Duterte administration
Sources of Energy in the Philippines for 2018
October 19, 2020
ENERGY SUPPLY IN THE COUNTRY IS STILL PRIMARILY SOURCED FROM FOSSIL FUELS. Non-renewable oil and coal made up 61% of energy sources in 2018. The industry and electricity sectors relied heavily on coal, taking up 32% and 31.5% of 2018 energy consumption, respectively.
Severe food insecurity in Southeast Asia
October 18, 2020
“The Philippines should not have to be counted among the top countries with moderate to severe food insecurity and high levels of malnutrition as per the food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) had the government not abandoned and liberalized agriculture.” – Rosario Guzman, in The Role of Consumers in Agroecology forum
Poverty incidence of farmers and fisherfolk
October 17, 2020
The agriculture sector’s annual growth was only at 2.1% on average in 2017-2019, and its share in the economy has reached its smallest in Philippine history at 7.8% of GDP in 2019.
Transport budget for infra but none for affected jeepney drivers
October 15, 2020
FEATURES
The government should prioritize subsidizing small jeepney drivers and operators and at least postpone costly infrastructure projects that are less urgent because of the pandemic.
National Government Gross Borrowings
October 14, 2020
FACTLET
Using COVID-19 as an excuse, the Duterte administration is on the biggest borrowing spree in the country’s history. It is set to borrow in its six years nearly as much as the five administrations before it did over 31 years. Its gross borrowings are set to reach Php3 trillion in 2020 aside from another Php3 trillion in 2021.
Fighting for our rights to food, a healthy environment and development
October 14, 2020
FEATURES
The corporate onslaught on agriculture, Filipino producers and consumers has to be thwarted for local production systems to break free from big business and foreign profit-driven objectives. Philippine agriculture can then flourish and contribute to the nation’s needs and development through ecologically sound, scientific and sustainable practices.
National Government Outstanding Debt
October 12, 2020
FACTLET
DEBT IS SOARING. The Bureau of the Treasury recently reported that national government’s outstanding debt reached Php9.6 trillion as of August 2020. This isn’t the end of it though, as debt is projected to reach Php10.2 trillion by the end of 2020, then Php12 trillion in 2021, and Php13.7 trillion in 2022.
Four reasons why the Kaliwa Dam Project loan is onerous
October 11, 2020
Features | President Duterte has reportedly ordered a review of loan agreements to determine if any are onerous and disadvantageous to the Filipino people. Yet the Kaliwa Dam project which has come under fire for its unfavorable Chinese loan agreement has already started.
