Philippine economy
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?
Higher inflation for poorest Filipinos underscores urgent need for continued cash subsidies
July 8, 2020
NEWS
Higher inflation is problematic but particularly burdens the poorest Filipinos. Inflation rates for the 30% poorest households are higher than the national average. Especially amid historic joblessness, this affirms how the government should continue giving cash subsidies as income support, the group said.
PH Debt: All’s well that swells
June 13, 2020
The finance department underscores the need for government to borrow from foreign sources to fund its economic recovery plan. Multilateral and country creditors have unsurprisingly exploited the situation and recycled funds to lend. But do we really need to borrow for COVID-19 response? How are we going to pay for all of these debts?
Duterte administration’s recovery plans help the rich more than the poor
June 5, 2020
government’s supposed recovery plans are more concerned about supporting business profits than helping the mass of unemployed Filipinos. The finance department’s PH-PROGRESO and stimulus bills in Congress give considerable support to businesses while millions of affected families get token support at best.
IBON Executive Director on the CREATE Bill and FDI
May 28, 2020
Duterte gov’t giving up Php667-B in potential COVID response funds to boost corporate profits
May 20, 2020
At a time when funds are urgent for the huge COVID-19 response needed, research group IBON said that the Duterte administration is giving up Php667 billion in revenues to boost the profits of the country’s largest corporations.
Financial strength, development weakness
May 14, 2020
COMMENTARY
In this kind of situation, you don’t obsess about fuel-efficient driving or not red-lining the tachometer or limiting the car’s mileage – you step on the gas. Glorifying ‘financial strength’ is stepping on the brakes.
