Economy

The beggarly Bayanihan 2 bill preferred by the economic managers and imposed on Congress is much too small for the magnitude of the crisis facing the country. It makes health and recovery years away and farther than ever. The Bayanihan 2 bill passed by the bicameral conference committee and ratified by the Senate is worth just Php165.5 billion….

The social welfare department has been trying its best to window-dress the slowness and stinginess of government’s Social Amelioration Program (SAP) distribution by diligently updating the public on how much has been distributed to how many households. Somehow it is a relief that it has mobilized finance service providers (FSPs) for swifter distribution. Still there…

Last of a two-part series The government can alleviate huge suffering and save the economy if it wanted to. Contrary to government claims, the Philippines has the fiscal capacity to take the action needed to address the health crisis, household distress, and economic damage from COVID-19. The last six months since the first confirmed COVID-19…

First of a two-part series Maybe all it takes for something to become government policy is to say it thrice? Like Build, Build, Build or Plant, Plant, Plant, just Go, Go, Go! The pandemic-driven crisis demands that the government spend, spend, spend – by IBON’s estimates at least Php1.6 trillion. But unfortunately, no. When it…