Advocacies
IBON: DOF insistence on its tax package confirms anti-poor, pro-rich Dutertenomics
September 15, 2017
Research group IBON said that the Department of Finance’s (DOF) resistance to even minor changes in its proposed tax reform program confirms the anti-poor and pro-rich character of the Duterte administration’s economic policies. The Senate Ways and Means Committee proposed minor changes to shift some tax burden from the poor to the rich at its […]
Majority not in favor of tax reform proposals – IBON Survey
September 13, 2017
The latest survey of research group IBON showed that majority of Filipinos do not approve of almost all proposals under the first package of the Duterte administration’s proposed tax reform program. Survey respondents were informed that the government has a proposed tax reform package. They were presented with a list of some of the tax […]
Under TRAIN, the majority poor do not gain from income tax reforms (TRAIN Infographic #3)
September 11, 2017
The DOF’s estimates of personal income tax gains for the poorest Filipinos erroneously assumes that the poorest Filipinos currently pay income tax. This is untrue because the BIR’s records indicate only some 5.6 million taxpayers at present who are wholly from the highest income brackets. The poorest Filipinos do not pay income tax now so, contrary […]
COMP attempting to greenwash dirty mining practices — IBON
September 7, 2017
Research group IBON said that the plan of the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) to adopt a Canadian mining organization’s sustainable mining measures indicates that it is trying to greenwash the Philippine mining industry’s negative image. But Canadian mining corporations are notorious for their dirty operations globally, IBON pointed out, which have led […]
RCEP: Giving Up Sovereignty and Development
September 4, 2017
IBON Foundation Statement for the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Stakeholder Consultation Interface with DTI and Key Agencies Manila, September 4, 2017 IBON welcomes this opportunity to interact with the DTI and key agencies on their negotiations for the Philippines on the RCEP. We look forward to hearing from our country’s negotiators. We also continue to […]
RCEP talks secretive, undemocratic – IBON
September 4, 2017
Research group IBON expressed concern about the secretive and undemocratic proceedings of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) especially considering its apparent significant impact on the country’s economy, economic sovereignty and people’s welfare. The group said that it is the Duterte administration’s responsibility to ensure genuine transparency and public consultation to uphold the interests of […]
Under TRAIN, the poorest will have less and the richest will have more (TRAIN Infographic #1)
August 30, 2017
That the Duterte administration’s Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) is progressive and pro-poor is all hype. Under TRAIN the highest-earning 40% including the richest will have more money in their pockets every year, while the poorest 60% of Filipino households will have less money due to changes in personal income tax, VAT, oil excise […]
Soaring water rates after 20 years of MWSS privatization
August 24, 2017
Did water privatization result in solving the water crisis, affordable water rates?
2nd quarter growth rates point to economic headwinds
August 22, 2017
Research group IBON said that the recently released 2017 second quarter national accounts underscore the serious headwinds facing the Philippine economy. The group said that the Duterte administration should focus on building sustainable domestic foundations of growth and development rather than depend on external factors such as remittances, cheap labor business process outsourcing (BPO), and […]
