Tag Archives: budget

Philippines’ Top Leaders Accused of Making Irregular Budget Transactions

By admin | March 22, 2024

Written for The Diplomat Opposition lawmakers in the Philippines are questioning the use of confidential funds by Vice President Sara Duterte in 2022, which they claim were in some cases even allocated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. without the authorization of Congress. Naturally, it doesn’t look good that almost five billion pesos are allotted for […]

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A Look at Philippine President Marcos’ ‘Unity Budget’ for 2023

By admin | December 17, 2022

Written for The Diplomat The government of Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. this week submitted a record 5.268 trillion pesos ($94 billion) 2023 budget to the House of Representatives. This is the highest-ever spending proposal sent to Congress. Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman described the proposed bill as “proactive […]

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10 Memorable Protests that Exposed the Bankruptcy of Noynoy Aquino’s Daang Matuwid

By admin | October 1, 2016

Published by Manila Today Hungry farmers asking for rice. Typhoon victims decrying government neglect. Netizens marching against corruption. These protests unmasked the ‘Daang Matuwid’ program as an empty slogan of a regime that insidiously perpetuates foreign dominance and elite oppression in the country. It is only now we appreciate the full and potent significance of […]

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ASEAN’s Joint Communique: It’s Not Just About China or the South China Sea

By admin | October 11, 2015

Written for The Diplomat The 48th foreign ministerial meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Malaysia concluded by releasing a communique last week. As expected, most media reports focused on the position of ASEAN with regard the South China Sea dispute involving China. This is newsworthy because the issue has regional implications and […]

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Singapore’s 2013 “Robin Hood” Budget

By admin | March 27, 2013

With its 2013 budget, the Singaporean government has devised a series of programs and incentives to promote quality growth and build a more inclusive society, especially for its children, low-income workers and the elderly. Presented to the public on February 25, the budget aims to tighten policies on foreign workers, provide a three-year transition support […]

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Politics as Sound Bite

By admin | January 7, 2013

One liners, sound bites, SMS and twitter reactions are inferior substitutes to a well-written political manifesto. The essence of a political standpoint can’t be adequately represented by 140 characters or even by hysteric rhetoric. Yes, a charming slogan or a witty phrase, and a fiery quote can agitate a crowd, inspire the electorate, and trigger […]

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The Budget is still not enough

By admin | September 11, 2012

Manifestation delivered in the plenary of the House of Representatives on September 11, 2012. Thanks to Marjo and @kabataanpl In the past two years, the Aquino administration has imposed drastic cuts in the budget of state universities and colleges. It didn’t even allot capital outlay funds to SUCs which are needed to upgrade and modernize […]

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More Pork, Doleouts, Bonuses in 2013 Budget

By admin | July 10, 2012

Initial review of the 2013 budget based on the DBM presentation The Noynoy Aquino government is calling the P2.006 trillion proposed budget an ‘empowerment budget’ that will benefit the people, especially the poor. But since the budget (based on the Department of Budget and Management presentation) is loaded with more pork, doleouts, and fat bonuses, […]

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The Right to Strike!

By admin | September 28, 2011

Privilege speech delivered last September 26, 2011. Thanks to @kabataanpl and @adarna for helping me in drafting this speech. Mr Speaker I rise to defend the right of our youth to participate in political activities. Last Saturday, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte urged the students to focus on their studies instead of participating in rallies. […]

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Unhealthy Health Budget

By admin | September 13, 2011

Speech delivered on September 12, 2011 during the plenary budget deliberations. Thanks to @kabataanpl and Diane for drafting the interpellation notes. 1. The president, through the budget message, reported that in order to improve maternal health, and the well-being of infants, the government has allocated P5.1 billion for the implementation of the Health Facilities Enhancement […]

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