poverty
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 […]
Tens of millions of Filipinos can benefit from peace talks resumption–IBON
August 24, 2016
Research group IBON said that the resumption of peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) is a tentative step forward for socioeconomic development. After this first round, the talks will take up social and economic reforms to address the underdevelopment plaguing the nation and that is at the […]
SHS: Public funds for private gain refrain
June 17, 2016
IBON Features — Amid much debate among its implementers and constituents, the Enhanced Basic Education Program or Kindergarten + 12’s Senior High School (SHS) debuted for Grade 10 completers this week. Eleventh graders started on the track of their chosen profession, the choices being the (1) Academic Track comprised of Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM); […]
Fabella Hospital closure and privatization: Undermining mother and child care
June 9, 2016
In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized a government hospital for being a “role model of the WHO-Western Pacific Regional Office for its essential newborn care programs, which have been proven to reduce infant morbidity and mortality.” Today, June 9, 2016, the Department of Health (DOH) will close the facility supposedly due to the […]
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 […]
Hindi lumingon–a second look? The economics of the Duterte administration
May 14, 2016
by Sonny Africa IBON FEATURES – Presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte projected a vastly different image from the other presidential candidates and indeed from every national politician the Philippines has ever had: coarse, cussing, irreverent, misogynistic, an unrepentant human rights violator, and a self-proclaimed “Socialist” and “Leftist”. But, never mind, the strongman was effective and got […]
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 […]
Anyare? Economic decline since Marcos
May 5, 2016
The Marcos dictatorship started the Philippines on a path of economic decline that remains until today. This has already had the worst consequences for tens of millions of Filipinos across two generations. Unless corrected, it will burden generations to come. The Philippine economy’s decline since the 1980s is commonly attributed to the Marcos regime’s corruption […]
Gov’t privatization of irrigation, calamity unpreparedness amid El Nino hit
April 3, 2016
In the aftermath of the State-sponsored violence and continued harassment of protesting drought-stricken farmers in Kidapawan, North Cotabato, research group IBON criticized the Aquino government’s unpreparedness for El Nino and indicative neglect of agriculture in general, said the group. Department of Agriculture (DA) data shows that the damage caused by El Nino has already reached […]
