Looking back, looking forward

Of the many issues and concerns this column had raised over the last decade, a number have been filed away after either having been given due attention and therefore resolved, or simply overtaken by new developments and rendered obsolete.

An example would be about those independent power producers or IPPs, a creation of the Ramos administration that became controversial when high electricity rates were traced to that infamous “take-or-pay” provision that enticed investors to plunk in their money to build new power plants.

But the brouhaha over this controversy has been overtaken by many other issues. And somehow, after the lengthy congressional investigations, the topic has lost its appeal. Well, power rates are still high, but at least, we don’t have those irritating round-the-clock brownouts anymore.

Other similar issues are those that dealt with the pre-need industry, anti-money laundering and the rise of terrorism. 

Slowly changing

Some issues have changed complexion over time. This column’s continued call for greater consumer protection against ATM fraud, for example, is being heeded by banks albeit at a pace that is restricted by technology and their allotted budgets.

Whereas before there was little help to warn automated teller machine users on how to safely protect their transactions and themselves from unscrupulous souls, withdrawing money these days using vending machines has become a lot safer.

Similarly, banks are displaying more prudence with regards issuing credit cards especially to those consumers that do not have the appropriate financial capability and discipline to use these modern-day money instruments.

To a large extent, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas under the leadership of its current governor Amado Tetangco Jr. has been pivotal in bringing about greater protection to consumers on both issues. Similarly, the central bank has been largely responsible for curbing anti-money laundering and protecting the peso.

Marine safety is another concern. Even if the Maritime Industry Authority has tried to keep vigilance over ship owners regarding the sea-worthiness of their vessels and other problems, there are still lapses that lead to shipping accidents that have claimed the lives of many passengers.

Nagging headaches

Not surprisingly though, there are matters that persist in being headaches. The problem of the government’s budget deficit, for instance, is a saga that may not see any resolution for some time. Balancing the budget is a problem too formidable for just one person to handle, it seems.

We’ve had many good men who’ve headed the Department of Budget Management, only to end up throwing their hands up in exasperation as year in and year out, collections fall short of set targets.

Of late, this column has been harping on government inaction on commuter welfare. I’m sure if our good secretary of transport and communication would be asked to take the elevated commuter trains, especially the one that plies EDSA, every morning and afternoon, he would act on the problem at once.

But since he has a chauffered vehicle to bring him around the city, he couldn’t care a whit even if the queue to get inside the terminal is three blocks long and five-people abreast. One of these days, our police could get a riot call resulting from commuters’ exasperation.

More areas of ongoing concern

There are many more areas that this column has tackled, and will continue to tackle. The plight of our marginal farmers and fishermen under threat from the ongoing liberalization of world trade is not accorded satisfactorily attention.

The relocation of two more oil companies out of Pandacan is still an ongoing concern by local residents even if Petron has already announced its plans to move out pending construction of its new storage facility at the newly reclaimed Manila Bay area.

Until when would Shell and Caltex dig in their heels and refuse to consider relocating to a less congested and safer area is anybody’s guess. Perhaps they’re waiting for the community to move out?

“Sin tax” and church pressure

The reproductive health bill continues to be in limbo as government executives and state legislators are immobilized by pressure from the Roman Catholic Church and pro-life advocates. Meanwhile, population growth continues to outpace national productivity rates.

Introducing changes in the tax structure is one recent concern that this column has picked up. With a moratorium on new taxes, there is that urgent need to find new ways to improving the state’s revenue collection capability; streamlining current tax laws, thus, becomes imperative.

In particular, tax revenues from industries like tobacco and liquor – or “sin” products – should be rationalized so that the cost to society is shouldered by those that patronize its consumption. But the lobby that was successful in giving the Lucio Tan-owned Fortune Tobacco (now merged with Philip Morris) discriminatory protection for the past almost 15 years is still pretty much around and flexing its muscles.

There is hope

The list of burning issues is long, and is even growing. It looks like this column will never run out of topics to tackle. Rest be assured that BizLinks will remain vigilant in delivering against a promise made 10 years ago on the eve of the publication of the very first column.

BizLinks will continue to expose hidden issues, highlight those begging for action from the government and the private sector, and call for action before these issues develop to become a national crisis or disaster.

Thank you to all our readers. Together, I am confident that we can contribute, even in a small way, to effect much needed change that will continue hopefully to bringing about a better nation.

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Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25^th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.