The 2018 National Budget, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth

Louie C. Montemar, Fellow of the Stratbase ADR Institute The government slogan “Build, build, build!” resonates for many, especially those who have some grounding on economic growth theories. In a serious attempt to address the country’s decrepit infrastructure, the administration decided to pour in funds for “hard infrastructure” and implement projects that are physically necessary… Read More

Addressing the issues on open-pit mining

Atty. Lysander Castillo, Environment Fellow of the Stratbase ADR Institute; Secretary-General of the Philippine Business for Environmental Stwardship (PBEST) Last October, the Mining Industry Coordinating Council (MICC), recommended the lifting of the open-pit mining ban instituted by former DENR secretary Gina Lopez through DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2017-10 specifically prohibits the open-pit method of… Read More

Challenge of sustainability and inclusive growth

Dindo Manhit, President of the Stratbase ADR Institute The 2018 budget reflects this administration’s expansionist fiscal strategy, allowing more spending on priority expenditures such as infrastructure and social services. The total national budget amounting to P3.767 trillion is 12.4 percent higher than this year’s budget. While the 2018 budget may help propel the economy and… Read More