Philippines’ corruption riddled property sector

The deals are just too big – from the hundreds of millions to billions of pesos – that the major players cannot help but have a full measure of control over the ventures. And why not? It makes good business sense to make sure all bases are covered. But in almost all these property development megadeals some questions have been raised over extraordinary steps taken to ensure success.

And since they involve such high-caliber brands like Ayala, SM, Megaworld, Filinvest, Rockwell, DMCI and Vista, they are frequently talked about everywhere: in coffee shop guffaws and cocktail whispers of polite society; in election campaign mudslinging and Senate investigations; in online petitions and social media campaigns; in mainstream media and anonymous blogs.

So much property to choose from... chances are, it's already taken. (Photo from propertyfinder.ph)

Yet through the years nothing has gone to court, nobody has gone to jail. All these talks of corruption in big time property development fall in the realm of “know but cannot prove.”

The confluence of interests: Malou Tiquia’s agenda

Is it conflict or confluence of interests? This is the question that pops up when you encounter Malou Tiquia.

Her latest role is host of the television talk show “Agenda” on CNN Philippines. Here she tackles issues and topics on her area of expertise which is politics. And we guess she’s just right for the job because of her extensive exposure to that world, hobnobbing with various congressmen, senators, government officials, advocates, businessmen and anybody else who has had anything to do with engaging the country’s political system.

Tiquia on TV: always an expert

Through all this Tiquia uses her political know-it-all to pontificate about the morality and propriety of politicians’ practices and politically motivated activities, like the final arbiter of what should and shouldn’t be in this politics and showbiz enamored citizenry.

Elections incoming! Launch the racketship!

Time was when “racket” in election season meant lots of noise with TV and radio ads, candidate shows and speeches, parades, motorcades and events with dancing girls and loud music. And that all started with the official start of the campaign period, usually 90 or 60 days before election day depending on the position.

But nowadays, not just months but years before elections the racket starts… not just with noise but rackets with a more nefarious reason: filling up the war chest with much needed finds and beyond – win or lose, they come out on top of piles of moolah.

Sure, there’s putting the squeeze on potential campaign funders, usually a nervous Taipan or two. But as late as last elections – in 2013 – we saw something really nasty: the use of government agencies and contracts to get fat commissions for their campaign kitties.