Deregulation

MORE often than not, the meaning and implications of the word “Deregulation” bring to mind not only a good amount of happy thoughts but also uncertain feelings among the general public. It ushers in not merely the joyful expectation of freedom from law but also the horrible feelings of exploitation from avaricious and voracious individuals and companies. Reason: The idea of “Regulation” sounds offensive to human rights and dignity. On the other hand, the thought of “Deregulation” makes the heart beat faster while the mind becomes fanciful. In other words, especially during these times when the laws of the land are only applicable to the poor while the rich are above the rules of social norms—the absence of regulatory provisions appears not only welcome but also very inspiring.

Specifically in the Philippines, a concrete example comes to mind: The reality of the regulation of salaries on one hand, and the deregulation of fuel on the other hand. The common people perfectly know and feel the contradiction in this practice of rather long observance in the country. While the government carefully and even grudgingly counts every peso added to the salaries of workers and employees in the private sector, it however plays practically deaf, blind and dumb when the different fuel corporations decidedly and repeatedly raise their respective selling prices—lowering these a little now and then in order to confuse their buyers, not really to lessen their financial burden.

Question: In the world of trade and industry, which is better—to protect the consumers from exploitation or to promote the interest of business. viz., regulation or deregulation? This compound and complex issue has no one definite and defined answer. There are however the marked empirical data in certain otherwise prosperous countries that faced bankruptcy specifically on account of deregulation unlimited. And the main reasons for this experience can be counted among the following:

The betrayal of the basic rationale of governments which is to protect and promote the welfare of their respective people—rather than to affirm and advance the interest of private business corporation in terms of more and more profits. The corruption of public regulators who as manipulators are more interested in enriching themselves—instead of faithfully attending to their regulatory tasks. The greed especially of multinational business corporations in their fervent and continuous pursuit of more and more profits—without consideration of the good precisely of their own clients.

The question really is not simply regulation or deregulation—but which to regulate, why and how!

OVCRUZ, JCD
5 August 2011

Delirious SONA and ground reality

THE spacious and splendid place was well guarded and safeguarded with the required big number of personnel, gun power, big shields plus shinny sticks. The proper ambiance was duly prepared and the air of expectation was accordingly nurtured. The well selected—mostly rich and famous—guests were distinctly clothed, correctly greeted and after some time respectfully seated. The usual long whispers and rehearsed gestures were ubiquitously made. The waiting was fervent, the expectation was tense.

Then, after due vigil and much suspense, the star of the day appeared—with the standard smile and the standard walk. Loud claps were made and respectful cheers were heard. Everybody then sat down, kept still, quiet and anxious. The detailed protocol was then correctly observed, the proper introductions were made. Thereafter, the focus of the whole exercise stood up, faced the audience and began reading his speech prepared by chosen writers. Every now and then, guarded claps were either gleefully or dutifully made. So too, modest cheers were heard from time to time.

The SONA cited delirious facts and triumphant figures. The speaker recited a litany of eminent achievements and painted an enviable present in terms of socio-economic blessings and promises. There was even mention of the coming of one relatively new boat to add to the one very old boat to fight the super power in Asia. And there was even mention of some kind of a transformation of the Filipino people—such as in terms of equality and honesty, satisfaction and harmony.

The GROUND REALITY however was lamentable—accompanied by long marches of loud protests in the different regions of the country. Angry shouts were made and fighting flags of different colors were waved. All these were one in saying and insisting on the following sad and saddening facts in the country: There is extensive poverty and intense misery among the majority of the people. There is no work available, no employment open. Human rights are violated while human lives remain cheap, salaries are regulated. Fuel is deregulated. Prices of basic commodities go up and down. Fathers and mothers continue to leave their families behind to seek work abroad. Men and women do the same, notwithstanding the danger they face and the indignity their suffer in foreign lands. A big ugly effigy was burned.

There must be many things definitely wrong between the extreme optimism proclaimed by the SONA and the realistic pessimism of the GROUND REALITY sustained by the people. Both could not be right as they were world apart in contradictions. Question: On whose side is the truth? In whose lives is the fact?


OVCRUZ, JCD
3 August 2011

Wang-wang

IT is not only according to the dictate of reason but also in due deference to the truth that what people say and do—especially so when it is no less than the highest public official in the land who speaks—should be well analyzed and duly understood. Otherwise, downright lies or deliberate duplicity could easily stand for reality.

This is about the then infamous and now famous “Wang-Wang” issue. Before, it had a rather shameful significance and shameful connotation. Now, all of a sudden, it was given a glorious meaning to the extent that it was made to stand for the supposed value-transformation of both public officials and private citizens. In other words, while “Wang-Wang” was then but a big excuse, now it is made a great symbol.

Before, the “No Wang-Wang!” order was simply intended as an excuse for late arrivals. Late arrivals to this and that event were alleged to be caused by the non-used of “Wang-Wang”. Traffic being big and long plus no “Wang-Wang” equals late arrival for this or that occasion. The reality however is such late—at times very late—arrivals were simply due to the usual late rising up from bed or simply on account a laid-down disposition. The truth is that even Palace appointments themselves were at times attended to rather late in the day—not really because the Chief-in-Command was very occupied doing this and that, but simply due to a take-it-easy attitude and pursuant unenviable habit.

Now, the “No Wang-Wang!” was all of a sudden recently proffered as a noble and ennobling transformative symbol. Thesis: Everybody is equal. Contra: Then why the use of big and formidable rushing convoy of big black blinking cars? Thesis: Nobody is given special treatment? Contra: They why the KKK? Thesis: No one is spared for the commission of corruption. Contra: Why the Jueteng Lords?

One thing is certain: The inventor is turning a reality of shame to a symbol of nobility should be duly recognized, given applause, even awarded a large and shining medal. It is ingenious and inventive. This creativity becomes even more precious because a good number of Filipinos seemed to have swallowed it hook, line and sinker.

But then, it takes very much more than subterfuge, gimmickry and/or duplicity to vanquish the truth which is objective reality. Such tricks might stand for a time. But it is time itself that eventually makes the truth appear. This is the standing lesson of history—both here and abroad.

OVCRUZ, JCD
1 August 2011