The POGO tax trap: How inflated zonal values are punishing Filipino property owners
The rise and fall of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) industry is more than just a story of shifting economic tides; it is a cautionary tale of government-induced market distortion. Today, as the dust settles following the total ban on POGOs, thousands of Filipino property owners find themselves “holding the bag”—saddled with properties that have lost their primary tenant base but are still being taxed at the “artificial” peak prices of 2019.
The ultimate betrayal: Why Manuel Bonoan carries the greatest weight in the ghost flood control scandal
The “billion-peso ghost flood control scandal” is more than just a case of systemic corruption; it is a profound breach of the “alter ego” principle that governs the Philippine Cabinet. While various officials and contractors have been implicated, the heaviest weight of accountability must fall squarely on the shoulders of former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan. As the primary steward of the nation’s infrastructure and the direct representative of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Bonoan’s failure is not merely administrative—it is a supreme betrayal of public and presidential trust.
Rubbing salt in the wound: The terrible timing of a new excise tax
Our lawmakers are actively proposing a significant excise tax on plastics, setting rates at P100 per kilogram. This tax will specifically target all packaging materials and raw material for plastic manufacturing. Additionally, the tax will increase annually by 4 percent starting in 2026. Several bills—including Senate Bill 1608 and House Bill 2218—have already cleared committee approval in both chambers of Congress, signaling strong legislative momentum. These measures will have far-reaching effects on consumers and, specifically, Philippine manufacturers.
Battling illicit trade: My 40-year journey against smuggling
I have been at the forefront of the relentless battle against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade for over 40 years. In my capacity as FPI chairman for decades, I have engaged persistently in this battle. Illicit trade causes significant harm to the Philippine economy in numerous ways—it undermines government revenues, deters investment, stifles innovation, and disrupts fair competition. Studies estimate that the Philippines faces an annual influx of approximately P2.3 trillion from both outright and technical smuggling. These activities not only lead to revenue losses of around P250 billion for the government, but they also restrict its ability to fund essential public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
DWIZ interview: Exposing graft, rice smuggling, and the threat to Philippine industries
I was invited as a guest commentator on DWIZ News TV this Sunday. During my discussion with news anchor Drew Nacino, we delved deeply into the pervasive and systemic graft and corruption within the government. I referred to these corrupt officials using a striking Filipino phrase—“matatapang ang apog”—and emphasized that they are perpetrating the gravest crimes against the Filipino people.
Beyond ‘Dito sa Bayan ni Juan’: Remembering Manong Johnny, a statesman and a friend
How can I express my feelings about the passing of a man I worked alongside for 26 years, someone who helped bring life and meaning to our weekly radio-TV program, Dito sa Bayan ni Juan? Perhaps the most fitting tribute is to echo his own words from eight years ago, spoken during my 75th birthday. I will never forget when Manong Johnny stood up—not just to speak about me, but also to honor my wife Evelyn and my children. His kind words will forever remain in my heart: “Kung ikuwento ko ang mga ginawa namin ni Mang Jess sa anti-smuggling at fight against illicit trade, abutin tayo dito ng magdamag.” Likewise, I could spend all day talking about Manong Johnny’s kindness and generosity, and it still wouldn’t be enough time.
Floods and quakes: Wake-up calls for unity and accountability
The recent floods and earthquakes that battered the country should not be seen as natural disasters only—they are wake-up calls. They remind us, in the most painful way, that no one is spared when systems fail, when complacency takes over, and when accountability is ignored.
FPI STATEMENT: Public outcry demands justice in multi-billion-peso flood control scandal
I yield my column space today to publish an official statement from the Federation of Philippine Industries—a matter of paramount public importance. This statement is crucial as the FPI calls for accountability and transparency in the ongoing investigation into the multi-billion-peso ghost flood control project scandal. It is essential to amplify FPI’s message during this significant moment.
Why the need for state witnesses when the evidence is already clear
IN the ongoing congressional investigations on ghost projects and substandard infrastructure supposedly funded by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), one question keeps coming up: Do we need state witnesses to pin down the guilty?
FPI Summit: Celebrating 35 years of the Federation of Philippine Industries
There’s a meaningful Tagalog saying: “Ang paalala ay gamot sa taong nakalimot,” which translates to “a good reminder is the remedy for those who have forgotten.” Today’s FPI Summit, attended by our newly elected officers, offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on the Federation’s 35-year history. I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the founding of the Federation of Philippine Industries three and a half decades ago, and to share some recollections from that period.
A call for strong leadership: Senator Lacson’s role in combating corruption and supporting PHL industries
IN my column on May 21, 2025, I congratulated Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on his victory in the midterm elections. Filipino voters recognize him as a dedicated public servant. I said the Federation of Philippine Industries now has an additional ally in the Senate to support our efforts against smuggling and all forms of illicit trade.
Ghost projects, real theft: Corruption’s assault on public trust
“AN evil man will burn his own nation to the ground to rule over the ashes.” This insightful quote, attributed to Sun Tzu, perfectly reflects the situation in the Philippines. While corrupt politicians indulge in riches taken from taxpayers, the citizens endure the harsh realities of poverty.
Appeal to PBBM: Time to make ‘Buy Pinoy’ mandatory in government procurement
With all the noise surrounding anomalous flood control projects and questionable contracts with private contractors, one critical area of government spending often gets overlooked: the procurement of goods. Government procurement is not just about ensuring transparency and avoiding corruption. It should also be about maximizing the benefits of the country’s P6-trillion annual budget for the local economy. After all, the Philippine government is the single biggest customer in the country.
When govt corruption undermines private sector efforts to plug revenue leakages
For decades, the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) has been waging an unrelenting battle against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade. Its officers and members have devoted time, resources, and expertise to this cause—not for personal gain, but to help the government protect revenues and promote fair competition.
Tidbits on Nepomuceno at BOC, dumping of imported substandard products, FPI 2025 Summit
The appointment of Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno as Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) is indeed a welcome development at this time when the country is facing the threat of becoming a dumping ground for cheap and mostly substandard imported products from China due to the trade tussle between Washington and Beijing.
Putting a price tag on the nation’s dignity
How do you put a price tag on our nation’s dignity? We are practically doing this every time we allow the sale of ukay-ukay, or used clothing originally intended for humanitarian purposes, despite being prohibited under Republic Act (RA) 4653 titled “An Act to Safeguard the Health of the People and Maintain the Dignity of the Nation by Declaring it a National Policy to Prohibit the Commercial Importation of Textile Articles Commonly Known as Used Clothing and Rags.”
Breaking the chains of political dynasties: A call to action for the 20th Congress
What is the Philippine Constitution? It is the fundamental law of the land. As such, shouldn’t it serve as the guiding framework for lawmakers when creating legislation? As a matter of fact, all laws must follow the Constitution because it serves as the supreme legal framework of the country. Our Constitution was subjected to a nationwide plebiscite, which means the people approved the Constitution as a whole. As the basic law of the land, the Constitution is the expression of the sovereign will of the people. Therefore, all provisions of the Constitution embody the collective voice of the Filipino people.
Trump tariffs and the exercise of political will
Despite what critics, naysayers, and analysts are saying, President Donald Trump continues to give indications that his administration’s new tariff policies will push through, although with tweaks as he reacts to how the US trade partners and businesses are responding.
FPI ready to help govt in negotiating a trade deal with US
WE are sure that the government is now taking steps to ensure the Philippines can take advantage of the 90-day window that US President Trump has given to trade partners to conclude a bilateral...
Protecting lives and property: The urgent need for stricter building standards in the Philippines
I have been actively campaigning against the use of substandard products, particularly construction materials that are illegally imported into the Philippines through technical smuggling…
Fighting illicit trade: Unravelling what’s beneath the tip of the iceberg
While I’m happy to note that there has been some success in the fight against smuggling and other forms of illicit trade recently initiated by the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) in coordination...
