Aside from teaching, one of my greatest passions in life is writing. I have had several attempts writing an article and hoping to publish the same, only to find out that it is not “publication worthy.”
Added to the woos and frustrations, the opportunity to become a writer never came because of the nature of my teaching profession and researching job coupled with administrative chores where the demand for time is unceasing. Of course there is always the prospect and enthusiasm to write and contribute to the existing famous as well as infamous economic and political issues. But these come rarely and not as an obligation to fulfill to the readers but to mere ventilate my two cents worth. The chance to write for a well-entrenched and respected newspaper like “The Manila Times” is like an Oscar for me because it gave me the break to air my ideas hoping that somebody may gain from if not chastise me for it. Donning the Manila Times jersey is like being a part of a champion team, the “Los Angeles Lakers” in the NBA, or the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, where winning has become a tradition. Since 1898 The Manila Times has never wavered in its quest to fight for the truth and expose anomalies because that’s the way it should be. My thrust in writing hopes to dwell on current issues with both political and economic ramifications. The academic background of this writer will surely influence the objectivity or subjectivity of the issues tackled in this column. There may be some instances where it may accidentally touch on personalities, but that is not meant to be, it just happened that he or she was in the line of fire or in war lingo, it was sheer “collateral damage.”
A case in point is the non-implementation of the TRO by the high court upholding the right to travel of CGMA. It was a case of my objective perception of the immediate implementation of the law but opposing views think otherwise. Other issues may be argued without prejudice to others perception or opinion of the subjects presented. But the battle for principled opinion should not go beyond the journalism arena lest it become personal and aggressive. It should simply be a matter of practicing civility in a civilized society.
With the recent resolution of the Supreme Court that was decided with finality and unanimously to distribute the parcel of land called Hacienda Luisita, the High Court has again proven to all and sundry that the Law knows no boundaries. Despite the perceived invincibility of the owners of the hacienda, the court has ruled according to how the tenants should be treated. To borrow the cliché, “those who have less in life should have more in law,” the Supreme Court again has proven that no one should be above the law. The anticipated distribution of close to 5,000 hectares of land to more than 6,000 farmer beneficiaries hopefully, by the second quarter of next year will create an income and economic relief to many people who were once bonded by the soil, a victim of both history and tradition. Yet again this is going to be a test of mettle for the government on how soon they can implement the Supreme Court order. Of course due process dictates that landowners can always buy time, but time bought means a delay in the execution of the High Court’s decision, which could be perceived as an act of defiance.
Almost all political verdicts touch the very sensibilities of major economic institutions. From the supposed leadership qualities of leaders we have, down to the quality of bureaucratic institutions we maintain. Even perception of leaders provides economic incentive or disincentive. Leadership is “more than just meets the eye,” it doesn’t end with just being intellectual or popular but more of translating it into action resulting in progress. Economic development is not mere increasing the level of savings, because savings is a leakage or an outflow from the economic activity. If this is not translated into investment, you create a bigger problem of either recession or depression, depending on the magnitude of the economic slowdown. Inflation as a general rule is dire for the economy, but not at all times. As long as the consumers buying spree is sustained by the required purchasing power, then inflation is trivial. Inflation however becomes catastrophic with deficient purchasing power. Inflation translates to increase prices. Increased prices are here to stay but not without economic merit because increase prices itself is a manifestation of growth. For how can one measure growth with constant prices? True, productivity may exist but still increase price or cost is the best numerical measure or benchmark of growth and expansion.
As a column writer and academician, I dwell on a very objective segment of the issue according to how I appreciate, and not engage in tirade that violates the very moral principle that I am supposed to uphold. Whatever utterances that may come out should not be perceived as an attack on the personality but rather an expression or appreciation of the work or undertakings he or she has completed.
[Dr. EJLopez is Professor of Economics at the University of Santo Tomas, Faculty of Arts and Letters and Graduate School. For comments, email
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
with CC to
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
.]
