The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business

Many years ago, Philippine politics operated within boundaries that felt almost immovable. Certain outcomes were simply unthinkable. That a “plain housewife” like Corazon Aquino would be thrust into history to replace her assassinated husband, Ninoy, and defeat a dictator. That her quiet, unassuming son, Noynoy, would later carry the Aquino name back to Malacañang. That the Marcos and Duterte clans—once …

​Due to insistent private demand of our publisher Ma’m Nelly, here I am in a computer shop in Pilar Village, Las Pinas City trying to eke out what would pass for a column this sleepy afternoon of Friday, February 13, the unofficial Valentine’s day of undocumented couples. First off, I would like to make clear that this attempt at column writing is purely uncompensated, thus preventing …

Rumors swirl that opposition senators will again attempt to unseat Senate President Tito Sotto, installing instead a leader who would guarantee one crucial outcome: the acquittal of Vice President Sara Duterte in a possible impeachment trial—clearing her path for a 2028 presidential run. The Senate intramurals may appear procedural, even routine. But the stakes are unmistakably high. Control of the chamber means control …

REALPOLITIKBy Benjie Alejandro The release of the United States of America’s 2026 National Defense Strategy (NDS) has stirred debate across the IndoPacific, especially in countries like the Philippines that stand at the crossroads of alliance commitments and the demand for selfreliance. At its core, the NDS calls for a “denial defense along the First Island Chain,” meant to deter adversaries by strengthening …

LOVE FOR ALL​By: Virginia Rodriguez President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has promised to prioritize education for the rest of his term and build 40,000 new classrooms by 2028 to address the shortage in public schools. He has directed Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to speed up construction and complete unfinished school building projects across the country. When Ferdinand Marcos Jr. vowed …

Let us not dance around the issue of direct foreign investments (FDI).  The Philippines is “kulelat” in the list of where foreign investors wanted to put in their capital, however government authorities here try to massage the numbers. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), approved  foreign investments in the Philippines plunged by 50.1% year on year to P272.38 billion …

Even in the water-rich Philippine archipelago, water has become a lucrative area of investment for homegrown businessmen. First Gen Corporation, Prime Infrastructure Capital Inc., MacroAsia, Summa Water Resources, Boracay Tubi System, New Earth Water System and even Poro Point in La Union are into the development of water infra and facilities, building of dams, and desalination and distribution. It was …

Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI) fully automated operation at the Port of Melbourne, is expanding its trade links to the Americas with Mediterranean Shipping Company’s (MSC) newly launched Eagle service. The standalone service made its inaugural call at VICT on February 3 with the arrival of the 2,556-TEU vessel Etoile. The Eagle service connects Australia …

With renewed focus on its role as the nation’s last-mile delivery service provider, the Philippine Postal Corporation (PHLPost) continues to expand its nationwide presence through the opening of new post offices and postal stations across far-flung and remote communities in the country. The newly opened facilities include the Macrohon Post Office, located at the Municipal Hall in Barangay San Vicente …

Aboitiz InfraCapital (AIC), the infrastructure arm of the Aboitiz Group, recently hosted delegates from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at its award-winning gateways, Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) and Bohol-Panglao International Airport (BPIA). “What a lovely experience at [Mactan-Cebu] International Airport. A warm welcome goes a long way – it sets the tone for the journey ahead,” said Dubai-based hospitality …