Ease of doing business in the Philippines recently no 94 from 124 (out of 190 countries)

Looking forward to the future of business

There has been marked improvement for the Philippines in area, jumping 29 notches.   That makes Phiippines in the middle becasue there are 190 countries being measured.

That means we cna still improve.

As someone dealing with governement agencies the laws that has been passed were of little help in easing transactions with govt agencies.    It is still byzanthine, because when you get legislative permits, politics come into play, and oftentimes you are advisied "there are expenses"

And with just 3 years tenure, and the length of time it takes to get approval, you incur expenses from one batch to the other.

What about  in other branches of govt?   In my survey of landed gentry (those who own large tracts of land) from whence you purchase raw lands, most of them are owned by fathers who are in branch of govt that decide on land cases.   The lands are compensation to get favorable approval.

Who will protect the citizens from this agencies who do shakedowns?   The penalty is unease in doing business.  When will changes be coming?   When can govt officials, be just compassionate and conscientious?  

We are sure that agencies who prosecute govt crooks are also involved in these sheenigans.   In a country where people profess that everythign can be bought......

We all know we are Christian countries, well educated, who are well versed in ethics because of early catehicsm, quite a number of Christian churches teaching justice and charity.   And yet we know pastor politicians who are.....  And pastors who muddle in politics who are also.....

Will China overtake US as the world's largest economy in 2014

Ateneo Professor on Entrepreneurship

From the World

 


Philippines |  May 1, 2014

I watched CNN and Al Jazeera today predicting that China will soon overtake us as the world's top economy this year.  US has long since held the title after it overtook UK in 1872.  But despite that, the parity of living standards will still be behind Western standards.  Because, per capital wise, the large population of 1.36 bn will take the sting of that bigness

This is according to the World Bank International Comparison program.

China has contributed roughly 25% of the world's global growth since 2008

One can doubt the veracity of the data:   1.  On one hand, the civil servants sometimes inflate their data so that they get promote.  2.  On the other hand, there is the grey economy and many unreported revenue by vendors, in sex trade and other illegal activities.  So the economy may be bigger than reported.

The rapid growth has resulted in rapid degradation of the environment including air quality, even in Beijing

US has lagged behind in growth rates vs China and in real terms

ehi

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.

Class 72 Reunion Planning last night November l5, 2011 at Blue Room

Our generation needs an ENTREPRENEURIAL REVOLUTION.

AdemU Class l972 plans to have it 40th reunion next year.  Last night, after 39 years, I met some of them at the Blue Room (Dean A Buenviaje belongs to Class l972 and had it used the alumni room used for the meeing).  Some of the guys I met last night were:    Mr Gody Hernandez, the Phihilippine representative to ADB, Dr Ely Remalona, (formerly with World Bank) and Bank of International Settlement officer in HK , Atty Jose Tale,  head of Couples for Christ and former head of PMS at Malacanang under Pres Cory; Prof Frankie Varona  at Lyceum;  Hon. Jonathan de la Cruz, a congressman, and columnist; Mr Jess Tanedo, Mr. Dennis Sta Catalina, Mr. Lito Bauza, Mr. Dennis Goquingco.  They are powerful and influential persons in private and government.

The first planned activity is to sponsor a Misa de Gallo mass on December l8, 2011 at Church of Gesu.  Cong. de la Cruz said Mr. Paulie Reyes of Kenny Rogers would most likely handle the sponsorship since it is just snacks for the choir.

I am proud and was I glad I met them although it was raining and traffic was bad.