Furthermore, the SG said, the zoning and building permits issued to DMCI Homes violated at least seven Manila city ordinances. For too long, special interests in this country have been allowed to form the impression that rumor, hearsay, appeals to emotion and ad hominems are empirical bases for procedural and regulatory action. These attributes are not readily apparent to investors coming into one of the country’s business sectors until a problem arises, and of course, by then it’s too late. Hopefully, the decision on the Torre de Manila case is a sign that things are changing, that extra diligence in complying with the laws and regulations that already exist will pay off in the long run. For those who are disappointed in the outcome, it should be a lesson that real work—the tedious, unglamorous process of changing laws to achieve the ends everyone seeks—is unavoidable.

Source: Manila Times April 26, 2017 16:41 UTC