruction of the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) room, featuring an upgraded SCADA workstation equipment. The upgraded …

East Java Multipurpose Terminal (EJMT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) business unit in Lamongan Regency, Indonesia, recently took delivery of two new Konecranes Gottwald post-Panamax ESP.8 mobile harbor cranes (MHC). The new equipment will support EJMT in handling bulk, project and container cargo once the terminal commences operations in September. “We are pleased to collaborate with Konecranes for our …

Solaire Resort North records positive EBITDA in first 37 operating days Bloomberry Resorts Corporation (“Bloomberry”, “the Company”), whose subsidiaries own and operate Solaire Resort Entertainment City (SEC), Solaire Resort North (SN), and Jeju Sun Hotel & Casino (Jeju Sun), reported unaudited consolidated financial results for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024.  Enrique K. Razon Jr., Bloomberry …