Pro-biz better than pro-trips

During the last two weeks, President Bongbong Marcos has been seen a lot during inaugurations, ribbon cuttings and project launches hosted by private business. Among the big-ticket events that PBBM went to were the project launch of San Miguel Corporation for the TPLEX extension from Rosario to San Juan, La Union.

While the TPLEX-ex project is classified as an “extension,” I would dare say that it is the major component of the TPLEX that will boost tourism and development in the province of La Union by cutting the travel time drastically. Many local tourists and developers have expressed appreciation for and interest in the area but have had second thoughts due to the time it currently takes to get there.

After the TPLEX-ex launch, the President was guest of honor at the inauguration and energization of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines’ 500-kilovolt transmission line capable of delivering 8,000 megawatts of electricity. In a country where many provinces lack dependable and affordable electricity, major transmission lines are what we need to raise our economic status.

Last Sunday, I received a video message from Benjamin Yao, head of STEELASIA, including the speech delivered by President Bongbong Marcos during the inauguration of the STEELASIA plant in Compostela, Cebu. Arranging the visit and participation of the President was no simple task that had been in the plans for many months.

I have written about STEELASIA before and the fact that there is a serious need for the government to recognize the efforts to establish steel plants in the country and to produce steel products instead of importing practically everything beginning with staples, steel beams and even roofing materials.

PBBM being at the inauguration and other such events shows that the President is pro local business and not just pro-travel for foreign investments. These businesses, investors and industries are already on the ground and actively contributing to infrastructure development and economic activity.

President Marcos Jr. and his staff should arrange more of these appearances and events because it also brings attention to the developments and investments happening all over the country during his term. In terms of image building, these make a positive difference for the President.

At this stage, PBBM could make a serious difference by consulting local business groups what immediate actions, assistance or engagement would motivate companies to do more. About a month ago, the proposed bill creating the “Bulacan EcoZone” lapsed into law and supporters and people of Bulacan province sighed with relief that PBBM did not veto it like he did the first version.

So yes, President Bongbong Marcos should focus on spending more time and energy highlighting actual business developments because it is proof of investors’ confidence in the country.

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Early last week, I was informed by my friend Levi that he was at the Philippine Heart Center for tests and an angiogram. I told him he went to the right hospital because of the level of expertise as well as the comparatively affordable rates of PHC.

The next time I heard from him was during his trip back to the province. It turns out that his cardiologist found two blocked arteries and when he asked for a bill of estimate, he learned that he was going to need a little over P800,000. Yes, eight hundred thousand pesos.

Levy is an “average Joe” who runs a small shop where he gets his money for food, utilities and the education of his kids. Yes, he has friends and relatives, but P800,000 is not something you raise in a few weeks. Unfortunately, he is not a senior citizen who would have been given a discount.

In this situation, Levi will either be pawning anything of value or go around with a begging bowl to friends, politicians and government agencies or a congressman and a senator to get a referral and subsidy.

If all else fails, Levy will have to take his chances with online recommended treatments, mix-up all sorts of herbs and juices and make peace with everybody and, like many Filipinos, prepare to meet his maker.

In the meantime, I hear from different members of media how the PhilHealth has been turning over billions of pesos in member contributions to that highly suspicious Maharlika Fund scheme of government. Why should PhilHealth funds coming from members be touched, when the money can help heal people like Levi so he can continue to live and be a productive citizen of the Philippines?

I will not go out on a limb and accuse administration officials of having nefarious schemes for the billions of pesos that are now going into the Maharlika Fund, but trust is the farthest from my mind, considering the fact that our neighbors in Malaysia have all been robbed of RM 2.67 billion ($700 million) through a government-run strategic development company called 1MDB.

While they have charged a former prime minister with large scale corruption, many other players are still on the run, while several million US dollars have already been spent for lavish parties, fast cars and the company of Hollywood celebrities to grace their parties.

The Philippine government has spent decades and millions of dollars chasing after ill-gotten wealth, has been taken advantage of by lawyers, brokers and officials and now we want to sit and watch a possible re-enactment of how to rob a nation with their eyes wide open? Hell, NO!

Give those PhilHealth funds to PHC or DOH where they save lives!

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