The Pinoy Entrepreneurs site had a poll (click here) regarding the most problematic factors in doing business in the Philippines. The most problematic factor, based on the poll, is graft and corruption (63.9%). Surprisingly, no one considered "crime and theft" as a problematic factor. Then came the robbery of the RCBC bank which resulted not only to the loss of millions of pesos, but also to the  gruesome death of ten people.

 

The previous poll here in Pinoy Entrepreneurs was patterned after the poll of the World Economic Forum -- which also showed "corruption" as the most problematic factor in doing business in the Philippines, with "crime and theft" somewhere at the bottom with 2.30%. We don't know if the recent RCBC robbery-massacre had an impact on that figure.

 

Maybe you haven't seen the photos of or the reports about the massacre and maybe that's not important. It's important to note, however, that peace and order are important in fostering a healthy business environment. It's ironic that the more you gain profit and earn money, the more you're a target of crime and syndicates. This is just one of the hazards that Pinoy Entrepreneurs have to face every day in doing business in this country.

 

Having said that, let's have a poll: Do you believe that the authorities are doing enough to maintain peace and order in the Philippines? This is a business-oriented site, so there's no problem if you limit your assessment or opinion to the business side of the equation. You could, however, consider the over-all peace and order situation in the Philippines and base your opinion on that. The poll is found at the left side of this site. You may also want to explain your vote or give an opinion through the comment section below this article.

 

Update: As of 19 June 2008, a total of 19 votes were tallied, broken down as follows: No (23 votes, 67.6%), Yes (8 votes, 23.5%), Maybe (2 votes ,5.9%), and I don't care (1 vote, 2.9%). The vote is now closed, but you may still voice out your opinion through the comment section below.