Strong-hand rule needed

By Ben Contreras

I WAS requested to write about how our President keeps on inviting foreign investors and yet does so little to solve our peace and order problem. Another issue is about the congestion at the Manila pier where thousands of containers are not being withdrawn at the normal pace due to the truck ban. Lastly, it’s about red tape in getting a business license or its renewal process.

Inviting and attracting foreign investors has always been part of a President’s job. One of the factors that attract foreign investors is peace and order. The shrewd ones would say, “When there’s trouble, there’s money.”

Solving the peace and order problem needs a strong and incorruptible leader. PNoy may be trying his best to be one but having inherited a system already deeply rooted, the chances of being eaten up by the rotten system is more likely.

One only has to look at the people around our President. The pragmatic would say that to change the old evil system is only possible if we eliminate a generation or two.

Put in a few good men to institute reforms. Chances are, they’d get inflicted by the virus instead of healing. This reality is going to last a few generations more, if not forever. Some would say that Marcos would have been it had greed been tamed. But no matter how you tame greed, it will always grow.

Peace and order are basically about economics. When there is hunger, there is temptation to commit crime. When there is social inequity, there is insurrection. Our country is hounded by these, and aggravated by secessionism and indoctrination.

Personally, I would go for a strong-hand rule from one who has a heart for the country and the people.

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The problem at the Manila port is not about cargo congestion but about a stupid truck ban which by all indications point to money. My two weeks stay last month saw a lot of businessmen cursing this truck ban imposed by the city government of Manila.

Foreign vessels have refused to carry goods to the Philippines. Around 40 vessels are waiting for their turn to unload. The snailpace withdrawal of container vans affect their schedules. Perishable goods are either rotting in the piers or are slapped with huge demurrage, making the cost of goods higher. It makes us wonder why our President cannot do anything about it or against a local government.

There is no need for extra or emergency powers. All it takes is the will to do what is right and legal. Those who seek emergency powers for PNoy may have their own hidden agenda.

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As for red tape in getting a business license or renewal, I believe it continues to happen everywhere. The victims are usually foreigners or known corporations who make their mark all over the country. Small-time crooks victimize small businesses like sari-sari stores.

A few years ago, a foreigner came to the country with the intent to do business here. Upon seeing the pile of requirements, he wasted no time to say, “Goodbye, Philippines.” I guess we all understand that the more complicated the system is, the more money can be collected along the way.

When will we be able to do the right thing?