Features
US aid and imperialism
Oktubre 21, 2016
For daring the US and others to withdraw their aid, President Rodrigo Duterte has been called a “psychopath”. For those whose way of thinking has been systematically warped by colonialism and neocolonialism/imperialism, it is plain madness. As a poor country, why would we shun the “altruism” of rich countries like the US? On the contrary, […]
On the Duterte administration’s economic direction in its first 100 days: Neoliberal economics continues, but nationalist change still possible
Oktubre 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 GANERN! DOF’s Tax Reforms Tax the Poor and Relieve the Rich (Part 2)
Setyembre 2, 2016
by Sonny Africa (Second of Two Parts) Read Part 1 Significant additional revenues can be raised with some basic reforms in the country’s regressive and pro-elite tax system. This is the most rational and sustainable way of ensuring that there are resources for social and economic spending biased for the needs of the poor majority […]
TAX GANERN! DOF’s Tax Reforms Tax the Poor and Relieve the Rich (Part 1)
Setyembre 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 […]
Challenge to Real Change
Hulyo 25, 2016
On the day of the State of the Nation Address, IBON explains why the 10-point economic agenda hangs like a dark cloud over pro-people economics prospects and even the chief executive’s recently-affirmed popularity #SONA2016 #justpeacePH | IBON Features The unorthodox candidate and eventually President Rodrigo Roa Duterte made a flurry of announcements before and […]
Filipino Steel and National Development
Hulyo 18, 2016
By Sonny Africa IBON FEATURES – A genuinely Filipino iron and steel industry is a vital strategic element for Philippine socioeconomic development, stability and national security. It can still serve as the backbone of manufacturing and national industrialization even amid the hyped globalization of the 21st century. The government needs to overcome decades of neoliberal […]
Elitist politics and economics: the real Aquino legacy
Hulyo 1, 2016
The next presidency is challenged to tackle a worst-ever jobs crisis, heightened inequality,and pro-foreign and pro-business policies sown under Aquino’s leadership Towards the end of its six years in office, the Aquino government boasted its legacy of inclusive growth. Indeed for its neoliberal thrusts the Aquino administration may have achieved certain economic outcomes. But for […]
Promote National Industrialization for National Development
Hunyo 30, 2016
IBON- NI (for peoples summit), Jun 16 v.2 Tens of millions of Filipinos suffer crushing poverty while a handful of foreign investors and domestic oligarchs prosper from the country’s natural resources and labor power. The situation has worsened after almost four decades of neoliberal globalization policies, including those under the outgoing Aquino administration. A clean […]
Fabella Hospital closure and privatization: Undermining mother and child care
Hunyo 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 […]
