People’s Agenda

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 […]

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 […]

The Change We Need: a public forum on national industrialization

September 8, 2016

Invitation to a public forum on national industrialization from AGHAM — Industrialization is a key factor in developing the Philippine economy, which, for several decades, has remained agrarian and pre-industrial. Establishing industries will also propel the country’s science, technology and innovation capacities. President Rodrigo Duterte’s promise to establish industries, particularly steel manufacturing industry, is a […]

Tens of millions of Filipinos can benefit from peace talks resumption–IBON

August 24, 2016

Research group IBON said that the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is a tentative step forward for socioeconomic development. After this first round, the talks will take up social and economic reforms to address the underdevelopment plaguing the nation and that is at the […]