Philippine economy
Government not underspending? Budgeted too little, didn’t even spend it all
July 25, 2021
The Development Budget Coordinating Committee said that a total of Php665.7 billion has so far been released for the Duterte administration’s government’s COVID-19 response. This is however insufficient for such a huge national emergency. Worse, large amounts have not even been spent as of June.
Strong fiscal stimulus? Below average spending worsens in 2021, 2022
July 25, 2021
In the name of credit-worthiness, the Duterte administration increased its spending by only a bit, which is not at all commensurate to the enormity of the crisis at hand.
Strong economy? Worst job creation in 6 administrations of post-Marcos era
July 25, 2021
“Strong economic fundamentals” claims questionable given stats on weakest job generation post-Marcos era
Strong economy? Among worst unemployment in Asia pre-pandemic
July 25, 2021
The Philippines was dubbed as among “Asia’s 10 fastest growing economies” in 2017 and 5th in the “Most Competitive Economies” list by the World Economic Fund in 2018. But growth and competitiveness for what?
Strong economy? Growth slowing even pre-pandemic
July 25, 2021
The Duterte administration keeps on repeating that the Philippine economy was strong coming into the pandemic. Official statistics prove otherwise.
What Build Build Build has delivered
July 25, 2021
Nearing the end of the Duterte administration’s term, we don’t seem to be anywhere near the fulfilment of its big infrastructure dream. Build Build Build is supposed to be the centerpiece of what could be a Duterte legacy, but the program’s performance is far from defining a grand exit for the administration.
