Dr. Ciel Habito’s column, “Sharpening our economic vision” (12/14/18), is somewhat nostalgic.
I share the view he holds, that “…great achievements begin with a dream.” In defining that “dream much clearly,” I have some questions:
Is middle-class income — if indeed there is such a thing as middle-class families — rising, flat or falling?
Income inequality is glaring. I think middle-class income has stagnated for decades.
The Philippine economy continues to change. But, is the economic growth inclusive?
Is our economy shifting from agrarian to industrial? Exports of sugar, copra and hemp are no longer top revenue earners for the country.
Do less wealthy families have access to banks to avail of business loans with soft interest rates?
What I see, however, is that so-called middle-class families are forgotten Filipinos.
The poor or less fortunate are better off, they have the 4Ps. And the ultrarich have nothing to worry about.
But middle-class families have to struggle with their meager wages. Their economic misery is borderless, and they are pushed into penury. Their paltry income is clawed back by the government in the form of oppressive taxes.
Bati ni Juan kay Pedro, “Maligayang Pasko, kabayan!”
“May Pasko, pero walang maligaya,” sagot ni Pedro.
BOB GABUNA, bob.gabuna@gmail.com