Another misfiring LEDAC agenda

October 3, 2025

The LEDAC list of priority bills for the 20th Congress, much like those in past administrations, are strikingly unsuited to the country’s structural ills.

Marcos is no anti-corruption hero

September 21, 2025

It doesn’t take much squinting to look beyond the theatrics and inter-parliamentary finger-pointing to see who ultimately decides about pork barrel.

The Anatomy of Corruption

September 20, 2025

The pork barrel system has become the most efficient way for politicians to gain control of public funds.

“Sumbong” isn’t enough against corruption

September 5, 2025

COMMENTARY

The Marcos Jr administration is projecting an image of cracking down on corruption—but it takes a mass movement to eliminate it. Public outrage is a good place to start.

2026 Budget: Austerity for the Poor, Largesse for the Rich

August 14, 2025

The president’s 2026 budget is still crafted for the super-rich and powerful, not the people.

PH exits FATF grey list: What now?

August 13, 2025

The FATF’s standards are too easily abused by governments who justify their harsh domestic actions as compliance to retain global financial or economic standing.

Marcos Jr’s rice populism: Short-term optics, long-term hunger

August 7, 2025

The worsening reliance on imports to contain increases in domestic rice prices is a problem that will persist if the government keeps scrimping on support for rice producers.

Open markets, closed options: The real price of the US-PH trade deal

July 30, 2025

FEATURES

If the grossly one-sided tariff deal is any indication, this ambiguity could very well be hiding something even worse.

Impeachment supports economic development

July 16, 2025

The impeachment trial of VP Sara and holding her accountable for any misuse of confidential funds, bribery and corruption, and threatening violence against other public officials is a pivotal moment with huge implications for economic development.