IBON Foundation
In 2021: Poorest Regions, Least Healthworkers
April 19, 2023
The country’s health worker distribution for 2021 showed none of the regions met the SDG recommended ratio of 44.5 HRH per 10k population. Furthermore, it exposed health worker disparity in poorer regions, making health care less accessible to Filipinos who may need it more.
Philippines’ Declining Healthworker Ratio
April 19, 2023
Not only did the country’s regions fail to reach the SDG index threshold ratio of Human Resources for Health (HRH) per 10,000 population; the country’s HRH ratio has also been declining since 2016.
PH top recipient of US military, security aid in Southeast Asia
April 4, 2023
The Philippines has been receiving the biggest US military and security aid among Southeast Asian countries and is expected to still get the biggest amount in 2024. This is because the country plays a critical role in ensuring US dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
US troops double to record high in Balikatan 2023
April 3, 2023
The number of US troops involved in the Baliktan 2023 military exercises has doubled compared to previous years. This is because the Philippines remains strategically important for the US’ geopolitical dominance in the Indo-Pacific – as a center of global trade and commerce and amid China aggression in the West Philippine Sea. But this will not necessarily benefit the Philippines as it becomes another base for US hegemony and militarism.
Growing clamor for wage hike echoes urgency, justness and doability — IBON
March 31, 2023
Recently proposed legislation and petitions for a wage hike affirm that this is urgent, just and doable. Amid the poor jobs situation, low incomes and high prices, the minimum wage has not been enough for many Filipino families to live decently.
Farmers, fisherfolk remain poorest in 2021
March 31, 2023
The main sectors that feed the nation remain the poorest in the nation due to long-time government neglect. The Marcos administration can raise incomes and secure their livelihoods by ensuring substantial production support and assistance.
Millions of Filipinos still poor despite foreign investments
March 23, 2023
Some politicians claim that more FDI after charter change will reduce poverty. However, poverty has stayed high over the years of increasing FDI.
Unemployment worsened even with more foreign investment
March 23, 2023
Proponents of charter change insist that more FDI from changing the Constitution’s economic provisions will create job opportunities and decrease unemployment. Has unemployment decreased as FDI increased?
Job creation weakened despite rapid FDI growth
March 23, 2023
One of the key arguments of charter change proponents is that liberalizing the economy to FDI will create more jobs. But job creation has actually weakened even as foreign direct investment inflows increased.
