Philippine economy

Family living wage for a family of five members in NCR

April 14, 2019

“The choice of official poverty lines is a political one. Setting a high standard indicates the government having a high level of ambition for poverty eradication. Government, however has chosen to set a low standard – in this case, the Php10,481 per month or Php69.87 per day poverty threshold – which results in tens of […]

What the Rice Tariffication Law violates

April 10, 2019

The declared policy of the newly signed Republic Act (RA) 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law, now with issued implementing rules and regulations, is apparently to ensure food security. Ironically, it is the very same principle that the law puts at risk. Food security is a precondition for economic development. A hungry population is a weak, […]

Gov’t designed Kaliwa loan to favor China—IBON

March 26, 2019

The Kaliwa Dam loan agreement is designed to unduly favor Chinese interests over that of the Philippines. IBON Foundation raised this concern in the wake of the release, upon public pressure, of this and other loan agreements. Metro Manila private water concessionaire Manila Water Company, Inc. and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage Systems (MWSS) have […]

Gone, water gone!

March 23, 2019

How do the senatoriables fare?: TRAIN LAW

March 22, 2019

WHO’S SCARED TO DEBATE THE TRAIN LAW? The TRAIN Law implemented since 2018 increased the tax burden on tens of millions of the poorest Filipinos while lowering taxes on higher income families including the country’s richest. Some lawmakers have reconsidered but others still defend the indefensible. Most aspiring senators are justifiably critical. Who’s who?

Their Wealth is Tu-Big!

March 21, 2019

Water is a human right and should be a public service. But did you know how much it boosts private profits of the country’s richest oligarchs? JAIME ZOBEL DE AYALA Famously known for their malls and condominiums in urban centers across the country, the Ayala family has interests in many other sectors. This includes privatized […]