2018 was not that bad
“I know it’s not much but it’s the best I can do. My gift is my song and this one’s for you.” — Elton John
THE winning of the Miss Universe crown in Bangkok by Ms. Catriona Gray of the Philippines was a fitting finale of the Christmas season of hope and joy, and climaxed by the birth of Infant Jesus in all Christendom.
While the year 2018 may have been bumpy, controversial, and tumultuous, the economy remained resilient and the country politically stable.
Moreover, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte remains in firm control despite destabilization rumors.
During the year, the country suffered from devasting typhoons, floods, landslides, and substantial agricultural losses from natural disasters but the economy survived and defied the wrath of nature.
Fortunately, the Filipino is innately stoic and incurably optimistic.
In the process, the country has survived the inflation surge in the prices of basic goods.
However, it should be noted that the poor or underprivileged classes, who do not understand inflation, suffered in silence the vagaries of price inflation while the so-called rich, who understand inflation, are not really impoverished by prices, unless the price of Ferrari or BMW has suddenly risen.
Thus, except in the remotest hamlet where subsistence is endemic, the year 2018 has not been so bad to trigger recession or protests or riots.
Filipinos will remain optimistic and enjoy their Christmas the best they can with their children.
On the other hand, in spite of rising prices of every consumer item, especially medicines, disappearing rice stocks, depreciated peso exchange rate, and sluggish exports, the country is enjoying continuous tourist arrivals, accelerated infrastructure spending and Chinese investments, the economy remains vibrant and resilient, and will never flounder below the waves, so to speak, as OFW remittances and BPOs help keep the economy afloat.
The taipans, Filipino tycoons, and the rest of the oligarchy are relatively happy and satisfied with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s policies, such as disinterest in business activities; absence of business harassment and shakedowns, anticorruption campaign, and a climate of law and order.
It should also be mentioned that the AFP and the PNP have launched their respective transformation governments aimed at achieving honest, effective, and credible armed forces and police.
In conclusion, while the economy staggers with a GDP growth of 6 percent year after year, partly due to excessive politics, the country has the potential to do better and move on the next level of growth.
The Philippines is blessed. You be the judge.