A Marshall Plan

I hate to say it, but we need a mini-Marshall plan to rehabilitate our damaged country. The extent of the damage would probably run to the multi-billions and with us still suffering from the effects of this global financial crunch, it would take years before we can rehabilitate our state infrastructure.

And, much as want to be pretty optimistic, everyone should probably leave the elections behind and focus on rehabilitation.

It is at this juncture in our history that we have to face the fact that these disasters have dampened the election fever so much that anyone, or any party which would beat the drum for their bet at this point would have to suffer public backlash. We have been beaten to a pulp by Mother Nature herself, and our country has been ravaged like we were bombed thrice by an aggressor in war.

Part of this mini-Marshall plan entails putting the elections at the backburner. A change of administration by next year would derail any recovery and rehabilitation. Everyone hates Gloria and that's a fact. But, it is also reality that tells us that we cannot afford to slacken in rehabilitation efforts.

Of course, it is the natural consequence in every calamity that there will be unscrupulous traders hoarding stuff or selling them for a humongous profit. The NBI has already said that they will run after these hoarders and economic saboteurs, but the fact is, we need a government with a rock solid will to deter these monsters from committing inhumane acts.

Not to say that there will be businessmen who'll cash in on our misery and corner every contract for nation rebuilding. Those who consider themselves friends of this government will squeeze every influence for that billion peso contract. Expect criminal syndicates in suits waiting in the wings, and those members of rice cartels and food traders.

We cannot afford to be doubly victimized, first by an angry Mother Nature, and second, greedy bastards in suits (or barongs). We need order. We need a force that would make everyone toe the line or else. The reality is, we cannot trust this government with the very responsibility of rebuilding our Nation because it has a spotty record in the past.

Yes, we have a damaged energy sector. Yes, these typhoons destroyed our roads, our bridges and our agricultural lands. Cities and towns have been devastated. And our people have been traumatized. What do we do except rise up from our chairs and start rebuilding our damaged lives.

Yet, we simply cannot do it with a Damocles sword hanging above our muddy heads. The level of distrust or mistrust in our government is at its all-time high and for us to simply repair these damage to our Nation, we need a government whom we can all trust. Not a government with a spotty record.

I simply hate to say it, but Mother Nature herself taught us a very valuable lesson---we simply cannot change our society while this government continues to misgovern.

As what a colleague of mine in the reform business said yesterday---Mother Nature has led us the way. These typhoons were providential events that tell us one thing---change begins now, not in 2010.

Martial rule is the way forward.

Analysis of the Political Situation: The Businessmen

The influential Makati Business Club (MBC) already announced that they are also taking part in the December 12 interfaith rally. MBC spokesman Bertie Lim said that businessmen are sick and tired of what's happening and they'll go "all out" come December 12. Of course, if it's the MBC already talking, then, by deduction, the big Ayala-Zobel group is already there. And you know how things turn when this group is already in the picture. We saw the Ayalas on stage when Gloria the Pretender was being sworn into office by former Chief Justice Hilarion Davide. Now, if the MBC is there, surely the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) will not be very far behind.

Now, we have'nt heard of the Philippine Chinese-Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) which is being influenced by Chinese tycoon Lucio Tan. We all know where Tan stands politically. Tan is a close friend of this administration and there's no way for him to go to the other side. Likewise, the Concepcions, Yulos and garments tycoon Dee are known Arroyo allies. Even the Filipino-Chinese Business Club would dare not to oppose Arroyo. In fact, the very head of this Club revels of his enormous connection with the First Couple, being "allegedly" instrumental in ousting Estrada.

What about the Lopezes and Manny Pangilinan of PLDT? Obviously, some would say that the Lopezes would oppose Gloria and would probably take part, albeit, in the backroom. Yet, there are some insinuations that a deal was forged between Gabby Lopez and the first Couple in Hongkong. It involves the Lopez crown jewel, Meralco. Now, we are not privy to their talks and again, I don't want to speculate. But, there are deafening buzz about the Lopezes allegedly selling themselves out.

Pangilinan, meanwhile, is really not a political guy, but if push comes to shove, we may yet see him, again within the inner circle of the business powers in the likes of the Ayalas and the Cojuangcos. Oh, speaking about Danding Cojuangco. Danding's political machine, the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) has now merged with the Lakas faction of JDV-FVR and you know where that faction stands at this point. So, count Danding in.

Like in previous socio-political upheavals, the likes of SM's Henry Sy, Jollibee Group's Tankathiongs and others would just be fence-sitters. Having no big stake in government transactions, these groups are well entrenched already and it does'nt concern them if this government falls or not. Regardless of who heads this big syndicate called government, these tycoons would not dare rock the boat for fear of future reprisals. This, usually, is the attitude of Chinese businessmen in the Philippines. Politics, for them, is not within the business agenda.

Now, if you see, it seems that there's a stronger force against Gloria at this point. Eventhough Gloria has her Tan, Concepcion, Yulos and Dees, these will not be enough to counter the formidable business alliance ranged against her. Tan is actually a weak component in Gloria's corporate group. Tan is known to have a pragmatic approach to politics. If one or some of these businessmen see that the winds are changing and it's not going the way to Gloria, we may yet see a silent entourage of businessmen going to the other side and striking deals left and right with the Anti-Arroyo group.