Philippine economy

On Sin Tax: Raise direct taxes rather than consumer taxes –IBON

June 7, 2019

Research group IBON said that the passing of the Sin Tax Reform Bill made the country’s tax system more regressive by increasing consumer taxes that burden the poor while cutting income tax and corporate tax that make the rich even richer. As part of the government’s tax reform agenda, Senate Bill No.2233 or the Sin […]

Govt should address job losses in agri, manufacturing — IBON

June 5, 2019

Research group IBON said that the rise in employment and decline in unemployment is seemingly welcome after the worsening job generation in the past four consecutive labor force rounds. But this should not be taken at face value because of alarming underlying trends. This includes job losses in the production sectors that the Duterte administration […]

2019 midterm elections results: Harsher policies ahead

May 26, 2019

Administration-backed bets dominated the 2019 midterm elections especially in the Senate. The Duterte administration will certainly fast track its priority neoliberal policies as soon as the 18th Congress opens. It already used its super-majority in the 17th Congress to pass socioeconomic measures aggravating the country’s jobs crisis, poverty, and underdevelopment. More and harsher ones loom […]

Amendments to Public Services Act removes Constitutional protections on public utilities

May 24, 2019

Research group IBON raised the alarm that proposed amendments to the Public Services Act (PSA) removing Constitutional protections on public utilities will undermine national security and consumer welfare. The group argued that foreign control over important sectors should still be minimized and that natural monopolies should if anything be more tightly regulated. The Senate identified […]

Neoliberal amendments loom

May 23, 2019

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