Columnist SunStar Sangil highlights the vast infrastructure gap between the Philippines and China, drawing from the observations of engineer Ric M. Balatbat, who spent ten days in various Chinese cities. Balatbat, like the traveler Marco Polo, was mesmerized by China's growth, particularly its highways and railway systems, which have become the envy of many Asian countries. According to Sangil, even Japan cannot match the engineering marvels undertaken under Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Philippines' Missed Opportunities
Sangil contrasts this with the Philippines, which was number one in growth in Southeast Asia and number two among Asian countries in the early 1960s. He expresses frustration, saying, "Gusto mong maiyak dahil na pag-iiwanan na tayo dahil sa kapalpakan ng mga namumuno" (You want to cry because we are being left behind due to the failures of our leaders). He attributes the lack of railway and road systems to poor government policies and a lack of vision.
The columnist notes that the Philippine population has ballooned from around 30 million in the 1960s to 117 million today, making infrastructure even more critical. He questions the effectiveness of the Population Commission in managing this growth.
Failed Projects and Corruption
Sangil criticizes former President Rodrigo Duterte's 'Build, Build, Build' program, led by then-Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Public Works Secretary Mark Villar, calling both "failures." He specifically points out the unfinished Manila-to-Malolos railway segment, which was not completed in six years. He also laments the poor quality of roads nationwide, attributing it to "SOPs" (standard operating procedures) and corruption in flood control projects, which he says benefited many congresspersons and senators. "Nakasuka" (It's disgusting), he adds.
Current Administration's Efforts and Debt Concerns
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is now building subways in Metro Manila with Chinese funding and engineering. Sangil welcomes these projects but warns against over-borrowing. He notes that the national debt has reached over P13 trillion, with more than P1 trillion allegedly pocketed by corrupt officials. "Magkano kaya ang utang ng bawa't isang Pilipino?" (How much is the debt of each Filipino?), he asks, describing the situation as a "debt trap" as warned by economists. "The yellow light is blinking," he concludes.
