Philippine economy

While poor remain homeless, private business gains from “socialized” housing

March 22, 2017

As the National Housing Authority serves eviction notices to members of urban poor organization Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) who have occupied long-vacant and dilapidated relocation units in Pandi, Bulacan, research group IBON said that the so-called socialized housing largely benefits private developers through public-private partnerships (PPPs). These private realty and construction firms garner profits […]

Filipinos lack access to water, electricity despite megadams

March 15, 2017

In commemoration of the International Day of Action for Rivers and Against Large Dams, Filipino groups opposed to large dams said that while megadams are supposed to supply cheap water and electricity to urban and rural communities nationwide, Philippine experience has proven otherwise. Indigenous peoples and support groups Kalipunan ng mga Katutubong Mamamayan ng Pilipinas […]

PH minerals benefit foreigners not Filipinos

March 14, 2017

Majority of Philippine minerals are exported and mainly benefit foreign corporations, research group IBON said. While ensuring environmentally safe and responsible mining methods, the Duterte administration should also ban the exodus of the country’s raw minerals. These should instead be efficiently reserved for and utilized to support and develop the country’s key industries towards national […]

Ang Pihit sa Ilalim ng Gubyernong Duterte: Usapang IBON 2016 Yearend

March 2, 2017

“Ano ang direksyon sa ekonomya sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte? I-download dito ang Usapang IBON Praymer Yearend 2016 “Ang Pihit sa Ilalim ng Gubyernong Duterte” ‘Tinangan ng administrasyong Duterte and Ambisyon  Natin 2014 na inumpisahan ng rehimeng Aquino. Gagabayan nito ang mga magiging Philippine Development Plan (PDP) ng mga administrasyon sa loob ng mahigit dalawang […]

Change Underway? IBON Yearend 2016 Birdtalk

March 2, 2017

Download “Change Underway” IBON Yearend 2016 Birdtalk briefing paper here “Filipinos have long organized and struggled for meaningful wage hikes, ending contractualization, land, free or at least affordable social services, national industrialization, and many other urgent demands. These are all part of the aspiration for a truly independent, democratic and prosperous Philippines. The people can […]

Change? Not three decades after EDSA, not under PDP–IBON

February 26, 2017

The Philippines remains backward and underdeveloped with severe inequality 31 years after the so-called EDSA revolution, research group IBON said. The Duterte administration’s new Philippine Development Plan 2017-2022 will not change this, said the group, in continuing the failed neoliberal policies of the Marcos regime and all subsequent administrations. EDSA 1986 was a repudiation of […]

Regions with biggest mining activities among the poorest–IBON

February 23, 2017

Contrary to claims that closing down mining operations will worsen poverty, research group IBON said that large-scale mining activities impact heavily on marginalized sectors and intensify poverty. The group also said that the mining sector’s export-oriented character further deprives communities by taking away potential resources for local development. The Employers’ Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP) […]

​Duterte admin should stick to mines closure–IBON

February 16, 2017

Research group IBON said that despite strong opposition from mining companies, the Duterte government should stand firm on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) head’s order on mines closure. The group also belied mining companies’ claims that large scale mining has brought development to the country. President Duterte has expressed support for DENR […]

 Prepaid electricity: Neoliberal “users pay” at its worst

February 9, 2017

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) recently said that it aims to expand its prepaid customers by 100,000 from the current 40,000 this year. Kuryente Load (KLoad), the utility giant’s prepaid electricity service, is presently available in Mandaluyong, Manila, Pasig, and parts of Rizal. Meralco now plans to offer KLoad to customers in Caloocan, Makati, Marikina, Pasay, Pateros, […]