|
In the UK (and possibly throughout Europe, although
I’m not certain about that) it is still possible to ensure an
electricity supply to a house even if you can’t afford to pay the
bill when due, “arrangements can be made” to help. Similarly if
you have young children or old people in the house the electricity
supply will be continued despite nonpayment. Not so in the
Philippines, don’t pay you get cut off (and even occasionally when
you have already paid in a case I know about!). Similarly with other
services, cell phones, landlines, water, medical attention (even
emergency medical attention), toll fees, and on and on. No pay, no
service, regardless of any hardship or inconvenience caused.
I remember a case in the UK when
the operator of a filling station was late in paying for fuel
supplied by a major oil company; the oil company simply sent as
taker around and emptied the takes at the filling station. People
were horrified that such business behavior would be implemented. I
doubt that it would happen now in the UK but am quite sure it is
exactly the sort of thing that could happen here.
Of course, it is better if people
do pay on time; it helps cash flow and should indirectly keep costs
and consequently consumer prices down. Monopolistic practices
without proper regulation lead to very unforgiving approaches when
collecting payments; customer maintenance is not a priority. In any
event the legal system is choked so what are people to do to get
their money?
Is it right though to let people
die for want of proper medical attention because they can’t pay
there and then and (preferably) in advance?—it’s a scary
prospect. Life expectancy should not depend on your credit rating!
I have a high regard for the DSWD.
I think that they do wonders for the lives that they touch, however,
they, like many other departments of the Philippine government are
grossly underfunded, and that is not news to anybody. Where though
does social welfare sit on the government’s list of so many
priorities? Is it too much to ask that the providers of services, be
they government or private sector operate their functions in a
rather more socially conscious way? One that leaves an option other
than “pay and get service, don’t pay and don’t get any
service” in order to recognize that not everybody can pay when
due. I have no doubt that this attitude lies behind the
proliferation of cash advances and company loans that happen around
here; people have to find ways of borrowing in order to maintain
continuity of basic needs services, if they don’t they are in
trouble and have to do without, regardless of the need.
The Philippines is a hard place
to live if you don’t have money, it doesn’t need to be so hard
and it would not take too much effort or expense to change things.
Could somebody borrow some social policies and practices from other
places (e.g. Europe/Scandinavia) and see how they might apply around
here. The private sector would need to be convinced, of course, or
persuaded!—possibly a more apposite way of demonstrating corporate
social responsibility?
Mike can be contacted at
mawootton@gmail.com
|
