neoliberal policies

​EV agri neglected despite billions in Yolanda funds

November 28, 2016

As disaster survivors from Eastern Visayas converge in Manila to bare  mounting poverty, hunger and injustice in the region, research group IBON said that the region’s agriculture and fisheries sector  are slow to recover despite billions in available Yolanda funds. The group noted that while a significant number of people in Eastern Visayas depend on […]

Tribute to animator Gibet Torres

November 23, 2016

IBON pays tribute to animator Gilbert “Gibet” Torres, who recently passed away. A Martial Law victim and a staunch advocate of pro-people alternatives to the country’s socio-economic woes, Gibet was also an IBON artist. We share some of his artworks for IBON and for nationalist Jose “Pepe” Diokno’s book “A Nation For Our Children”.

US aid and imperialism

October 21, 2016

For daring the US and others to withdraw their aid, President Rodrigo Duterte has been called a “psychopath”. For those whose way of thinking has been systematically warped by colonialism and neocolonialism/imperialism, it is plain madness. As a poor country, why would we shun the “altruism” of rich countries like the US? On the contrary, […]

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 Soci​al 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 […]