Newspapers in the Philippines abound with fine columnists. One such journalist is Conrado Banal whose commentaries appear in the "Philippine Daily Inquirer" business section. Mr. Banal has his ear to the ground and is authoritative regarding the topics about which he writes. In his April 18 column "High Economic Gloat", he expresses guarded optimism regarding the basis for the optimism expressed by two government officials in the matter of the Philippines economic growth, which they believe will take off if the country merges its manpower of 45 million young people who will turn 22 in 2018 and ready to start their careers, with the capital and technology furnished by other member countries of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN). This potential serendipitous confluence of economic sectors is referred to as a "sweet spot". And although he believes that the theory has merit, Mr. Banal's rightly placed concern is that this opportunity accelerated development for the Philippines won't come to fruition if the country fails to invest in infrastructure and education.
But there is the elephant in the middle of the living room (or perhaps I should say bedroom) that could spray a trunkful of cold water on this plan and which neither Mr. Banal nor the two officials mention: The Philippines' natural resources and economy are already being strained by overpopulation. And the above referenced 45 million youth who happen to constitute about half the total number of people in this country are a ticking time bomb. This is because that although in a few years, they will become economically productive, there's something else that they will be producing:
Babies!
Think about it. One source places the fertility rate of Filipinas at 3.19 as of 2011 . So even just half of these young people start having families about the time that they enter the labor force six years from now, they will add another 66 million to the population in the course of their reproductive years.
But wait. Some of their contemporaries are not even holding off until then to have kids. According to the Philippine Star, the Philippines has the highest rate of teen pregnancy in Southeast Asia: 53 for every 1,000 Filipinas ages 15—19. One consequence of giving birth at this age is that it usually scuttles the mother's education and job opportunities. This is one reason that passage by Congress of the Reproductive Health Act bill which has been hanging fire for about four years and would facilitate family planning, especially easier access to contraceptives for the poor, is so desperately needed.
At present, OFWs (Overseas Filipinos Workers) are propping up the local economy including the favorable rate of currency exchange with their remittances from almost every corner of the globe back home to their families. Yet this does nothing to address the issue of overpopulation here. For the same reason, it may just be magical thinking for the Philippines to pin its hopes on an ephemeral "sweet spot" from ASEAN.
The Philippines can neither continue to keep shoving off its hopes and dreams for a better society by relying on other countries to carry the country's economy. Nor can it keep kicking the the population issue down the road for future generations to solve. For if the people do not shed their fatalistic mentality and fail to tackle these matters immediately, how can the Philippines expect to even have a future?
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
(A) Justice On Trial: Part 1
As an expatriate residing in the Philippines, I believe it behooves everyone including non-citizens to keep up on local current events, including (especially?) those of a political and economic nature, and then draw conclusions about them. After all, our lives here are often impacted such issues. But whether or not we are directly affected, I think that keeping informed shows respect for our host country. Following is a topic that has had the nation buzzing.
First some background. The administration immediately preceding that of the current leader, President of the Philippines, Benigno "Nonoy" Aquino was one marked by corruption and abuse of power by then President Gloria Arroyo. One of her acts as outgoing chief executive was the controversial "midnight" appointment of the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Renato Corona who readily accepted this position..
President Aquino, who ran on anti-corruption platform, urged Congress to institute impeachment proceedings Corona. The House of Representatives approved this action, and the Senate has begun trial phase.
Aside from Corona's accepting the midnight appointment, which he knew full well was questionable to say the least, Aquino's biggest grievance against the Chief Justice was the Supreme Court's issuance of temporary restraining order against the Justice Department's hold departure on Arroyo, who was about to flee the country in order to avoid prosecution for her misdeeds while in office. Justice Department Secretary Leila De Lima defied the TRO and Arroyo was subsequently arrested for electoral fraud.
(A side note: This trial is an instance in which the Philippines can teach the U.S. about how to deal with our own biased and venal Supreme Court justices who have rendered such bonehead decisions as in Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission ,or Bush vs. Gore , Then there is the sphinx-like Justice Clarence Thomas [ never participates in oral arguments before the Court] who has yet to recuse himself regarding a conflict of interest regarding his wife's involvement in paid fund-raising and lobbying for an organization that opposes President Obama's health care reform plan which the Court is now considering.)
The impeachment trial, which has been televised live and has a wide following, is in recess until May 7. But whatever the outcome, based on various revelations including those in Corona's own testimony such as his unexplained wealth, inconsistencies in his SALN (statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth), and according to Pulse Asia a loss of confidence and trust by the people, he might already be damaged goods. Under these circumstances, it would seem to be in Corona's best interests to resign in order to salvage the remains of his dignity which has already been greatly diminished by his unconvincing replies to the Senate's questions. More importantly, Corona's stepping down would also enable the Supreme Court to emerge from the shadow which this affair has cast on its reputation.
First some background. The administration immediately preceding that of the current leader, President of the Philippines, Benigno "Nonoy" Aquino was one marked by corruption and abuse of power by then President Gloria Arroyo. One of her acts as outgoing chief executive was the controversial "midnight" appointment of the current Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Renato Corona who readily accepted this position..
President Aquino, who ran on anti-corruption platform, urged Congress to institute impeachment proceedings Corona. The House of Representatives approved this action, and the Senate has begun trial phase.
Aside from Corona's accepting the midnight appointment, which he knew full well was questionable to say the least, Aquino's biggest grievance against the Chief Justice was the Supreme Court's issuance of temporary restraining order against the Justice Department's hold departure on Arroyo, who was about to flee the country in order to avoid prosecution for her misdeeds while in office. Justice Department Secretary Leila De Lima defied the TRO and Arroyo was subsequently arrested for electoral fraud.
(A side note: This trial is an instance in which the Philippines can teach the U.S. about how to deal with our own biased and venal Supreme Court justices who have rendered such bonehead decisions as in Citizens United vs. Federal Election Commission ,or Bush vs. Gore , Then there is the sphinx-like Justice Clarence Thomas [ never participates in oral arguments before the Court] who has yet to recuse himself regarding a conflict of interest regarding his wife's involvement in paid fund-raising and lobbying for an organization that opposes President Obama's health care reform plan which the Court is now considering.)
The impeachment trial, which has been televised live and has a wide following, is in recess until May 7. But whatever the outcome, based on various revelations including those in Corona's own testimony such as his unexplained wealth, inconsistencies in his SALN (statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth), and according to Pulse Asia a loss of confidence and trust by the people, he might already be damaged goods. Under these circumstances, it would seem to be in Corona's best interests to resign in order to salvage the remains of his dignity which has already been greatly diminished by his unconvincing replies to the Senate's questions. More importantly, Corona's stepping down would also enable the Supreme Court to emerge from the shadow which this affair has cast on its reputation.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Travel: It's More Glum In The Philippines
One year ago today, my wife Lydia and I returned to the Philippines from a (probably once in a lifetime) trip to Europe. Our departure and arrival point was Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Mania, and even though horror stories abound about NAIA, we were fortunate to land on schedule and had a fairly easy time navigating baggage retrieval and Immigration. And that's the point. Why should it be a matter of odds that some people luck out in their encounters with this facility while most other travelers' experience there is negative?
The difficulties that plague this airport include a shortage of amenities and inadequate facilities. These issues are finally being addressed, but it may be a case of too little too late. For example only now is Terminal 1, the world's second worst airport, finally undergoing rehabilitation. And scandal-plagued Terminal 3 which was to have been finished several years ago is still operating on about half its intended capacity due to construction delays and shoddy workmanship, including a collapse of part of the ceiling in 2006 and again in 2011. (Completion is scheduled for this year, but after all the other postponements, I wouldn't bet on it) Then there are the congested traffic conditions and tie ups in the area that make commuting to NAIA extremely frustrating (as is the case for Metro-Manila as a whole anyway) .
As a result of these difficulties, government officials are considering the designation of another airport instead as the Philippines premier point of arrival and departure: Clark International Airport (CRK). This facility is also known as Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) and is located in Angeles City, Pampanga. I've never been there, but my understanding that in terms of adequacy and efficiency, CRK beats NAIA hands down.
The problem is that CRK is about 89Km (55 miles) from NAIA, and the only means of commuting between Angeles City and Metro-Manila is by car or bus, which in bad traffic can take 2—3 hours. This is especially burdensome for travelers who arrive from abroad at one of these airports and have to connect to a flight at the other. But even for those visitors to the Philippines who are not making such transfers, it would make a bad impression on them to arrive at Clark instead of NAIA and then have to make the trek to Metro-Manila. The solution of course is high speed rail service between the two cities with stations at each airport. Construction on this alternative has already started but only in dribs and drabs and is probably still years away from completion even though it was supposed to have been finished years ago.
So with all these self-inflicted obstacles, is it any wonder that the Philippines lags behind its neighbors in attracting tourism? This will continue to be the case until the government starts taking its commitments seriously. President Aquino advocates the "straight path" to end corruption here. This policy is especially vital in the area of infrastructure. Whether by land, sea, or air, people and goods must be able to move about via a dependable, speedy, and efficient transportation system if the Philippines is ever to progress from its status as a third world country.
The difficulties that plague this airport include a shortage of amenities and inadequate facilities. These issues are finally being addressed, but it may be a case of too little too late. For example only now is Terminal 1, the world's second worst airport, finally undergoing rehabilitation. And scandal-plagued Terminal 3 which was to have been finished several years ago is still operating on about half its intended capacity due to construction delays and shoddy workmanship, including a collapse of part of the ceiling in 2006 and again in 2011. (Completion is scheduled for this year, but after all the other postponements, I wouldn't bet on it) Then there are the congested traffic conditions and tie ups in the area that make commuting to NAIA extremely frustrating (as is the case for Metro-Manila as a whole anyway) .
As a result of these difficulties, government officials are considering the designation of another airport instead as the Philippines premier point of arrival and departure: Clark International Airport (CRK). This facility is also known as Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) and is located in Angeles City, Pampanga. I've never been there, but my understanding that in terms of adequacy and efficiency, CRK beats NAIA hands down.
The problem is that CRK is about 89Km (55 miles) from NAIA, and the only means of commuting between Angeles City and Metro-Manila is by car or bus, which in bad traffic can take 2—3 hours. This is especially burdensome for travelers who arrive from abroad at one of these airports and have to connect to a flight at the other. But even for those visitors to the Philippines who are not making such transfers, it would make a bad impression on them to arrive at Clark instead of NAIA and then have to make the trek to Metro-Manila. The solution of course is high speed rail service between the two cities with stations at each airport. Construction on this alternative has already started but only in dribs and drabs and is probably still years away from completion even though it was supposed to have been finished years ago.
So with all these self-inflicted obstacles, is it any wonder that the Philippines lags behind its neighbors in attracting tourism? This will continue to be the case until the government starts taking its commitments seriously. President Aquino advocates the "straight path" to end corruption here. This policy is especially vital in the area of infrastructure. Whether by land, sea, or air, people and goods must be able to move about via a dependable, speedy, and efficient transportation system if the Philippines is ever to progress from its status as a third world country.
Monday, February 20, 2012
The Contraceptive Rights Struggle: It's No Longer Just a Local Issue
Although the Philippines is officially, a constitutional democracy, the Church, through its controlling arm, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, wields tremendous power in this predominantly Roman Catholic country. For instance at the Church's behest, the Philippines is the only remaining country in the world that still bans divorce.
Notwithstanding that this country is greatly overpopulated, the other area where the CBCP refuses to cede control to civil authority and individual autonomy is in the area of family planning, specifically access by the people to contraceptives through government assistance. The Reproductive Health Act which was introduced in the Philippine Congress over two years ago in an attempt to place birth control decisions in the hands of the people has been languishing there for two years as a result of pressure from the CBCP to stall—or as it would prefe—to kill it altogether, even though its backers have made concessions to the Church that have watered down this legislation.
It didn't help matters that the RH bill was introduced during the administration of President Gloria Arroyo who was hostile to the use of contraceptives and who helped the bishops dig in on their position. However, the current President, Benigno Aquino, favors the right of the people to have access to artificial means of family planning. His staff has tried to engage the Church in a dialogue regarding RH bill, but the CBCP has done nothing but give them the runaround on this matter, pretending an intent to cooperate, but instead negotiating in bad faith.
Even though the Philippines was officially granted independence from the U.S. in 1945, there is the often heard compliant of continued undue American influence on Philippine society—and not without justification. But the U..S. is now getting a taste of this same type of interference by the Catholic Church and conservative evangelical Protestants in its own political realm that the Philippines has endured since the days of the Spanish friars. In the U.S. the bone of contention likewise involves the individual's right to contraception access and women's personal autonomy for pregnancy termination decisions as well. As might be expected, the aforementioned religious lobbies oppose these rights, and like their counterparts in the Philippines some of them have even equated the use of condoms, birth control pills, and IUD's with abortion.
In the U.S. the matter recently came to a head when the Obama Administration issued a mandate that employers, including religious-based organizations (but excluding houses of worship), such as Catholic hospitals must furnish their employees with health benefits that include contraceptives. So of course, these institutions protested, claiming that their "freedom of religion" was being violated. But the fact of the matter is that such medical centers, schools, etc. hire workers who may not subscribe to their employers beliefs, and it's the rights of these employees to have this coverage, period. (It so happens that most American women including Catholics use birth control anyway.) Nevertheless, Obama offered a compromise: The faith-based employers would no longer be on the hook for this benefit. Instead, the insurance providers would do it, and on the latter's own dime.
At first, some Catholic organizations decided to accept this proposal, but the the American counterpart to the CBCP, the United.States Conference of Catholic Bishops stepped in and nixed the deal, just as the CBCP has welched on supposed conciliation toward the Reproductive Health Act. One wonders if the USCCB has borrowed a page from the Catholics Bishops Conference of the Philippines' playbook in order to prevail in this matter.
Not surprisingly, prominent Republicans, who of course are religious conservatives and believe that government should not control people's lives except in their bedrooms, back the USCCB in their refusal to go along with Obama's counter offer. Anything to embarrass him and to exploit the issue. In fact one GOP Congressman, Roy Blunt has put forth a so-called "rights of conscience" amendment that would allow employers to refuse health car services for their employees based on the former's moral beliefs, no matter how arbitrary or capricious.
In short, in both the U.S. and the Philippines ecclesiastical authorities and their political supporters are meddling where they have no business or standing. In doing so they are undermining citizens' right to individual freedom of and from religion. And no matter which country is influencing the other in this violation of both constitutions, the rights of the people in each of these nation to make some very personal choices in their lives are in grave peril.
Notwithstanding that this country is greatly overpopulated, the other area where the CBCP refuses to cede control to civil authority and individual autonomy is in the area of family planning, specifically access by the people to contraceptives through government assistance. The Reproductive Health Act which was introduced in the Philippine Congress over two years ago in an attempt to place birth control decisions in the hands of the people has been languishing there for two years as a result of pressure from the CBCP to stall—or as it would prefe—to kill it altogether, even though its backers have made concessions to the Church that have watered down this legislation.
It didn't help matters that the RH bill was introduced during the administration of President Gloria Arroyo who was hostile to the use of contraceptives and who helped the bishops dig in on their position. However, the current President, Benigno Aquino, favors the right of the people to have access to artificial means of family planning. His staff has tried to engage the Church in a dialogue regarding RH bill, but the CBCP has done nothing but give them the runaround on this matter, pretending an intent to cooperate, but instead negotiating in bad faith.
Even though the Philippines was officially granted independence from the U.S. in 1945, there is the often heard compliant of continued undue American influence on Philippine society—and not without justification. But the U..S. is now getting a taste of this same type of interference by the Catholic Church and conservative evangelical Protestants in its own political realm that the Philippines has endured since the days of the Spanish friars. In the U.S. the bone of contention likewise involves the individual's right to contraception access and women's personal autonomy for pregnancy termination decisions as well. As might be expected, the aforementioned religious lobbies oppose these rights, and like their counterparts in the Philippines some of them have even equated the use of condoms, birth control pills, and IUD's with abortion.
In the U.S. the matter recently came to a head when the Obama Administration issued a mandate that employers, including religious-based organizations (but excluding houses of worship), such as Catholic hospitals must furnish their employees with health benefits that include contraceptives. So of course, these institutions protested, claiming that their "freedom of religion" was being violated. But the fact of the matter is that such medical centers, schools, etc. hire workers who may not subscribe to their employers beliefs, and it's the rights of these employees to have this coverage, period. (It so happens that most American women including Catholics use birth control anyway.) Nevertheless, Obama offered a compromise: The faith-based employers would no longer be on the hook for this benefit. Instead, the insurance providers would do it, and on the latter's own dime.
At first, some Catholic organizations decided to accept this proposal, but the the American counterpart to the CBCP, the United.States Conference of Catholic Bishops stepped in and nixed the deal, just as the CBCP has welched on supposed conciliation toward the Reproductive Health Act. One wonders if the USCCB has borrowed a page from the Catholics Bishops Conference of the Philippines' playbook in order to prevail in this matter.
Not surprisingly, prominent Republicans, who of course are religious conservatives and believe that government should not control people's lives except in their bedrooms, back the USCCB in their refusal to go along with Obama's counter offer. Anything to embarrass him and to exploit the issue. In fact one GOP Congressman, Roy Blunt has put forth a so-called "rights of conscience" amendment that would allow employers to refuse health car services for their employees based on the former's moral beliefs, no matter how arbitrary or capricious.
In short, in both the U.S. and the Philippines ecclesiastical authorities and their political supporters are meddling where they have no business or standing. In doing so they are undermining citizens' right to individual freedom of and from religion. And no matter which country is influencing the other in this violation of both constitutions, the rights of the people in each of these nation to make some very personal choices in their lives are in grave peril.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
It's All In The I-Cards
I guess with my luck it would be too much to expect that two successive annual trips to the Bureau of Immigration to pay the annual report, (a P310 yearly "head tax" required of resident alien residents), would go off without a hitch.. On two such treks, one in 2009 and the other in 2010, I was robbed and pickpocketed respectively en route. Fortunately I had no such incidents in 2011.
This year, I did not wind up a crime victim when I went to the satellite office in Makati a few weeks ago. But almost as bad was the news from that office. They would be unable to process the annual report for my wife Lydia because unbeknownst to us, her ACR-ICR I-card had expired. This biometric piece of plastic with an embedded computer chip serves mainly as a form of identity and streamlines many of the cardholder's B.I. dealings. All foreign permanent residents in the Philippines are required to have one. Unfortunately, Lydia's and my cards don't show an expiration date which we learned is 5 years from the date of issue. According to Immigration, the newer "models" now display this ending date.
Obtaining a replacement requires a trip to the main B.I. headquarters in Manila (Intramuros district). It was with extreme trepidation that I faced the prospect of going to that office. I recalled from years past how decrepit and poorly maintained the facilities were, with a matching attitude of its employees. But at least Lydia wouldn't have to endure this hassle. As a senior, she is exempted by Immigration from such appearances . As her spouse, I could do that for her.
My last visit to B.I. headquarters was about four years ago. So when I arrived there yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised at how much the place had improved. The exterior had been given a facelift, but more importantly, the inside given a complete renovation, including the C.R's.(restrooms) which previously could only have been described as abominable, and that's putting it nicely. The customer service also seems friendlier, and there are roving information reps to answer questions and direct applicants to the appropriate areas.
When I arrived at about 6:30 a.m, there were already people seated waiting for the service windows to open at 7:00. Within a few hours the place was packed. (Unfortunately, the interior makeover didn't include adding more space). Woe unto those who arrive late. Not only will there be fewer or no seats left but their waiting time for service will be much longer. This is why it's essential to arrive as early as possible; You snooze, you lose. Yet, even though I was among the first batch of people to be serviced, the entire process still took about 3 1/2 hours. (Note: B.I. transactions differ in complexity. Your time may vary. So take along something to pass the hour(s). And due to the above mentioned physical space limitations and seating, it's advisable to limit the number of your companions.)
Speaking of batches, one reason for the long wait is that when applicants turn in their forms to the clerks at the service windows for processing, as the forms are completed, they are placed in a pile. A department worker then emerges with the stack and calls out the names of and distributes these forms to those who are awaiting them.Obviously, it's important to stand by and not to miss such a "call out" announcement. The next one may not be for another 45 minutes or so Then it's on the next window to start the process all over again.
Finally I was finished. It was such a feeling of relief knowing that not only had I completed this task but also that Lydia's annual report fee was also automatically collected upon payment for the card. I was given a claim check to present when picking up the new card, which should be available in about three weeks.
Right about that time, my own I-card will near its expiration date, so when I retrieve Lydia's card. I can also renew mine as well. Hopefully, it will take less time to go through the mill the second time around. For despite the improvement in service, there were a few missteps including procedural miscommunications that I now know to avoid. I wouldn't say that I'm looking forward to going back there, but with the Bureau of Immigration's new look and feel, at least I no longer dread it.
This year, I did not wind up a crime victim when I went to the satellite office in Makati a few weeks ago. But almost as bad was the news from that office. They would be unable to process the annual report for my wife Lydia because unbeknownst to us, her ACR-ICR I-card had expired. This biometric piece of plastic with an embedded computer chip serves mainly as a form of identity and streamlines many of the cardholder's B.I. dealings. All foreign permanent residents in the Philippines are required to have one. Unfortunately, Lydia's and my cards don't show an expiration date which we learned is 5 years from the date of issue. According to Immigration, the newer "models" now display this ending date.
Obtaining a replacement requires a trip to the main B.I. headquarters in Manila (Intramuros district). It was with extreme trepidation that I faced the prospect of going to that office. I recalled from years past how decrepit and poorly maintained the facilities were, with a matching attitude of its employees. But at least Lydia wouldn't have to endure this hassle. As a senior, she is exempted by Immigration from such appearances . As her spouse, I could do that for her.
My last visit to B.I. headquarters was about four years ago. So when I arrived there yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised at how much the place had improved. The exterior had been given a facelift, but more importantly, the inside given a complete renovation, including the C.R's.(restrooms) which previously could only have been described as abominable, and that's putting it nicely. The customer service also seems friendlier, and there are roving information reps to answer questions and direct applicants to the appropriate areas.
When I arrived at about 6:30 a.m, there were already people seated waiting for the service windows to open at 7:00. Within a few hours the place was packed. (Unfortunately, the interior makeover didn't include adding more space). Woe unto those who arrive late. Not only will there be fewer or no seats left but their waiting time for service will be much longer. This is why it's essential to arrive as early as possible; You snooze, you lose. Yet, even though I was among the first batch of people to be serviced, the entire process still took about 3 1/2 hours. (Note: B.I. transactions differ in complexity. Your time may vary. So take along something to pass the hour(s). And due to the above mentioned physical space limitations and seating, it's advisable to limit the number of your companions.)
Speaking of batches, one reason for the long wait is that when applicants turn in their forms to the clerks at the service windows for processing, as the forms are completed, they are placed in a pile. A department worker then emerges with the stack and calls out the names of and distributes these forms to those who are awaiting them.Obviously, it's important to stand by and not to miss such a "call out" announcement. The next one may not be for another 45 minutes or so Then it's on the next window to start the process all over again.
Finally I was finished. It was such a feeling of relief knowing that not only had I completed this task but also that Lydia's annual report fee was also automatically collected upon payment for the card. I was given a claim check to present when picking up the new card, which should be available in about three weeks.
Right about that time, my own I-card will near its expiration date, so when I retrieve Lydia's card. I can also renew mine as well. Hopefully, it will take less time to go through the mill the second time around. For despite the improvement in service, there were a few missteps including procedural miscommunications that I now know to avoid. I wouldn't say that I'm looking forward to going back there, but with the Bureau of Immigration's new look and feel, at least I no longer dread it.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
The Big Bang
The numbers are in. Metro-Manila deaths and injuries over the New Years holiday from fireworks mishaps and stray bullets were overall greater than last year's figures despite hopes by the authorities for a decrease in such casualties.
Adding to this sad state of affairs this year on which should be a festive occasion was the extreme air pollution on New Years morning. This was caused by the soot and ashes drifting over the city from the large number of firecrackers that celebrators began setting off in the morning of Dec. 31. This smog is a yearly event, but due to wind conditions, this year visibility was so severely hampered that incoming air traffic had to be diverted from the Aquino International Airport to other facilities
So given the hazards posed by pyrotechnics, should they be banned from Metro Manila except as authorized public display events? At first glance, that seems like the impossible dream. Fireworks, especially individual use of firecrackers to celebrate various holidays, are a deeply ingrained tradition in the Philippines. Stemming from centuries old Chinese cultural influence, the custom was originally based on the belief that the loud noise from firecrackers would drive away evil spirits. But now they are simply a source of holiday fun, sometimes the malicious kind. In the rough parts of Manila, revelers even throw lit firecrackers at passersby.
This leads to another difficulty in enacting a ban on private possession: the lack of public discipline in Philippine society. There are probably as many safety laws on the books in the here as there are in Denmark. But they're nearly impossible to enforce when so few people obey them and public officials charged with enforcing them are bribed to look the other way. So would a statute banning these explosives be worthless?
Not necessarily. Believe it or not, there are firecracker-free zones in the Philippines. One of them is Davao City (population approx 1.5 million) where 94 people were arrested for violating the prohibition and which had zero injuries caused by fireworks over the holiday and as a result, hospitals there were not swamped as they were in Metro-Manila.
To be sure, the problem of dangerous fireworks is just one of many problems besetting Metro-Manila. However, solving them requires the exercise of political will. Maybe imposing a ban and actually implementing it might send a message that the government is getting serious about improving public safety by penalizing personal irresponsibility. It would be a small step, but at least it's one in the right direction.
Adding to this sad state of affairs this year on which should be a festive occasion was the extreme air pollution on New Years morning. This was caused by the soot and ashes drifting over the city from the large number of firecrackers that celebrators began setting off in the morning of Dec. 31. This smog is a yearly event, but due to wind conditions, this year visibility was so severely hampered that incoming air traffic had to be diverted from the Aquino International Airport to other facilities
So given the hazards posed by pyrotechnics, should they be banned from Metro Manila except as authorized public display events? At first glance, that seems like the impossible dream. Fireworks, especially individual use of firecrackers to celebrate various holidays, are a deeply ingrained tradition in the Philippines. Stemming from centuries old Chinese cultural influence, the custom was originally based on the belief that the loud noise from firecrackers would drive away evil spirits. But now they are simply a source of holiday fun, sometimes the malicious kind. In the rough parts of Manila, revelers even throw lit firecrackers at passersby.
This leads to another difficulty in enacting a ban on private possession: the lack of public discipline in Philippine society. There are probably as many safety laws on the books in the here as there are in Denmark. But they're nearly impossible to enforce when so few people obey them and public officials charged with enforcing them are bribed to look the other way. So would a statute banning these explosives be worthless?
Not necessarily. Believe it or not, there are firecracker-free zones in the Philippines. One of them is Davao City (population approx 1.5 million) where 94 people were arrested for violating the prohibition and which had zero injuries caused by fireworks over the holiday and as a result, hospitals there were not swamped as they were in Metro-Manila.
To be sure, the problem of dangerous fireworks is just one of many problems besetting Metro-Manila. However, solving them requires the exercise of political will. Maybe imposing a ban and actually implementing it might send a message that the government is getting serious about improving public safety by penalizing personal irresponsibility. It would be a small step, but at least it's one in the right direction.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Taxi Strand
Every year beginning In December, there's an increase in traffic in Metro Manila as more people are out and about doing their Christmas shopping, attending holiday parties, etc. So along with more private vehicles on the road, there's also a greater demand on public transportation. But this year it seems especially acute for some reason, especially when it comes to the (un)availability of taxis.
To prevent disorder and confusion, most shopping malls and some mixed use business residential areas such as Eastwood City provide taxi bays where passengers are required to line up and await their turn for the next cab, Usually, there is a string or at least a couple taxis waiting for them anyway; so it's win-win for taxi drivers and passengers alike.
But over the past week or so, no matter what day of the week or time of the day, I've observed and personally experienced situations where there are these queues but no taxis at hand to accommodate them. One evening last week my wife Lydia and I waited in line in Eastwood for almost two hours. Granted it was raining and during evening rush hour. But the other day during early afternoon and in good weather, there was also a lack of cabs, this time in Cubao, a popular shopping locale in Quezon City. I was in a hurry and taking a chance by leaving the taxi bay where I had been waiting for awhile, I finally managed to catch one further up the street. Lydia also had a long wait late morning yesterday at another mall where she had been dropped off by a bus on her return trip from the province. Carrying baggage didn't make the delay any easier.
So if you don't drive and are planning to take a taxi in Metro-Manila between now and Christmas especially for a trip that involves a shopping area, be sure to allow extra time (at least an hour during rush hour) and consider other forms of public transportation. Alternatively, see if it's possible to catch a ride with friends or family members. If you chip in for gas and / or parking, they may welcome your presence to defray the cost of driving. It may not be convenient to have to rely on another person's schedule this way, but it may well beat the frustration of vainly trying to flag down cabs that don't stop as they are already occupied, or alternately of waiting for hours in taxi bay queues that are...just...not... moving.
To prevent disorder and confusion, most shopping malls and some mixed use business residential areas such as Eastwood City provide taxi bays where passengers are required to line up and await their turn for the next cab, Usually, there is a string or at least a couple taxis waiting for them anyway; so it's win-win for taxi drivers and passengers alike.
But over the past week or so, no matter what day of the week or time of the day, I've observed and personally experienced situations where there are these queues but no taxis at hand to accommodate them. One evening last week my wife Lydia and I waited in line in Eastwood for almost two hours. Granted it was raining and during evening rush hour. But the other day during early afternoon and in good weather, there was also a lack of cabs, this time in Cubao, a popular shopping locale in Quezon City. I was in a hurry and taking a chance by leaving the taxi bay where I had been waiting for awhile, I finally managed to catch one further up the street. Lydia also had a long wait late morning yesterday at another mall where she had been dropped off by a bus on her return trip from the province. Carrying baggage didn't make the delay any easier.
So if you don't drive and are planning to take a taxi in Metro-Manila between now and Christmas especially for a trip that involves a shopping area, be sure to allow extra time (at least an hour during rush hour) and consider other forms of public transportation. Alternatively, see if it's possible to catch a ride with friends or family members. If you chip in for gas and / or parking, they may welcome your presence to defray the cost of driving. It may not be convenient to have to rely on another person's schedule this way, but it may well beat the frustration of vainly trying to flag down cabs that don't stop as they are already occupied, or alternately of waiting for hours in taxi bay queues that are...just...not... moving.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Tawdry Tales
If there's one form of diversion on which Philippine culture thrives, it's sensationalism, and the more melodramatic the better—especially if it involves well known show business celebrities and political figures. An example is a recent incident involving the high visibility and troubled Revilla family which boasts of members in both of these professions.
Bad feelings that had been brewing among the young adult siblings in this huge clan finally boiled over, the eldest, Ramgen, was shot and stabbed to death allegedly at the instigation of his sister, Ramona, and his brother, Ramon Joseph (RJ). Ramgen's girlfriend was also wounded in the attack. The motives supposedly were jealousy and conflicts over such matters as the allowance amounts that Ramgen doled out to his younger sibs. (Keep in mind these people are post-adolescent. Yet they still rely on family handouts for support. But such over-age dependency is common in the Philippines).,
RJ was apprehended, but Ramona fled the country before she could be arrested and will likely never return. She headed for Turkey where her husband resides. However, she has also left Turkey as well and is now a fugitive. To add to this telenovela-like tragedy Ramona was already in her father's bad books for marrying against his wishes.
Then there is the drama of the former Philippines president and now congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her husband Mike who want to leave the country for treatment of Gloria's medical condition for which she claims to need specialized care that's not available in this country. Yet because of allegations that both of the Arroyos committed various acts of corruption while Gloria was in office—not to mention the illicit methods by which she supposedly attained her term as president in 2004— there is concern that they will also pull a "Ramona" and not return to face the music. The Arroyo's legal petition to be allowed to depart has pitted the executive and the judicial branches of government against each other over who has the right to make the decision. The Supreme Court had approved their plea, but President Aquino is opposed to their departure. At this writing, the executive has won the latest round by filing charges against Arroyo and placing her under arrest while she is in a local hospital. The Arroyos aren't going anywhere, at least for a while.
As an aside, Gloria Arroyo may well be trying to play on the sympathy of the Philippine people even though she was almost universally scorned while president for her corrupt deeds. But she just might win them over anyway. Former first lady Imelda Marcos did it, and it's just as though Imelda was never the wife and part of the hated martial law administration of the late president Ferdinand Marcos. She has regained her popularity and like Gloria was also elected to Congress. BTW, before the arrest warrant on Gloria was served, Mike's attorney, Ferdinand Topacio, asserted that he is so certain that if the Arroyos are allowed to leave and then fail to come back home, Topacio will castrate himself. He should be careful about putting both his eggs in one basket.
Finally, I want to make it clear that this post is strictly for the purpose of acquainting newcomers to the Philippines with local cultural mores. By my relating such stories, it should not be construed that I regularly follow such gossip-ridden events. Not me. Honest.
Bad feelings that had been brewing among the young adult siblings in this huge clan finally boiled over, the eldest, Ramgen, was shot and stabbed to death allegedly at the instigation of his sister, Ramona, and his brother, Ramon Joseph (RJ). Ramgen's girlfriend was also wounded in the attack. The motives supposedly were jealousy and conflicts over such matters as the allowance amounts that Ramgen doled out to his younger sibs. (Keep in mind these people are post-adolescent. Yet they still rely on family handouts for support. But such over-age dependency is common in the Philippines).,
RJ was apprehended, but Ramona fled the country before she could be arrested and will likely never return. She headed for Turkey where her husband resides. However, she has also left Turkey as well and is now a fugitive. To add to this telenovela-like tragedy Ramona was already in her father's bad books for marrying against his wishes.
Then there is the drama of the former Philippines president and now congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her husband Mike who want to leave the country for treatment of Gloria's medical condition for which she claims to need specialized care that's not available in this country. Yet because of allegations that both of the Arroyos committed various acts of corruption while Gloria was in office—not to mention the illicit methods by which she supposedly attained her term as president in 2004— there is concern that they will also pull a "Ramona" and not return to face the music. The Arroyo's legal petition to be allowed to depart has pitted the executive and the judicial branches of government against each other over who has the right to make the decision. The Supreme Court had approved their plea, but President Aquino is opposed to their departure. At this writing, the executive has won the latest round by filing charges against Arroyo and placing her under arrest while she is in a local hospital. The Arroyos aren't going anywhere, at least for a while.
As an aside, Gloria Arroyo may well be trying to play on the sympathy of the Philippine people even though she was almost universally scorned while president for her corrupt deeds. But she just might win them over anyway. Former first lady Imelda Marcos did it, and it's just as though Imelda was never the wife and part of the hated martial law administration of the late president Ferdinand Marcos. She has regained her popularity and like Gloria was also elected to Congress. BTW, before the arrest warrant on Gloria was served, Mike's attorney, Ferdinand Topacio, asserted that he is so certain that if the Arroyos are allowed to leave and then fail to come back home, Topacio will castrate himself. He should be careful about putting both his eggs in one basket.
Finally, I want to make it clear that this post is strictly for the purpose of acquainting newcomers to the Philippines with local cultural mores. By my relating such stories, it should not be construed that I regularly follow such gossip-ridden events. Not me. Honest.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Second Thoughts
I have long believed that the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is part of the Philippines and should not be allowed to secede (see my post Disaster Averted for Now). But as time passes, I'm becoming doubtful that it's worth the ever increasing political, social, and financial costs for the country of trying to pacify and hold on to this territory. Maybe it's time to let the ARMM go it's own way as a separate state after all. It seems that control of this locale by the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a faction of the original Moro National Liberation Front guerrilla movement) is a fait accompli anyway.
First some background about my 180° shift in opinion. I recently wrote a post "The Two-State Solution: A Risk Worth Taking" in my other Blog site "Towards a Rational America and Enlightened Judaism" regarding the Israel-Palestinian issue and why I feel that it's better for Palestinians in the Occupied Territories to have for their own state. In my opinion Israel is paying too high a price by holding these people back and that it's better for the two sides to deal with each other as equals.
In this regard there is a somewhat of a parallel between the Palestinians and the Moros in that both groups claim rights to their own land and national sovereignty. And there is some legitimate justification in their demands. Also, for decades both groups have been violently resisting and refusing to recognize the respective central governments that rule their regions. And significantly in both cases there is no end in sight for these hostilities which just become a vicious cycle of death and destruction for all concerned.
There have been cries for a declaration of all-out war against MILF for their attacks on the military in Basilan that resulted in the death of 19 soldiers a few weeks ago. Yet a full-out military campaign against the MILF was carried out in 2000 by then President Estrada. Ultimately, it achieved nothing. The conflict is back to square one.
Also I had previously justified retention of the ARMM by the Philippines on the grounds (no pun intended) of the region's abundant natural resources. Yet when considering all the thousands of people on both sides who have died in this rebellion and for the thousands more who will likely be killed in future struggles, no amount of minerals is worth such a toll in human lives. Moreover, in granting independence to the ARMM, perhaps some kind of trade agreement could be negotiated that would ensure continued access by the Philippines to these materials, along with a United Nations peace-keeping force to enforce a security treaty that would protect non-Muslims living in the Region. The UN troops would also guard against incursions by the MILF and the Philippines Government across each others borders. In addition the Government could offer resettlement into the Philippines to non-Muslims. The expenses for this relocation would be at least partially borne by the MILF.
One might ask why I as a foreigner am sticking my nose into the complex political affairs of this country. Very simply, the violence throughout Philippines and especially in Mindanao is equally lethal to Filipinos and non-Filipinos who are here. However, I readily acknowledge that I am not a political science or international relations expert. The dissolution between the Philippines And the ARMM that I'm proposing along with the details to carry it out probably sounds amateurish and naive.
But I contend that far reaching changes have to be made to the present state of affairs in order to bring about a permanent peace between the two sides. Nothing else has worked so far, and to believe that the status quo can continue to abide indefinitely is just magical thinking.
First some background about my 180° shift in opinion. I recently wrote a post "The Two-State Solution: A Risk Worth Taking" in my other Blog site "Towards a Rational America and Enlightened Judaism" regarding the Israel-Palestinian issue and why I feel that it's better for Palestinians in the Occupied Territories to have for their own state. In my opinion Israel is paying too high a price by holding these people back and that it's better for the two sides to deal with each other as equals.
In this regard there is a somewhat of a parallel between the Palestinians and the Moros in that both groups claim rights to their own land and national sovereignty. And there is some legitimate justification in their demands. Also, for decades both groups have been violently resisting and refusing to recognize the respective central governments that rule their regions. And significantly in both cases there is no end in sight for these hostilities which just become a vicious cycle of death and destruction for all concerned.
There have been cries for a declaration of all-out war against MILF for their attacks on the military in Basilan that resulted in the death of 19 soldiers a few weeks ago. Yet a full-out military campaign against the MILF was carried out in 2000 by then President Estrada. Ultimately, it achieved nothing. The conflict is back to square one.
Also I had previously justified retention of the ARMM by the Philippines on the grounds (no pun intended) of the region's abundant natural resources. Yet when considering all the thousands of people on both sides who have died in this rebellion and for the thousands more who will likely be killed in future struggles, no amount of minerals is worth such a toll in human lives. Moreover, in granting independence to the ARMM, perhaps some kind of trade agreement could be negotiated that would ensure continued access by the Philippines to these materials, along with a United Nations peace-keeping force to enforce a security treaty that would protect non-Muslims living in the Region. The UN troops would also guard against incursions by the MILF and the Philippines Government across each others borders. In addition the Government could offer resettlement into the Philippines to non-Muslims. The expenses for this relocation would be at least partially borne by the MILF.
One might ask why I as a foreigner am sticking my nose into the complex political affairs of this country. Very simply, the violence throughout Philippines and especially in Mindanao is equally lethal to Filipinos and non-Filipinos who are here. However, I readily acknowledge that I am not a political science or international relations expert. The dissolution between the Philippines And the ARMM that I'm proposing along with the details to carry it out probably sounds amateurish and naive.
But I contend that far reaching changes have to be made to the present state of affairs in order to bring about a permanent peace between the two sides. Nothing else has worked so far, and to believe that the status quo can continue to abide indefinitely is just magical thinking.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Running On Empty? Maybe Not
I'm no economist. Yet as an expat American residing in the Philippines, there are certain facets about the financial system here that I can't help but notice and which seem paradoxical for an "impoverished third world" country.
For example, as a whole, the Philippines has managed to avoid the fallout from the Great Recession and in some ways is faring better than the U.S. It's true that remittances from OFW's (overseas Filipino workers) have played an invaluable role in the economy of this country. But equally important is ensuring that this revenue reaches it's intended recipients and in turn that they and others with the means to do so have a safe place to deposit and invest their money. In this regard the banking system seems to have remained stable despite occasional scandals and failures involving individual institutions. In fact, considering all the fraud that takes place in both the public and private spheres here, it's amazing that the financial services network hasn't long since imploded. Instead, like "Old Man River", it just keeps rolling along. Likewise the Philippines Stock Exchange appears to be holding its own—no crashes and on the whole, no wild swings in stock prices.
Unlike its counterpart in the States, real estate here seems to still be a fairly safe bet, even though foreigners face certain ownership restrictions in this area. For the most part, there have been no precipitous declines in property values. If anything, buying a home is still a sound investment and is an aspiration within the reach of many middle-class Filipino families albeit with help from relatives. Part of this stability is due to the fact that home purchases here entail large down payments and short term mortgages. However, in a country where there is no mandatory title insurance—and in fact land titles and registration are often of dubious authenticity where they exist at all—this stability still flies in the face of common sense. For a much more eloquent discussion and guidance on real estate in the Philippines, visit "Phil FAQs".
Another area in which many business people in the Philippines have found their niche is franchising. Opportunities abound that may make this country a major player in this sector in Asia.
Sadly however, for the overwhelming majority of Filipinos, life is still hard. The main reason is too many people competing for resources that are too few or are inequitably distributed. Take public utilities for example. Electric bills in the Philippines are the highest in Asia, constituting on the average 11% of Filipinos' locally derived income.
Yet for many Americans, especially retirees whose sole means of support are earned benefits such as social security, life is also a struggle. For instance in parts of the U.S.that have cold winters, those on limited means may have to decide whether to spend their money either on food or on fuel for their furnaces, in other words a choice between heating and eating.
In the aforementioned case of energy bills, thanks to the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the Philippine peso (currently about 43 PHP to 1 USD), along with our frugal standard of living, for my wife and me this expense represents on the average about 01.5% of our monthly U.S..earned benefits. So for foreigners whose mains source of income is social security and whose life style is not extravagant, to the extent that various economic trends here continue on a steady course, life in the Philippines can be a rewarding and comfortable experience.
For example, as a whole, the Philippines has managed to avoid the fallout from the Great Recession and in some ways is faring better than the U.S. It's true that remittances from OFW's (overseas Filipino workers) have played an invaluable role in the economy of this country. But equally important is ensuring that this revenue reaches it's intended recipients and in turn that they and others with the means to do so have a safe place to deposit and invest their money. In this regard the banking system seems to have remained stable despite occasional scandals and failures involving individual institutions. In fact, considering all the fraud that takes place in both the public and private spheres here, it's amazing that the financial services network hasn't long since imploded. Instead, like "Old Man River", it just keeps rolling along. Likewise the Philippines Stock Exchange appears to be holding its own—no crashes and on the whole, no wild swings in stock prices.
Unlike its counterpart in the States, real estate here seems to still be a fairly safe bet, even though foreigners face certain ownership restrictions in this area. For the most part, there have been no precipitous declines in property values. If anything, buying a home is still a sound investment and is an aspiration within the reach of many middle-class Filipino families albeit with help from relatives. Part of this stability is due to the fact that home purchases here entail large down payments and short term mortgages. However, in a country where there is no mandatory title insurance—and in fact land titles and registration are often of dubious authenticity where they exist at all—this stability still flies in the face of common sense. For a much more eloquent discussion and guidance on real estate in the Philippines, visit "Phil FAQs".
Another area in which many business people in the Philippines have found their niche is franchising. Opportunities abound that may make this country a major player in this sector in Asia.
Sadly however, for the overwhelming majority of Filipinos, life is still hard. The main reason is too many people competing for resources that are too few or are inequitably distributed. Take public utilities for example. Electric bills in the Philippines are the highest in Asia, constituting on the average 11% of Filipinos' locally derived income.
Yet for many Americans, especially retirees whose sole means of support are earned benefits such as social security, life is also a struggle. For instance in parts of the U.S.that have cold winters, those on limited means may have to decide whether to spend their money either on food or on fuel for their furnaces, in other words a choice between heating and eating.
In the aforementioned case of energy bills, thanks to the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the Philippine peso (currently about 43 PHP to 1 USD), along with our frugal standard of living, for my wife and me this expense represents on the average about 01.5% of our monthly U.S..earned benefits. So for foreigners whose mains source of income is social security and whose life style is not extravagant, to the extent that various economic trends here continue on a steady course, life in the Philippines can be a rewarding and comfortable experience.
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