Obstacle Course - Sketches

"Philippine Urban Maze" is the title of a study prepared by Raymund Magdaluyo and Michael Rabonza of the Asian Institute of Management - W.SyCip Policy Center. The two should have their phones swept for bugs, now that their survey of 50 "unknown businessmen" has gotten the ire of the high and mighty. Their names might end up one day in a "3 Ds" white paper.

The AIM study lists urban-related problems that hurt Philippine businesses. Among the "unknowns" mentioned in the study were architect Jun Palafox, Emiliano Garchitorena of the Philippine Tour Operators Association, Guillermo Luz of the Makati Business Club and Donald Dee of the Employers' Confederation of the Philippines. Don't worry, gentlemen, now your names will be remembered by President Erap.

And don't worry, others are also complaining. Yesterday, the president of the private think-tank Economic Intelligence Unit Philippines Inc. said multinational corporations, although generally upbeat about the economy, considered governance as the biggest hindrance to investments in this country.

Concerns about "governance" include red tape, stability and consistency of policies, and a "cumbersome" legal system. For the first time, the multinationals also expressed worry about cronyism and corruption.

Doing business in Metro Manila, according to those surveyed for the AIM study, is like running an obstacle course. The study is really more about urban blight, which translates into lower productivity and higher operating costs.

Thus, in a list of "issues that need to be prioritized," the businessmen ranked basic infrastructure such as solid waste management or garbage collection facilities as their major concern, followed by the proliferation of squatters and poor public transportation. They are also concerned about horrendous traffic, the cost of labor as well as the inadequacy of water services, health care, education and livelihood development.

Anyone who has traveled abroad will agree with the businessmen's observation that we lack parks and green areas, that our sidewalks are disappearing and there are poor facilities for pedestrians. In Paris and other developed cities, the most expensive pieces of real estate are those that face patches of greenery. They put a premium on gardens, and you wonder why this isn't so in this tropical country. In Metro Manila, pollution drove people to the air-conditioned malls.

The businessmen are concerned about the quality of life in Metro Manila -- "urban designs that would nurture creative minds." I'm afraid such designs are now impossible in Metro Manila, except in some areas in the south where there's still room for expansion and the development of planned communities.

Another list of "issues perceived to be most urgent" contained similar concerns, but with "peace and order and political stability" topping the list. AIM-W.SyCip Policy Center has clarified that the businessmen believe this issue is already being addressed by the government.

Those who disagree with the "obstacle course" observation need only consider the monstrous traffic jam on the first night of the Benny Hinn "healing crusade" at the Quirino Grandstand last Wednesday.

Will someone tell the government that the roads around Rizal Park are major thoroughfares that must be kept open to traffic at all times, especially on weekdays, and especially at night when the trucks start rolling out of Manila's port? Roxas Boulevard stopped being a promenade for caretelas after liberation.

Over in Mandaluyong, traffic was tied up for hours last Wednesday because Kalentong street and Maysilo Circle were closed for the city's sixth anniversary celebration (plus -- believe it or not -- the 55th anniversary of its liberation from the Japanese).

Why can't they do these where they won't bother motorists? Is there anyone with brains in this government? You call this moving forward?

BUZZ: Press Secretary Rod Reyes left for the United States last Sunday for a two-week break and medical check-up. His assistant, Ike Gutierrez, is officer-in-charge at the Office of the Press Secretary. Before Reyes' departure, he asked in jest, "May silya pa kaya ako pagbalik ko (Will I still have a seat when I return)?"