Philippine economy
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 […]
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 […]
IBON joins groups in industrialization call
September 18, 2016
Research group IBON said that national industrialization is the way to go in order for the Filipino majority to prosper. It should be made the government’s primary economic strategy, the group said. IBON co-sponsored last Wednesday a forum titled “The Change We Need” with top earner Steel Asia, science and technology network AGHAM, AGHAM Youth and […]
The Change We Need: a public forum on national industrialization
September 8, 2016
Invitation to a public forum on national industrialization from AGHAM — Industrialization is a key factor in developing the Philippine economy, which, for several decades, has remained agrarian and pre-industrial. Establishing industries will also propel the country’s science, technology and innovation capacities. President Rodrigo Duterte’s promise to establish industries, particularly steel manufacturing industry, is a […]
Lumad evacuees’ return home signals rebuilding of alternative schools
September 7, 2016
The Educators’ Forum for Development (EfD), a network of 100 schools nationwide advocating transformative education, commended the more than 2,000 Lumad evacuees on the reclaiming of their homes and ancestral land in Bgy. Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao del Sur. The group said that this also signifies initial steps towards the rebuilding of Lumad alternative schools and […]
DOF tax reforms relieve rich while burdening poor–IBON
September 5, 2016
Research group IBON said that the Department of Finance’s (DOF) proposed tax reform program relieves the rich and burdens the poor. The group said that this will worsen inequality in the country and should be replaced by a tax program that taxes the rich instead and is backed with the required political will. The DOF […]
TAX GANERN! DOF’s Tax Reforms Tax the Poor and Relieve the Rich (Part 1)
September 2, 2016
by Sonny Africa (First of Two Parts) The Department of Finance (DOF) will submit a tax policy reform program to Congress in September. The administration’s economic managers are using Pres. Rodrigo Duterte’s current popularity to push an unpopular pro-rich neoliberal tax agenda. The proposed program lowers the tax burden on the rich and on big […]
