People’s Agenda

Impending water rate hikes baseless, terminate CA – WPN
March 22, 2017
Advocacy group Water for the People Network (WPN) said that looming water rate hikes are unwarranted since consumers have long been over-charged to ensure profits for the two water concessionaires. On World Water Day, the group said that the Duterte administration should rescind the onerous concession agreements (CA) with the Pangilinan-Salim group’s Maynilad Water Services, […]

While poor remain homeless, private business gains from “socialized” housing
March 22, 2017
As the National Housing Authority serves eviction notices to members of urban poor organization Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) who have occupied long-vacant and dilapidated relocation units in Pandi, Bulacan, research group IBON said that the so-called socialized housing largely benefits private developers through public-private partnerships (PPPs). These private realty and construction firms garner profits […]

Private sector-led housing program undermines meager housing budget (IBON Facts & Figures excerpt)
March 17, 2017
“The problematic private sector-led housing program of government further undermines the meager housing budget. So-called low-cost socialized housing, for instance, now has a price ceiling of Php450,000, which was increased from its previous Php400,000 to encourage private developers to participate in the production of socialized housing units as well as reflect higher construction costs. Many […]

People-centered development vital for consumer rights
March 16, 2017
Prior to #WorldConsumerRightsDay, Filipino consumers including those for a #BetterDigitalWorld converged in a forum, expressed their woes and aspirations and vowed to continue working for #SocialEconomicChange Various consumer groups gathered in a conference last Monday in Quezon City to tackle the social and economic reforms needed to promote consumer welfare. The event participants recognized the […]

Ang Pihit sa Ilalim ng Gubyernong Duterte: Usapang IBON 2016 Yearend
March 2, 2017
“Ano ang direksyon sa ekonomya sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte? I-download dito ang Usapang IBON Praymer Yearend 2016 “Ang Pihit sa Ilalim ng Gubyernong Duterte” ‘Tinangan ng administrasyong Duterte and Ambisyon Natin 2014 na inumpisahan ng rehimeng Aquino. Gagabayan nito ang mga magiging Philippine Development Plan (PDP) ng mga administrasyon sa loob ng mahigit dalawang […]

Media Advisory: What’s in CASER for consumers?
February 26, 2017
Filipino consumers are reportedly optimistic. Hear consumer groups discuss their plight from utilities to food, transport and more and where these stand in supposed peace talks’ substantive agenda on social and economic reforms. What: A Conference on the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms and Consumers’ Welfare When: February 27, 2016 1pm Where: Sikat […]

Regions with biggest mining activities among the poorest–IBON
February 23, 2017
Contrary to claims that closing down mining operations will worsen poverty, research group IBON said that large-scale mining activities impact heavily on marginalized sectors and intensify poverty. The group also said that the mining sector’s export-oriented character further deprives communities by taking away potential resources for local development. The Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) […]

Duterte admin should stick to mines closure–IBON
February 16, 2017
Research group IBON said that despite strong opposition from mining companies, the Duterte government should stand firm on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) head’s order on mines closure. The group also belied mining companies’ claims that large scale mining has brought development to the country. President Duterte has expressed support for DENR […]

Prepaid electricity: Neoliberal “users pay” at its worst
February 9, 2017
The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) recently said that it aims to expand its prepaid customers by 100,000 from the current 40,000 this year. Kuryente Load (KLoad), the utility giant’s prepaid electricity service, is presently available in Mandaluyong, Manila, Pasig, and parts of Rizal. Meralco now plans to offer KLoad to customers in Caloocan, Makati, Marikina, Pasay, Pateros, […]