The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) is the very first bank in the country to stretch the financing of car loans to an amazing 7 years from the ordinary 5-year term.  This was revealed during the launch of the BPI Hot Summer Promo, one of the bank’s initiatives to support nation-building by enabling Filipino families to own their dream …

It was another busy but rewarding week for the National Commission of Senior Citizens (NCSC). On Tuesday, NCSC took part in the Inter-Government Agency MOU Ceremonial Signing for E-Governance with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and other partner agencies for E-Governance at the Manila Marriott Hotel Pasay City. NCSC Chairman Franklin Quijano signed the Memorandum of Understanding …

After the declaration of Commissioner Romeo Lumagui, Jr. of an all-out war vs. Fake/Ghost receipts, he will launch another skirmish, this time against the Buyers. Notices will be served to shameless buyers who continuously patronize the fraudulent activities brought by these receipts.  The notices will be served by the National Task Force – Run After Fake Transactions (RAFT). Said task …

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Fred Pascual met with Australia’s Trade and Tourism Minister, Senator the Honorable Don Farrell and his delegation on 25 April 2023 to discuss enhancement of current relations in the context of ongoing discussions toward a strategic partnership.  Economic and trade relations with Australia are undertaken through bilateral and regional mechanisms such as the …

The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) came up with another record-breaking income performance after it posted a total revenue of P17.70 billion for the first quarter of 2023, surpassing by 42.8% its P12.4 billion production during the same period last year.  Of the agency’s P17.70 billion income haul for the first three months of the year, P16.87 billion came …

The Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) recorded a net income of P10.8 billion in the first three months of 2023, buoyed by higher interest income and lower operating costs.  The three-month figure is P2 billion higher than its target for the first quarter and represents 30.8% of the Bank’s P35 billion income target by year-end.  The net income recorded …

Transactions on foreign investments registered with the BSP, through AABs, in March 2023 recorded net outflows of US$70 million, resulting from gross outflows of US$1.33 billion and gross inflows of US$1.26 billion. This is smaller compared to the net outflows recorded in February 2023 (US$531 million) and in March 2022 (US$305 million).  The US$1.26 billion registered investments for the month …

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is increasing the fines and penalties to be imposed on corporations for the late and non-filing of certain annual reports, in an effort to boost compliance with reportorial requirements.  The Commission on April 26 issued for public comment draft guidelines on the updated scale of fines for the late and non-submission of audited financial statements …

Aside from offering job opportunities, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will put up over 20 “Kadiwa ng Pangulo para sa Manggagawa” outlets to mark Labor Day on May 1.  In a statement on Saturday, the DOLE said 21 Kadiwa stalls will be at the venues of job fairs nationwide starting Sunday for entrepreneurs to sell their goods directly …

For many, farming is a way of life. They gain a profound sense of purpose when they cultivate the land, plant seeds, and harvest fruits and vegetables that will nourish not just their families but an entire community.  It has also since emerged as a viable social enterprise. Through trainings, farmers have learned business principles and saw livelihood and entrepreneurial …