Philippine Senate
PH govt closed and opaque to protect pork barrel
February 6, 2025
Worsening poverty and hunger in the country despite hyped economic growth underscores how important genuine openness and transparency are for real development and democracy.
Billionaire and millionaire 18th Congress
December 9, 2021
How much will the 2022 elections change how 99% of the Senate and House of Representatives comes from the wealthiest 2% of the population?
Group challenges Senate: Stop Charter change
May 19, 2019
Research group IBON is challenging the succeeding Senate to prove its independence by rejecting the proposal to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution or Charter change (Cha-cha). Lawmakers should keep in mind the dangers that Cha-cha poses on Philippine economic sovereignty, said the group, and not be swayed into passing other laws that fulfill the consistent […]
WANTED: An Independent Senate
May 11, 2019
Midterm elections have always been crucial for any incumbent, as results will either affirm or reject the programs and policies so far of the ruling party. The 2019 midterm elections, however, appears to be different, as it happens at the heels of the Duterte administration’s implementation of harshest neoliberal economic policies and undermining democracy. The […]
Duterte’s TRAIN a scourge, not a gift—IBON
December 21, 2017
Research group IBON said that contrary to its claims, the Duterte administration affirmed its apathy towards the low-income majority of Filipinos upon its signing of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN). By signing the tax program into law, government has proven its determination to collect funds for its purportedly pro-poor centerpiece programs but […]
Prices will increase beyond the Christmas season
December 19, 2017
On the day that Pres Duterte signs the tax reform package, IBON underscores how TRAIN will entail price hikes on various goods and services beyond Christmas. IBON Foundation, Inc. is an independent development institution established in 1987 that provides research, education, publications, information work and advocacy support on socioeconomic issues. — Media & Communications Department […]
Four indicators that Duterte’s tax program is anti-poor
December 1, 2017
Lawmakers should rethink Duterte tax program The Senate version of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) bill remains anti-poor despite amendments. Research group IBON said this following senators’ recent approval of their version of the Duterte tax bill on third and final reading. According to the group, the Senate’s efforts to reduce the […]
