Opinion and Commentary
Lauengco: Look north to Taiwan
November 16, 2022, 1:06 pm
Perceptual constancy or object constancy is a tendency to view familiar things as having the same characteristics regardless of changes. For example, when we see a person, often, we sometimes do not notice certain changes in their appearance or demeanor. Hidden in the middle pages of one of our… Read More
Zaldarriaga: Stronger collaboration needed versus cable theft
November 15, 2022, 7:04 pm
Illegal cable cutting and theft are now considered some of the biggest challenges for utility and telecommunications companies in the Philippines amid the disruptions they cause to electricity, cable and internet services and the life-threatening risks they pose. Data from the Manila Electric… Read More
Laurel: PH-China cooperation in the ‘Asian Moment’
November 14, 2022, 10:37 am
The world’s attention is now focused on Asia as the rare convergence of several crucial regional and international activities pursuing the unity and welfare of mankind are convened in Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia this November. Three major regional and international meetings of world leaders… Read More
Samonte: LGUs and 'One Town, One Product' strategy
November 10, 2022, 1:04 pm
There is a bright prospect that after 18 years, an economic-boosting program launched through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) by the administration of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (2001-2010) to provide much-needed stimulus to the economic growth of towns, cities, provinces… Read More
Lauengco: Situational awareness: Basketbrawls, politics, business
November 9, 2022, 12:36 pm
"In today’s dynamic world, your effectiveness … depends on your readiness to adjust quickly to the moments of need or opportunity, adversity, and change.” — Jennifer Touma One of the trending topics this morning is the punching spree that occurred during the NCAA basketball game… Read More
Zaldarriaga: National gov't support crucial to enhance LGU operations
November 8, 2022, 4:15 pm
We are all living proof to this—business and government transactions a few years back were among the most challenging and time-consuming interactions Filipinos have ever encountered. Citizens have had to endure long lines and spend a significant amount of time to process documents and pay taxes… Read More
Laurel: The pitfall traps to PH modernization
November 7, 2022, 3:13 am
I was recently invited to speak at the “Think Asia” global forum entitled “A dialogue amongst leading think tanks in Asia for the 21st century 2022: Asia in a Complex World” held on Nov. 2, 2022. The introduction to the forum explained, “’Think Asia’ seeks to affect policy… Read More
Samonte: Why November is unique month in PH history
November 3, 2022, 4:36 pm
November, one of the four months of the year with 30 days, along with April, June and September, can be considered unique. It is the only month that begins with a number in red, being a legal holiday, and ends with another number also in red. In Philippine tradition, Nov. 1 is observed as "All… Read More
Lauengco: The logic of organic
November 2, 2022, 11:14 am
Abandon Normal Instruments – there are times when we must change the way we do things when they do not help us achieve our goals. If these supposed tried and tested methods harm us as well , this change must be done immediately… In life we must sometimes discover the recipes we use and change… Read More
Zaldarriaga: Balancing business and consumer welfare this Christmas
November 1, 2022, 9:38 am
The fourth quarter of the year is what most Filipinos usually look forward to especially since the Philippines has the longest Christmas season, the most important holiday to many Filipinos. However, what we anticipate as a joyful Christmas will hopefully not be a bleak one, following the… Read More
Laurel: China: Beacon of peace in the tumult
October 31, 2022, 11:50 am
“The world is entering a decade of tumult as the pursuit of a more just world order clashes with the arbitrary hegemony of the collective West...” Russian President Vladimir Putin is quoted to say at the annual meeting of the Valdai Discussion Club held from Oct. 24 to 27, 2022 in Moscow. US… Read More
Samonte: PBBM-VPSZDU30 Team: A nice choice by Filipino voters
October 27, 2022, 6:15 pm
When Filipino voters elected with an overwhelming majority the tandem of President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM), and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte (VPSZDU30) last May, they deserved an accolade for having opted for the nicest, if not the best, combination of the country's top two officials in terms of… Read More
Lauengco: ‘Chaos’ can sometimes be useful, necessary
October 26, 2022, 12:59 pm
Chaos often breeds life when order breeds habit. – Henry Adams Chaos is often defined as something that produces disorder and confusion. It is generally perceived as a negative state of things and something to be avoided. FEAR OF CHAOS Recently, I gave a lecture to some local government middle… Read More
Zaldarriaga: Powering adoption of electric vehicles
October 25, 2022, 9:48 am
Just when mobility began increasing as the country recovers from Covid-19, the war between Ukraine and Russia -- two of the world’s largest oil producers, sent economies tumbling after the massive increases in global crude oil prices that dribbled down to the local fuel industry. Based on data… Read More
Laurel: 20th Party Congress: National and Global Peace and Prosperity
October 24, 2022, 8:49 am
The final takeaway from the Communist Party of China (CPC) 20th National Congress is the promise of China’s achievement of its own high-quality modernization and development, national strength against the many challenges being interposed on its path to National Rejuvenation, and the invitation… Read More
Lauengco: Beyond the Z to Indonesia
October 19, 2022, 11:39 am
“In the places I go there are things that I see that I never could spell if I stopped with a Z. I'm telling you this because you're one of my friends. My alphabet starts where your alphabet ends.” – Dr. Seuss In the book “On Beyond Zebra!” by Dr. Seuss, one of the main characters proudly… Read More
Zaldarriaga: Importance of financial literacy amidst digital growth
October 18, 2022, 9:37 am
The pandemic may have brought a negative impact on global health and economies, but it also presented opportunities to some -- such as for businesses to rethink their strategies, and for customers and employees to embrace a new method of engagement. At the peak of the coronavirus outbreak in 2020,… Read More
Laurel: China tops 2022 Democracy Index
October 17, 2022, 12:30 pm
As I start this article, the feverish preparation in China for the Communist Party of China (CPC) must be settling down as the opening of the congress itself slated for Oct. 16 is imminent in less than 24 hours. The world is in suspenseful anticipation after a whole year of speculation, especially… Read More
Samonte: Expectations in remaining 5 years, 9 months of PBBM's admin
October 13, 2022, 5:25 pm
Is there a bright hope for the Philippines to become self-sufficient in food and even become an agricultural resource hub in the Asian region and the whole world as envisioned by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his six-year administration? Barring unnecessary political noise and other… Read More
Lauengco: Both sides now
October 12, 2022, 12:03 pm
Dialectical thinking refers to the ability to view issues from multiple perspectives and to arrive at the most economical and reasonable reconciliation of seemingly contradictory information and postures. One of my favorite songs is “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchel. One of its famous lines is… Read More
