IBON Foundation
Duterte’s TRAIN a scourge, not a gift—IBON
December 21, 2017
Research group IBON said that contrary to its claims, the Duterte administration affirmed its apathy towards the low-income majority of Filipinos upon its signing of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN). By signing the tax program into law, government has proven its determination to collect funds for its purportedly pro-poor centerpiece programs but […]
Prices will increase beyond the Christmas season
December 19, 2017
On the day that Pres Duterte signs the tax reform package, IBON underscores how TRAIN will entail price hikes on various goods and services beyond Christmas. IBON Foundation, Inc. is an independent development institution established in 1987 that provides research, education, publications, information work and advocacy support on socioeconomic issues. — Media & Communications Department […]
From stalled WTO to a new world order
December 18, 2017
Trade deals were stalled mainly due to large developed countries’ differences at the recently concluded World Trade Organization (WTO) 11th ministerial conference (MC-11) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The bigger powers especially the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) pushed their own development agendas and set aside that of the lesser economies, while accusing the […]
Agri job losses worsen: Job destruction continues under neolib Dutertenomics–IBON
December 17, 2017
Research group IBON said that recently-released employment figures show that the jobs crisis is worsening under the Duterte administration’s neoliberal agenda, despite reported fast economic growth. The group said, there were jobs lost and an increase in the number of unemployed, primarily due to the over one million job losses in agriculture. These latest figures […]
With Duterte’s TRAIN, poor pay higher taxes so rich can take home more
December 13, 2017
By Sonny Africa The Duterte administration’s Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) bill reportedly due for ratification by Congress this week burdens the poor with higher consumption taxes so that the rich can have higher take-home pay. The Department of Finance (DOF) used income tax gains for a few middle-class families as a smokescreen […]
PUV modernization should not burden drivers, commuters – IBON
December 11, 2017
In a Senate hearing following jeepney drivers and operators’ cancellation of a nationwide transport strike, research group IBON said that public utilities vehicle (PUV) modernization should be socially just. The group pointed out that the Duterte administration should be able afford to undertake jeepney modernization without jeopardizing jeepney drivers’ livelihood and commuters’ access to this […]
Economic rights violations also worsen under Duterte admin
December 10, 2017
IBON Features – Contempt for human rights is fast becoming a Duterte administration trademark. Over 10,000 people, mostly poor, have reportedly been executed in its war against drugs. Extrajudicial killings, harassment and intimidation, illegal arrests and forced evacuation of communities have continued and recently started escalating. The victims include many opposing the government’s anti-people policies. Authoritarianism […]
Commuters’ Forum on Jeepney Modernization
December 10, 2017
(Exact UP Diliman venue to be specified soon) The Duterte administration’s jeepney modernization program threatens to replace some 250,000 old-type jeepneys. The program slated to commence in January 2018 will phase-out old-type jeepneys and replace these with Euro-4, electric, solar or hybrid vehicles. Jeepney operators are being encouraged by government to avail of the […]
TRAIN’s oil, sweet beverage levies to raise prices, worsen poverty
December 7, 2017
The Duterte administration’s tax program, particularly the fuel excise and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) tax, will cause price hikes and aggravate Philippine poverty, research group IBON said. The Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) will most likely make the burden heavier for the 22 million officially extremely poor Filipinos and more than 60 million living […]
