Agricultural Job Losses

January 16, 2025

The huge drop in agricultural employment, largely attributed to the devastation caused by five typhoons, is a cause for concern. These job losses not only mean lost income and livelihoods for millions of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, but underscores government’s long-time neglect and lack of substantial support for the sector.

Shape of labor

January 16, 2025

The decline in employment in November 2024 shows that hyped rapid economic growth is jobless. Labor force participation has also shrunk, likely including many Filipinos discouraged from actively seeking work due to the lack of decent job opportunities. Most Filipinos lack savings and are so poor that they can’t afford to be unemployed. But because […]

Marcos Jr’s Borrowing Binge, as of November 2024

January 10, 2025

Inflation in Southeast Asia

January 9, 2025

Low real wages, more expensive food, as of December 2024

January 9, 2025

Filipino workers struggling despite reported drop in unemployment, underemployment — IBON

January 8, 2025

The decline in unemployment and underemployment should be a positive development, but it seems that millions of Filipinos are still not feeling the benefits of a “robust” labor market.

Consumers still hurting from high prices even if inflation targets met

January 7, 2025

Latest inflation figures are within the Marcos administration’s 2-4% target for 2024, but this doesn’t automatically translate into better living conditions for Filipinos whose real incomes are stagnating or falling.

The bright side of the economy in 2025

January 7, 2025

Public awareness and demands for a better budget are essentially demands for an economic framework that prioritizes the welfare of the many over the interests of the few. This is a potentially powerful foundation for better economic policymaking in 2025 and beyond.

PhilHealth Zero Subsidy: Reflection of Government Neglect

December 23, 2024

Abruptly defunding the insurance agency will not address the growing problems of health financing, especially without concrete steps from the government to resolve them.