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Anti-terror law worsens econ policymaking for a few at the expense of the many
The Duterte administration wants an anti-terrorism law giving it unchecked power to surveil, harass, arrest and detain government critics under the pretext of fighting terrorism. It has been on a trajectory of violating human rights, due process, rule of law, and accountability since the start of its term. With the new law, the government will…
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COVID-19: How prepared are we now?
After two and a half months of lockdown, the public healthcare system remains unequipped with the necessary weapons to fight COVID-19. The Philippine government imposed a total lockdown dubbed as the “enhanced community quarantine” or ECQ last March 16 after there was a confirmed local transmission of COVID-19. The announcement was totally unprecedented and ill-planned….
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Duterte administration’s recovery plans help the rich more than the poor
IBON said that the government’s supposed recovery plans are more concerned about supporting business profits than helping the mass of unemployed Filipinos. The finance department’s Philippine Program for Recovery with Equity and Solidarity (PH-PROGRESO) and stimulus bills in Congress give considerable support to businesses while millions of affected families get token support at best. PH-PROGRESO…
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Official unemployment figures understate historic jobs crisis
IBON said that the unemployment crisis is actually even worse than official figures show. The group estimates that the real unemployment rate is likely around 22% and the real number of unemployed around 14 million. The 20.4 million real unemployed and underemployed today is the worst crisis of mass unemployment in the country’s history. The…
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Jobless figures confirm poor govt response to COVID-19 crisis
The country’s record joblessness demands extraordinary measures from the Duterte administration to help tens of millions of families losing incomes, research group IBON said. Unfortunately, the response so far has been stingy and the supposed recovery program does not appear to give much more. The group said that unemployment is likely much worse with official…
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On the Anti-Terrorism Bill
On the Antii-Terror Bill
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Statement on proposed COVID-19 measures
Delivered before the Senate Committees on Finance and on Economic Affairs IBON Foundation (updated) We would like to thank the Senate Committees on Finance and on Economic Affairs for the chance to share our comments on the following measures: SBN 1414 entitled: “An Act Establishing the Emergency Response and Recovery Package to Counter the COVID-19 Pandemic…
