In the late 1950s, the Filipino economy could reasonably have been described as more advanced than those of its South Asian neighbours. Ever since then, however, it has consistently lagged behind and only really started to grow strongly in the mid-1990s and even then it failed to achieve the growth rates of the rest of Southeast Asia ten years earlier. This book critically analyses the Filipino economy and attempts to explain the problems that it has faced, as well as the solutions that need to be put into practice. This accessible and comprehensive book will be of great use to students, academics and business professionals with an interest in the economies of Asia.

The prevailing view of the state of Philippine society is bleak: the Philippines, it is alleged, is suffering from unsatisfactory economic growth, mounting corruption, increasing lawlessness, and declining morale. To arrive at an accurate assessment of current problems and future prospects, the authors have undertaken a broad, quantitative analysis of politics, economics, crime, and dissidence within the country. Addressing the problems systematically, measuring alternative explanations and interpretations, their analysis is directed to a clearer articulation of information and policy decisions within the Philippines, and a more realistic view of the country. For the benefit of other social scientists or countries who wish to make a similar study, the appendices list in detail the data used by the authors. Originally published in 1971. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

Against the backdrop of the global financial crisis and rising food, fuel, and commodity prices, addressing poverty and inequality in the Philippines remains a challenge. The proportion of households living below the official poverty line has declined slowly and unevenly in the past four decades, and poverty reduction has been much slower than in neighboring countries such as the People's Republic of China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Viet Nam. Economic growth has gone through boom and bust cycles, and recent episodes of moderate economic expansion have had limited impact on the poor. Great inequality across income brackets, regions, and sectors, as well as unmanaged population growth, are considered some of the key factors constraining poverty reduction efforts. This publication analyzes the causes of poverty and recommends ways to accelerate poverty reduction and achieve more inclusive growth. it also provides an overview of current government responses, strategies, and achievements in the fight against poverty and identifies and prioritizes future needs and interventions. The analysis is based on current literature and the latest available data, including the 2006 Family Income and Expenditure Survey.

Analyses the telecom reform process in Malaysia and the Philippines. Looks at the institutions and actors that were the driving force behind these changes, and examines state capacity, market reform, and rent-seeking in the two countries.