Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Renato E. Reside Jr. Author-Name-First: Renato Author-Name-Last: Reside Jr. Author-Workplace-Name: School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman Title: Towards Rational Fiscal Incentives (Good Investments or Wasted Gifts?) Abstract: This study is literally about missing tax revenues. In an environment of declining public school quality and student test scores, classroom, textbook and teacher shortages, inadequate supplies of public health facilities, roads and ports, not to mention shortfalls in tax collections, where did the missing tax revenues that could be used to finance these really go? A large part of the answers can be found in this study. Length: 121 pages Creation-Date: 2006-06 Publication-Status: Published as UPSE Discussion Paper No. DP 2006-01, June 2006 File-URL: http://www.econ.upd.edu.ph/dp/index.php/dp/article/view/74/66 File-Format: Application/pdf Number: 200601 Handle: RePEc:phs:dpaper:200601 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Ernesto M. Pernia Author-Name-First: Ernesto Author-Name-Last: Pernia Author-Workplace-Name: School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman Title: Diaspora, Remittances, and Poverty in RP’s Regions Abstract: The Philippines is reputed to be the world’s third highest net remittance recipient country (relative to net migration) after India and Mexico. In 2005, remittances were officially recorded at $11.7 billion1 representing about 10% of GDP. Clearly, remittances resulting from the Filipino diaspora have become a major factor in the economic and social life of the country. This paper focuses on the home-country consequences of remittances, addressing the question whether and to what extent remittances contribute to poverty reduction and regional development in the Philippines. Length: 22 pages Creation-Date: 2006-06 Publication-Status: Published as UPSE Discussion Paper No. 2006-02, June 2006 File-URL: http://www.econ.upd.edu.ph/dp/index.php/dp/article/view/75/67 File-Format: Application/pdf Number: 200602 Handle: RePEc:phs:dpaper:200602 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Edita A. Tan Author-Name-First: Edita Author-Name-Last: Tan Author-Workplace-Name: School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman Title: Overseas Filipino's Remittance Behavior Abstract: The paper looks at the remittance behavior of these two groups of migrants, the OFWs and the permanent emigrants. It applies received theory on remittance behavior on cross-section data from the 2004 special survey on remittances sponsored by the Asian Development Bank. Length: 12 pages Creation-Date: 2006-07 Publication-Status: Published as UPSE Discussion Paper No. 2006-03, July 2006 File-URL: http://www.econ.upd.edu.ph/dp/index.php/dp/article/view/76/68 File-Format: Application/pdf Number: 200603 Handle: RePEc:phs:dpaper:200603 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Maria Socorro Gochoco-Bautista Author-Name-First: Maria Socorro Author-Name-Last: Gochoco-Bautista Author-Workplace-Name: School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman Author-Name: Raul V. Fabella Author-Name-First: Raul Author-Name-Last: Fabella Author-Workplace-Name: School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman Title: What Type of Monetary and Exchange Rate Cooperation do China’s Asian Neighbors Want from China? Abstract: It is generally taken for granted that China’s monetary and exchange rate policy have repercussions on her Asian neighbors and affect the choice set open to them in terms of setting optimal economic policy. At the very least, China’s neighbors would like to have a clearer idea of China’s plan as regards her monetary and exchange rate policy, specifically how and in what time frame she intends to adjust or exit from the current dollar peg. In a broad sense, China’s decision regarding what some might call “national monetarism” will affect the viability of “international monetarism,” or the regional or global monetary and exchange rate arrangement, with the yuan playing a key role. Already, many countries in Asia have individually opted to adopt inflation targeting and more flexible exchange rate regimes following the Asian Crisis of 1997. One may question whether indeed adopting inflation targeting cum greater exchange rate flexibility is optimal in the light of current China policy and relative to adopting a regional monetary standard. From China’s perspective, the choice of an optimal monetary and exchange rate strategy is largely contingent on the goals of policymakers there and what they consider to be in China’s best interests. From the perspective of China’s neighbors in Asia, however, the effects of China’s decisions on her monetary and exchange rate policy are likely to have uneven trade and exchange rate effects in the different Asian countries. The differing degrees of complementarity between individual Asian countries and China will give rise to differences in the direction and size of exchange rate adjustment in individual countries. This, in turn, implies that a regional monetary arrangement to address intra-regional fluctuations in response to a change in China’s monetary and exchange rate arrangement may not be warranted. The study will try to assess to what extent such a view is valid for some countries in Asia. Length: 21 pages Creation-Date: 2006-07 Publication-Status: Published as UPSE Discussion Paper No. 2006-04, July 2006 File-URL: http://www.econ.upd.edu.ph/dp/index.php/dp/article/view/77/69 File-Format: Application/pdf Number: 200604 Handle: RePEc:phs:dpaper:200604 Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0 Author-Name: Gerardo P. Sicat Author-Name-First: Gerardo Author-Name-Last: Sicat Author-Workplace-Name: School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman Title: Philippine Macroeconomic Issues And Their Causes Abstract: This paper reviews some macroeconomic issues relating to the current Philippine economy. To provide a proper understanding of these issues, their link will be associated with their structural underpinnings. Persistent macroeconomic problems often require a policy adjustment. Inevitably, the assessment of the problems boils down to an understanding of what gets done, what gets delayed or what is not possible to do under the circumstances. A further device in presenting the issues is through a comparison with the experience of other East Asian and high growth countries, which includes some ASEAN countries. Length: 30 pages Creation-Date: 2006-08 Publication-Status: Published as UPSE Discussion Paper No. 2006-05, August 2006 File-URL: http://www.econ.upd.edu.ph/dp/index.php/dp/article/view/78/70 File-Format: Application/pdf Number: 200605 Handle: RePEc:phs:dpaper:200605