A recent study of independent thinktank IBON showed that Filipinos are reeling from the financial crisis that has rocked all economies worldwide. I t showed that 75% of Filipinos surveyed admitted that they are having difficulty buying enough food and paying for basic expenses.

The study was conducted with 1,494 respondents and held last October.

This was a rise from the 55.7% Filipinos who considered themselves poor a year ago. A survey in October 2007 showed that 50% said their livelihood was worse, while 42.6% said their livelihood remained the same.

NSO pegged the inflation rate at 11.8% last month.

Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo today delivered a speech before the House
of Representatives to deplore the resurgence of extrajudicial killings
and trumped-up charges against activists.

Full text of Ocampo’s speech follows:

Mr. Speaker, distinguished colleagues, I rise on an issue of collective
and personal privilege regarding the resurgence of political killings
and trumped-up criminal charges against members of my party Bayan Muna
and other legal organizations.