Is it ‘go’ or ‘gone’

Long before he finally agreed to run for President, many of us supported Digong Duterte in his campaign for Federalism. It was for many a solution that would bring about fairness and equality in governance and resources while allowing regions and provinces the right to self-determination. Even my friends and associates residing in Metro Manila were very supportive of Federalism because at the end of the day, many of us have our roots in provinces and regions outside Metro Manila.

Two years after becoming President, I am told that “Federalism” will hardly be mentioned in the President’s 2nd State of the Nation Address. Given everything that has been happening in the last year, people might not think much of it, but if the very thing that catapulted President Duterte into the limelight now becomes a side bar or a mere mention, it basically says that Federalism is no longer a priority or was just a convenient foot stool to the Office of the President.

Press Secretary Martin Andanar assures us that the process is still very much in the works and the President has been scouting for people to be part of the 24-man panel who will be tasked to shepherd the leaders and followers to join the journey to establishing “Federalism.” Perhaps the President will really ramp things up after one year when we have another election and where he might be able to get a bigger majority of his candidates in the Senate as well as Congress. Either way, it would be a monumental loss or misstep to relax now or coast along because now would be a good time to do some serious and intelligent public information campaigns on the idea or concept of Federalism Philippine style. The President should reiterate his position on federalism or come clean on what his plans are: Is it a “GO” or is it “Gone”?

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Has it really been 25 years already?

Back when Ramon S. Ang was not yet “RSA” = San Miguel Corporation, I remember helping him acquire a hangar or two at the MIAA. Twenty-five years later the guy is gunning to build a world-class airport for the Philippines, if only the government would let him. So far he has shown what he is capable of doing with SMC in the area of petro-chemical plants, expressways, power generation, rail and mass transit, airport development and for a short while, how to revitalize PAL the national flag carrier. He has done much more and almost all the time defied naysayers and critics who for one reason or another always have to say something bad or question Ang’s competency or motives.

Ironically, habitual doubt or jealous contempt has caused some to lose perspective or judgment. Even in the very small stuff, the critics always stir up fear, scenarios or alarm. The two recent engagements of RSA/SMC buying into the BMW franchise and acquiring majority shares of Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) got some of them all het up. It seems that when a successful businessman acquires “assets” or company shares, the presumption is the guy is greedily accumulating more wealth or eating up companies.

The critics have forgotten two important facts: first the BMW & Inquirer shares are “small amounts” or a drop in the bucket when compared to investments in companies such as Petron, Philippine Airlines, or bidding billions of pesos to build the many expressways that SMC has invested in. But even more important to put in perspective is that in a growing competitive economy, some companies will need to align their business, products or future alongside a benevolent partner or angel investor or lose it all together. Others simply want to venture elsewhere or retire in peace. In other words, it’s all about “Calling a friend.”

Many of today’s car distributors have had to deal with really tough challenges that demand difficult decisions. I know for a fact that at least three car brands have been subjected to serious attempts from a competitor trying to steal their franchise in the Philippines. I’ve been told by different sources that one group in particular has tried to wrestle away the distributorship of Ferrari, BMW, while the Jaguar/Land Rover dealership has essentially slipped away to someone else because the principals demanded investments and sales targets that were beyond the financial capacities and market realities of the local distributor.

There is still a lot of goodwill and sensible alliances in Philippine business. Most CEOs detest under handed or hostile takeover attempts, many still believe in the value of helping distressed corporations or investing in a good business or a brand with good reputation. Above all leaders honor leaders who have the humility and honesty to “Call a friend.”

I wager that the same can be said as to why RSA bought the “Prieto shares” in PDI. First and foremost, Ramon Ang already has a track record of “buying into” companies going through difficulties or in need of infusion. He was according to a source, “helping a friend unload a burdensome investment”. Remember the best deals and best friendships are made when helping people in a bind. But this does not preclude RSA’s responsibility and business sense to recognize that the shares and the company have real marketable value now or in the future.

Whether it’s a car, shares, or an entire company, each has a price and value that can be utilized or flipped or traded. Contrary to the speculations of some, I doubt if RSA stays up nights plotting to build up a Media Empire or become a Rupert Murdoch. If it does happen, GOD destined it, not RSA.

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