This paper reviews the empirical evidence linking political dynasties to the imposition of term limits under the 1987 Constitution. It finds evidence that political clans have found a way around this Constitutional constraint, by fielding more family members in power -- giving rise to more fat...

The Philippines’ social protection system is anchored on the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Under the management of the Department of Social and Welfare Development (DSWD), the 4Ps covered over 3 million families and about 7.5 million children for a period of 64 months (February...

This paper reviews the empirical literature on the impact of economic downturns on infant mortality. Drawing on this, it examines the possible impact of the presently unfolding global economic slowdown. While there is scope for further improving our understanding of the links between economic...

Case studies and multi-country empirical analyses paint a mixed picture as far as the general link between extractive industries and inclusive growth and development. On the one hand this relates to the significant risks commonly associated with the natural resource curse, faced by countries who...

The Philippines is among the youngest countries in the world. It will be the youngest ASEAN economy by 2050, and if one considers only those countries with populations over 100 million, globally, the Philippines will be in the top 10. Due to their economic and political role, the youth will be...

There are two forms of contagion associated with COVID-19—one related to the virus, and the other to the economic slowdown it has triggered. This paper outlines a framework to better understand the different phases of COVID-19 crisis response, spanning relief, recovery and the possible “new...

In the Philippines, COVID-19 has disrupted and strained operations for both public and private healthcare. And unlike public hospitals that enjoy implicit and direct government support and guarantees, as well as forthcoming infusions to support the fight against COVID-19, it is not clear whether...

Trade facilitation is defined as the simplification and harmonization of international trade procedures, referring to activities, practices, and formalities involved in collecting, presenting, communicating, and processing data required for the movement of goods in international trade.4 The need...