AS we celebrate our 12th anniversary, we are happy to inform our readers, advertisers and supporters in the corporate world, academe and government that the BusinessMirror continues to lead the industry in offering informed perspectives, a broader look at issues and compelling stories. We consistently try to publish content that readers can’t find anywhere else. And, in the era of “fake news”, we will strengthen our advocacy for quality, integrity and distinguished journalism.
In this anniversary issue, for example, we present a panorama of views from different sectors. John Mangun, our stock-market guru, predicts that the stock market will continue its upside trend for the next six to 12 months. His words: “I can say with high confidence that money is not yet ready to come out of the Philippine stock market and, therefore, price will continue to go higher. We are in the midst of a raging-bull market. There is no current investment that offers the profitable opportunities combined with instant liquidity as local stocks. That will eventually change.”
Our correspondent in Davao said those he interviewed are confident that President Duterte will finish his term, and he will bring lasting peace in Mindanao. The consensus is that business and investments would be behind the President if the proper environment has been established. However, they offer a word of caution: “I don’t think he would still enjoy the same wide majority support from the Bangsamoro if they see the lack of direction of the Bangsamoro’s wish for self-governance.” They added even the promise of federalism is not fully understood by the Moro residents. Therefore, you can’t have their support if they think that federalism will not include their own aspirations.
Our Congress reporters said lawmakers are currently swamped with urgent tasks. Aside from scrutinizing the 2018 national budget bill, lawmakers are in the middle of searching for ways to meet the massive requirements of rebuilding the terrorist-ravaged Marawi City and crafting the overall development framework required to support the stalled Bangsamoro peace process. Now come the impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Maria Lourdes A. Sereno. Still, lawmakers have to deliberate and approve pending tax-reform measures and other urgent bills.
Our anniversary issue includes positive developments on our defense partnership with the United States. The President said he will not abrogate our defense treaty with the US, a long-time ally and major trade partner. Read also about the Department of Energy, which is still in the middle of reforming the power industry, moving to address a stumbling block in the implementation of a landmark policy meant to give consumers the option to choose their own supplier of electricity.
Our story on fake news reveals that, nearly a year after Facebook and Google launched offensives against fake news, they’re still inadvertently promoting it—often at the worst possible times. That’s because online services designed to engross users aren’t so easily retooled to promote greater accuracy. Online trolls, pranksters and malicious netizens are scheming to evade new controls as they’re rolled out. And, thanks to political polarization, the very notion of what constitutes a “credible” source of news is now a point of contention.
In the 21st century, we know it’s far from easy to embrace the challenge to make the BusinessMirror a reputable publication, but we will continue serving the same quality offering as we have done in the last 12 years. To all our readers and advertisers, thank your for your undying support.
Image credits: Jimbo Albano