Advocacies

End US interference in PH econ affairs, gov’t urged

October 7, 2016

Independence assertion a first 100 days highlight O​n the eve of the Duterte administration’s 100th day, research group IBON said that the government should not just be open to United States (US) withdrawal of its assistance to the Philippines. The Philippines can unilaterally end so-called programs which interfere in the country’s economic policy-making. This includes […]

8 of 10 Filipinos aware of peace talks will support reforms — IBON Survey

October 6, 2016

Asked whether they would support the political and economic reforms that will be discussed during the peace talks, almost 85% said yes As the second round of peace negotiations between the Philippine government (GPH) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) begin, research group IBON’s new survey shows that most Filipinos aware of […]

First peace talks in the world to tackle comprehensive social and economic reforms deserves public’s full support

October 5, 2016

Peace deal will have widespread public support because it will benefit the majority of Filipinos On the eve of the start of the second round of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), research group IBON said that the comprehensive reforms the talks will take up are the key […]

On the Duterte administration’s economic direction in its first 100 days: Neoliberal economics continues, but nationalist change still possible

October 5, 2016

There is still much to be done for the Duterte administration to overcome the Philippine government’s stubborn adherence to old and discredited anti-Filipino neoliberalism. This overrides and is inconsistent with Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s otherwise pro-poor and pro-Filipino pronouncements. This is also notwithstanding the welcome appointment of activists and progressives to important cabinet and other positions […]

Tax the richest to provide much-needed social services, Duterte gov’t urged

September 27, 2016

Research group IBON remarked that the Department of Finance’s (DOF) proposed tax plan essentially remains elitist and is inconsistent with President Duterte’s pro-poor stance. Following the president’s lead, government should be brave enough to tax the richest businesses and families instead of burdening the poor with new taxes. The DOF on Monday submitted to Congress […]

P125 wage hike increase necessary, possible and good for economy–IBON

September 20, 2016

Research group IBON said that the P125 across-the-board wage hike proposed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is necessary, possible and good for the economy. The group further said that the prices of goods and services do not have to rise and workers do not have to be laid off if employers accept […]

World Bank tax help unwelcome

September 20, 2016

Research group IBON said that the World Bank’s recent offer to assist the Department of Finance (DOF) with its tax reform plan, although not surprising, is unwelcome news. The World Bank with twin global financial pillar International Monetary Fund (IMF) has long been at the forefront of designing the Philippines’ regressive tax system, including providing […]

IBON joins groups in industrialization call

September 18, 2016

Research group IBON said that national industrialization is the way to go in order for the Filipino majority to prosper. It should be made the government’s primary economic strategy, the group said. IBON co-sponsored last Wednesday a forum titled “The Change We Need” with top earner Steel Asia, science and technology network AGHAM, AGHAM Youth and […]

Heed Cuba lessons, boost public health care, DOH urged

September 9, 2016

  Research group IBON said that Filipinos will benefit if the government adopts Cuba’s model of a state-run health care system. The group stressed that people’s access to this social service is becoming more limited by Philippine health services being increasingly run by the private sector for profit. Department of Health (DOH) officials recently toured […]