Poverty rate at over three-year high at 52%

SWS recently released its 2018 Q3 self-reported poverty survey results. Link here: https://www.sws.org.ph/swsmain/artcldisppage/?artcsyscode=ART-20181009230934

At 52%, this is a record high for the Duterte administration, and last happened in December 2014. The figure means that most (median) of the 12.2 million poorest families in the Philippines are living on less than the national threshold of P10,000 monthly, which in itself is a ridiculous amount to keep even a family of four together.

The data show that it is not uncommon to see a steep rise in self-reported poverty. Steep rises have occurred for all past administrations. However, it also appears that those sharp increases did not go on for more than just a few (possibly three) quarters. Though this is only the second quarterly poverty rate increase under Duterte since Q2, the next quarter is crucial as it appears prices are still expected to rise.

Note, however, that poverty is at a historical low for Metro Manila, the seat of political action in the country. The increase is rather due to sharp increases (12 points) in "Balance Luzon," plus the five points in Mindanao, where poverty has always been intense and is currently at 65%.

Previously in this blog I highlighted that the national poverty rate has been going down. Apparently it's only because of what can be called the "NCR-Luzon effect." This makes sense as most direct investments probably just end up there. Meanwhile, life for those in the Visayas and Mindanao is very hard at best. The economy is clearly not working for all, and is clearly a result of government's failed policies at the national level, or lack of it.