60 days to start a business!

We need a vibrant economy that is mainly driven by a strong entrepreneurial base if we aspire to conquer poverty which has haunted us for decades.

- ARIEL NEPOMUCENO

Thriving businesses will churn wealth and create employment in an inclusive cycle that will benefit the maximum number of Filipino workers and their families.

The entire nation is addicted to elections like a plague. We have pinned our hopes on the ballot results without fully realizing that these exercises will not directly yield the results which will turn around the seemingly downward trend in the lives of the majority of our citizens. Elections influence our economy, of course, to a great extent. But these will hardly change the lives of those who are already in the balance. Not unless we are able to elect leaders who will finally alter the fundamental structure of our political system and pave the rare chance for us to catch up with our neighbors.

Our dilemma is both complex and complicated. There's no single stroke that would magically resolve the perennial socio-economic problems that burden our people. However, we can focus on improving the business climate and hope that this component of the chain can unleash the virtuous cycle that will steadily improve the welfare of our households and communities.

Let's start with the most achievable step which can deliver a series of positive domino effects. Ensure the much-delayed ease of doing business beginning in the registration of corporations, to organizing the offices of these entities, up to tax compliances.