The overwhelming win of an unorthodox Presidential candidate in the May 2016 elections promised several windows for reforms. For a country stricken with poverty and a worsening jobs crisis, beyond a coarse-mannered figurehead, prospects that this new leadership could jumpstart measures to improve the lives of the poor majority of Filipinos were introduced.

In the span the new administration’s first half-year, the nation bore witness to an unprecedented presidential stance on foreign policy and an openness to work and negotiate with non-traditional political forces. Meanwhile, the political circus threatens, including the Marcoses’ attempt to return and the saga of  Senate hearings on controversial issues and personalities. This, amid continuing State-sanctioned anti-drugs executions. Have concrete steps been taken to initialize the substantial change that the people await? Is change indeed underway?

The IBON 2016 Yearend Birdtalk will be held on 13 January 2017 at 1:00 o’clock to 5 o’clock in the afternoon (venue to be announced) for a briefing on the above issues, questions and more. Birdtalk is IBON’s semi-annual assessment of economic and political trends.

Everyone is enjoined to participate in this very timely discussion. The registration fee of Php175 will cover the Briefing Paper and modest snacks. Call 9276986 and 9277060-61 for details.