China ODA funds half of water resource projects under Duterte’s Flagship Infra

March 10, 2020

In the Philippines, water resource projects under Duterte’s flagship infrastructure program are being funded with foreign loans, half of which are from China. One of these is the Kaliwa Dam, which faces opposition from indigenous people and residents of affected areas in Rizal and Quezon provinces. The dam poses huge threats on the environment and […]

Usapang IBON Praymer Enero 2020 | Rehimeng Duterte: Ang gumuguhong tibay sa 2020

February 11, 2020

Sa natitirang kalahating panahon ng termino ng administrasyong Duterte, haharap ito sa malalaking pagsubok sa kanyang tibay. Pangunahin na rito ang tuloy-tuloy na pagbagal ng ekonomiya sa nagdaang tatlong taon sa kabila ng pagsusumikap ng administrasyon na pagandahin ang mga numero sa pamamagitan ng mataas na paggastos ng gobyerno. Pangalawa rito, subalit may kaparehas na […]

IBON 2019 Yearend Birdtalk Briefing Paper | 2020: Beginning of the End?

February 11, 2020

The administration oddly launched a ‘Duterte Legacy’ campaign with almost two-and-a-half years still left in its term. Likely with a view to the 2022 elections, it will backfire as the public becomes more discerning and less easily manipulated than the administration assumes. The durability of the Duterte administration will be tested in 2020. It will […]

Nothing but propaganda? (The Chiefs with Sonny Africa)

January 21, 2020

Water You Up To, Mr. President?

December 13, 2019

BY SONNY AFRICA

Pres. Rodrigo Duterte is posturing against oligarchs again. This time, the tough talk is against corporate water giants Manila Water and Maynilad.

Their Wealth is Tu-big!

December 6, 2019

INFOGRAPHICS

Water is a human right and should be a public service. But did you know how much it boosts private profits of the country’s richest oligarchs?

No need for Kaliwa Dam

October 24, 2019

Achieving real peace

September 19, 2019

The system is abusing the word “peace” while refusing to take the necessary steps to make it real “Peace negotiations, not all-out war,” was the theme of a forum that I and some workmates attended recently. It was organized by the Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform, Pilgrims for Peace, and Kapayapaan (Movement for a just and […]

The 2020 Budget: Infrastructure, Populist Measures, and War

September 15, 2019

As the proposed 2020 budget makes its way through congress, the Duterte administration’s priorities favor infrastructure for big business, war, and populist measures over substantive economic and social services that benefit the majority of Filipinos.