The Banana Man

February 10, 2005

Politicians and businessmen have something in common, underlying agenda. They always seek change in a manner to suit their personal needs. Reading the paper, I saw a prominent industrialist trying to advocate lower oil prices, heralds himself as the voice of the consumers and maintains that he is for the Filipino people.
He touches on several issues grandstanding his opposition to the various move of the government. High oil prices, high commodity prices, high electric bills, VAT increase etc. Placing him as the teammate of Juan Dela Cruz.
Is he really for the Filipino or is he trying to protect his business interest? I always looked at this fellow and ask myself why is he always fighting big corporations and even questioning the government regarding high oil prices, high electricity rates and high taxes.
Then if you look beyond the 4 fingers, you will see what I mean. Ironically he is fighting high oil prices and high taxes because this can affect electricity charges. He tells the Filipinos that the oil companies are in some sort of a collusion to make Juan Pedro suffer. Well in fact, he advocates lower electricity rates because he is in the business of manufacturing airconditioning units. Of course with lower taxes, lower oil prices will yield lower electricity prices. Lower electricity rates would mean people will buy more cooling units considering that we are a tropical country therefore generating more sales. This is the reason why he wanted to fight the PPA thing. But lets look at it at my perspective, it is not always on the action, but sometimes you are being judged on your intention.
If you are really advocating change and I also know somehow there is sincerity in his part, then move into the system and change it. Why do we all advocate change but at the same time do nothing?
We always complain, high taxes, high oil prices, high this, high that, why can’t we stimulate ourselves to move. WIth the age of modern telecommunication, the presence of the internet and Filipino blogging sites, instead of talking why don’t we do something about.
We always fight our leaders, question their motives and advocate change. Yet we don’t even practice our right to sufferage. What was the turnout of young voices in the May 2004 Elections, less than 20% of people who just turned 18.
We yell, no to high taxes. How the hell do you guys think our government can create revenues? If you don’t want high taxes, then don’t complain regarding fireman with no trucks, hospitals with no beds and a social security pension comparable to the allowance of a grade 5 brent student.
I mean lets all be reasonable. Let us not become like the banana man. Talking about change so that we can put forth our agenda. Wants to have more money by doing nothing or lesser work.
Lets move guy! Lets move the nation!