democracy

Democracy, an already over-used term in the Philippines. If before, it was such a sacred word and a word everyone keeps in their heart. Now, it is so abused that everyday people would hear it most especially on the streets, where people rally and shout demokrasya, kalayaan etc.

In a speech given by ABS-CBN Senior Vice President for News and Current Affairs Maria Ressa, as she accepted the TOWNS Award at Malacañang on October 18, 2007, she stated:

"For two decades now, my friends and I have had an ongoing debate: why isn’t our country doing better? First, it was because we didn’t have democracy. Then it was because we had too much democracy. Now it’s because our democracy is too mangled and torn by vested interests – often distorting truth and shattering certainty. What can we believe in? Where do we find hope?"

The country is experiencing a lot of difficuties, the question is what or who seems to be the culprit of this? Of course, the Philippines also has a slice of good news and comparatively speaking, this country is a lot better that other countries like those in Africa I guess. But the Philippines is far behind from its neighbors. The country was second in Asia in terms of economy, growth, etc in the 1950's. Now all other countries caught up and never looked back. The islands stayed in the bottom part. The Philippines was once the envy of Asia, the Pearl of the Orient. Now, I don't see the pearl shining anymore. What was the problem? What happenned?

We asked for democracy and freedom, it was given. Nothing happened. We asked for a change of government, it was changed. Nothing happened. Now, a new government is being wished by many.

With all these, What can we believe in? Where do we find hope?
There is hope for sure, that I can answer.

high low

The Philippines is growing quite well. The peso hits a 7-year high rate at around Php 44.31 versus the US dollar. And to think that it reached almost the Php 60 mark more than a year ago. The Philippine stocks are also setting an all time high record. Businesses in the country are flourishing. Investors are gaining a lot from this growth. The peso is in fact the second best performing currency in Asia, only next to India's. It is no surprise that foreign companies are bullish in investing in the country. HSBC even predicted that the peso will continue to rise by 41-42 by the end of the year. This is a good news for many. Even Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself is proudly saying it to foreign businessmen when she visited the US, China and India in the past weeks. With all the controversy hounding her, the good news of the economy was her weapon against detractors.

On the other hand, this news brings sadness and frustration for millions of the Filipinos. A good and strong economy should be a good sign for all countrymen, but not all are happy. OFW's are one reason why the peso is gaining strength, but they are also affected negatively by it. They remit millions to their families in the Philippines. If before their 100 US dollars is Php 500, now it's just Php 440. Families of OFW's do not really feel happy about the good news of our economy. They now receive less as compared to before. And there are around 10 million OFW's around the globe who are affected by the growth. Very ironic.

OFW's should not feel sad about it. It is true that the value of their money is now low as compared a few years ago, but if this growth continues, then they don't have to work abroad anymore. One must think of the long term development. If this growth continues, then there will be more companies investing in the country, more tourists to visit the country, thus more employment, more infrastructure and a more progressive society awaits everyone. Of course, it will not be an easy ride. It will take time and prayers. A good economy must be also a good sign for the Filipinos, whether they are OFW or not. The country might be inadequate in a lot of things, but at least the economy is improving and with it comes development of the entire nation. Of course, all these depends also on how the country is governed. The economy is high but do people actually feel it?. Well, that's another topic. From now, one still needs to pray for continuous growth.

Who knows tomorrow the peso might reach an 8-year high.

of growth and politics

For the past weeks and months, the Philippines was and is on the rise. Well, economically speaking that is. The country's economy has been improving a lot. The Philippine Stock Exchange is rising, the peso is getting stronger, there are now more investors in the country, inflation rate is slowly decreasing and a whole lot of economic improvements. The country is experiencing growth nobody expected. Of course, it is a very good thing. After the Asian Crisis exactly a decade ago, it was hard to imagine that the country could recover in less than 10 years. Now, one can see more buildings being constructed, more BPO companies, more infrastructure being built and the focus is not just Manila but the provinces as well. All these things are good and great. If not for the political controversies hounding the country, the Philippines could have even been stronger. A lot of issues are plaguing the country. One of it is the ZTE scandal, which involves resigned COMELEC chair Benjamin Abalos and the First Gentleman himself. There are also the Cyber-Ed Project and the Hello, Garci scandal. How weird and funny (and sometimes wise and stupid) politicians are in the government. They make the biggest mistakes and ask the wrong questions and everyting becomes so controversial. Now, Filipinos eat politics for breakfast, lunch and dinner (together with showbiz news). All these make the Philippines a fun place to live. One is experiencing growth in the economy, and also has politicians as the public's entertainers.