The poverty penalty refers to the relatively higher cost shouldered by the poor, when compared to the non-poor, in their participation in certain markets. By trying to further develop this concept, this paper clarifies some of the subtle and more direct ways through which the poor could be...

Participatory budgeting offers the promise of social accountability through citizens’ engagement in public sector budget allocations. The international evidence suggests that participatory budgeting initiatives can help produce more efficient and equitable budget allocations, but that the most...

The release of the final draft of the Consultative Committee (Con-Com) to Review the 1987 Constitution, officially designated as “Bayanihan Federalism”, has spurred vigorous debate, with much discussion focusing on the fiscal repercussions of moving towards a federal form of government. This...

This paper examines some of the channels through which some of the anticipated benefits from the 2013-2015 Philippine credit upgrades are expected to flow to poor and low income households. It identifies financial inclusion as an important ingredient in further boosting economic growth and...

The Philippine House of Representatives commenced plenary debates on possible amendments to the economic provisions of the Philippine Constitution in late August 2014. The charter change proposal envisions adding the phrase “as may be provided by law” to at least 7 sections of the...

At the Philippine Bureau of Customs, given the present high risk of systematic undervaluation, improving the accuracy and precision of import valuation will most likely contribute to increased government revenues. More importantly, this can also help shore up importers' support for present...

Whether China is a strategic trade partner or competitor to the ASEAN economies has remained unclear five years since the implementation of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area in January 2010. The ASEAN economies and China are in an interesting position as both are experiencing growing bilateral...

It is possible that the May 2022 Philippine national elections will need to be conducted under pandemic conditions, so the country must prepare at the earliest possible time. International experience suggests it is possible to hold successful elections even with the risks posed by COVID-19, and...

In his 5th State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 27, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte called on Congress to swiftly pass the bill reinstating the death penalty, specifically for heinous drug-related crimes specified under the Comprehensive Drugs Act of 2002. Pro-death penalty lawmakers and...

This paper is the 19th Jaime V. Ongpin Memorial Lecture delivered by the author last 21 October 2020. The first section discusses inequality and its double-edged nature with respect to inclusive growth and development. The paper then elaborates on the related features of oligarchy and...