Ease of Doing Business

We’ve been doing business for many years in several cities and from our experience, each local government has its own style of treating the businesses located in their area. Some are friendlier to business, others treat companies as if they are inferior or their employees.

When we had an office in Pasig, it was during the Eusebio era. After several terms, the wife succeeded the husband. I have met them both at their respective offices. One time, we were assessed a very high tax on the building (we don’t own the land). Naipon kasi, they didn’t assess us for several years. I personally went to the office of the lady mayor and madali syang kausap. I told her I could not afford to pay the tax. She asked me how much I could afford? Nahihiya akong magsabi, bagito pa ako nuon. She was the one who offered to lower the amount. She even gave me three years to pay.

When we opened in Pasong Tamo, it was first under the Binay patriarch, VP Jojo Binay. Then he was succeeded by his son Junjun, then his daughter Abby. Each has its own style of governance. As an entrepreneur, I can honestly say, maybe this is the reason why there are many businesses in Makati. The local government understands business concerns.

We’ve been doing business in San Juan, for maybe 30 years. We started during Erap’s time, followed by members of his family. A few years after we first opened, the city showed their appreciation by giving us a trophy every year for being one of the top taxpayers. That was the first time I met Congressman Ronny Zamora in person. He was the one on stage giving out the plaques of appreciation to the top ten businesses. We were actually surprised because our business was the smallest in the neighborhood and yet we became one of the top taxpayers.

From being a direct importer and retailer of Ford Expedition and Ford Explorer, our business changed into simply being a dealer and service center, operating with a very low-profit margin. From then on we no longer received an annual award. That’s okay, the local government made us feel welcome and we were appreciated in many simple ways. They understood that it was not easy doing business under the ever-evolving Philippine economic landscape. They recognized that our company was a humble contributor to the city’s progress.

We’ve been doing business in Cainta for about 7 years. Hindi kailangan ang kakilala, Kung may problema, pumunta lang sa munisipyo, magtanong duon, magpatulong, and they would be willing to help. After all, we bring good tidings to the municipality. We create jobs, we make their area look business-friendly.

Local government officers and employees, in the performance of their duties, must keep in mind that they should appreciate the companies that choose to operate within their city. They are not crooks and craps. If there are companies paying zero tax, hindi lahat ganoon, kaya huwag lahatin. Those are exceptions to the rule. Legitimate companies contribute to the municipality’s budget, whether big or small, employ people, eat, shop and patronize other businesses in the area, and their presence creates an atmosphere of economic progress. They attract other businesses to open in the locality too.

What is the title of Aretha Franklin’s iconic song?
ar-i-es-pi-i-si-ti.