News
Employment falling under Duterte administration, jobs crisis worsens
March 8, 2019
Research group IBON said that the latest January 2019 labor force survey data showing employment falling confirms that the jobs crisis continues to worsen. The group stressed that the worst job creation today among all the post-Marcos administrations is a better indicator of the economy’s health than the abstract growth figures the Duterte administration always […]
Employers’ resistance to expanded maternity leave hinders progress for women in the workplace
March 6, 2019
Research group IBON said that employers’ opposition to the new Expanded Maternity Leave (EML) Law only protects their profits at the expense of women. The EML is an important step to reducing barriers to women’s participation in the workforce and to improving their welfare in the workplace. It is also partial relief amid flexible hiring […]
Inflation lower but poorest Filipino families still struggle with high prices
March 6, 2019
Families struggling with meager incomes still have to put up with high prices even amid lower inflation posted in February 2019. Research group IBON said that the poor majority of Filipino households are still having difficulty making ends meet with prices remaining high. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) figures show that headline inflation slowed further to […]
Rice tariffication puts PH food security at risk—IBON
March 2, 2019
IBON Executive Editor Rosario Bella Guzman said that non-quota tariff rice importation undermines the food security principles of supply stability and affordability. She said that in face of world market volatility, a fluctuating peso-dollar exchange rate and impending El Nino, government should seek to stabilize prices and the economy. Government will soon release the implementing […]
TRAIN suspension, govt transparency and regulation needed to ease OPH burden
February 28, 2019
Research group IBON said that the third consecutive and big-time oil price hike only makes it more urgent for the Duterte administration to stop the oil excise taxes of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN). This will lessen the impact of rising oil prices on the poorest families. The group also said that […]
Businessmen cashing in on Metro Manila Reclamation project–IBON
February 21, 2019
Research group IBON said that the Manila Bay reclamation project under the Build, Build, Build program is a profit-led infrastructure plan that will mainly benefit big business. The group said that contrary to government claims, the project will displace nearby communities from their homes and livelihoods and destroy the environment. The Manila Bay Reclamation project […]
Fuel prices cheaper than in 2018 if not for TRAIN
February 14, 2019
Research group IBON said that the fuel prices would be cheaper now than in 2018 without the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. The group said that TRAIN’s additional excise taxes have prevented Filipinos from feeling the benefits of lower global oil prices. Filipinos face even higher prices with the implementation of the […]
High prices, flat real wages remain despite lower inflation – IBON
February 5, 2019
Research group IBON said that the lower inflation figure for January 2019 is welcome, but stressed that prices are still higher compared to last year. Real wages have been stagnant for more than a decade and high prices remain a burden for most Filipino families, said the group. Headline inflation for January 2019 is at […]
Second year of slowing growth a wake-up call – IBON
January 24, 2019
Research group IBON said that the second year of slowing growth under the Duterte administration should be enough to jolt it out of its complacency and denial. The downturn in the last two years and the poor prospects in the year to come should be a wake-up call to start to undertake the difficult but […]
