Poverty, Income Distribution, and Economic Policy in the Philippines

Author/Editor:

Philip R. Gerson

Publication Date:

February 1, 1998

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Income distribution in the Philippines is highly uneven, and poverty rates are higher than in other ASEAN countries. In addition, although the poverty rate has declined over time, the rate of decline has been lower than in other countries, and income inequality has been persistent. These facts are due to historically slow economic growth, owing in part to poor policies, as well as to past failures to reduce structural impediments to a more equal distribution of income. Despite reforms in recent years, it will likely take some time to erase the effects of past policies.

Series:

Working Paper No. 1998/020

Subject:

Education Expenditure Income distribution National accounts Personal income Poverty

English

Publication Date:

February 1, 1998

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451922196/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA0201998

Pages:

27

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