In the Philippines, people will kill, lie, cheat, or do all sorts of machinations to be elected in office.
Why is that?
People often tell the joke: Why do robbers rob banks? Because that’s where the money is!
And so it is with Philippine politics: That’s where the money is!
Let me share this article published in Singapore that was posted on my Facebook timeline:
“If Philippine politics can only be listed as a public corporation, more investors will pour their money into one of the most profitable businesses in Asia,” Kurt LaVine, editor of Money Magazine, said.
Philippine politics has been listed as the second most profitable business in Asia, beating giant companies like Toyota Motors, Samsung, Keppel, and even its own San Miguel, and Ayala Corp.
The list is the result of a three-year study, consolidated by both Asian Development Bank (to whom the Philippines owed billions of dollars), and Business Insiders.
The report said that 21 percent of the Philippines’ annual budget ($10.5 billion) goes to politicians’ pockets every year, excluding bribes from private companies and charity donations.
The following is the list of Top 10 most profitable Asian companies, with Philippine politics at second spot.
1. Tata Consultancy Services (India) $13.15B
2. Philippine Politics (Philippines) $10.5B or 21% of the country’s 2014 budget
3.Tencent Holdings (China) $9.8B
4. Baidu (China) $7.8B
5. Galaxy Entertainment (Hong Kong) $6.48B
6. HDFC Bank Limited (India) $5.6B
7. Sun Pharma Industries (India) $4.15B
8. Naver (South Korea) $3.05B
9. Tata Motors (India) $3.01
10)Avago Technologies (Singapore) $2.98
The mighty San Miguel Corp., with a net income of $658 million, is listed at No. 19, while Ayala Corp. is listed at No. 26 with $349 million net profit.
Politicians are also making the most money during natural calamities where foreign donations pour. An assessment of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) reveals that the Philippine government received 35 percent more donations than it needed. However, the victims have yet to receive the aid.
“Philippine Politics is a high-risk, but extremely has a high return in investment. A politician who runs for mayor in a small town can spend P50 million during election, but when he wins, he can make more than 10 times that amount during the course of his three-year term. No real business could promise 1,000 percent return in three years except in Philippine Politics”, the report said.
In related news, the International Committee on the Red Cross, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees are planning to send independent bodies to investigate the case of typhoon Yolanda, and to oversee the proper distribution of aid, especially those donated by other countries.
The report said some non-monetary aids are seen sold in public places by unidentified groups believed to be associated with some high-profile government officials.”
Now, are you planning to run for public office? Why not? It might be the best break for you!
But you better be prepared for the three Gs: Guns, Goons, Gold.
Put on a thick facial mask that can withstand all sorts of verbal ego-busting, downright degrading character assassination, and aspersions to your person or to your family. Good luck!
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Author’s email: whelmayap@yahoo.com
