ASPIRATIONAL: Marcos Jr.’s battlecry at campaign rallies is unity, which resonated with voters. If Filipinos wish their tomorrow to be where Singaporeans and South Koreans are today, a social pact is needed, where people and leaders commit to work together. The Philippines, with 110 million people, has the world’s 25th-largest economy, with a $373-billion GDP in 2021, while per capita GDP reached $3,160 in end-2021. It's projected to trend around $3,300 in 2022, according to Trading Economics. What would it take to get where its richer neighbours are? Efficiency, for one. For starters, it takes approximately 29 days to register a corporation in the Philippines vs one to two days in Singapore.
Pexels | Elaine Bernadine Castro