The first tremor of anxiety, albeit ever slightly palpable, was when the President declared the concession agreements of
and
Other accusations by the President against the two companies that the contracts were "onerous" and "disadvantageous" to the country as well as constituting the no-bail offense of "economic sabotage" were liberally spiced, as usual, with expletives. This could have constituted for bullying except that the President's manner of speaking had already been applauded by the business community four years ago during a business forum organized in
Corridor talk was that the President felt betrayed by the two companies' pursuit of cases filed with the
This was not to be. More "onerous" contracts for review Before the end of the year, the President laughed off media giant
's attempt to renew its expiring franchise in March with a publicly declared advice urging the owners to sell the business before the permit expires. The President has lambasted
Incidentally, other media organizations accused by the President of being critical to his administration have gone or are currently going through some form of wringing too. And just this month, more "onerous" contracts had been presented to the President.
A number of them were related to the either Ayala or MPIC, but not inclusive.
P. Diliman on a 20-hectare site adjacent to the campus received a warning.
Not connected with any of the backers of the two water concessionaires is petroleum product retailer Chevron (formerly Caltex)
The current fair market rental value is now estimated at P17.90 per square meter. Construction company
The list has seemingly been getting longer by the day as more "onerous" deals are being subjected to scrutiny. Why Filipinos love Duterte In the midst of all the probes, the President's popularity rating has grown even stronger.
Pollster Pulse Asia announced towards the year-end that the President's approval and trust rating moved up nine percentage points from the
The President apparently is doing what he is best liked for, like when he ran after drug users at the start of his term in 2016 with ruthless impunity, like when he candidly acknowledged that fighting the behemoth
The President continues to ride on his promise of delivering a "Golden Age of Infrastructure," as well as reforms that have reduced personal income taxes of many employees, higher salaries for government employees and the military, health care for all, and many more. Searching for the end-game Those affected businessmen threatened by a review of "onerous" provisions in their contracts must be racking their brains to try and figure out the end game, and that when moment of illumination comes, may be guided on how to minimize the damage that they already are suffering.
The move of the President has earned him a lot of political points as evidenced by latest survey showing marked increases in public trust levels. The President and his advisers will surely milk this to the hilt, especially with the election period drawing nearer.
Maybe, these big businesses should start thinking about taking the offensive rather than just being defensive when allegations are raised about their dealings with the government. Why not initiate on their own volition a review of their existing contracts, and volunteer the removal of provisions that may be seen as "onerous," or offer to withdraw completely from these arrangements/contracts with the government? Better bite the bullet now rather than face a long period of anxiety.
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