Anti-terror law worsens economic policymaking for a few at the expense of the many

June 8, 2020

STATEMENT | The Duterte administration wants an anti-terrorism law giving it unchecked power to surveil, harass, arrest and detain government critics under the pretext of fighting terrorism. It has been on a trajectory of violating human rights, due process, rule of law, and accountability since the start of its term. With the new law, the government will achieve authoritarianism unmatched since Martial Law in the 1970s.

COVID-19: How prepared are we now?

June 6, 2020

BIRD FEED

After two and a half months of lockdown, the public healthcare system remains unequipped with the necessary weapons to fight COVID-19.

Jobless figures confirm poor govt response to COVID-19 crisis

June 5, 2020

The country’s record joblessness demands extraordinary measures from the Duterte administration to help tens of millions of families losing incomes. Unfortunately, the response so far has been stingy and the supposed recovery program does not appear to give much more.

Statement on government’s COVID-19 stimulus measures

May 30, 2020

STATEMENT

Fiscal decisions are critical especially in times of crisis – when the need is greatest for the State to commit to its obligation to respect, protect and fulfill the social and economic rights of the people.

GCQ Reality Check

May 27, 2020

BIRD FEED | Rosario Guzman | Struggling with the dilemma for about a month now – caught between the lack of science and intense pressure from big business to continue profit-making – the Duterte government is about to decide to transition the country to a general community quarantine (GCQ).

Upon COVID-19: Time to tax the super-rich

May 25, 2020

FEATURES

The Philippines has never had a wealth tax. For as long as there has been a tax system in the country, taxes have been collected from what people pay for what they consume or from what they earn.

Why make the poor pay for COVID-19 response?

May 24, 2020

COMMENTARY

There’s more than enough money for all the COVID-19 response we need – the Duterte administration just has to take the side of the people and stop being so scared of the rich.

Duterte gov’t giving up Php667-B in potential COVID response funds to boost corporate profits

May 20, 2020

At a time when funds are urgent for the huge COVID-19 response needed, research group IBON said that the Duterte administration is giving up Php667 billion in revenues to boost the profits of the country’s largest corporations.

To give or not to give SAP tranche 2

May 19, 2020

How many mothers have been forced to leave their little ones at home, walk far, and stand in long lines for ayuda only to go home empty-handed? How many senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD), despite their frailty and limits, still tried to get support but in vain?