The wisdom of compromise

The announcement that both the Senate and the House of Representatives will meet next month to start the debate on revising six economic provisions is great news. They each emphasized, however, that the reforms would be tackled “by way of legislation.” The plenary debates will be conducted and voted upon in their respective chambers as it is done in lawmaking.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte should be commended for the wise move. It is one thing to say “we are open to reforms” and quite another to see it through within a time frame. It has been postponed too long because of political squabbles. The revisions would allow foreigners to bring in capital and own land and corporations like Filipinos. “They can own 100 percent, including public utilities and media entities,” Belmonte added.

It demonstrates once again the folly of hardline positions that hinder more than advance reforms.

Voltaire’s teaching is very apt for this development when he said “the perfect should not come in the way of the good.”

The original quote in French is “Le mieux est l’ennemi du bien.” Its literal translation would be “the best is the enemy of good”, but there have been other translations one of which is “the perfect is the enemy of the good.”

A comment on it in “Famous Quotes” says “pursuing the “best” solution may end up doing less actual good than accepting a solution that, while not perfect, is effective. One could also infer that the best makes that which is good seem to be worth less than it is.” This is a good norm to follow.

Constitutional reform advocates would do well to support this move even if it is less than what they had hoped for. After all, in the end any reform envisioned, whether political or economic is how to ease poverty in the country. Other countries in our region have moved ahead because of their welcoming policy to direct foreign investments. We have done the opposite and look where we are, at the bottom of the heap.

Democratic politics is about compromise. Although this is a legislative initiative it would be good also if the Palace were to support the Enrile-Belmonte bill. It will signal a message to hesitant investors that the Philippines is “a country moving in one direction.” Let us all hope that it will be done finally. 

Senate President Ponce Enrile answered when asked for a time frame in the FVR Lecture Series, “within the year.” We are now in August so that means in about four months, close to Christmas. It would be a Christmas gift to the Filipino people looking for jobs for a better life.

This column is confident that with two strong-minded sponsors pushing for the bill, they will be able to overcome obstacles because there will be. It is good that Speaker Belmonte has spoken ahead of time that there will be no talk on constitutional convention, constituent assembly, people’s initiative etc. etc. This is an economic bill.

At the same time, it must be clear to all of us that passing the bill into law, although an important step, is only the first hurdle. There will be others especially when it comes to implementation.  

It isn’t a magic wand and will demand from all of us the determination to make it work and soon.

We should learn the lessons of what happened in Washington recently. What happened in Washington had less to do with the economy although it was the more visible factor.

The loss of confidence goes deeper. It is about “political brinkmanship”, leaving what is necessary to the last. To many the US government was not working if politics comes in the way of sound lawmaking. As such, it is a high risk and would be unpredictable when it comes to honoring its debts.

The Enrile-Belmonte bill is not the end of the effort if all goes well and we finally have a law attractive to direct foreign investments. We must also have the will to enforce it and that goes for sound and effective regulations to mutually benefit the country and the investors.

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MISCELLANY: There is no argument that it is time the Philippine government and the MILF agree to end the war in Mindanao. If the meeting between President Aquino and MILF leader Murad Ibrahim could bring about peace that is fine with me. But like many others I am puzzled why the meeting for peace between the Philippine government and the MILF should have taken place in Tokyo. Was there a special reason?

I get the latest developments in the SMI (Sagittarius Mines) copper project in Tampakan thanks to its communications director, John Arnaldo. Recently they have started lectures and meetings with students and professionals on corporate social responsibility. That is what responsible mining is all about  being transparent and informing the public before the rumor mongers get to them.

I don’t know if some high profile figures issuing press statements know that the US is not a signatory to the UNCLOS. According to Dr. Emmanuel Yujuico, a research fellow at London School of Economics on Southeast Asia International Affairs, “the media frenzy over Secretary Clinton’s remarks at ARF are largely manufactured.”

He says US claims to participate in this debate are very thin. “Not only is it not contesting any of the islands, but it does not even abide by the international law pertaining to disputes over maritime jurisdiction. Hence, suggestions that America is willing to adjudicate on this matter are scarcely believable.”

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Last Friday night I was at the CCP to watch Noli Me Tangere  The Musical at the Tanghalang Aurelio Tolentino (Little Theater ) at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. This column urges young Filipinos to see the musical. It may have a romantic, soap opera slant but it is a good start in appreciating the Rizal novel.

The musical has been revived to launch the national campaign for high school students in cooperation with the Kabataang Rizal Movement on our hero’s 150th anniversary.

Congratulations to Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, Ryan Cayabyab and Paul Morales for putting together the musical. It is a worthy and difficult endeavor to bring the message of Rizal’s serious novel to the masses.

Opening night was August 5 but it will show till the end of August with the main performance at 8 p.m. and the matinee at 3. Those interested should bet in touch with Yanna Acosta or Lorelei Celestino at 8323661 or 0908-8941384.