In 1992, Singapore’s founding leader Lee Kuan Yew shared a visionary message with the Philippines, offering key advice on how the nation could replicate Singapore’s economic success.
In a recent video posted by PGMN titled “PH vs SG: The Success We SQUANDERED by Forsaking Lee Kuan Yew,” reform activist and historian Orion Perez Dumdum revisits Lee’s recommendations and examines their relevance to the Philippines today.
Orion highlights Lee’s call to open the Philippine economy by removing restrictive policies that limit foreign investment, such as the 60:40 rule on foreign ownership in the 1987 Constitution.
According to Orion, these restrictions have hindered the country’s growth and prevented it from attracting foreign businesses that could drive competition, innovation, and job creation—just as they did in Singapore.
He also discusses Lee’s suggestion for governance reform, particularly adopting a parliamentary system. Lee believed the U.S.-style presidential system in the Philippines was inefficient and led to political gridlock.
Orion agrees, arguing that the Philippines’ current system limits decision-making and progress, leaving the country vulnerable to stagnation.
Another key point Orion emphasizes is Lee’s focus on infrastructure development. Lee urged the Philippines to invest in improving transportation, energy, and communications, ideally through public-private partnerships.
Orion explains that such investments would not only boost the economy but also enhance the quality of life for Filipinos, making the country more attractive to foreign investors.
Orion concludes by pointing out that the Philippines has largely ignored Lee’s advice, with its restrictive constitutional provisions and inefficient political system keeping the country from achieving its full potential.
He advocates for constitutional reform and modernization of governance, stressing that without these changes, the Philippines risks falling further behind its Asean neighbors.
READ: Lee Kuan Yew: Who made him great?
While the Philippines may have missed an opportunity to implement Lee’s vision years ago, Orion believes that with the right reforms, the country can still reach the prosperity that Lee once foresaw.