Philippine economy
Then and now: US economic intervention in the Philippines
November 14, 2016
During the swearing-in of the new United States (US) ambassador to the Philippines in early November, US Secretary of State John Kerry stressed that the “logic” of the “indelible” US-Philippine alliance is “as compelling today as [it has] ever been”. Newly sworn-in US ambassador Sung Kim in turn highlighted the “ironclad” Mutual Defense Treaty, the […]
Three years after Yolanda: Unmet Yolanda shelter needs, government neglect
November 8, 2016
Resettlement in super-typhoon Yolanda-stricken areas continues to be characterized by substandard houses and lack of basic utilities. Shelter shortage is glaring despite the influx of funds. Slow government response in the three year aftermath of the super-typhoon has extended rehabilitation woes for the victims and survivors. Weak shelter Rommel Portugal, a 45-year-old mechanic-turned arbularyo at manghihilot (herb doctor) […]
2015 poverty results no reason for complacency–IBON
October 27, 2016
While welcoming the reported decrease in official poverty incidence, research group IBON said that the multi-billion peso conditional cash transfer (CCT)-driven result is no reason for complacency. The official figure hopefully reflects improved welfare among tens of millions of the poorest Filipinos, IBON said, but the signs of structural poverty from economic backwardness remain. The […]
IBON Survey – 7 out of 10 Filipinos see themselves as poor
October 27, 2016
70.8% of respondents said they are poor According to research group IBON’s latest survey, the majority of Filipinos consider themselves poor. Asked what they can say about the situation of their families today, seven out of ten or 70.8% of respondents said they are poor. Only 25% said they are not poor, while the rest […]
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, […]
End US interference in PH econ affairs, gov’t urged
October 7, 2016
Independence assertion a first 100 days highlight On the eve of the Duterte administration’s 100th day, research group IBON said that the government should not just be open to United States (US) withdrawal of its assistance to the Philippines. The Philippines can unilaterally end so-called programs which interfere in the country’s economic policy-making. This includes […]
First peace talks in the world to tackle comprehensive social and economic reforms deserves public’s full support
October 5, 2016
Peace deal will have widespread public support because it will benefit the majority of Filipinos On the eve of the start of the second round of peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), research group IBON said that the comprehensive reforms the talks will take up are the key […]
On the Duterte administration’s economic direction in its first 100 days: Neoliberal economics continues, but nationalist change still possible
October 5, 2016
There is still much to be done for the Duterte administration to overcome the Philippine government’s stubborn adherence to old and discredited anti-Filipino neoliberalism. This overrides and is inconsistent with Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s otherwise pro-poor and pro-Filipino pronouncements. This is also notwithstanding the welcome appointment of activists and progressives to important cabinet and other positions […]
Tax the richest to provide much-needed social services, Duterte gov’t urged
September 27, 2016
Research group IBON remarked that the Department of Finance’s (DOF) proposed tax plan essentially remains elitist and is inconsistent with President Duterte’s pro-poor stance. Following the president’s lead, government should be brave enough to tax the richest businesses and families instead of burdening the poor with new taxes. The DOF on Monday submitted to Congress […]
