Philippine economy
On imminent win: Duterte challenged to take first real steps as pro-people President
May 10, 2016
Research group IBON said that, if elected, 2016 national elections frontrunner Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte would have risen to the presidency on a surge of frustration with traditional politics and chronic economic backwardness. The clamor for change deserves economic policies biased for the poor and the national economy and that break from the failed […]
Path not to take: The exclusionary and elitist Daang Matuwid
May 8, 2016
#BeyondElections2016 | The Aquino administration’s long-playing call to sustain its so-called legacy of a fast-growing economy driven by “good governance” resonated in the “ituloy ang Daang Matuwid” electoral campaign. That the elections are just a day away and that the term of Pres. Benigno S. Aquino III is nearing its end are opportune moments to review […]
Automated Polls: Privatized elections, foreign-controlled democracy (Part 2)
May 2, 2016
Second of Two Parts By Arnold Padilla Why Smartmatic prevails Why Smartmatic keeps on winning Comelec contracts boggles the mind especially considering the numerous and major malfunctions by the machines and services that Smartmatic provided in the past two elections. To illustrate, while the AES law mandates a 99.995% accuracy rate, Smartmatic’s PCOS machines […]
Worst jobs crisis by far: Job creation down; 24 million employed in poor quality work under Aquino
April 30, 2016
#BeyondElections2016 | Research group IBON said that while the Philippines saw growth, increasing corporate profits, investor confidence and international media hype under the Aquino administration, less new jobs were created, joblessness remains high, and the quality of work has worsened. Falling job creation under the incumbent administration has resulted in the most unemployed, underemployed, discouraged […]
P750 national minimum wage doable–IBON
April 29, 2016
Research group IBON said that it is possible for workers nationwide to receive the proposed national minimum wage (NMW) of Php750. Millions of workers and their families will immediately benefit while employers still keep over 70% of their substantial profits. The NMW is an immediate, important, and doable step towards making economic growth genuinely […]
Jobs crisis will persist despite growing FDI if next admin retains neolib frame–IBON
April 27, 2016
#BeyondElections2016 | Research group IBON pointed out that growing foreign investment under the Aquino administration has not improved the country’s jobs situation. This, as the presidentiables vow to continue the major economic policies of the incumbent administration, which has made attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) a key strategy for inclusive growth. IBON noted that annual […]
Di lumingon: The economics of the next administration
April 26, 2016
By Sonny Africa IBON executive director #BeyondElections2016 | The leading candidates for the presidency project vastly different images: plain but competent technocrat, earnest would-be mother of the nation, beleaguered man of the masses, and of course the coarse yet effective strongman. Filipino voters seem to have a variety of choices in the May 9 […]
Has PhilHealth, the country’s so-called universal health care program, benefited the Filipino people?
April 24, 2016
#BeyondElections2016 | All the presidential bets vow to continue Philhealth. But has this so-called universal health care program benefited the Filipino people? The 2015 National Government budget for PhilHealth rose to Php39.1 billion from only Php3.5 billion in 2011. It is now said to cover 87% of the entire population as of 2013. Yet, according […]
On Earth Day: IBON scores foreign chambers on anti-envi agenda for new admin
April 24, 2016
Research group IBON hit the Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in the Philippines (JFC) for laying down its agenda for environmental destruction and plunder for the next administration. Votes have yet to be cast but foreign big business is already maneuvering to further interests in industries such as mining, agriculture and power. The JFC recently […]
