Housing program for the country’s workers is not succeeding
In the course of years of development, this sector of housing construction has not been fully exploited for the country. The government has not succeeded in creating a viable program of sustained housing construction for the common worker.
Constitutional amendments: Federalism vs reducing restrictive economic provisions on foreign capital
As a nation of many islands, there are geographic problems that make it naturally difficult to group the state entities for their effective government administration. The proposals we hear for the states of the federal union seem to parody the current administrative regions of the country. It would be a mistake to do this.
Urban squatting
In this piece I focus on giving a still picture of existing squatter settlements in Quezon City where the widest open land of prime value for the nation has been devalued by squatter settlements.
Historical roots of urban squatting
If there is any disheartening sight of poverty in the country, it is the growth and universal presence of unsightly urban squatting.
The Asian Development Bank — 50 years in Manila
The first half-century of successful existence of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is being celebrated this year. Since its founding, the bank’s headquarters has been in Manila.
A perspective on law and order, and economic growth
The declaration of martial law in Mindanao by President Duterte begs the question, How will it affect the nation’s economic growth performance?
Four states rather than 12 or more in the Philippine federation
Last week, in the column entitled “States of the proposed Philippine federal republic”, the idea of four self-governing states was broached. Further arguments are made today.
States of the future Philippine federal republic
The political blockbuster for our republic is the proposal to create a federal state to change the government from the eight-decade old unitary presidential structure into a federal system.
Federalism 101: meaningful autonomy, virtues and frailties
What are the possible virtues and frailties of meaningful federalism? My perspective will be economic and will be limited. Everything depends upon meaningful autonomy.
Maritime transport critical to regional development
DESPITE MUCH research and repeated policy pronouncements on the importance of regional development, the country’s spatial growth has actually become more rather than less skewed. With climate-change-induced disasters in addition to increasing sociopolitical restiveness in the regions, the subject of spatial inequalities has assumed renewed relevance. Indeed, the issue is figuring prominently in the run-up...
A city is not a country
Size -- whether measured by area or population -- is the biggest difference between a city and a “real country.” Size correlates with heterogeneity in the population, their activities, their environment, and therefore their needs and opinions.
Metro Manila’s traffic gridlock — temper blower all year long
According to a study recently made by JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), the current daily cost to the economy of the traffic gridlock is P2.4 billion. If not remedied in time, this would reach P6 billion by 2030.
