Cash for conditions: The impact of the conditional cash transfer program on poverty in the Philippines

Abstract

This paper looks into the Philippine government's CCT program performance and its effect on poverty alleviation. The paper also delves into the effects of International Financial Institutions on poverty in the Philippines through programs such as the CCT. These IFIs, prior to borrowing, impose conditionalities involving neoliberal policies on to the developed country which call for privatization of state assets and reduce spending on social services by the government. Furthermore, they also compel governments to open up their economies for foreign investors and influence domestic policies in favor of these foreign corporations. Better programs could be implemented by the government such as a strengthened public health and education systems which would benefit Filipinos in general and not just selective ones.