Philippine economy
Amid growth: PH unemployment still worst in Asia–IBON
May 23, 2016
Research group IBON warned against overestimating the reported high election-boosted economic growth as a sign of economic success. Economic growth is important but should not be used to divert public attention from fundamental problems of chronic joblessness and poverty, the group said. The Philippine economy’s reported 6.9% growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in the […]
Duterte’s 8-point economic agenda business as usual
May 14, 2016
The 8-point economic agenda of presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte is an elitist neoliberal agenda, research group IBON said. It is good for big business at the expense of the majority of Filipinos and long-term national development. Its “business as usual” belies the clamor for change and, in repeating Aquino-era policies that drove this clamor for […]
Dutertenomics off to bad start, says group
May 12, 2016
Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte’s initial choices for his economic team shows him treading the same Aquino administration path of elitist economics, research group IBON said. It added that Duterte’s early pronouncement on Charter change also strongly indicates continuity with the neoliberal economic policies that have kept Filipinos poor and the economy underdeveloped. The presidential frontrunner’s […]
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 […]
