Features
One Philippines, two worlds
March 1, 2023
The Marcos Jr administration is spinning a dark lie to give the impression that the situation of ordinary Filipinos is improving. The real and whole truth is that it isn’t and, if anything, has even gotten worse in the first few months of the new government.
Why are Filipinos so poor if the labor market is so vibrant?
February 11, 2023
The economic managers chronically downplay problems and prefer unfounded sunshine and smugness about the state of the economy. This hinders taking steps towards real solutions.
On changing the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution: More foreign investment does not mean more development
January 26, 2023
As the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments considers proposed amendments, IBON raises five major points on why economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution should be retained.
Bongbong will be tested on the economy in 2023
January 21, 2023
The binding constraint to steadier progress and development is the outdated faith in market forces. The blindness to the state’s responsibility to intervene will mean worse times in 2023. It will also reopen lockdown wounds that were hidden by last year’s rebound but haven’t really healed yet.
Will World Economic Forum folks believe Bongbong?
January 16, 2023
The administration’s trip is a self-serving junket at the people’s expense. If Marcos Jr speaks about so-called economic gains, he will be speaking untruths.
Maharlika Fund: Dubious, pretentious and self-serving
December 2, 2022
Something’s wrong. We asked for a wealth tax which would have been paid by a few and could have helped the many. Instead, we’re getting a wealth fund which is paid for by the many and will enrich a few.
It’s an emergency: Help millions of Filipinos in crisis now
November 2, 2022
The government’s spending priorities need to be fixed. Social protection needs to be expanded to help families and sectors in need. It is also never too early to start taking steps to develop the national economy and make Filipinos less vulnerable to external economic shocks.
The world’s converging crises: How did we get here?
October 20, 2022
The world economy is faced with converging crises – high debt levels, food and fuel inflation, weakening currencies, and a climate emergency that makes the planet’s very future uncertain. It’s a perfect storm for everyone, but it is having a disproportionate impact on poor countries and their poor populations.
Marcos Jr’s first 100 days: The truth is out
October 8, 2022
The first 100 days are arguably the most crucial moment to make a break from the past – not just from the past administration but from poverty, inequality and underdevelopment. The Marcos Jr administration failed to do anything with this moment and, if anything, confirmed that it is unable to even imagine any real fundamental change.