The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III is urging the establishment of a national strategic petroleum reserve to safeguard the country’s energy security amid rising global tensions in the Middle East. Speaking during a media forum in Malate, Sotto warned that recent attacks and escalating hostilities in the region have disrupted key oil routes, straits, and refineries—developments that could soon push …

Senator Jinggoy Estrada on Thursday filed his counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in response to a plunder complaint linked to allegedly anomalous flood control projects. Estrada did not issue a statement, but his lawyer Bianca Soriano confirmed to reporters that the counter-affidavit had been submitted in connection with the complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) …

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed outgoing Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco as Presidential Adviser for Sustainable and Resilient Communities, Malacañang announced last week. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the newly created role aims to strengthen the implementation of priority national programs at the local level, particularly as communities confront increasing climate-related threats. Castro explained that the appointment comes …

The rehabilitation of Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) is now 60 percent complete, according to Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon. After inspecting the project site on Thursday, Dizon said the first phase of the rehabilitation has reached the 60-percent milestone roughly three months after construction began in December 2025. “The project is now 60 percent (complete) since it started …

A measure seeking to expand digital payments in government transactions has moved closer to approval after it passed second reading at the House of Representatives of the Philippines on Wednesday night. House Bill No. 8468, also known as the eBayad Act, aims to institutionalize safe and efficient digital payment systems for transactions involving government agencies and merchants. Under the proposed …

The Philippine Navy and Globalport Terminals Inc. (GTI) have signed a memorandum of agreement aimed at creating an affiliated reserve unit within the port operator to support national defense efforts. According to the Navy, the agreement was formalized last week at Naval Station Jose Andrada in Manila. The memorandum was signed by PN chief Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta and GTI …

PRESIDENT Marcos is determined to resolve all anomalous flood control projects, including filing of cases against erring government officials before the Office of the Ombudsman. This was stressed by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon during his special appearance at the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel at the Rizal Park Hotel along T.M. Kalaw Ave., Manila on …

When confronted by a crisis, the Philippine government’s default response has become predictable: dole out cash. In the midst of a surge in fuel prices, it is called a fuel subsidy. When typhoons and floods strike, it becomes a cash grant. For poor households, there is the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Those facing emergencies can turn to Assistance to …

In celebration of World Sleep Day 2026, Serta and Rustan’s introduce the Naturel Collection — a sophisticated fusion of premium sleep technology and refined retail experience, created for today’s discerning homeowner. This collaboration underscores a shared vision: positioning Serta as the authority in luxury sleep health while reinforcing Rustan’s as the premier destination for elevated bedroom living. The Art of …

THE Cardinal Santos Medical Center (CSMC) returns as the official medical partner of the MPTC Tour of Luzon which returns with a bigger and richer 2026 edition from April 29 to May 13. As official medical partner, the CSMC will deploy comprehensive medical support during the 14-stage race, including two fully equipped ambulances, two teams of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) …