Privatization: An Open Issue in Philippine Setting

Based on my perception, I believe there is no wrong in privatizing government agencies. This remedy actually adds integrity on pre-defined functions and operations of the agency. The privatized agency will be able to concentrate more on achieving its goals and objectives. It can even control and manifest its projections in the present and most likely in the future. Moreover, a privatized agency is more capable of generating funds and introducing programs and strategies. It has its defined stockholders and corporate managers who will act as leaders. Thus, projects shall be empowered and sustained. It then leads to meeting the requirements of the agency and exceeding the expectations of the people.

Privatization will help or assist the government not only by providing employment for the owners or corporate staffs of the agency, but also for providing employment to those people employed by the agency. This scenario opens greater job opportunities, resulting to augment in employment rate in the country. This in return, improves the standards of living of families and individuals since they will be employed in supporting his/her family and even themselves. The released or mobilized capital shall fire up the economy. There will be more options for others and more income or returns for the capital owners themselves. Development in the country shall be heightened. Most importantly, through the payment of taxes, the agency will create a revenue inflow to the Philippine Government which will boost the Philippine Economy.

In all these, privatizing government agencies only measures how weak Philippine Government is. It may be considered as a tactic or strategy of the government. Still, it is evident that since the government can no longer support a particular agency or it is incapable of doing the job, it then resorts to privatization. The government looses full control of the agency when it is privatized. Thus, there will be no influential hand to support the needs of the common people. Security on public services delimits. Ergo, since the government has no tangible control over the privatized agency, manipulation can easily be made by those in authority. Audits may be made, but tax evaders abundantly slip.

As much as possible, it would be best if Philippine Government retains its full control and prerogative on government agencies. What’s the sense of naming these agencies as “Government Agencies”, if these agencies will only be privatized? It should be named “Private Agencies” or as simple as “Service Agencies”. There may be reasons for privatization, but its implication to common welfare is greatly affected.

Remember, “The greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number of people”. Preamble states, “to promote common good”, where is it?