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Abejuela
How to Improve the Business Conditions in the Philippines
There are arguably a number of areas that the business conditions in the Philippines can improve
on. Clearly, we still have to work on our Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), infrastructures and legislations.
However, in my opinion, these specific areas are in need of improving and desperately wanting to revamp
our business climate: The MSMEs, traffic situation and internet speed.
Initial speculations of Duterte’s presidency had been negative due to fears of investment decline
and uncertain policies. But then, the Duterte Administration continues pushing for sustainable economic
growth. For example, around $20 billion of foreign investments received in 2017 through 2018. Almost
60% of the “Build, Build, Build” flagship projects of the government are underway. Vital legislations have
also been passed, such as the R.A. 11032 Ease of Doing Business Act, the TRAIN law and the revision of
the Corporation Code among others. These laudable achievements generate a more convivial business
atmosphere. And yet still, I believe there are a few matters that doggedly need attention.
The MSMEs. With the passage of RA 9501 Magna Carta for Small Enterprises and recently RA
11293 the Philippine Innovations Act, more discussions were made on the importance of Micro, Small and
Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to make a stronger economy. While these laws look good on paper (and
talks are cheap), it doesn’t follow that it will turn into concrete implementations. Access to financing
remains a hurdle for this sector, as banks’ requirements are sterner than ever. Pushed to the wall they
turn to high‐interest yielding creditors or loan sharks for additional capital. Too many limiting rules and
regulations also dampen the drive of the MSMEs to venture into potential wider markets. Actually, more
than 99% of the establishments in the Philippines are MSMEs, needless to say its importance. Hopefully,
with PPRD’s cognizance of MSMEs (starting with RA 11293), we’ll see palpable changes and developments
soon.
The Traffic Situation. Traffic lingers like a belligerent sickness pestering especially Metro Manila.
Inheriting the same affliction, the present administration is hell‐bent on finding tangible solutions. We
lose more than ₱3 billion daily due to traffic and rises as the situation worsens. Other issues ensue such
as quality of life, logistical woes, and extra fuel spending and so on. Hence, we seriously need a concrete
resolution and fast. Schemes like the UVRRP and the ban of provincial buses along EDSA were
implemented to ease up the congestions. Laughable and ridiculous options were also proposed such
schemes as one‐way EDSA traffic and by Brand traffic. The only viable key I see at this point is the
proposed Senate Bill 213, which will grant President Duterte emergency powers to employ all the
NECESSARY measures and resources to solve the traffic problem. Not only it is high time, it is the right
time while the presidency has this unprecedented political will.
The Internet Speed. In early 2019 a study state that despite being ranked as the world’s most
active in social media, the Philippines remains in the ranks of slowest internet speed. Another study
tagged the Philippine’s mobile internet speed as most inferior from other countries. There had been
clamor for ICT and financial technologies e.g. automated and mobile payments, cryptocurrencies, etc.
Application‐based (Apps) logistical systems such as Grab and Transpotify sprouted like mushrooms. Not
less than $50 billion projected revenue from BPOs by the end of 2020 is expected. This e‐commerce
depends on strong internet connection and weak internet speed will hamper its growth. I think we should
support President Duterte’s intimation on permitting external telecom firms ‐which already started with
Mislatel consortium.
I believe with the MSMEs strengthened, traffic situation alleviated and internet speed bolstered
the business conditions in the country will greatly improve. Not only foreign entities will find doing
business in the country more appealing and lucrative, even the locals will.
Sources and References:
Daguasi et al. (2019, April). Doing Business in the Philippines: Bucking the global slowdown, building for
the future. Manila, Philippines: Navarro Amper & Co.
Francisco and Canare (2019). The Challenges to SME Market Access in the Philippines and the Role of
Business Associations. Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
CNN Staff (2018, February 23). PH loses ₱3.5B a day due to Metro Manila traffic – JICA. Retrieved from
https://cnnphilippines.com/transportation/2018/02/23/JICA‐P3.5‐billion‐traffic.html
2019 State of Internet in the Philippines: Filipinos Lead the World in Internet and Social Media Use Despite
Challenges (2019, February). Retrieved from https://www.techpinas.com/2019/02/2019‐Philippines‐
Internet‐Social‐Media.html