neoliberal policies
World Bank tax help unwelcome
September 20, 2016
Research group IBON said that the World Bank’s recent offer to assist the Department of Finance (DOF) with its tax reform plan, although not surprising, is unwelcome news. The World Bank with twin global financial pillar International Monetary Fund (IMF) has long been at the forefront of designing the Philippines’ regressive tax system, including providing […]

Provide free or affordable social services, gov’t urged
July 22, 2016
The basic economic issues confronting the new Duterte administration will take center stage in the peace negotiations as the next substantive agenda on the Comprehensive Agreement for Social and Economic Reforms. IBON joins the public in aspiring for the soonest resumption of the peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front and the Moro […]

There is room for pro-people economics but 10-pt agenda concerning–IBON
July 16, 2016
“While there are sunny prospects, the 10-point agenda of neoliberal policies hangs over like a dark cloud,” said research group IBON’s executive director Sonny Africa yesterday at its political and economic briefing. In its 2016 Midyear Birdtalk held at the University of the Philippines, IBON welcomed the Duterte administration’s opening of opportunities for pro-people measures […]

Elitist politics and economics: the real Aquino legacy
July 1, 2016
The next presidency is challenged to tackle a worst-ever jobs crisis, heightened inequality,and pro-foreign and pro-business policies sown under Aquino’s leadership Towards the end of its six years in office, the Aquino government boasted its legacy of inclusive growth. Indeed for its neoliberal thrusts the Aquino administration may have achieved certain economic outcomes. But for […]

SHS: Public funds for private gain refrain
June 17, 2016
IBON Features — Amid much debate among its implementers and constituents, the Enhanced Basic Education Program or Kindergarten + 12’s Senior High School (SHS) debuted for Grade 10 completers this week. Eleventh graders started on the track of their chosen profession, the choices being the (1) Academic Track comprised of Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM); […]

On strengthening public education system: Review K-to-12, educators challenge Duterte
May 16, 2016
Upon the presentation of the presumptive administration’s education thrust in its eight-point economic agenda, Filipino educators network Educators Forum for Development (EfD) challenged president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to effectively strengthen the public education system by calling for a review of the K-to-12 program and pushing for a nationalist, scientific and mass-oriented curriculum. The incoming administration’s education […]

Dutertenomics off to bad start, says group
May 12, 2016
Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte’s initial choices for his economic team shows him treading the same Aquino administration path of elitist economics, research group IBON said. It added that Duterte’s early pronouncement on Charter change also strongly indicates continuity with the neoliberal economic policies that have kept Filipinos poor and the economy underdeveloped. The presidential frontrunner’s […]

On imminent win: Duterte challenged to take first real steps as pro-people President
May 10, 2016
Research group IBON said that, if elected, 2016 national elections frontrunner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte would have risen to the presidency on a surge of frustration with traditional politics and chronic economic backwardness. The clamor for change deserves economic policies biased for the poor and the national economy and that break from the failed […]

Path not to take: The exclusionary and elitist Daang Matuwid
May 8, 2016
#BeyondElections2016 | The Aquino administration’s long-playing call to sustain its so-called legacy of a fast-growing economy driven by “good governance” resonated in the “ituloy ang Daang Matuwid” electoral campaign. That the elections are just a day away and that the term of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III is nearing its end are opportune moments to review […]