IBON Foundation
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.
Trade deficit worsened as FDI increased
March 23, 2023
In the absence of Filipino industrialization, FDI dominates domestic manufacturing. Foreign manufacturers and foreign investors in general have very low local content and their import-intensive operations are fueling the country’s trade deficit. This has widened over the years reaching a record US$43.5 billion in 2018.
Agriculture weakened despite capital inflows in sector
March 23, 2023
Charter change advocates in Congress claim changing the constitution to favor foreign direct investment (FDI) will develop the economy. Yet while foreign capital poured into the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector over the years, its share in the economy has plunged.
