Duterte administration

Fuel prices cheaper than in 2018 if not for TRAIN

February 14, 2019

Research group IBON said that the fuel prices would be cheaper now than in 2018 without the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law. The group said that TRAIN’s additional excise taxes have prevented Filipinos from feeling the benefits of lower global oil prices. Filipinos face even higher prices with the implementation of the […]

High prices, flat real wages remain despite lower inflation – IBON

February 5, 2019

Research group IBON said that the lower inflation figure for January 2019 is welcome, but stressed that prices are still higher compared to last year. Real wages have been stagnant for more than a decade and high prices remain a burden for most Filipino families, said the group. Headline inflation for January 2019 is at […]

Disguised Jobs Crisis

February 4, 2019

Download Briefing Paper here An excerpt from the IBON 2018 Yearend Birdtalk paper “Faltering Economy, Shell of A Democracy”: The socioeconomic conditions of the masses are not substantially or sustainably improving. A few gained from recent economic growth but not the people who need this the most. Domestic elites and foreign capital continue to profit […]

Faltering Economy, Shell of A Democracy

January 28, 2019

Download Briefing Paper here Adverse economic and political trends since the start of the Duterte administration intensified last year. The risk of combustion in 2019 has become much higher. The administration has tried to project an image of economic progress and strongman-driven stability, peace and order. But if the year 2018 has shown anything it […]