Public Policy and Entrepreneurship

Public policy,  (government policy and regulations) is an important enabler (or deterrent) to entrepreneurship.  It could either be an opportunity, or risk (remember the Chinese Ji- Wei?), an enabler or deterrent.  Let us try to look at some current events:

l.  There were Peace Bonds issued l0 years ago.  And they were supposed to be tax free.  And now BIR turns around and taxes the bonds?  Isnt this double cross?  Doesn't business/entrepreneur thrive on stable policies and  environment?  What do you think?

2.  The Chamber of Mines recently posted a l/2 page ad in a leading daily, decrying the inconsistency in thrust of the government in promotion of mining as a necessary industry.  The Chamber mentioned also the Ateneo School of Government which sponsored a forum on the industry, but where most of the papers to be presented are anti mining.  What do you think of this?

3.  A government agency, intent on collecting its receivables, has been using a provision of the law that criminalizes the non payment, and its lawyers are busy filing cases in courts, even if the payments have been made, and the police force are busy arresting board of directors and CEO of companies (instead of running after criminals).  Of course, these guys are cursing swearing vs the courts, and the police, especially if payments have been made and cases still filed.  (Hmm, isnt there abuse here?)  Is this not anti entrepreneurship?

4.  Corruption.  The current government, intent on the Tuwid na Daan program will be prosecuting many suspected crooks of the past administration with the end in view of setting the standards of integrity and ethics.  This is great and commendable.

However, in the World Bank ranking of the countries in Doing Business, Philippines is l48th, and some of the issues here are access and efficiency of the bureaucracy which should be addressed with the same vigor as corruption.  Some civil servants, steeped in the old ways - manana habit, gross inefficiency must be retrained or retired.

Maybe corruption at the highest level was quite gross, that is why even mug shots of the fmr President were published.  But are we not missing something here with regards to achievement of economic progress.?  Is this the only thrust/emphasis, focus to the public sector?

Many countries, (let us mention their names;  all countries civil and political servants are not lily white) achieved progress inspite of being corrupt.

Is it not time not to equate progress vs. lack of corruption?

Despite these perceived difficulties, Philippine economy buoyed up the service sector, more government spending, lower inflation would see Philippine growth at more than 4% (compare this with Eurozone's 0.5%!!!)

P.S.  Oh yes, the traffic?!! Can they not manage this well?   How are our traffic czars doing.  Traffic jams waste a lot of fuel not to mention its effect on climate change. And disrupts the economy.  I nearly came late to an appointment this morning because, the thoroughfare where we pass, is a major choke point;  it is one huge parking lot for private vehicles, and terminal station for tricycle. 


Our generation needs an ENTREPRENEURIAL REVOLUTION.