What Build Build Build has delivered

July 25, 2021

Nearing the end of the Duterte administration’s term, we don’t seem to be anywhere near the fulfilment of its big infrastructure dream. Build Build Build is supposed to be the centerpiece of what could be a Duterte legacy, but the program’s performance is far from defining a grand exit for the administration.

Record debt under Duterte administration

December 21, 2020

Each Filipino in effect owes Php92,190 and each Filipino family owes Php405,636. The average Filipino family owes as much as it earns in 18 months or over one-and-a-half years.

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.

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.

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.

On the BBB fix: Why do you build me up?

July 11, 2020

FEATURES

The government is still hell-bent on pursuing a grand infrastructure program amid the pandemic and despite its actually bleak accomplishments so far. The government says it will revise its list of infrastructure projects to adapt to COVID-19. But does it really have the will to shift the focus of its infrastructure program, or even the capacity to fully implement this?

Slower economy affirms undue hype over credit rating upgrade

May 9, 2019

Sign of unsound economy Slower gross domestic product (GDP) growth during the first quarter of 2019 belies any claim of a healthy Philippine economy. Research group IBON stressed that the Duterte administration’s enthusiasm over the recent credit rating upgrade that the country got is unwarranted. Instead of hailing business-biased programs, government should look to more […]

Govt should be transparent, release 9 signed foreign loan agreements — IBON

March 16, 2019

Research group IBON said the Duterte administration should immediately release to the public all nine foreign loan agreements it has already signed for infrastructure projects, especially for the upcoming Kaliwa Dam project with China. The group raised concerns of government’s transparency since it has denied IBON’s previous requests for copies of the loan agreements. The […]

Businessmen cashing in on Metro Manila Reclamation project–IBON

February 21, 2019

Research group IBON said that the Manila Bay reclamation project under the Build, Build, Build program is a profit-led infrastructure plan that will mainly benefit big business. The group said that contrary to government claims, the project will displace nearby communities from their homes and livelihoods and destroy the environment. The Manila Bay Reclamation project […]