Ombudsman’s efforts hide admin corruption

September 23, 2020

COMMENTARY BY SONNY AFRICA

With the government’s infrastructure budget bloating and the pork-filled 2021 budget being railroaded through Congress, every check on corrupt government officials is more urgent than ever.

The 2021 Budget: Infrastructure over health, aid and MSME support

September 23, 2020

INFOGRAPHICS

Resources for health, social protection, and production support are more urgent areas needing attention to genuinely usher economic recovery but are only receiving paltry amounts.

PhilHealth Failure

September 22, 2020

The second biggest chunk of the proposed 2021 health budget, or Php71.4 billion, goes to PhilHealth. While noting recent corruption controversies in the agency, it is difficult to reconcile the unchanged budget with increasing health expenses of Filipinos.

Proposed 2021 health budget shrinks, neglects public health–IBON 

September 22, 2020

NEWS

The lower budget for the public health in the proposed national government budget for 2021 will keep health care inaccessible and expensive for too many Filipinos.

Budget for infrastructure towers over health, social protection, MSME support–IBON

September 16, 2020

NEWS

Health and social protection even in terms of infrastructure should be prioritized but these are dwarfed by programs such as roadworks and grandiose transport projects that are not as urgent.

IBON executive director on Bayanihan 2 and beyond

September 14, 2020

IBON executive director on Pres. Duterte signing Bayanihan 2

September 11, 2020

TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE: IBON executive director Sonny Africa on Pres. Duterte finally signing Bayanihan 2 Act over 2 1/2 weeks after being passed by Congress and over 2 1/2 months after Bayanihan 1 expired

Duterte administration’s 2021 budget priorities

September 11, 2020

INFOGRAPHIC

Amid the worst health crisis and economic decline in the country’s history, government prioritizes infrastructure, debt, and militarization over health and other social services, agriculture, and industry.

Philippine health recovery not a priority for Duterte administration

September 10, 2020

BY MARICAR PIEDAD

This budget will be crucial for the Philippines to fast track recovery from the worst health and economic crisis in its history because of COVID-19. But it is not at all about health recovery as the Duterte administration hypes.