‘Ayuda’ dole outs defy 2013 SC ruling vs ‘pork’
Cuts made by Congress in the annual budget in the last three years had reached P1.042 trillion, broken down into: P219 billion in the 2013 GAA, P449.5 billion in 2024 and P373 billion in 2025.
Contributor Archives
More ‘poor’ Filipinos despite increasing govt ‘ayuda’
Instead of reducing poverty, these "ayuda" programs seem to institutionalize a culture of mendicancy through a system that promotes patronage politics on all levels.
Is AKAP worth embracing?
What tainted the project are the face and not-so-hidden intentions of Romualdez and his allies eyeing the 2025 and 2028 elections. Romualdez has become the face of AKAP, although the lump sum was lodged with the DSWD.
Can Marcos match his words with action in shaping 2025 spending plan?
The final shape of the 2025 budget will be a test of the Marcos administration's adherence to the principles of transparency and accountability and his declared policy of prudent spending. Can he pass the test?
The hypocrisy of Martin Romualdez
Contrary to Romualdez's claim, Sonny Africa says the Congress-ratified spending program "doesn't really respond to the nation's social and economic needs while, unfortunately, favoring the pork of politicians and profits of the rich."
Gainers and losers in the ratified P6.35 trillion budget for 2025
The annual budget program, which is the single most important piece of legislation Congress scrutinizes and approves every year, has become a tool in aid of reelection, cunningly touted as pro-poor.
The threats against Sara Duterte
Were the threats to her life real? What evidence does she have to prove that Romualdez wanted her killed? Until when will this drama drag on?
Keeping track of the Dutertes is a sanity survival challenge
Don't you feel discombobulated when you listen to any of the Dutertes? It's been over eight years since they became national political figures, and I can't get used to their tangled tales.
Sara Duterte’s leadership by temper tantrums
Duterte repeated her Oct. 18 statement that Marcos "does not know how to be a president." Had she asked herself if she knew how to be a vice president?
What’s ‘fair standard of justice’ for Duterte?
While Duterte demands a "fair standard of justice" for his family members and friends, he has completely ignored the constitutionally guaranteed due process and other fundamental rights for others.
