Duterte administration
IBON promotes “Economics for Filipinos” with National Book Awardee
November 20, 2016
During National Book Week, research group IBON is set to launch its 2017 “Economics for Filipinos” planner with recently-proclaimed National Book Awardee Manix Abrera. Themed “Promoting Pro-people Economics for Filipinos”, the 2017 IBON planner was illustrated by the celebrated Philippine Daily Inquirer cartoon strip “Kiko Machine” artist and author. His recent work “News Hardcore!” earned […]
2017 IBON Planner “Promoting pro-people economics for Filipinos” excerpts
November 20, 2016
“This year, IBON highlights twelve points for nationalist and progressive economics. These counterpose the neoliberal economic policy-making that worsen poverty and inequality in the Philippines. Neoliberal economics results in joblessness, job insecurity, decrepit social services, and foreign plunder of our natural resources. “These twelve points are drawn from the People’s Agenda for Change. The […]
Then and now: US economic intervention in the Philippines
November 14, 2016
During the swearing-in of the new United States (US) ambassador to the Philippines in early November, US Secretary of State John Kerry stressed that the “logic” of the “indelible” US-Philippine alliance is “as compelling today as [it has] ever been”. Newly sworn-in US ambassador Sung Kim in turn highlighted the “ironclad” Mutual Defense Treaty, the […]
2015 poverty results no reason for complacency–IBON
October 27, 2016
While welcoming the reported decrease in official poverty incidence, research group IBON said that the multi-billion peso conditional cash transfer (CCT)-driven result is no reason for complacency. The official figure hopefully reflects improved welfare among tens of millions of the poorest Filipinos, IBON said, but the signs of structural poverty from economic backwardness remain. The […]
IBON Survey – 7 out of 10 Filipinos see themselves as poor
October 27, 2016
70.8% of respondents said they are poor According to research group IBON’s latest survey, the majority of Filipinos consider themselves poor. Asked what they can say about the situation of their families today, seven out of ten or 70.8% of respondents said they are poor. Only 25% said they are not poor, while the rest […]
End US interference in PH econ affairs, gov’t urged
October 7, 2016
Independence assertion a first 100 days highlight On the eve of the Duterte administration’s 100th day, research group IBON said that the government should not just be open to United States (US) withdrawal of its assistance to the Philippines. The Philippines can unilaterally end so-called programs which interfere in the country’s economic policy-making. This includes […]
First peace talks in the world to tackle comprehensive social and economic reforms deserves public’s full support
October 5, 2016
Peace deal will have widespread public support because it will benefit the majority of Filipinos On the eve of the start of the second round of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), research group IBON said that the comprehensive reforms the talks will take up are the key […]
On the Duterte administration’s economic direction in its first 100 days: Neoliberal economics continues, but nationalist change still possible
October 5, 2016
There is still much to be done for the Duterte administration to overcome the Philippine government’s stubborn adherence to old and discredited anti-Filipino neoliberalism. This overrides and is inconsistent with Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s otherwise pro-poor and pro-Filipino pronouncements. This is also notwithstanding the welcome appointment of activists and progressives to important cabinet and other positions […]
Tax the richest to provide much-needed social services, Duterte gov’t urged
September 27, 2016
Research group IBON remarked that the Department of Finance’s (DOF) proposed tax plan essentially remains elitist and is inconsistent with President Duterte’s pro-poor stance. Following the president’s lead, government should be brave enough to tax the richest businesses and families instead of burdening the poor with new taxes. The DOF on Monday submitted to Congress […]
