(Published in Business Mirror under the Mirror Image column,July 13, 2010) I was listening to a morning AM radio program as the commentators were discussing the latest mandate of President Aquino to stamp out jueteng, coming from a report that the small-town lottery was just a front for illegal-numbers game. Then the commentators interviewed former President Joseph Estrada, where he pointed out that all previous presidents—from the time of President Cory Aquino—wanted to stop jueteng, but all ended up in futility. It was only former President Estrada who wanted to legalize the numbers game, and legitimize the employment of more than 200,000 jueteng minions and for government to collect billions worth of taxes. After hearing the radio-program discourse, it dawned upon me how gargantuan a task President Aquino is facing to eliminate jueteng after failed attempts from past administrations. Jueteng has become so institutionalized in our society that controlling it seems impossible. H...
This blog features a collection of my articles, essays, and research studies on business, management, and social issues and subjects published in local (Philippines) and international publications. It also includes selected speeches and talks to academic and professional audience. (The views and comments in this blog do not reflect those of my past, present, and future employers)