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31/08/2026

Farm-to-market chain gets a shake-up

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has vowed to further cut the grip of middlemen on the country’s agricultural supply chain, saying farmers and producers should capture more value from what they grow and produce.

Marcos made the commitment during his visit to the Batangas Egg Producers Multipurpose Cooperative (BEPCO), where he inspected the cooperative’s ₱300-million egg processing facility in Barangay Don Luis, San Jose, a major egg-producing area in the country.

Accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, the President highlighted the role of government agencies in helping farmers move beyond selling raw agricultural products and into processing and value-added production.

“That is again something very important because it’s good for the environment and even equally important, the value added that comes from the processing,” Marcos said.

He said the initiative reflects the government’s continuing push to shorten the distance between producers and consumers by reducing layers in the supply chain.

“This is the continuing effort of the government to cut out the middleman from between the farmer, between the producer, and the market,” he added.

BEPCO’s facility is designed to process part of the estimated seven million to 10 million eggs produced daily, depending on the season. Instead of allowing excess or unsold eggs to go to waste, the cooperative can convert them into longer-lasting products such as liquid and pasteurized eggs.

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) developed the processing technology, while the Department of Agriculture (DA) provided machinery and assistance in establishing egg collection and processing systems.

Marcos also cited the project as a model for maximizing agricultural resources while reducing waste.

“Not only this is a good example of what can be done when many agencies of government are working together, working hand-in-hand, but also when we develop the proper technology, how we can in fact put up what is referred to as a circular business,” he said.

The processing line can handle up to 1,400 kilos of liquid egg per hour, equivalent to about 28,000 50-gram eggs. Products undergo quality-control procedures, including microbiological testing for Salmonella, before labeling and distribution.

The DA also provided a ₱50-million grant for a three-story cold storage facility capable of holding up to 80 tons of finished products, helping extend their market life.

BEPCO’s spray-drying operation further transforms liquid eggs into powdered egg white, yolk, and whole egg, allowing the products to remain usable for as long as two years.

Marcos said the project is still in its pilot stage, with additional machinery being installed to expand its production capacity.

For the government, the broader objective goes beyond eggs: helping agricultural producers earn more by processing their products, reducing wastage, and bringing them closer to the market without relying as heavily on intermediaries.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/farm-to-market-chain-gets-a-shake-up/

31/08/2026

DPWH, NLEX to build retarding basin under Balintawak Cloverleaf

By Vito Barcelo Jr.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and NLEX Corporation President and General Manager Luis S. Reñon announced plans to construct a retarding basin beneath the cloverleaf section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to help mitigate flooding in the Balintawak area.

The proposed facility will temporarily store excess rainwater during heavy downpours, reducing the volume of water that immediately enters the drainage system and nearby waterways.

The stored water could also potentially be utilized for irrigation and water supply during the dry season, subject to further engineering studies and water-quality requirements.

Dizon made the announcement during an inspection of the heavily silted Balong Bato Creek and drainage inlets along EDSA-Balintawak, Quezon City, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to address the recurring flooding in the area.

According to Dizon, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will begin dredging Balong Bato Creek to remove accumulated silt and restore its capacity to carry stormwater.

The drainage inlets along the road will likewise be enlarged to allow floodwater to flow more quickly into the drainage system.

The planned retarding basin will complement these measures by providing additional temporary storage for stormwater during intense rainfall, helping prevent water from backing up onto EDSA and worsening traffic congestion.

The project is expected to form part of a broader flood-control strategy for Balintawak, one of Metro Manila’s major transport corridors, where heavy rains can disrupt the movement of commuters, public utility vehicles, and motorists.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/dpwh-nlex-to-build-retarding-basin-under-balintawak-cloverleaf/

31/08/2026

₱1.47-T infrastructure plan faces tighter checks
The government is putting tighter safeguards around its proposed ₱1.47-trillion infrastructure spending program for 2027, with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) assuring the public that projects must clear a series of evaluations before receiving funding.

The DBM said last week that infrastructure proposals included in the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) underwent evaluation and validation to determine whether they are necessary, properly supported, and ready for implementation.

“The higher infrastructure allocation is accompanied by safeguards beginning at the budget preparation stage,” the DBM said, adding that agencies were required to submit complete documentary requirements for proposed projects.

“These safeguards form part of the government’s effort to ensure that infrastructure projects entering the proposed national budget are necessary, properly supported, aligned with national and regional priorities, implementation-ready, and capable of delivering measurable benefits to the public,” it added.

Among the factors considered were consistency with national and regional development priorities, project maturity, implementation readiness, an agency’s absorptive capacity and previous budget utilization, expected outcomes and overall value to the country.

Depending on a project's stage and nature, supporting documents may include feasibility studies, detailed engineering requirements, procurement plans, right-of-way documentation, permits and clearances, coordination records with local government units and implementing agencies, and certifications preventing duplication of projects.

The DBM said an agency's ability to actually spend its allocation was also considered before additional funding was proposed.

Projects approved under the national budget will remain subject to procurement, budgeting, accounting, auditing, monitoring and transparency rules throughout implementation.

Region-specific projects may likewise undergo the Regional Development Council (RDC) process to ensure consistency with regional development plans and priorities.

“RDC endorsements form part of the supporting requirements considered during the evaluation of agency budget proposals,” the DBM said.

The proposed government-wide infrastructure allocation of ₱1.47 trillion for 2027 represents a ₱178-billion, or 13.8-percent, increase from the ₱1.29 trillion provided under the 2026 General Appropriations Act. The amount is equivalent to 4.4 percent of gross domestic product.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) alone is proposed to receive ₱643.95 billion for infrastructure projects.

The DBM said the increased spending is intended to support economic growth, create jobs, improve connectivity and reduce logistics and travel costs.

“The objective is not higher infrastructure spending for its own sake, but better infrastructure spending that produces measurable economic and social returns — from faster movement of people and goods and lower logistics costs to stronger regional economies, more jobs, and improved access to essential services,” it said.

The DBM said the extensive screening is intended to ensure that the government's larger infrastructure budget translates into projects that can actually be implemented and deliver tangible benefits to communities and the broader economy.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/p1-47-t-infrastructure-plan-faces-tighter-checks/

31/08/2026

Storm damage tops ₱7.8-B

The economic toll of tropical cyclones Luis, Maymay and Neneng, together with the southwest monsoon or habagat, has climbed beyond ₱7.8 billion, with infrastructure and agricultural losses mounting across several regions, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

The latest assessment released last week placed infrastructure damage at approximately ₱5.95 billion, while agricultural losses reached around ₱1.86 billion.

Infrastructure facilities were damaged across the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and Western Visayas. Agricultural losses were likewise recorded in the Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and Western Visayas.

Beyond physical damage, the successive weather disturbances have disrupted the lives and livelihoods of millions of Filipinos.

The Office of Civil Defense reported that the number of people affected has reached 7.7 million, equivalent to about 2.2 million families across 10 regions.

Government assistance extended to affected communities has also reached approximately ₱1.56 billion, covering relief and other forms of support as recovery operations continue.

The reported death toll remained at 31 pending validation, while 19 people were injured and three others were reported missing.

The storms and monsoon rains also damaged an estimated 2,500 houses, while about 340 homes were reported destroyed.

The latest figures underscore the widening economic impact of the weather disturbances, with damage extending from roads and other public infrastructure to farms and agricultural production. The losses could further strain local economies as affected communities work to restore homes, livelihoods and essential facilities.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/storm-damage-tops-p7-8-b/

31/08/2026

₱1k monthly pension sought for seniors

Millions of elderly Filipinos could receive a bigger and more reliable financial lifeline under a Senate proposal seeking to expand the coverage of the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010 and raise the monthly social pension for qualified beneficiaries to ₱1,000.

Senate Bill 269, filed by Senator Bam Aquino, proposes a ₱1,000 monthly social pension for senior citizens who are not receiving any social pension or whose existing pension does not exceed ₱3,000.

The measure aims to give qualified seniors a predictable source of income they can use for food, medicines, utility bills, transportation, medical needs, and emergencies.

Aquino said many Filipinos find it increasingly difficult to earn a living after reaching 60, leaving some older citizens dependent on family members for their basic needs.

“As we grow older, it becomes more difficult to generate income. Many of our lolos and lolas face barriers to staying employed after the age of 60 due to physical limitations, age-based discrimination, or the lack of opportunities tailored to their skills,” Aquino said in a statement Thursday.

He said a dependable social pension could also help families cope with the rising cost of supporting elderly relatives, particularly when household budgets must cover food, medicine and education.

Unlike irregular financial assistance or informal support, Aquino said a regular pension would allow senior citizens to plan their spending and make their own decisions on how to use their limited resources.

“Our senior citizens have broadly contributed to the development of our nation. It is time for us to return their sacrifices by ensuring that they are cared for in their old age,” he said.

Aquino said the proposed ₱1,000 monthly benefit would not only provide direct assistance to elderly Filipinos but could also reduce the financial pressure on younger family members who shoulder much of their parents' or grandparents' daily expenses.

If enacted, the measure would strengthen the social safety net for vulnerable senior citizens by providing them with a more consistent source of income at a stage of life when opportunities to earn are often limited.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/p1k-monthly-pension-sought-for-seniors/

31/08/2026

BIR turns to AI for faster tax help

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) is turning to artificial intelligence to help its tax personnel navigate the country’s complex tax rules faster, with Ayala Corporation providing funding and technical support for a new AI-powered assistance tool.

Dubbed Terry The Tax AI Assistant, the system is being developed to help BIR employees quickly retrieve, cross-reference and analyze tax regulations, rulings, issuances and other official tax materials.

The BIR said the project will create a structured and searchable knowledge base capable of generating citation-based, source-grounded responses using official BIR references.

Ayala Corporation will work with the tax agency to establish the program at no cost to the government, while BIR personnel will participate in testing the system before its wider use.

BIR Commissioner Charlito Martin Mendoza said the technology could free revenue officers from time-consuming document searches and allow them to concentrate on more complex tax issues.

“If technology can do more of that retrieval and cross-referencing, our revenuers can spend more of their time examining what the authorities mean, resolving difficult issues, and carrying reforms through,” Mendoza said.

But Mendoza stressed that AI will remain a support tool rather than a substitute for human accountability in tax administration.

“The technology can help assemble the basis for a decision. But the judgment—and the responsibility for acting on it—remains solely ours,” he added.

Mendoza signed the memorandum of understanding formalizing the BIR-Ayala partnership on Aug. 25. Ayala Corporation Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Group Head Karl Kendrick Chua signed the agreement for the private sector.

Chua said the partnership is part of Ayala’s effort to help government institutions become more capable of using emerging technologies.

“Ayala is honored to partner with the BIR in advancing AI in tax service and compliance. Through Terry, the Tax AI Assistant, we aim to help public servants work efficiently, respond to taxpayers with clarity and consistency, and deliver faster, more accessible services,” he said.

“By working together, we can build public institutions that are more responsive, capable, and prepared for the future,” Chua added.

The BIR said the project supports the Digital and Data Transformation and Employee Empowerment pillars of BIR DARES, its initiative to harness technology to improve the quality and speed of the bureau’s operations.

For Mendoza, however, the partnership's biggest payoff could extend beyond the AI assistant itself.

“The real value of this partnership is not only the tool we will have at the end, but the capability we build within the BIR to understand the technology and continue developing it as our needs evolve,” he said.

The initiative could eventually give BIR personnel a faster way to work through an expanding body of tax rules while maintaining official sources and human judgment at the center of tax decisions.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/bir-turns-to-ai-for-faster-tax-help/

31/08/2026

AMLC puts in ₱125-M to boost campaign vs. ‘dirty money’

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is putting a substantial portion of its increased 2026 funding into artificial intelligence (AI), as it strengthens its capacity to detect and track suspicious financial activity amid heightened scrutiny of large cash transactions.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor and AMLC Chairman Eli Remolona Jr. said Thursday that ₱125 million of the council’s additional ₱162.9 million funding for 2026 was allocated to AI capabilities, capacity-building and the hiring of specialists who can maximize the technology.

"Ang ₱125 million, napunta yan sa AI. Tapos ang capacity building. Kailangan din ang mga experts sa paggamit ng AI. So gamit na gamit po ang budget na yan (The ₱125 million went to AI, as well as capacity building. We also need experts in using AI. So, the budget was put to very good use)," Remolona said.

He made the statement during a Senate Finance Committee hearing on the proposed 2027 national budget, in response to a question from Senator Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson on how the AMLC used the additional resources secured for the council.

The funding boost came after Senate scrutiny of weaknesses in the country’s anti-money laundering defenses, particularly during hearings into the flood control scandal where large cash transactions involving contractors drew attention.

The Senate Finance Committee, then chaired by now-Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, restored the AMLC’s proposed 2026 budget to ₱333 million in the Senate version of the budget bill. This was significantly higher than the ₱170.161 million allocation initially included in the National Expenditure Program (NEP), following Lacson’s recommendation.

Lacson had earlier pledged in September 2025 to help the AMLC secure the resources it needed to intensify its fight against money laundering and corruption.

At the time, he criticized the AMLC’s proposed funding in the NEP as merely “crumbs” compared with what the council said it needed to perform its mandate effectively.

The AMLC had sought ₱333.1 million for 2026 from the Department of Budget and Management but initially received only ₱170.16 million in the NEP.

The additional funding has now enabled the council to invest heavily in AI, while also building the human expertise needed to operate and develop the technology.

The move marks a significant shift in the AMLC’s enforcement capabilities as authorities increasingly confront complex financial transactions that can be difficult to identify through conventional monitoring alone. By combining AI tools with trained specialists, the council aims to strengthen its ability to analyze financial data and uncover potential money-laundering patterns.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/amlc-puts-in-%e2%82%b1125-m-to-boost-campaign-vs-dirty-money/

31/08/2026

Marcos admin pushes swifter project rollout

The Marcos administration is moving to speed up the procurement and implementation of government projects, particularly infrastructure, while insisting that faster spending will not come at the expense of safeguards protecting public funds.

During a Senate Committee on Finance briefing on the 2027 National Expenditure Program (NEP) Thursday, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Acting Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said the government’s priority is to remove implementation bottlenecks that have kept already-funded projects from moving forward.

De Leon assured lawmakers that the government would accelerate infrastructure spending without weakening budgeting, procurement, accounting, and auditing controls.

“We are not proposing any relaxation of safeguards. In fact, we want more safeguards,” he said when asked whether controls over the audit and validation of infrastructure projects would be eased to speed up government spending.

“What we are looking at is how we can hasten implementation and procurement. The issue is not the safeguards. We need to implement. We have to start implementing,” De Leon added.

He identified delays in procurement, project awarding, and implementation as among the immediate obstacles that must be addressed to boost infrastructure activity.

De Leon said the government’s economic managers are targeting a recovery in infrastructure activity beginning in the third quarter of 2026. The DBM, he added, has already made available the allotments needed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to proceed with its projects.

The goal, he stressed, is not simply to increase the pace of government spending but to ensure that appropriated funds translate into projects that are properly planned, implemented and beneficial to the public.

Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan likewise called for faster ex*****on, particularly as the administration enters its final two years.

“Our direction remains anchored in the Philippine Development Plan. Over the administration’s final two years, the focus is an accelerating ex*****on, resolving implementation bottlenecks, and translating reforms into concrete results,” Balisacan said.

Finance Secretary Finance Go, meanwhile, pledged responsible fiscal management through stronger revenue generation, prudent spending and the maintenance of fiscal buffers to shield the economy from future shocks.

Go said government resources should be concentrated on investments capable of generating employment and delivering long-term economic gains.

“Our national budget can work harder if we invest in programs and projects that can help shape our future. We must look beyond the present and invest in high multiplier programs and projects that create lasting economic value, those that create jobs,” he said.

The economic team’s position signals a push to turn budget allocations into actual economic activity more quickly, with infrastructure ex*****on seen as a key channel for job creation, investment and growth while maintaining strict accountability for every public peso spent.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/marcos-admin-pushes-swifter-project-rollout/

31/08/2026

Filipino among 644 missing after Nepal flash flood

A Filipino is among 644 travelers reported missing after deadly flash floods swept through villages and trekking routes in Nepal on August 26, according to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).

The NTB said Thursday that the figure was based on preliminary information gathered from various trekking and travel companies operating in the country.

Of the 644 people currently unaccounted for, 127 are Nepali nationals, while 516 are foreign nationals from 31 countries, including the Philippines, Australia, Canada, India, Germany, Singapore, Japan, Ukraine, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“The information is being verified and cross-checked in coordination with travel agencies, guides, local authorities and security agencies,” the NTB said.

The agency did not provide further details on the identities of those reported missing, as authorities continue efforts to establish their whereabouts and determine whether they are safe.

The report comes after Philippine officials earlier said they were coordinating with Nepalese authorities to verify information about a Filipino reported missing following the disaster along the Nepal-Tibet border.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had yet to confirm the report as of posting time.

Meanwhile, the human toll from the disaster continued to rise. An Anadolu Agency report placed the death toll at 162 as of Thursday morning, with rescue teams still searching for missing persons and assisting communities affected by the flash floods.

The disaster struck after massive amounts of mud, rocks and ice surged into waterways, sending torrents of debris through communities and trekking areas near the Nepal-China border.

The large number of missing travelers has heightened concerns for foreign tourists and trekkers in the affected areas, as authorities race to verify their status amid difficult rescue conditions.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/filipino-among-644-missing-after-nepal-flash-flood/

31/08/2026

Two charged over Zamboanga school shooting

Criminal complaints have been filed against the father of the student involved in the fatal shooting at Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) Junior High School and a school security personnel, following a police investigation that uncovered lapses in firearm security and school access controls.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday that the father, a customs police officer, is the registered owner of the two fi****ms used in the August 18 incident, while the security personnel is being held accountable for deficiencies in school safety protocols.

The shooting left a Grade 10 student dead and another wounded before the shooter turned the gun on himself.

Investigators from the Police Regional Office 9-led Special Investigation Task Group found no evidence that the shooting was part of a conspiracy involving a group, organization or other individuals, according to the PNP.

The investigation also found no established school-related or personal grievance that could sufficiently explain the attack. However, investigators identified prior preparation and exposure to violent online material among the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The probe further determined that weaknesses in firearm safekeeping and accountability allowed unauthorized access to the weapons. Security deficiencies at the school, particularly in entry and exit screening, also contributed to the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Based on these findings, a complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and physical injury was filed before the proper prosecutorial authority against the fi****ms' registered owner and the school security personnel.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said investigators must establish accountability based on evidence rather than speculation.

“We owe it to the families and to the school community to get the facts right. Hindi puwedeng puro assumptions (Mere assumptions are not acceptable). We follow the evidence, respect due process, and let the proper legal process determine accountability. At the same time, we have to learn from what happened and close the gaps that may put others at risk,” Nartatez said.

He urged firearm owners to exercise greater care in securing their weapons and called on schools and security personnel to regularly reassess access controls and screening procedures.

Nartatez also encouraged parents and the public to promptly report threats, violent behavior and other warning signs that could potentially place others at risk.

Department of Justice Undersecretary Ian Dato confirmed that the Office of the City Prosecutor of Zamboanga City has received a complaint against the shooter’s father.

“Of course, this will undergo proper evaluation, and as a matter of course, we will expect that some fines will be issued to the respondents so that issues can be properly ventilated and the prosecutors will have the chance to evaluate the complaint,” Dato said.

He stressed that the prosecution would base its action on the evidence and applicable law, taking into account the circumstances of the case.

“The unique circumstances of this incident, of course, we defer to the evaluation of the law enforcement agencies, and the National Prosecution Service will only act upon the evidence and the law that is before them, but I would assume that it would be a case-to-case basis depending on the unique circumstances of each case,” Dato added.

The case now moves to the prosecutorial process, where the complaints will undergo evaluation, and the respondents will have the opportunity to answer the allegations in accordance with due process.

https://marketmonitor.com.ph/two-charged-over-zamboanga-school-shooting/

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