IBON research head Sonny Africa said that the Arroyo administration neglects the welfare of its constituents, and in fact has a poor human rights record marked by killings, enforced disappearances and political repression..

Further, Africa said, the government is fomenting a cycle of violence by declaring "all-out war" against rebel groups and shunning peace talks. The increased killings and forced disappearances of unarmed activists as a result of the counter-insurgency war have worsened the Arroyo government's human rights record.

Data from human rights group Karapatan shows that since Pres. Arroyo's second term in 2004, more than 330 activists have been killed, approximately one every three days. There have also been 168 involuntary disappearances over the same period.

Africa added the Arroyo government is also threatening the security of the region by continuing to support the US War on Terror and implementing security agreements that allow US military forces and materiel on Philippine soil. The US anti-terror war is stoking intolerance and divisions amid the region's rich ethnic diversity through the demonization of "Islamic extremists" and "Islamic militants" in the Philippines and Indonesia.

When it comes to economic rights, the Arroyo government is also neglecting the people's welfare, and this can be seen in declining government spending on basic social services, even as debt service payments continue to rise. (See Table)

Table. Real Per Capita National Government Sectoral Expenditures, Selected Sectors ƒâ€š   (in pesos)

Note: 2004 and 2006 budgets were re-enacted
Sources of basic data: Department of Budget & Management; Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas; Asian Development Bank

Africa pointed out that per capita government spending on education in 2005 fell 13% from its 2001 level while that for health fell 24% and housing 29 percent. Meanwhile, per capita debt servicing for interest payments alone grew 35% over the same period, while per capita servicing for the principal skyrocketed by 174 percent.

According to Africa, all these are contrary to the aspirations for peace, progress and prosperity of Filipinos and Southeast Asian people.

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