Philippine economy
World Bank wants to tax Filipinos, but not the rich
April 8, 2025
Tax reforms should align with broader developmental goals like reducing inequality, strengthening public services, and promoting inclusive growth rather than narrowly focusing on revenue maximization. The government should object to World Bank conditionalities as a matter of principle.
National government outstanding debt
April 2, 2025
Divided per family, national government outstanding debt is now over Php600,000.
IBON Executive Director on Duterte supporters’ call for a week of OFW Zero Remittance
March 26, 2025
“Like the Duterte brand, it’s all bluster and optics — ultimately empty and devoid of anything meaningful or positive… And like the Duterte brand, if ignored, it has no meaning at all.”
Making upper middle-income status matter
February 20, 2025
Understanding what upper middle-income status really means easily clarifies that it is in many respects just a fantasy.
Higpit-sinturon despite within-target inflation
February 7, 2025
The Marcos Jr adminstration was happy that inflation was within target for the year. Yet, the incomes of a lot of Filipinos are still insufficient to buy their basic needs.
Substantial wage hike urgent amid unabated rising prices
February 6, 2025
The Marcos Jr administration should couple substantial wage hikes with a truly transformative economic plan that includes strategically tempering inflation.
PH govt closed and opaque to protect pork barrel
February 6, 2025
Worsening poverty and hunger in the country despite hyped economic growth underscores how important genuine openness and transparency are for real development and democracy.
