Philippine politics and economics

[Wicked Roger]

The Pinay demonstrator who was interviewed on CNN was blaming all Philippine problems on USA Companies making money off "the backs of the poor Filipinos".

Surprisingly the person did not mention the greedy family dynasties that plunder the country's wealth and the politicians from the same families that make sure that jail time is minimal and they can continue their merry ways. But as many blogger / netziens keep saying "you keep voting for them as they give you 1000 pesos, a bag of rice and Pepsi" LOL.

She was very misguided IMHO as while corporations all over the world do what they all do and maximize profit at others expense and some get very corrupt along the way for sure, the problems the Philippines has IMHO are much closer to home and much harder to fix as these are like a cancer. Ad so far there is o cure for cancer.

[JjBee62]

The Pinay demonstrator who was interviewed on CNN was blaming all Philippine problems on USA Companies making money off "the backs of the poor Filipinos".

Most likely a combination of the two. Corporations are happy to give handouts to greedy politicians in exchange for laws which guarantee their profits. Last spring in Bogota there was a major demonstration and some rioting because of this.

It's a bit unfair to single out US corporations, most corporations do the same thing at every opportunity.

[Member #4351]

What's the theme? Greedy politicians? Something else?

The Pinay demonstrator who was interviewed on CNN was blaming all Philippine problems on USA Companies making money off "the backs of the poor Filipinos".

[Simmer]

Lots of fresh, new entertaining graffiti all over Manila in the wake of the APEC summit. If you're coming into the airport by suv transport, have camera at the ready and record a little piece of contemporary history before it gets painted over.

What's the theme? Greedy politicians? Something else?

[Golfinho]

Lots of fresh, new entertaining graffiti all over Manila in the wake of the APEC summit. If you're coming into the airport by suv transport, have camera at the ready and record a little piece of contemporary history before it gets painted over.

[Fastpiston]

I doubt that the causality is quite so direct. I'm sure the same can be said of Thais and Indnesians and Vietnamese, yet despite rampant corruption in their countries, visible progress in economic growth and infrastructure development is being made. I think the answer lies in the rapacious greed of Filipino politicians which is more voracious than in any other country in which I've worked. And I've worked all over Asia and Africa, so I'm hardly a naf in the ways of corruption. The fact is that this place, despite the pretense of a single flag / single country, is still run as a loose amalgamation of semi-autonomous sultantates and the same families that have exercised control for hundreds of years continue to do so.

GE.

Yes, and note the names of the leaders and senators. Always from the same small group of rich Filipino Spanish dynasties. Same with businesses which are closed off to foreigners. The Economist magazine published an article 30 years ago saying that the Philippines will never progress meaningfully if it continues to be ruled by Filipino Spanish dynasty families. Looks like nothing has changed after 30 years. They also said the "Philippines never fails to disappoint".

[Wicked Roger]

The editorial appearing in today's Inquirer explains, quite comcisely, all anyone really needs to know about Governance in this country.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/89415/ti...bind-and-blind

GE.

I read the same GE and is seen I every town etc in the country. In Visaya the departing wanted his daughter t be mayor so "Lollipop" will now take her dad's place. Her father said in the press he was speaking with the Governor to make sure she was on the list to stand.

I ask my ladies about th1's and all just have no idea how to break this circle. In Cebu one family lost and other wins so the losers who dominate the council tend to vote down or just make a nuisance. As one pinoy said to me, how do we get anything done here when one family is biter abbot losing tier chance get there noses in the feed bag.

What is very obvious is the lack of will and energy from anyone in government to do anything that goes against their family interests. And Cebu some of the families openly opposed in the press the anti dynasty law (despite as the article says it being one of the tenets of the Constitution). The opponent argument was "no one her will vote for it, who will stand if we don't" sort of take on the rationale.

Is why when am speaking with many pinays overseas they despair and while they want to return they cannot and will not, finding a new life elsewhere as they have given up hope basically (thought the mention of Rody the seems to give them hope, but at the time of writing that seems a distant prospect).

[GoodEnough]

The editorial appearing in today's Inquirer explains, quite comcisely, all anyone really needs to know about Governance in this country.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/89415/ti...bind-and-blind

GE.

[D Cups]

Yes, good comparison, GE, and yes on the benefits, too. Indonesia is a great destination for the hobby, too, but I guess I am drawn to the PI because I used to live there, they speak English and it is so inexpensive. Maybe I would get tired of the constant new supply of young girls entering "the market" every year but I sure would like to try. Regards.

Indonesia has twice the number of islands of the Philippines, yet is making larger strides toward economic development. If the "benefits" of which you speak refer to cheap, abundant and compliant young women then yes, that's true. However, though this may be difficult to believe, even that gets old after a while. For me, it's simply not enough to sustain any interest in a country that so continuously exploits its own people.

GE.

.

[GoodEnough]

I know you're very familiar with PI so I won't argue too much (grin!) but I get to meet a lot of OFWs, being the husband of one, and a lot say being abroad opened their eyes as to what was going on back home which they previously assumed to be the norm, or at least not as bad as they thought.

That is undoubtedly true, and my wife has had the same epiphany due to our travels. I've found however that the increased understanding of what's possible only adds to the resentment and frustration since they also know they're powerless to do anything about it.

There is a handful of local academics, trained at the graduate level abroad, who routinely, and incisively rail against the corruption, incompetence and the status quo. However, as far as the complacent politicians are concerned these folks are mere voices in the wilderness. Read the columns of Randy David, a Professor of Sociology Emeritus at UP Diliman or Cielito Habito, a Ph.D. Economist and former Deputy Director of NEDA, if you want to read some highly articulate, well-reasoned discourse on the subjects.

GE

GE.

[Simmer]

I doubt that the causality is quite so direct. I'm sure the same can be said of Thais and Indnesians and Vietnamese, yet despite rampant corruption in their countries, visible progress in economic growth and infrastructure development is being made. I think the answer lies in the rapacious greed of Filipino politicians which is more voracious than in any other country in which I've worked. And I've worked all over Asia and Africa, so I'm hardly a naf in the ways of corruption. The fact is that this place, despite the pretense of a single flag / single country, is still run as a loose amalgamation of semi-autonomous sultantates and the same families that have exercised control for hundreds of years continue to do so.

GE.

I know you're very familiar with PI so I won't argue too much (grin!) but I get to meet a lot of OFWs, being the husband of one, and a lot say being abroad opened their eyes as to what was going on back home which they previously assumed to be the norm, or at least not as bad as they thought.

[GoodEnough]

Hi GE, howyadoin, I am wondering if the geographic dispersion of all the islands makes it difficult for the Filipino people to initiate any sort of political and economic reform. Certainly the church preaches compliance and "God's will". It is a very complicated situation there that fortunately benefits Western visitors and to a lesser degree, residents.

.

Indonesia has twice the number of islands of the Philippines, yet is making larger strides toward economic development. If the "benefits" of which you speak refer to cheap, abundant and compliant young women then yes, that's true. However, though this may be difficult to believe, even that gets old after a while. For me, it's simply not enough to sustain any interest in a country that so continuously exploits its own people.

GE.

[D Cups]

Hi GE, howyadoin, I am wondering if the geographic dispersion of all the islands makes it difficult for the Filipino people to initiate any sort of political and economic reform. Certainly the church preaches compliance and "God's will". It is a very complicated situation there that fortunately benefits Western visitors and to a lesser degree, residents.

I doubt that the causality is quite so direct. I'm sure the same can be said of Thais and Indnesians and Vietnamese, yet despite rampant corruption in their countries, visible progress in economic growth and infrastructure development is being made. I think the answer lies in the rapacious greed of Filipino politicians which is more voracious than in any other country in which I've worked. And I've worked all over Asia and Africa, so I'm hardly a naf in the ways of corruption. The fact is that this place, despite the pretense of a single flag / single country, is still run as a loose amalgamation of semi-autonomous sultantates and the same families that have exercised control for hundreds of years continue to do so.

GE.

.

[Mbsl65]

GE.

I think the entire country controlled by Filipino-Chinese Mafia. Only thing they don't control is the IT industry. I hope new generation will topple them.

[Jp Slicky]

In regards to sitting in a darken room, I was wondering if a gas or diesel generator hooked to the household grid would help out?