Freedom from Debt Coalition

Freedom from Debt Coalition unites grassroots organizations, political movements, religious groups and activists. It was founded in 1988 with the aim of developing a common vision and strategy around a 'different', read social and sustainable, economic development'.

Despite the economic growth in the Philippines, the number of poor people is hardly decreasing and the gap between rich and poor is growing. The government is failing in the areas of education and health care, millions of people live in slums and more and more Filipinos are looking for jobs abroad. FDC advocates for sustainable and inclusive policies that benefit the broader population. One aspect of this is the opposition to the privatization of public services. The privatization of water and electricity ended in virtual monopolies, higher bills and substandard service. 

FDC also follows the budget and fiscal policy intensely, they advocate a progressive tax system and a tax for billionaires, especially now that the budget deficit is rising sharply. The government only has eyes for reducing tax rates and raising VAT, while according to the experts this increases the inequality between rich and poor.  

FDC has a number of proposals on the table aimed at equal rights for women, such as equal pay for men and women, better social protection, especially for women who work at home, and more childcare to give women more opportunities in the labour market.