Philippine politics and economics

[GoodEnough]

GE your Inbox is full. You need to empty it out.

Sorry about that. I've made room.

GE.

[D Cups]

Delighted to read your post, Red. As nice as it is in California I am excited to continue planning retirement in PI, probably Dumaguete area. Cheers.

I am perfectly comfortable living where I do. For me, life is good, and I cannot see any greener grass on the other side of any nearby fences.

.

[Wicked Roger]

It seems to me the one and only reason posters are upset with President Dutere is the EJK. So upset that they can not give him proper credit for other advances.

On my recent trip to RP no Filipino has expressed any displeasure over EJK or any other Dutere initiatives or accomplishments. Most Filipinos are more hopeful than ever before.

Maybe as a diversion from failed policies and human rights in other areas.

Or maybe some people are scared silly and / or have something to hide hence lots of complaints about and nothing about the previous admin. I have asked why before and recommended the person (s) leave. But they remain and continue too be posting all negative stuff.

As I keep repeating myself. We have no say, the locals seems happy, many OFWs I meet all happy, so if you don't like it where you are go somewhere else.

[Asian Rain]

But why, among all of the major ASEAN countries does this seem to be the only one incapable of envisioning, planning for and implementing its own development strategies? Thailand--with a level of corruption at least equal to this place--managed, on its own, to build a new airport, construct god knows how many elevated highways, building a monorail urban transport system and build a subway, and all within the space of 10-15 years.<SNIP>

Having lived in several of the countries you mentioned, including Philippines and Thailand, my view is pretty simple. The strengths of the Filipinos are their greatest weaknesses. The positive and servile nature and English speaking ability makes them prime candidates to become OFWs. First it was the uneducated class, but the growth in OFWs has been driven in recent years by educated classes. In my visit to Dubai I NEVER met a local except for the guy who stamped my passport. Otherwise everyone was a Filipino from the greeter at the airplane to the driver to the hotel clerk to the girl behind the counter at McDo to everything. So the middle class and lower middle class is going overseas to work. And for many of the upper middle class, they will take the first chance to emigrate. At my own company, I had no less than 10 people I knew emigrate to Australia, Canada and USA while I was in the Philippines.

When the middle classes leave, it has numerous effects. They typically exercise their political rights less. It causes a drain on talent and human capital. And perhaps most interestingly, the demand for middle class-focused infrastructure, like subways and airports, decreases.

Now compare that to Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, where comparatively a fraction of the middle class is going abroad to work. Especially in Thailand, Thais for the most part abhor the idea of leaving Thailand. In my company, the number of Thais working as international assignees and short-term assignments is dwarfed by Filipinos, who take the first chance out they can get. For Thailand, there is the added advantage that there is a substantial domestic production of cars, machines, white goods, electronics, pharmaceuticals, etc. That act as a manufacturing base that supports a very robust middle class and lower middle class structure. So there is a nice "closed loop" where the investment, talent and growth is created in country and stays in country. The same can be said for Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam in differing degrees as well. Add to the fact in Thailand that they have access to a massive pool of cheap labor coming from Myanmar. It is not Thais building Thailand anymore, it is Burmese increasingly doing all the dirty, dangerous and hard work.

I agree with all your observations. Having visited Manila in 1999, it was way ahead of Bangkok, Jakarta, Phnom Penh, etc. When I went to live in Manila in 2012 it was like a time capsule. The same places in the same condition in old Manila. Only some gentrification of shopping malls and cheap condos in the center. Otherwise, the same same shithouse surrounding it. On the other hand, BKK and Jakarta exploded in development. Here in BKK the subway never takes more than 5 min to arrive. A 3 G signal is better than the best 4 G in Manila. I can drive a scooter on the road without being accosted by beggars at every stop light. Electricity is much cheaper. There are a billion restaurants to try and the food choice is endless. I can get Japanese brand appliances. People, especially ladies (and even many bar girls), dress fashionably. I could go on and on about the merits. But for all of that I would still rather be in Manila. That is the subject for another post. Enjoy the Philippines, AsianRain.

[Red Kilt]

Maybe, however having worked pretty much throughout the world in developing countries, I've not seen the same sort of mentality so prolifically displayed.

GE your Inbox is full. You need to empty it out.

[GoodEnough]

This is an excellent observation. I'll add it isn't just the Filipinos who have such an outlook and expectation. I suspect responsibility rests in part with those in the economically advanced nations who have nurtured this entitled attitude of dependency. "We're obliged to take care of you. " If one has his hand out, and money keeps being put in it, where's the motivation to put that hand to work?

Maybe, however having worked pretty much throughout the world in developing countries, I've not seen the same sort of mentality so prolifically displayed.

GE.

[Dg8787]

It seems to me the one and only reason posters are upset with President Dutere is the EJK. So upset that they can not give him proper credit for other advances.

On my recent trip to RP no Filipino has expressed any displeasure over EJK or any other Dutere initiatives or accomplishments. Most Filipinos are more hopeful than ever before.

The US Obama administration was caught flatfoot and instead of using diplomacy started a rant of words. Maybe as a diversion from failed policies and human rights in other areas.

[Hutsori]

I was listening last night to an official from the Philippines speaking about the hopes for the outcome of Duterte's state visit to Tokyo. I was struck again how the exclusive focus was "what can we get from this?" How much additional bilateral aid? How much in additional investments? These speeches never seem to include what the Philippines can offer to other countries.

This is an excellent observation. I'll add it isn't just the Filipinos who have such an outlook and expectation. I suspect responsibility rests in part with those in the economically advanced nations who have nurtured this entitled attitude of dependency. "We're obliged to take care of you. " If one has his hand out, and money keeps being put in it, where's the motivation to put that hand to work?

[Hutsori]

For me, life is good, and I cannot see any greener grass on the other side of any nearby fences.

Exactly my thoughts. Well said, Red.

[Red Kilt]

I said I was going to take a break from posting here but can't resist saying something about the situation here for me in Manila right now.

I just watched Du30's speech in Japan and it was a sensible, reasoned one that made a lot of sense and tended to rebuke a lot of the hysteria being conjured up in the press.

I certainly don't experience this "mess" that some posters are talking about inn the Philippines.

I travelled almost the full length of EDSA yesterday and noticed how new lanes and better planning made the trip so much less stressful.

I have been through NAIA Terminals 1, 2 and 3 in the past 3 weeks and I am amazed at the smoother arrangements, the up-dated facilities and the speed with which I was treated. All planes left on time (in fact, my Cebu Pacific flight arrived 25 minutes before scheduled time; work that one out!

There has not been a single power-break in my condo for at least 2 years.

My internet works very well and reliably and is fast enough for me and my business needs.

I have been to 2 "latest-release" movies in the past 3 days; in a modern and cooled cinema.

Several new restaurant outlets have opened within 100 meters of my condo. I am excited to try them out.

I just stopped by my favorite coffee shop and enjoyed an hour of peaceful meditating as I sipped my brew.

Maybe I'm lucky? I tend to disregard all the commentaries and merely reflect what is my experience.

I am perfectly comfortable living where I do.

I have no fear of there being some sweeping tide of nationalistic fervor that will have Filipinos persecuting those of us with white faces, whether they belong to Americans, Aussies, Brits or Europeans. The reverence towards the so-called "West" is extremely strong in the Philippines, and it will take one or perhaps 2 generations or more before there is any shift in the critical mass of favoritism towards non-pinoy residents.

For me, life is good, and I cannot see any greener grass on the other side of any nearby fences.

[Dg8787]

USA diplomat is shocked RP had advance talks with China! With does he think diplomats do? Or advance teams talk about? Are we all so naive to think that agreements are produced overnight?

Congrats to Philippines for their trade agreements.

[GoodEnough]

This is the case for many ordinary folks IMHO. Many think what can they get.

PNoy came in 2010,he and his team knew all about the power crisis and other infrastructure problems. What did he and his cronies do? Nothing so at least someone is doning something as the country has no real capital so has to beg IMHO and beggars can't be chosen and those giving also know this. Plus the US which says it was 'alarmed' by earlier visits to China by Cateyano will only place restrictions etc.

But why, among all of the major ASEAN countries does this seem to be the only one incapable of envisioning, planning for and implementing its own development strategies? Thailand--with a level of corruption at least equal to this place--managed, on its own, to build a new airport, construct god knows how many elevated highways, building a monorail urban transport system and build a subway, and all within the space of 10-15 years. Vietnam is investing tens of millions of dollars in improving its air transport system, and Malaysia has turned KL into a first world city. Even Cambodia seems to have begun to shake off its torpor and begun constructing needed infrastructure without humiliating itself in the process. It too will likely leave this place in its dust.

Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia all have relatively small, but well equipped armed forces, with modern equipment and armaments. This place has almost nothing except a few cast-off ships and one or two frigates. For an archipelagic country, this seems like nothing short of amazing. Now I see some complaining that the 5 or 6 C130 cargo planes provided by the US are "used," though the US "sold" these planes to the Philippines at bargain basement prices after writing off about 45% of the cost through military assistance funds. Again, Filipinos appear to think they were somehow entitled to newer planes for the same cost. Where the hell does this sense of beggar's entitlement come from?

As to having "no real capital," I don't believe it's true. Thanks to the massive influx of OFW remittances this place has ample foreign reserves and a high credit rating. Just like other countries, it could borrow the necessary financing at fairly low rates and the ROI from the projects would likely provide sufficient revenue to pay off the loans.

I've spent years--both by virtue of grad-school training and life experience--trying to understand the socio-cultural dynamics of countries that are not my own. Yet after more than a decade, the lack of vision and lack of societal responsibility continues to amaze me. It cannot be explained by corruption alone but identifying the other variables and their perpetuation from generation to generation continues to elude me.

GE.

[Wicked Roger]

I was listening last night to an official from the Philippines speaking about the hopes for the outcome of Duterte's state visit to Tokyo. I was struck again how the exclusive focus was "what can we get from this?" How much additional bilateral aid? How much in additional investments? These speeches never seem to include what the Philippines can offer to other countries. I always thought that alliances were all about bilateral synergy for mutual benefit: how two sides can complement each other's needs, be they economic or security-related. In the case of the Philippines however, the stress seems always a one-way street: a "You give and we take" relationship. Where's the quid pro quo here? In the case of augmenting defensive capabilities (security) this country has nothing to offer aside from whatever armaments have been donated or sold cheaply by other countries. In the case of economic development, I've read little or nothing about increasing Philippines investments in Japan or China, and surely not in the US.

I wonder sometimes if this concept of unilateral benefits ever enters into the psyches of the Filipinos so enamored of their president and if they're ever embarrassed by the continued demand for additional support.

GE.

This is the case for many ordinary folks IMHO. Many think what can they get. As for what can be offered the Church (well one bishop) said the country should be proud of the over population as meant it could provide the world with DHs! Some export!

A friend of mine who spent many years in Manila and had his own company once said to me "how can the country be proud when the main exports are pussy and DHs!

The country needs so much investment I doubt much will be completed in 6 years. Previous admins have neglected, abused and been corrupt on the matter that one term is not enough IMHO to resolve.

PNoy came in 2010,he and his team knew all about the power crisis and other infrastructure problems. What did he and his cronies do? Nothing so at least someone is doning something as the country has no real capital so has to beg IMHO and beggars can't be chosen and those giving also know this. Plus the US which says it was 'alarmed' by earlier visits to China by Cateyano will only place restrictions etc.

It is a mess GE and it is a hard one to clean up IMHO.

[GoodEnough]

I was listening last night to an official from the Philippines speaking about the hopes for the outcome of Duterte's state visit to Tokyo. I was struck again how the exclusive focus was "what can we get from this?" How much additional bilateral aid? How much in additional investments? These speeches never seem to include what the Philippines can offer to other countries. I always thought that alliances were all about bilateral synergy for mutual benefit: how two sides can complement each other's needs, be they economic or security-related. In the case of the Philippines however, the stress seems always a one-way street: a "You give and we take" relationship. Where's the quid pro quo here? In the case of augmenting defensive capabilities (security) this country has nothing to offer aside from whatever armaments have been donated or sold cheaply by other countries. In the case of economic development, I've read little or nothing about increasing Philippines investments in Japan or China, and surely not in the US.

I wonder sometimes if this concept of unilateral benefits ever enters into the psyches of the Filipinos so enamored of their president and if they're ever embarrassed by the continued demand for additional support.

GE.

[Random99]

While it might work in certain situations, but looks like the drug "war" wasn't planned very well. Ugh, almost like invading Iraq and then realizing we are the occupying force with no plan.

Looks like D30 is trying to pass the buck on this one and make sure he's not the only one accountable. I hope these politicians are smart enough to distance themselves from this no win situation.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/20...us-drug-menace